Saint Gamaliel

detail of a statue of Gamaliel, date and artist unknown; tombs of the Abbey of Sainte-Croix Quimperlé, France; photographed on 1 July 2012 by GO69; swiped from Wikimedia CommonsMemorial

Profile

First century Jewish Talmudic scholar. Teacher of Saint Paul the Apostle. In Acts 5:34-39 we read that his counsel saved Saint Peter and Saint John. An ancient tradition says he converted to Christianity, but there is no proof of this.

Canonized

Additional Information

Readings

But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up, ordered the men to be put outside for a short time, and said to them, “Fellow Israelites, be careful what you are about to do to these men. Some time ago, Theudas appeared, claiming to be someone important, and about four hundred men joined him, but he was killed, and all those who were loyal to him were disbanded and came to nothing. After him came Judas the Galilean at the time of the census. He also drew people after him, but he too perished and all who were loyal to him were scattered. So now I tell you, have nothing to do with these men, and let them go. For if this endeavor or this activity is of human origin, it will destroy itself. But if it comes from God, you will not be able to destroy them; you may even find yourselves fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.

MLA Citation

  • “Saint Gamaliel“. CatholicSaints.Info. 3 September 2021. Web. 7 May 2024. <>