Acts 5:39

but if it is of God, ye will not be able to overthrow them; lest haply ye be found even to be fighting against God.

Points to Note:

As we read these verses we should remember that they are an accurate record of what Gamaliel said. But what he said wasn't inspired of God. 'The Bible gives. different standard by which to measure truth--namely, how does. man and his doctrine compare with the inspired Word of God.' (Reese p. 226) (Acts 17:11; 1 Timothy 6:3)

Erdman notes, 'This counsel was not perfect; it was not wholly courageous; it did not propose an effort to weigh evidence and to discover truth; but it was far from the mad intolerance which had swayed the Jewish court.' (p. 62)

We must remember that the miracles already had proven that the movement was of God. So had the O.T. Scriptures.

Bruce notes, 'There is much common sense in this position, for certain kinds of men--and movements--can safely be relied upon to hang themselves...but Gamaliel's policy of "Wait and see" is not always the right one to adopt in religious life. His pupil Saul of Tarsus was of. very different mind.' (p. 126)

Concerning false teachers and or sin in the congregation, the policy from God isn't "Wait and see" (Matthew 18:15; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:1 ff) Reese notes, 'It would be foolish to allow one of the Eastern sects or cults to come into our congregational meetings and teach and make disciples over. period of time, while at the same time we defend our permissiveness by saying "If it is of men, it will come to nought!"' (p. 226)

There has been quite. bit of discussion concerning whether Gamaliel ever became. Christian or whether he was sympathetic to the Church at this time, i.e. possibly. secret disciple. But we must remember these points: (a) Later Judaism speaks of Gamaliel in glowing terms, something that wouldn't be done if he had converted to Christianity. (b) Gamaliel says "if" in Acts 5:39, but the miracles should have proven to Gamaliel that the evidence was stronger than "if". In addition, the human examples that Gamaliel gives, seems to indicate that he thought this movement was of human origin.

Unfortunately, some have lived their lives on the principle, 'if. succeed at doing something, if it works, if. got away with it--then it must have been God's will.'

Many false religions have stood for. long time-i.e. Hinduism, Buddhism, etc...And some have become very successful-i.e. the Witnesses and Mormons.