Posted on 05/24/2015 5:43:11 AM PDT by OK Sun
[A.D. Series Biblical Figures | Rabban Gamaliel-YouTube Video]
In this week's video, Marc Turnage, director of the Center for Holy Lands Studies, discusses the Chief Priests and Sadducees, the Jewish authorities referred to both in the Gospels as well as the Book of Acts.
Marc clarifies their role in handing Jesus over to Pilate and why it was not widely known to the people. He further describes the tensions that erupt between these leaders and the early church, led by Peter and John.
As many are watching the A.D. Series in the coming weeks, Marc will be recording additional short video teachings like this one to shed light on the world of Jesus and the early church.
(Excerpt) Read more at youtube.com ...
In this week's video, Marc Turnage, director of the Center for Holy Lands Studies, highlights one of the great teachers of Israel, Rabban Gamaliel, who is mentioned in the Book of Acts.
Marc discusses the specific stream of Judaism with which Gamaliel would have identified and how this insight offers valuable context for understanding his speech to the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:34-40.
As many are watching the A.D. Series in the coming weeks, Marc will be recording additional short video teachings like this one to shed light on the world of Jesus and the early church.
Although the Book of Acts (which I read all the way through once a month) is strong in its judgement on most of the Pharisees of the day, the Rabban Gamaliel is treated kindly and with respect.
His speech to the Sanhedrin is full of wisdom, and seems to be in character with the traditions regarding this great teacher.
He was also the teacher and mentor of Saul (later Paul), and Paul often lists this in his “resume”. Although Paul considers all of his pre-conversion studies and achievements as “garbage”, he never rails against Gamaliel PERSONALLY.
It would even seem that, in parts of Paul’s letters, he confirms the respect and affection for this great teacher.
It will be interesting to see how this complicated relationship is expressed in the TV series.
The disciples of Hillel (Gamlial’s grandfather) were the most friendly toward the sect of The Way. Gamlial’s’ successor was Yochanan ben Zakkai (John son of Zacheus), who continued that friendly relationship. His disciples were among those that went to Rome to complain to Nero about the stoning of James.
Sadly, it was likely Gamlial’s grandson who took a less than friendly stand against the minim (”heretics”) after he forced Yochanan ben Zakkai out as Nasi.
Wow...thank you for that historical background. I really appreciate that.
Have a Blessed Day.
:-)
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