The correct option is
D. If the matter was not of God it would fail.
Detailed Explanation:
- Context of the Situation:
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The advice of Gamaliel is found in the Book of Acts, specifically Acts 5:33-39. The apostles had been preaching about Jesus and performing miracles, which led to their arrest by the Jewish council (Sanhedrin). The council was debating what to do with them, as they were concerned about the growing influence of the apostles.
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Gamaliel's Argument:
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Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and teacher of the law, stood up to address the council. He advised them to be cautious in their actions against the apostles. His reasoning was based on historical examples of other movements that had arisen and subsequently failed. He pointed out that if the apostles' message was not from God, it would eventually fail on its own, just like previous movements led by figures such as Theudas and Judas of Galilee.
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Why Option D is Correct:
- Gamaliel's wisdom lay in his understanding of divine authority. He believed that if the apostles were truly sent by God, then their mission would succeed regardless of human opposition. Conversely, if their mission was merely human in origin, it would not endure. This perspective reflects a deep faith in God's sovereignty and the idea that true movements of God cannot be thwarted by human actions.
Why the Other Options are Wrong or Weaker:
- Option A: He feared the people:
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While it is true that the council was concerned about public opinion, Gamaliel's advice was not primarily motivated by fear of the people. His argument was based on a rational assessment of the situation and historical precedent, rather than fear. This option oversimplifies his reasoning and does not capture the depth of his insight.
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Option B: He believed what the apostles said:
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There is no explicit evidence in the text that Gamaliel personally believed in the apostles' message. His advice was more about caution and wisdom rather than personal belief. He did not express faith in the apostles' claims but rather suggested that the council should let events unfold naturally to see if the movement was divinely inspired.
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Option C: He saw the miracle they had done:
- While Gamaliel may have been aware of the miracles performed by the apostles, his advice was not based on witnessing these miracles. Instead, his argument was rooted in a broader understanding of historical movements and the nature of divine intervention. This option does not accurately reflect the basis of his counsel.
Summary of Key Points:
- Gamaliel advised the council to release the apostles based on the principle that if their mission was of God, it would succeed; if not, it would fail.
- His argument was informed by historical examples of failed movements, demonstrating his wisdom and understanding of divine authority.
- The other options (A, B, C) do not accurately capture the essence of Gamaliel's reasoning and are based on misunderstandings of his motivations and beliefs.
Revision Summary:
- Gamaliel's advice was rooted in the belief that divine movements cannot be stopped by human actions.
- He used historical examples to illustrate his point about the nature of God’s work.
- Understanding the context and motivations behind biblical figures is crucial for interpreting their actions and advice.