NOTES for Act 5:33-42
The thought that a Pharisee, too, can be righteous and respected among the people is not immediately easy to accept if we habitually divide people into categories: here are our people, who are good, and there are the outsiders, who are bad. But Scripture constantly breaks down stereotypes, including those that appear pious and grounded in spiritual tradition.
The criterion proposed by Gamaliel, who was trying to persuade the Jewish leaders not to harm the apostles, is simple and practical. It is based on long experience of observing the rise and disappearance of numerous movements that swelled and burst like soap bubbles. One might object to Gamaliel that many things displeasing to God last for quite a long time, with no end to them in sight for centuries. Yet, even with this qualification, he is still right in essence: what is not from God will collapse sooner or later. Much that seems strange and unfamiliar to us, however, may be taking place according to His will, so we should not pass hasty judgment on what does not fit our customary ideas.
The apostles were released, but this time only after being beaten. They had won again, but now the victory was harder won than the first time. Still more difficult trials lay ahead.