The book of Acts pictures Rabban Gamliel I as reacting to the arrest of the Christian apostles. This passage has him reviewing the history of messianic pretenders in the Second Temple period. 33-” When they heard this they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34- But a Pharisee in the council named Gama’li-el, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a while. 35- And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you do with these men. 36- For before these days Theu’das arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number ofmen, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37- After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38- So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; 39- but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”