(a) When the apostles were re-arrested and brought to the Council, the high priest questioned them on why they continued to teach in Jesus' name, inspite of warning not to do so. Peter and the apostles replied, "we must obey God rather than men." The Council was thus enraged and wanted to kill them, but for Gamaliel who requested that the apostles be sent outside and then advised them to take care of what they do to the apostles. He cited the case of Theudas who earlier had four hundred followers, but, when he was slain, his followers dispersed and the sect came to nothing. After him arose Judas of Galilee in the days of the census who also perished and his followers scattered. So in the present case, "keep away from these men. If this undertaking is of men, they will fail, but, if it is of God you cannot over throw them. You might even be found opposing God". The Council heeded his advice, although they beat and charged the disciples not to preach in the name of Jesus again.

(b) From Gamaliel's wise counsel, these qualities can be said of him:
(i) Gamaliel was a man of courage. He did not display any fear in his effort to protect the apostles.
(ii) He proved himself an educated man with a good knowledge of history.
(iii) He was a godly man who did not believe in wickedness and did not want the murder of the innocent apostles.
(iv) He was a man of peace as he abhorred any form of conflict in the society.
(v) He was tolerant and allowed the exercise of individual conviction.