Gamaliel was a teacher of the law and a high ranking member of the Sanhedrin. He taught the apostle Paul and was known for his wisdom and tolerance. He advised the Sanhedrin against persecuting the disciples of Jesus and his argument was simple. If Jesus was a false prophet, as many others had been, the movement would soon fade into obscurity. If, however, the work truly was of God, then "you cannot overthrow it,". The name Gamaliel means "God is my recompense."