Why did Gamaliel tell the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone in Acts 5?
Gamaliel advised the Sanhedrin to leave the apostles alone because if their work was merely human, it would come to nothing; but if it was of God, they could not overthrow it and would risk being found fighting against God.
Les explains that Gamaliel cited earlier examples, noting that previous movements had amounted to nothing. He told the council not to worry: if the apostles were heretics or “loonies,” nothing would come of it, so no drastic action was needed. But if their work was of God, Gamaliel warned, they must not touch them, because nothing could counteract it. He said to refrain and leave them alone: a work of men comes to nothing, but a work of God cannot be overthrown, lest they be found fighting against God. Les connects this with Romans 8:31: “If God be for us, who can be against us?”
And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
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