The Words of Gamaliel (Acts 5.38-39) and the Irony of Indeterminacy

Abstract

In the acrimony surrounding the 'Toronto Blessing' a difference of opinion has arisen as to whether Gamaliel's 'principle' (Acts 5.38-39) should be interpreted positively and affirmed as truthful, or negatively and denied. These differing interpretations can also be found within the history of exegesis. Using readerly conceptions of Gamaliel and the source of irony within the narrative as heuristic devices, three different read ings—those of David Gowler, the Clementine Recognitions, and John Darr-are examined. Differing portrayals of Gamaliel as a Pharisaic Jew or a Jewish-Christian and disagreement upon the appropriateness of affirming his words (with resultant implications for both the interpretation of Acts and constructions of its author) are shown to be products of reader context and, to a large degree, dependent upon cer tain core attitudes to the status of Luke-Acts or Luke and Acts and to Pharisaic Judaism itself.