Gamaliel, a Jewish doctor of the law, member of the sanhedrim, and teacher of Saul, the future apostle Paul, died about A. D. 52. In the Talmud he is surnamed Hazzaken,the Elder," to distinguish him from his grandson, who after the destruction of Jerusalem presided over the sanhedrim at Jamnia. He was grandson of Hillel, the renowned teacher of the Mishnah. He held a seat, and probably the presidency, in the sanhedrim during the reigns of Tiberius, Caligula, and Claudius, being succeeded by his son Simeon. When Peter and the other apostles were brought before the council in Jerusalem (Acts v.), he recommended to let them alone, for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." He was the author of many religious and civil reforms, and remarkable for humanity, charity, and tolerance. He was the first to be distinguished by the title rabban (our master). The respect with which his opinions are always quoted by the rabbis is irreconcilable with the tradition that he was converted to Christianity.