The Greek name Gamaliēl (G1059) represents the Hebrew גַּמְלִיאֵל (Gamliel), meaning "recompense of God" or "God is my reward." In the New Testament, Gamaliel was a leading Pharisee and doctor of the law, a member of the Sanhedrin, and the most celebrated rabbi of his generation — and notably, the teacher of the Apostle Paul.
Gamaliel's famous counsel in Acts 5 — "If this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them" — displays a wisdom that stayed the hand of the Sanhedrin against the apostles. Paul's education under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) demonstrates that God prepared His chosen vessel with the finest theological training available, even within Judaism. The Lord uses all things — even a rabbi's classroom — for His purposes.