Matthew Poole and continuators on Acts 5:38

38 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.

He undertakes to advise them what they should do in the present case.

Have nothing to do with them, as Pilates wife advised him concerning our Saviour, Matth. 27.19. Gamaliel interposes, partly, out of his moderate and mild disposition; partly out of fear, lest if they slew the Apostles, they might incense the Romans, who were very jealous of their Authority▪ and had taken away the power of Capital punishments from the Iews.

This Argument, or Dilemma, which Gamaliel uses for the sparing of the Apostles, is of force either way; (as that question our Saviour propounds concerning the baptism of Iohn, Matth. 21.25.)

This first part is evident, for that building must needs fall which is built upon the sand, Matth. 7.27.

Marginal references: Prov. 21.30. Isa. 8.10. Matth. 15.13.