By citing examples from the past, Gamaliel illustrated the wisdom of not interfering with the work of the apostles, and then added: “If this scheme and this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them . . . you may perhaps be found fighters actually against God.”—Acts 5:34-39.

This is exactly what Paul did before becoming a Christian, by fighting against the followers of Jesus Christ, who had the backing of Jehovah God.—Acts 26:14; compare Acts 5:38, 39.

Perseverance in a God-given commission in the face of opposition, and endurance of privations, persecution and suffering for adhering to a course of godly devotion, also marked Paul and other early Christians as persons of integrity.—Acts 5:27-41; 2 Cor. 11:23-27.

For example, the Pharisee Gamaliel counseled against interfering with the work of Christians (Acts 5:34-39) and the Pharisee Saul (Paul) of Tarsus became an apostle of Jesus Christ.—Acts 26:5; Phil. 3:5.

Sadducees appear to have taken the lead in trying to stop the spread of Christianity after Jesus’ death and resurrection.—Acts 4:1-23; 5:17-42; 9:14.

By using this Theudas as his first example of a movement that caused no more trouble after its leader was put to death, the Pharisee Gamaliel persuaded the Sanhedrin not to bother the youthful Christian congregation so soon after Jesus’ death.—Acts 5:34-40.

The Jews were seriously misled into fighting against God because of lack of knowledge of God’s Word. (Rom. 10:2, 3; Hos. 4:1-3; Acts 5:39, 40)