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Study Guide: Gamaliel the Elder: Rabbinic Authority and Early Christian Context

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Gamaliel the Elder: Rabbinic Authority and Early Christian Context Study Guide

Gamaliel the Elder: Identity and Rabbinic Authority

Gamaliel the Elder was a prominent Sadducee who served as president of the Sanhedrin.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source identifies Gamaliel the Elder as a distinguished Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law, not a Sadducee. While he did serve as president of the Sanhedrin, his affiliation was with the Pharisees.

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Gamaliel the Elder was the son of Hillel the Elder and the father of Yohanan ben Zakkai.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gamaliel the Elder was the grandson of Hillel the Elder and the father of Simeon ben Gamliel. The assertion that he was the son of Hillel the Elder and father of Yohanan ben Zakkai is inaccurate according to the provided sources.

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The Hebrew titles 'Nasi' and 'Rabban', held by Gamaliel the Elder, signify his leadership role and status as 'our master'.

Answer: True

Explanation: The titles 'Nasi' (prince) and 'Rabban' (our master) denote significant leadership and esteemed status within the Jewish community, reflecting Gamaliel the Elder's prominent position.

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Gamaliel the Elder served as a member of the Sanhedrin but never held its presidency.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source explicitly states that Gamaliel the Elder served as the president of the Great Sanhedrin, indicating he held the highest position within that body, not merely membership.

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Gamaliel the Elder's lineage from Hillel the Elder was insignificant in establishing his rabbinic authority.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gamaliel the Elder's descent from Hillel the Elder was highly significant, placing him in a position of considerable rabbinic authority and prestige due to Hillel's paramount status in Jewish legal interpretation.

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The title 'Rabban' was a common term used for any learned Jewish man, regardless of status.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title 'Rabban' was a term of high respect used for leading sages in Jewish tradition, particularly those who presided over the Sanhedrin, indicating significant scholarship and authority, not just any learned man.

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The title 'Nasi' primarily indicated a role as a scholar of scripture, separate from judicial duties.

Answer: False

Explanation: The title 'Nasi' (prince) indicated the presiding officer or leader of the Sanhedrin, combining judicial and leadership authority, not solely a role as a scripture scholar separate from judicial duties.

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Royalty seeking Gamaliel's advice demonstrated that his influence was limited solely to the Jewish religious sphere.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fact that royalty sought Gamaliel's advice demonstrates that his influence extended beyond the Jewish religious sphere and was respected by figures of political power.

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Being a 'Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law' implies Gamaliel belonged to a sect focused solely on ritual purity laws.

Answer: False

Explanation: Being a 'Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law' implies adherence to both the written Torah and oral traditions, encompassing a broad range of legal and ethical matters, not solely ritual purity laws.

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The title 'Nasi' implies Gamaliel was the presiding officer of the Sanhedrin.

Answer: True

Explanation: The title 'Nasi' (prince) signifies that Gamaliel the Elder was the presiding officer or leader of the Sanhedrin, holding a position of ultimate authority within that judicial and legislative body.

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Who was Gamaliel the Elder, and what was his primary role in Jewish society?

Answer: A distinguished Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law and authority in the Sanhedrin.

Explanation: Gamaliel the Elder was a distinguished Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law and a leading authority within the Sanhedrin during the early first century CE, holding a prominent position as a teacher and legal expert in Jewish life.

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According to Gamaliel's lineage described in the source, who was his grandfather?

Answer: Hillel the Elder

Explanation: Gamaliel the Elder was the grandson of Hillel the Elder, a highly influential Jewish teacher. He was the son of Simeon ben Hillel.

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What do the Hebrew titles 'Nasi' and 'Rabban', associated with Gamaliel the Elder, signify?

Answer: Prince and 'our master', indicating high status and leadership

Explanation: The Hebrew titles 'Nasi' (prince) and 'Rabban' (our master) signify Gamaliel the Elder's high status, leadership role, and esteemed position within the Jewish community and its highest court.

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What was Gamaliel the Elder's specific position within the Sanhedrin?

Answer: President of the Great Sanhedrin

Explanation: Gamaliel the Elder served as the president of the Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem, placing him at the head of the supreme Jewish court responsible for religious and legal matters.

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What is the significance of Gamaliel the Elder's descent from Hillel the Elder?

Answer: It placed him in a position of considerable rabbinic authority and prestige.

Explanation: Gamaliel the Elder's lineage from Hillel the Elder was significant, as Hillel was a paramount figure in Jewish legal interpretation. This descent conferred considerable rabbinic authority and prestige upon Gamaliel.

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What is the meaning of the Hebrew title 'Rabban'?

Answer: Our Master

Explanation: The Hebrew title 'Rabban' translates to 'Our Master' and was a term of high respect used for leading sages in Jewish tradition, signifying significant scholarship and authority.

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What does the Hebrew title 'Nasi' mean in the context of the Sanhedrin?

Answer: Head of the Sanhedrin, meaning 'prince'.

Explanation: The Hebrew title 'Nasi' means 'prince' and designated the head or presiding officer of the Sanhedrin, indicating a role of leadership within the Jewish community.

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The seeking of Gamaliel's advice by 'the king and queen' signifies what about his influence?

Answer: His authority extended beyond the Jewish community and was respected by figures of power.

Explanation: The fact that royalty sought Gamaliel's advice signifies that his authority and influence extended beyond the Jewish community and were respected by figures of political power.

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What does being a 'Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law' imply about Gamaliel?

Answer: He was an expert interpreter of Jewish laws, adhering to both written and oral traditions.

Explanation: Being a 'Pharisaic doctor of Jewish Law' implies that Gamaliel was an expert interpreter of Jewish laws, adhering to both the written Torah and the oral traditions upheld by the Pharisees.

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What did the title 'Nasi' imply about Gamaliel's role in the Sanhedrin?

Answer: He was the presiding officer or leader of the Sanhedrin.

Explanation: The title 'Nasi' implied that Gamaliel held the position of presiding officer or leader of the Sanhedrin, signifying his ultimate authority within that body.

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Gamaliel in the New Testament and Early Christian Context

The Book of Acts portrays Gamaliel the Elder as a Pharisee who advised the Sanhedrin to harshly punish the early Christian apostles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Book of Acts portrays Gamaliel the Elder as a Pharisee who advised leniency towards the early Christian apostles, suggesting observation rather than harsh punishment.

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Gamaliel's advice to the Sanhedrin regarding the apostles was to immediately arrest and imprison them.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gamaliel's counsel to the Sanhedrin regarding the apostles was to 'leave them alone,' advocating for observation and patience rather than immediate arrest and imprisonment.

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The Apostle Paul explicitly stated in his writings that he studied under Gamaliel the Elder.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the Book of Acts states that the Apostle Paul studied under Gamaliel the Elder, Paul himself does not explicitly state this in his own writings, though he does mention being educated in Jerusalem 'at the feet of Gamaliel'.

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The biblical account in the Book of Acts explicitly confirms Gamaliel the Elder's conversion to Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Book of Acts records Gamaliel the Elder's counsel to the Sanhedrin regarding the apostles, demonstrating a degree of tolerance, but it does not explicitly confirm his conversion to Christianity.

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The phrase 'at the feet of Gamaliel' suggests Paul received only a superficial education from him.

Answer: False

Explanation: The phrase 'at the feet of Gamaliel' implies a period of close discipleship and intensive learning, suggesting that Paul received his foundational rabbinic education directly from Gamaliel.

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'Gamaliel's principle' refers to a rigid adherence to established laws, regardless of new circumstances.

Answer: False

Explanation: 'Gamaliel's principle' advocates for cautious observation and patience when dealing with new movements, rather than rigid adherence to established laws without considering new circumstances.

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Gamaliel intervened in the Sanhedrin trial of the apostles to argue for their immediate execution.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gamaliel intervened in the Sanhedrin trial of the apostles to argue for leniency and observation, advising against immediate execution.

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The source text explicitly details Gamaliel's direct influence on the development of Christian doctrine.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source text explicitly states that Gamaliel's direct influence on aspects of Christianity is unmentioned, despite his teaching of Paul.

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In the New Testament, the Sanhedrin was a minor council focused only on local temple matters.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the New Testament context, the Sanhedrin was the high Jewish court in Jerusalem, responsible for significant religious and legal matters, not merely a minor council focused on local temple affairs.

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How does the New Testament's Book of Acts portray Gamaliel the Elder's stance towards the early Christian apostles?

Answer: He advised leniency and observation, suggesting their movement might be from God.

Explanation: The Book of Acts portrays Gamaliel the Elder advising the Sanhedrin to exercise leniency and observe the apostles' movement, suggesting that if it were of human origin, it would fail, but if from God, they could not overthrow it.

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According to the Book of Acts, who studied under Gamaliel the Elder?

Answer: The Apostle Paul

Explanation: The Book of Acts identifies the Apostle Paul as having studied under Gamaliel the Elder, stating that Paul was brought up in Jerusalem 'at the feet of Gamaliel' and received his education in Jewish law from him.

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What does the phrase 'at the feet of Gamaliel' imply about Paul's education?

Answer: Paul received his foundational rabbinic education through close discipleship.

Explanation: The phrase 'at the feet of Gamaliel' implies a period of close discipleship and intensive learning, suggesting that Paul received his foundational rabbinic education directly from Gamaliel.

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What does 'Gamaliel's principle' advocate for when dealing with new movements?

Answer: Cautious observation and patience.

Explanation: 'Gamaliel's principle' advocates for a cautious approach involving observation and patience when confronting new movements, as exemplified by his advice to the Sanhedrin regarding the early Christian apostles.

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What was the specific context for Gamaliel's intervention in the Sanhedrin trial described in Acts?

Answer: The deliberation on how to punish Peter and the apostles for preaching.

Explanation: Gamaliel intervened during the Sanhedrin's deliberation on how to punish Peter and the apostles for continuing their preaching, advocating for a more measured response.

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What does the source text state regarding Gamaliel's direct influence on Christianity?

Answer: His direct influence on aspects of Christianity is unmentioned.

Explanation: The source text explicitly states that Gamaliel's direct influence on the development of Christian doctrine or practice is unmentioned, despite his role as teacher to the Apostle Paul.

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In the New Testament context, what was the role of the Sanhedrin?

Answer: The high Jewish court in Jerusalem, involved in major trials.

Explanation: In the New Testament context, the Sanhedrin served as the high Jewish court in Jerusalem, playing a significant role in major trials and religious governance.

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Apocryphal Texts and Scholarly Debates

In the tenth century, Dunash ibn Tamim proposed an improbable connection between Gamaliel the Elder and the physician Galen.

Answer: True

Explanation: The tenth-century scholar Dunash ibn Tamim proposed an unlikely identification of Gamaliel the Elder with the renowned Greek physician Galen, a theory considered improbable by modern scholarship.

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Some scholars question Paul's study under Gamaliel due to a perceived contrast between Gamaliel's tolerance and Paul's pre-conversion actions.

Answer: True

Explanation: A scholarly debate exists regarding Paul's tutelage under Gamaliel, with some questioning the traditional account due to a perceived discrepancy between Gamaliel's tolerant stance towards early Christians and Paul's pre-conversion persecution of them.

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The 'Gospel of Gamaliel' is a confirmed ancient text whose existence is directly supported by multiple surviving manuscripts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Gospel of Gamaliel' is considered a hypothetical or apocryphal text. Its existence is inferred from later writings, but no direct ancient manuscripts confirming its existence have been found.

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Scholars attempting to reconstruct the 'Gospel of Gamaliel' infer its content from passages within Bishop Cyriacus's 'Lament of Mary'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Scholars who posit the existence of a 'Gospel of Gamaliel' often base their reconstructions on passages found within Bishop Cyriacus's homily, the 'Lament of Mary,' suggesting these passages may quote or allude to such a lost text.

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In the 'Lament of Mary,' Gamaliel is depicted as a skeptic who dismisses Jesus's resurrection.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 'Lament of Mary,' Gamaliel is depicted witnessing a miracle related to Jesus's grave cloths, not as a skeptic dismissing the resurrection. The text portrays him in a more favorable light within this tradition.

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The primary reason scholars doubt Paul's education under Gamaliel is the lack of mention in Roman records.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary reason scholars question the tradition of Paul studying under Gamaliel is not the lack of Roman records, but a perceived contrast between Gamaliel's tolerance and Paul's pre-conversion actions against Christians.

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The 'Lament of Mary' tradition suggests Bishop Cyriacus wrote the 'Gospel of Gamaliel' himself.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Lament of Mary' tradition suggests that Bishop Cyriacus adopted Gamaliel's perspective for narrative effect, rather than implying he wrote the 'Gospel of Gamaliel' himself or plagiarized it.

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In traditions related to the 'Gospel of Gamaliel,' Pontius Pilate is portrayed unfavorably as an opponent of Christianity.

Answer: False

Explanation: In traditions related to the 'Gospel of Gamaliel,' Pontius Pilate is portrayed very favorably, even depicted as a Christian, which contrasts with other historical and religious accounts.

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The 'Acts of Llàtzer' is a primary source detailing Gamaliel's legal rulings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 'Acts of Llàtzer' is a 15th-century Catalan document that mentions Gamaliel in various traditions, but it is not considered a primary source detailing his legal rulings.

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What unlikely historical identification was proposed for Gamaliel the Elder in the tenth century?

Answer: He was identified with the Greek physician Galen.

Explanation: In the tenth century, Dunash ibn Tamim proposed an improbable identification of Gamaliel the Elder with the renowned Greek physician Galen, based on an Arabic medical work.

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What is a primary reason some scholars question the traditional teacher-student relationship between Paul and Gamaliel?

Answer: A perceived contrast between Gamaliel's tolerance and Paul's pre-conversion actions against Christians.

Explanation: A primary reason some scholars question the tradition of Paul studying under Gamaliel is the perceived contrast between Gamaliel's reported tolerance towards early Christians and Paul's pre-conversion persecution of them.

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What is the nature of the 'Gospel of Gamaliel' mentioned in scholarly discussions?

Answer: A hypothetical text, possibly part of apocryphal literature, whose existence is inferred.

Explanation: The 'Gospel of Gamaliel' is considered a hypothetical text, possibly belonging to apocryphal literature, whose existence is inferred by scholars from later writings rather than confirmed by direct ancient sources.

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How do scholars attempt to reconstruct the potential 'Gospel of Gamaliel'?

Answer: By examining passages within Bishop Cyriacus's 'Lament of Mary'.

Explanation: Scholars who explore the possibility of a 'Gospel of Gamaliel' attempt to reconstruct its content by examining passages within Bishop Cyriacus's homily, the 'Lament of Mary,' which may contain allusions or quotations from such a lost text.

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How is Pontius Pilate portrayed in the context of the 'Gospel of Gamaliel' traditions?

Answer: Very favorably, even portrayed as a Christian.

Explanation: In traditions associated with the 'Gospel of Gamaliel,' Pontius Pilate is depicted very favorably, even portrayed as a Christian, which diverges significantly from other historical and religious accounts.

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What is the primary reason scholars question the tradition of Paul studying under Gamaliel?

Answer: A perceived contrast between Gamaliel's tolerance and Paul's pre-conversion persecution of Christians.

Explanation: The primary reason scholars question the tradition of Paul studying under Gamaliel is the perceived contrast between Gamaliel's tolerance towards early Christians and Paul's pre-conversion actions of persecuting them.

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What is the alternative scholarly interpretation regarding the 'Lament of Mary' and the 'Gospel of Gamaliel'?

Answer: Bishop Cyriacus adopted Gamaliel's perspective for narrative effect, rather than quoting a lost gospel.

Explanation: An alternative scholarly interpretation suggests that Bishop Cyriacus, in the 'Lament of Mary,' adopted Gamaliel's perspective for narrative effect, rather than directly quoting from or plagiarizing a lost 'Gospel of Gamaliel'.

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How is Pontius Pilate portrayed in the context of the 'Gospel of Gamaliel' traditions?

Answer: Very favorably, even portrayed as a Christian.

Explanation: In traditions associated with the 'Gospel of Gamaliel,' Pontius Pilate is depicted very favorably, even portrayed as a Christian, which diverges significantly from other historical and religious accounts.

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What does the 'Acts of Llàtzer' indicate about Gamaliel?

Answer: It is a 15th-century Catalan document mentioning him in various traditions.

Explanation: The 'Acts of Llàtzer,' a 15th-century Catalan document, indicates that Gamaliel was a figure mentioned in various historical and literary traditions beyond primary biblical and rabbinic sources.

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Later Christian Traditions and Veneration

Ecclesiastical tradition holds that Gamaliel the Elder eventually converted to Christianity and was baptized by Saint Stephen.

Answer: False

Explanation: While ecclesiastical tradition suggests Gamaliel the Elder converted to Christianity, it states he was baptized by Saint Peter and Saint John the Apostle, not Saint Stephen.

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The Clementine Literature suggests Gamaliel secretly continued his role in the Sanhedrin after converting to Christianity to aid fellow believers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Clementine Literature posits that Gamaliel the Elder, after allegedly converting to Christianity, maintained his position within the Sanhedrin covertly to provide assistance to fellow Christians.

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Gamaliel is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, with his relics commemorated on August 3rd.

Answer: False

Explanation: Gamaliel is venerated as a saint in the Eastern Orthodox Church, but his relics are commemorated on August 2nd. August 3rd is associated with the Catholic tradition's commemoration of the finding of his relics.

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In Catholic tradition, Gamaliel's body was discovered in the 5th century and miraculously transported to Pisa Cathedral.

Answer: True

Explanation: Catholic tradition holds that Gamaliel's body was discovered in the 5th century and subsequently transported, through miraculous means, to Pisa Cathedral.

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Gamaliel is said to have witnessed a miracle involving the healing properties of Jesus's grave cloths.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to traditions associated with the 'Gospel of Gamaliel,' Gamaliel witnessed a miracle where Jesus's grave cloths were observed to possess miraculous healing properties.

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The tradition of Gamaliel's relics being taken to Pisa Cathedral is mentioned in the Book of Acts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The tradition of Gamaliel's relics being discovered and transported to Pisa Cathedral is part of Catholic tradition and is not mentioned in the Book of Acts.

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Saint Stephen is known as the 'Protomartyr' because he was the first Christian martyr.

Answer: True

Explanation: Saint Stephen is referred to as the 'Protomartyr' because he is traditionally believed to be the first individual to die for the Christian faith, as documented in the Book of Acts.

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The Clementine Literature primarily focuses on the teachings of Saint Paul.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Clementine Literature primarily focuses on the travels and teachings of Saint Peter, recounting narratives involving him and other figures from early Christianity.

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In the 'Lament of Mary' homily, what miraculous property is attributed to Jesus's grave cloths observed by Gamaliel?

Answer: They possessed miraculous healing powers.

Explanation: In the 'Lament of Mary' homily, Gamaliel is depicted observing Jesus's grave cloths, which are described as possessing miraculous healing powers.

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What does the ecclesiastical tradition claim about Gamaliel the Elder's eventual religious affiliation?

Answer: He eventually converted to Christianity.

Explanation: Ecclesiastical tradition asserts that Gamaliel the Elder eventually converted to Christianity, a belief often cited to explain his tolerant stance towards the early apostles mentioned in the Book of Acts.

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According to tradition, who baptized Gamaliel the Elder and his associates?

Answer: Saint Peter and Saint John the Apostle

Explanation: Tradition holds that Gamaliel the Elder, along with his son Abibon and Nicodemus, was baptized by Saint Peter and Saint John the Apostle.

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What does the Clementine Literature suggest about Gamaliel's actions after his supposed conversion to Christianity?

Answer: He continued his role in the Sanhedrin covertly assisting Christians.

Explanation: The Clementine Literature suggests that Gamaliel the Elder, after his alleged conversion, maintained his position within the Sanhedrin covertly to aid fellow Christians from within the Jewish leadership.

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How is Gamaliel venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church?

Answer: As a saint, commemorated on August 2nd.

Explanation: In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Gamaliel is venerated as a saint, and his feast day, commemorating the discovery of his relics, is observed on August 2nd.

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What miraculous event is Gamaliel said to have witnessed in connection with Jesus's tomb, according to related traditions?

Answer: The grave cloths possessing miraculous healing powers.

Explanation: According to traditions linked to the 'Gospel of Gamaliel,' Gamaliel witnessed a miracle at Jesus's tomb where the grave cloths left behind were observed to possess miraculous healing powers.

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What is the significance of the tradition regarding Gamaliel's body being discovered and taken to Pisa Cathedral?

Answer: It is part of his veneration in Catholic tradition, signifying recognition of his sainthood.

Explanation: The tradition of Gamaliel's body being discovered and transported to Pisa Cathedral is significant as part of his veneration in Catholic tradition, symbolizing the recognition of his sainthood.

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Saint Stephen is referred to as the 'Protomartyr' because he is traditionally believed to be:

Answer: The first person to die for the Christian faith.

Explanation: Saint Stephen is known as the 'Protomartyr' because tradition holds him to be the first individual to die for his Christian faith, as documented in the Book of Acts.

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What is the primary focus of the Clementine Literature?

Answer: The travels and teachings of Saint Peter.

Explanation: The Clementine Literature is a collection of early Christian writings that primarily focuses on the travels and teachings of Saint Peter, often including narratives involving other figures from early Christianity.

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