“After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.”
'After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered' - Judas of Galilee led a revolt around 6 CE in protest against the Roman census; Josephus records this event. Gamaliel is showing a pattern: messianic claimants and their movements are self-limiting. The 'days of the census' (en tais hēmerais tēs apographēs) anchors the event in datable history.
Church Fathers on Acts 5:37
For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody: to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to naught. Acts 5:36 By examples he teaches them prudence; and, by way of encouragement, mentions last the man who seduced the greatest number. Now before he gives the examples, he says, Take heed to yourselves; but when he has cited them, then he declares his opinion,…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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