1. Acts 5:38 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What reason does Gamaliel give for letting the apostles go?

Acts 5:38 (ESV)

38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail;

Gamaliel argues that the apostles should be tolerated seeing as their movement will likely come to the same end as those of Theudas and Judas. One need only wait for a while and then the apostles will eventually disperse and leave Jerusalem.