In Acts 5, the apostles, particularly Peter and John, were arrested for preaching about Jesus. After their arrest, an angel of the Lord miraculously freed them from prison.

Upon discovering that the apostles had escaped, the religious leaders were furious and wanted to take severe action against them. However, Gamaliel, a respected Pharisee and a member of the Sanhedrin, advised caution. 

Gamaliel's point was that if the apostles' actions were merely human endeavours, they would eventually come to nothing. However, if their movement was from God, then opposing it would be futile, as it would be a direct opposition to God's work. Gamaliel's advice led to the release of the apostles, and the early Christian community continued to grow and spread its message.