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Analysis of m. Aboth 3.16-17 refutes E.P. Sanders' views in 'Paul and Palestinian Judaism', which states that early rabbinic soteriology on works-righteousness is wholly based upon pseudo-scholarship. On the contrary, the soteriology has a legalistic foundation and is acknowledged by older rabbis such as Gamaliel II and R. Akiba. Gamaliel agrees with Paul's statement in Gal 3.10 regarding the divine standard of justice, while Akiba acknowledges the obvious tension between God's tolerance of minor sins and his goodness.