Acts 5:21-41

21Early in the morning, after they had listened to the angel, the apostles went into the temple courtyard and began to teach. The chief priest and those who were with him called together the Jewish council, that is, all the leaders of Israel. They also sent men to the prison to get the apostles.

22When the temple guards arrived at the prison, they didn’t find the apostles. The guards came back and reported,

23“We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors. However, when we opened the doors, we found no one inside.”

24When the officer of the temple guards and the chief priests heard this, they were puzzled about what could have happened.

25Then someone told them, “The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courtyard. They’re teaching the people.”

26Then the officer of the temple guards went with some of his men to bring back the apostles without using force. After all, the officer and his guards were afraid that the people would stone them to death for using force.

27When they brought back the apostles, they made them stand in front of the council. The chief priest questioned them.

28He said, “We gave you strict orders not to mention Jesus’ name when you teach. Yet, you’ve filled Jerusalem with your teachings. You want to take revenge on us for putting that man to death.”

29Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than people.

30You murdered Jesus by hanging him on a cross. But the God of our ancestors brought him back to life.

31God used his power to give Jesus the honored position—the one next to him on the heavenly throne as leader and savior. He did this to lead the people of Israel to him, to change the way they think and act, and to forgive their sins.

32We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33When the men on the council heard this, they became furious and wanted to execute the apostles.

34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up. He was a highly respected expert in Moses’ Teachings. He ordered that the apostles should be taken outside for a little while.

35Then he said to the council, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you do with these men.

36Some time ago Theudas appeared. He claimed that he was important, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, and all his followers were scattered. The whole movement was a failure.

37“After that man, at the time of the census, Judas from Galilee appeared and led people in a revolt. He, too, died, and all his followers were scattered.

38“We should keep away from these men for now. We should leave them alone. I can guarantee that if the plan they put into action is of human origin, it will fail.

39However, if it’s from God, you won’t be able to stop them. You may even discover that you’re fighting against God.”

40The council took his advice. They called the apostles, beat them, ordered them not to speak about the one named Jesus, and let them go.

41The apostles left the council room. They were happy to have been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for speaking about Jesus.