Acts 5:17-41

17But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is 1the sect of 2the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18They laid hands on the apostles and 3put them in a public jail. 19But during the night 4an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20“Go, stand and 5speak to the people in the temple 67the whole message of this Life.” 21Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple 8about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when 9the high priest and his associates came, they called 10the 11Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. 22But 12the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported back, 23saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.” 24Now when 13the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what 14would come of this. 25But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” 26Then 15the captain went along with 16the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for 17they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27When they had brought them, they stood them 18before 19the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you 20strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and 21yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and 22intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “23We must obey God rather than men. 3024The God of our fathers 25raised up Jesus, 26whom you had 27put to death by hanging Him on a 28cross. 3129He is the one whom God exalted 30to His right hand as a 3132Prince and a 33Savior, to grant 34repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are 35witnesses 36of these things; and 37so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33But when they heard this, they were 38cut 39to the quick and intended to kill them. 34But a Pharisee named 40Gamaliel, a 41teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 42the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. 36For some time ago Theudas rose up, 43claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. 44But he was killed, and all who 45followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of 46the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who 47followed him were scattered. 38So in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or 48action 49is of men, it will be overthrown; 39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found 50fighting against God.”

40They 51took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 52flogged them and ordered them not to 53speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41So they went on their way from the presence of the 5455Council, 56rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame 57for His name.