Acts 5:18-42

18They laid hands on the apostles and 1put them in a public jail. 19But during the night 2an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20“Go, stand and 3speak to the people in the temple 45the whole message of this Life.” 21Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple 6about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when 7the high priest and his associates came, they called 8the 9Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. 22But 10the 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 11the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what 12would 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 13the captain went along with 14the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for 15they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27When they had brought them, they stood them 16before 17the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you 18strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and 19yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and 20intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “21We must obey God rather than men. 3022The God of our fathers 23raised up Jesus, 24whom you had 25put to death by hanging Him on a 26cross. 3127He is the one whom God exalted 28to His right hand as a 2930Prince and a 31Savior, to grant 32repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are 33witnesses 34of these things; and 35so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33But when they heard this, they were 36cut 37to the quick and intended to kill them. 34But a Pharisee named 38Gamaliel, a 39teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 40the 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, 41claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. 42But he was killed, and all who 43followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of 44the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who 45followed 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 46action 47is 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 48fighting against God.”

40They 49took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 50flogged them and ordered them not to 51speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41So they went on their way from the presence of the 5253Council, 54rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame 55for His name. 4256And every day, in the temple and 57from house to house, they 58kept right on teaching and 5960preaching Jesus as the 61Christ.