Acts 5:21-41

21Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple 1about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when 2the high priest and his associates came, they called 3the 4Council together, even all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. 22But 5the 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 6the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what 7would 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 8the captain went along with 9the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for 10they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27When they had brought them, they stood them 11before 12the Council. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “We gave you 13strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and 14yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and 15intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “16We must obey God rather than men. 3017The God of our fathers 18raised up Jesus, 19whom you had 20put to death by hanging Him on a 21cross. 3122He is the one whom God exalted 23to His right hand as a 2425Prince and a 26Savior, to grant 27repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are 28witnesses 29of these things; and 30so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33But when they heard this, they were 31cut 32to the quick and intended to kill them. 34But a Pharisee named 33Gamaliel, a 34teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 35the 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, 36claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. 37But he was killed, and all who 38followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of 39the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who 40followed 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 41action 42is 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 43fighting against God.”

40They 44took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 45flogged them and ordered them not to 46speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41So they went on their way from the presence of the 4748Council, 49rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame 50for His name.