Acts 5:17-41

17But the high priest stood 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 prison. 19But during the night 4an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20“Go, stand and 5speak to the people in the temple area 67the whole message of this Life.” 21Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area 8about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when 9the high priest and his associates came, they called 10the 11Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22But 12the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, 23saying, “We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, 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 area 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 had them stand 18before 19the Council. The high priest interrogated 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, whom you 26put to death by hanging Him on 2728a cross. 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 became 38infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34But a Pharisee named 39Gamaliel, a 40teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 41the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36For, some time ago Theudas appeared, 42claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. 43But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of 44the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or 45movement 46is men, it will be overthrown; 39but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found 47fighting against God.”

40They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 48flogged them and ordered them not to 49speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41So they went on their way from the presence of the 5051Council, 52rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame 53for His name.