Acts 5:18-42

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

Now when 7the high priest and his associates came, they called 8the 9Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22But 10the 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 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 area 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 had them stand 16before 17the Council. The high priest interrogated 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, whom you 24put to death by hanging Him on 2526a cross. 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 became 36infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34But a Pharisee named 37Gamaliel, a 38teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 39the 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, 40claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. 41But 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 42the 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 43movement 44is 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 45fighting against God.”

40They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 46flogged them and ordered them not to 47speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41So they went on their way from the presence of the 4849Council, 50rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame 51for His name. 4252And every day, in the temple and 53from house to house, they did not stop teaching and 54preaching the good news of Jesus as the 55Christ.