Acts 5:21-41

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

Now when 2the high priest and his associates came, they called 3the 4Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22But 5the 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 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 area 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 had them stand 11before 12the Council. The high priest interrogated 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, whom you 19put to death by hanging Him on 2021a cross. 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 became 31infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34But a Pharisee named 32Gamaliel, a 33teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 34the 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, 35claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. 36But 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 37the 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 38movement 39is 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 40fighting against God.”

40They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 41flogged them and ordered them not to 42speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41So they went on their way from the presence of the 4344Council, 45rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame 46for His name.