Acts 5:24-39

24Now when 1the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what 2would 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 3the captain went along with 4the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for 5they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27When they had brought them, they had them stand 6before 7the Council. The high priest interrogated them, 28saying, “We gave you 8strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and 9yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and 10intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” 29But Peter and the apostles answered, “11We must obey God rather than men. 3012The God of our fathers 13raised up Jesus, whom you 14put to death by hanging Him on 1516a cross. 3117He is the One whom God exalted 18to His right hand as a 1920Prince and a 21Savior, to grant 22repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32And we are 23witnesses 24of these things; and 25so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

33But when they heard this, they became 26infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34But a Pharisee named 27Gamaliel, a 28teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 29the 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, 30claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. 31But 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 32the 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 33movement 34is 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 35fighting against God.”