GAMALIEL’S ADVICE

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.i 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the menC to be taken outside for a little while.j 35 He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing.k 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. He also perished, and all his followers were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail;l 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.m 40 After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.n