Acts 5:22–42

²²But when the servants got there, they did not find them in the jail; so they returned and reported, ²³“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” ²⁴As^B the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, wondering what would come of this.

²⁵Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” ²⁶Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.^{b 27}After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, ²⁸“Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?^c Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”^d

²⁹Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. ³⁰The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus,^e whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree.^{f 31}God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.^{g 32}We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit^h whom God has given to those who obey him.”

GAMALIEL’S ADVICE

³³When 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 men^C 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. ³⁶Some 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. ³⁸So 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 41}Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.^{Ao 42}Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.