The chief priest and those who were with him called together the Jewish council, that is, all the leaders of Israel. They also sent men to the prison to get the apostles. ²²When the temple guards arrived at the prison, they didn’t find the apostles. The guards came back and reported, ²³“We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors. However, when we opened the doors, we found no one inside.” ²⁴When the officer of the temple guards and the chief priests heard this, they were puzzled about what could have happened.

²⁵Then someone told them, “The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courtyard. They’re teaching the people.”

²⁶Then the officer of the temple guards went with some of his men to bring back the apostles without using force. After all, the officer and his guards were afraid that the people would stone them to death for using force. ²⁷When they brought back the apostles, they made them stand in front of the council. The chief priest questioned them. ²⁸He said, “We gave you strict orders not to mention Jesus’ name when you teach. Yet, you’ve filled Jerusalem with your teachings. You want to take revenge on us for putting that man to death.”

²⁹Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than people. ³⁰You murdered Jesus by hanging him on a cross. But the God of our ancestors brought him back to life. ³¹God used his power to give Jesus the honored position—the one next to him on the heavenly throne as leader and savior. He did this to lead the people of Israel to him, to change the way they think and act, and to forgive their sins. ³²We are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

³³When the men on the council heard this, they became furious and wanted to execute the apostles.

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