Acts 5:22–42

²²But when the temple police 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 ^lthe commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this.

²⁵Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple complex and teaching the people.” ²⁶Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them. ^m27After 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? ⁿAnd look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us!” ^o

²⁹But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, ^pwhom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree. ^q31God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. ^r32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit ^swhom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. ^t34A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men ^uto be taken outside for a little while. ^v35He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men. ³⁶Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing. ^w37After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. ^xThat man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. ³⁸And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown; ^y39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. ^z40After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. ^a41Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name. ^bc42Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.