Acts 5:27–42

27 And when they had brought them, they stood them 1before athe Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them,

28 saying, “We astrictly commanded you not to continue teaching in this name, and 1yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and bintend to bring this man’s blood upon us.”

29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, “aWe must obey God rather than men.

30 “aThe God of our fathers braised up Jesus, 1whom you cput to death by hanging Him on a tree.

31 “aThis One God exalted 1to His right hand as 2a bLeader and a cSavior, to grant drepentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 “And we are awitnesses 1of these things, and bso is the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this, they became afurious and intended to kill them.

34 But a Pharisee named aGamaliel, a bteacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in cthe Sanhedrin and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.

35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men.

36 “For some time ago Theudas rose up, aclaiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. 1But he was killed, and all who 2were following him were dispersed and came to nothing.

37 “After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of athe census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all those who 1were following him were scattered.

38 “So in the present case, I also say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or 1action ais of men, it will be overthrown;

39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or you may even be found afighting against God.”

40 So they 1followed his advice. And after calling the apostles in and abeating them, they commanded them not to 2speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

41 So they went on their way from the presence of the aSanhedrin, brejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame cfor the Name.

42 aAnd every day, in the temple and 1from house to house, they did not cease teaching and bproclaiming the good news that Jesus is the 2Christ.