Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this, they were acut 1to the quick 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 Council 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 2followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

37 “After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of athe census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who 1followed him were scattered.

38 “So in the present case, I 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 else you may even be found afighting against God.”

40 They 1took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they aflogged them and ordered 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 1aCouncil, brejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame cfor His name.

42 aAnd every day, in the temple and 1from house to house, they 2kept right on teaching and 3bpreaching Jesus as the 4Christ.