Acts 5:22-42 ▼

22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison. They returned and reported,

23 |We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.|

24 Now when the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.

25 One came and told them, |Look, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.|

26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them,

28 saying, |Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood on us.|

29 But Peter and the apostles answered, |We must obey God rather than people.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.

31 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Leader and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 We are witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.|

33 But they, when they heard this, were furious, and wanted to kill them.

34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the men out for a little while.

35 He said to them, |You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do.

36 For before these days Todah rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of human origin, it will be overthrown.

39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, and you would be found even to be fighting against God.|

40 They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ.