Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this, they became (A)infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named (B)Gamaliel, a (C)teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in (D)the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, (E)claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. [a]But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of (F)the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or [b]movement (G)is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found (H)fighting against God.”

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:36 Lit Who was killed
  2. Acts 5:38 Lit work

33 When the Council[a] heard this, they became furious and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Council[b] and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while. 35 Then he told them, “Fellow Israelis, consider carefully what you propose to do to these men. 36 For in the recent past Theudas appeared, claiming that he was important, and about 400 men joined him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and disappeared. 37 After that man, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and got people to follow him. He, too, died, and all his followers were scattered.

38 “I’m telling you to keep away from these men for now. Leave them alone, because if this plan or movement is of human origin, it will fail. 39 However, if it’s from God, you won’t be able to stop them, and you may even discover that you are fighting against God!”

So they were convinced by him.

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Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:33 Lit. When they
  2. Acts 5:34 Or Sanhedrin

33 When they heard this, they were furious(A) and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel,(B) a teacher of the law,(C) who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census(D) and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.(E) 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”(F)

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