Gamaliel’s Advice

33 When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.(A) 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men[a] to be taken outside for a little while.(B) 35 He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and came to nothing.(C) 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. He also perished, and all his followers were scattered. 38 So in the present case, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of human origin, it will fail;(D) 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” They were persuaded by him.(E)

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Footnotes

  1. 5:34 Other mss read apostles

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