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.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

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

Gamaliel’s Advice

33 When they heard this, they were (A)furious[a] and plotted to kill them. 34 Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named (B)Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, [b]take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, [c]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 (C)but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found (D)to fight against God.”

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Acts 5:33 cut to the quick
  2. Acts 5:35 be careful
  3. Acts 5:36 followed