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

33 When they heard this they were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gama′li-el, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you do with these men. 36 For before these days Theu′das arose, giving himself out to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was slain and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this undertaking is of men, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”

Read full chapter