New Testament in a Year

²² But when the servants^[a] got there, they did not find them in the jail; so they returned and reported, ²³ “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” ²⁴ As^[b] the captain of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, wondering what would come of this.

²⁵ Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the commander went with the servants and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.^{(A) 27} After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, ²⁸ “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?^(B) Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”^(C)

²⁹ Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than people. ³⁰ The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus,^(D) whom you had murdered by hanging him on a tree.^{(E) 31} God exalted this man to his right hand as ruler and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.^{(F) 32} We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit^(G) whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.^{(H) 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^[c] to be taken outside for a little while.^{(I) 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.^{(J) 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;^{(K) 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.^{(L) 40} After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.^{(M) 41} Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be treated shamefully on behalf of the Name.^{[d](N) 42} Every day in the temple, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.