New Testament in a Year

²² But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, ²³ “We found the prison securely shut and the guards standing outside before the doors. But when we opened it, we found no one inside.” ²⁴ Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these things, they were in doubt of what might become of this.

²⁵ Then one came and told them, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the captain with his escorts went and brought them, without force lest they should be stoned, for they feared the people.

²⁷ When they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them, ²⁸ saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? Yet now you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring on us this Man’s blood.”

²⁹ Peter and the other apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging on a tree. ³¹ God exalted this Man to His right hand to be a Ruler and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² We are His witnesses to these words, as is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

³³ When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to kill them. ³⁴ But a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, stood and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a little while. ³⁵ Then he said to them, “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do concerning these men. ³⁶ For in previous days Theudas rose up, boasting to be somebody, to whom a number of about four hundred men joined themselves. He was killed, and all who obeyed him were dispersed and came to nothing. ³⁷ After Theudas, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away many people after him. This man also perished, and all who obeyed him were scattered. ³⁸ Now I tell you, keep away from these men and leave them alone, because if this intention or this activity is of men, it will come to nothing. ³⁹ But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest perhaps you be found even fighting against God.”

⁴⁰ They agreed with him. When they had called in the apostles, they beat them, and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

⁴¹ Then they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. ⁴² Daily, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.