Old/New Testament

²² When the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, saying, ²³ We found the prison shut as securely as was possible, and the guards standing outside before the doors. But when we opened up, we found no one within.

  ²⁴ When the most chief priest and the chief warden of the temple and the high priests heard these things, they were fearful about them, what this might grow into. ²⁵ Then someone came and told them, Behold, the men that you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.

²⁶ Then the chief warden of the temple went with officers, and brought them without violence because they feared to be stoned by the people.

²⁷ And when they had brought the apostles, they set them before the council. And the chief priest asked them, ²⁸ saying, Did we not strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.

²⁹ Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought more to obey God than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you slew, hanging him on a tree. ³¹ Him God has lifted up with his right hand, to be a ruler and a saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are his witnesses concerning these things, and so also 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 thought to kill them. ³⁴ Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of law greatly respected among all the people, and directed that the apostles be put apart for a little while, ³⁵ and said to them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what you intend to do regarding these men. ³⁶ Before these days, one Theudas rose up, claiming himself to be somebody, and a number of men joined him – about four hundred. But he was slain, and all the people who believed him were scattered abroad and brought to nothing. ³⁷ After this man, Judas of Galilee arose, in the time when tribute began, and he drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all, even as many as followed him, are scattered abroad. ³⁸ And now I say to you, restrain yourselves concerning these men. Let them alone. For if the counsel of this work is of men, it will come to nothing. ³⁹ But if it is of God, you cannot destroy it, and you might even be found to be striving against God.

⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and called the apostles, and beat them, and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ And they departed from the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. ⁴² And daily in the temple and in every house they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.