Gamaliel’s Advice

33 When [the Council members] heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved[fn] to put [the apostles] to death 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin [and] ordered that the men be put outside for a short time.

35 “Men of Israel,” he said “consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, [and] about four hundred men joined [him]. [He] was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After [him], Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

38 So in the present [case] I advise you: Leave these men {alone}. Let them go For if [their] purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

40 At this, they yielded to [Gamaliel]. They called the apostles [in] and had them flogged. Then they ordered [them] not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released [them].

41 [The apostles] left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. 42 Every day, in the temple [courts] and from house [to house], they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus [is] the Christ.