Gamaliel’s Advice

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 apostles[fn] 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 rallied to him.[fn] [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 many[fn] 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, vvv you cannot stop[fn] them. vvv vvv 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 of Jesus.[fn] 42 Every day, in the temple [courts] and from house [to house], vvv they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus [is] the Christ. 6