5:33

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

5:34

But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time.

5:35

Then he said to them, "Fellow Israelites, ^F45 consider carefully what you propose to do to these men.

5:36

For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him; but he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and disappeared.

5:37

After him Judas the Galilean rose up at the time of the census and got people to follow him; he also perished, and all who followed him were scattered.

5:38

So in the present case, I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone; because if this plan or this undertaking is of human origin, it will fail;

5:39

but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them—in that case you may even be found fighting against God!" They were convinced by him,

5:40

and when they had called in the apostles, they had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

5:41

As they left the council, they rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.

5:42

And every day in the temple and at home ^F46 they did not cease to teach and proclaim Jesus as the Messiah. ^F47

FOOTNOTES:
F45: Gk [Men, Israelites]
F46: Or [from house to house]
F47: Or [the Christ]

5:33

When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot.

5:34

But one of the council members stood up, a Pharisee by the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of God's Law who was honored by everyone. He ordered the men taken out of the room for a short time,

5:35

then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men.

5:36

Not long ago Theudas made something of a splash, claiming to be somebody, and got about four hundred men to join him. He was killed, his followers dispersed, and nothing came of it.

5:37

A little later, at the time of the census, Judas the Galilean appeared and acquired a following. He also fizzled out and the people following him were scattered to the four winds.

5:38

"So I am telling you: Hands off these men! Let them alone. If this program or this work is merely human, it will fall apart,

5:39

but if it is of God, there is nothing you can do about it - and you better not be found fighting against God!"

5:40

That convinced them. They called the apostles back in. After giving them a thorough whipping, they warned them not to speak in Jesus' name and sent them off.

5:41

The apostles went out of the High Council overjoyed because they had been given the honor of being dishonored on account of the Name.

5:42

Every day they were in the Temple and homes, teaching and preaching Christ Jesus, not letting up for a minute.