Acts 5:29-40

New King James Version

²⁹ But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: ^(A)“We ought to obey God rather than men. ^30 (B)The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by ^(C)hanging on a tree. ^31 (D)Him God has exalted to His right hand to be ^(E)Prince and ^(F)Savior, ^(G)to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And ^(H)we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit ^(I)whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³ When they heard this, they were ^(J)furious^[a] and plotted to kill them. ³⁴ Then one in the council stood up, a Pharisee named ^(K)Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in respect by all the people, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while. ³⁵ And he said to them: “Men of Israel, ^[b]take heed to yourselves what you intend to do regarding these men. ³⁶ For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, ^[c]joined him. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and came to nothing. ³⁷ After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. ³⁸ And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; ^39 (L)but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found ^(M)to fight against God.”

⁴⁰ And they agreed with him, and when they had ^(N)called for the apostles ^(O)and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.