17 Then the prince of the priests rose up, and all those that were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy 18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors and brought them forth and said, 20 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. In the meantime, the prince of the priests came, and those that were with him, and called the council together and all the elders of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, 23 saying, We certainly found the prison shut with all security and the keepers standing outside before the doors, but when we had opened, we found no one within. 24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the princes of the priests heard these things, they were perplexed regarding what this would come to. 25 Then someone came and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people. 26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them without violence, for they feared being stoned by the people.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council, and the prince of the priests asked them, 28 saying, Did we not strictly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us. 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We must persuade God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. 31 God has exalted him with his right hand as Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those that persuade him.
33 When they heard that, they were divided and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, who had a reputation among all the people, stood up in the council and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space 35 and said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as concerning these men. 36 For before these days, rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered and brought to nought. 37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing and drew away many people after him; he also perished, and all those that consented with him were dispersed. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men and let them alone; for if this counsellor or this work is of men, it will come to nought, 39 but if it is of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest ye be found fighting against God. 40 And they agreed with him; and when they had called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And daily in the temple and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach the gospel of Jesus the Christ.