26
The chief and his police went and got them, but they handled them gently, fearful that the people would riot and turn on them.
27
Bringing them back, they stood them before the High Council. The Chief Priest said,
28
"Didn't we give you strict orders not to teach in Jesus' name? And here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are trying your best to blame us for the death of this man."
29
Peter and the apostles answered, "It's necessary to obey God rather than men.
30
The God of our ancestors raised up Jesus, the One you killed by hanging him on a cross.
31
God set him on high at his side, Prince and Savior, to give Israel the gift of a changed life and sins forgiven.
32
And we are witnesses to these things. The Holy Spirit, whom God gives to those who obey him, corroborates every detail."
33
When they heard that, they were furious and wanted to kill them on the spot.
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,
35
then said, "Fellow Israelites, be careful what you do to these men.
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.