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But 1the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported back,
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saying, "We found the prisonhouselockedquitesecurely and the guardsstanding at the doors; but when we had opened up, we foundnooneinside."
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Nowwhen2the captain of the temple guard and the chiefpriestsheardthesewords, they were greatlyperplexedabout them as to what would come of this.
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But someonecame and reported to them, "The menwhom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!"
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Then3the captainwentalong with 4the officers and proceeded to bring them back without*violence (for 5they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned ).
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When they had brought them, they stood them before6the Council. The highpriestquestioned them,
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saying, "We gave you 7strictorders not to continue teaching in thisname, and yet, you have filledJerusalem with your teaching and 8intend to bringthisman'sblood upon us."
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But Peter and the apostlesanswered, "9We mustobeyGodratherthanmen.
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"10The God of our fathers11raised up Jesus, whom you had 12put to death by hanging Him on a cross.
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"13He is the one whom Godexalted to His righthand as a 14Prince and a 15Savior, to grant16repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
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"And we are 17witnesses of thesethings; and 18so is the HolySpirit, whomGod has given to those who obey Him."