32
"And we are 1witnesses of thesethings; and 2so is the HolySpirit, whomGod has given to those who obey Him."
Gamaliel's Counsel
33 But when they heard this, they were 3cut to the quick and intended to kill them.
34
But a Phariseenamed4Gamaliel, a 5teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 6the Council and gaveorders to put the menoutside for a shorttime.
35
And he said to them, "Men of Israel, takecarewhat you propose to do with thesemen.
36
"For sometimeagoTheudasrose up, 7claiming to be somebody, and a group of aboutfourhundredmenjoined up with him. But he was killed, and allwhofollowed him were dispersed and came to nothing.
37
"Afterthisman, Judas of Galileerose up in the days of 8the census and drewaway some peopleafter him; he tooperished, and all those whofollowed him were scattered.
38
"So in the presentcase, I say to you, stayaway from thesemen and let them alone, for ifthisplanoraction9is of men, it will be overthrown;
39
but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; orelse you may even be found10fightingagainstGod."
40
They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 11flogged them and ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.
41
So they went on their way from the presence of the 12Council, 13rejoicing that they had been consideredworthy to suffershame14for His name.
42
15And everyday, in the temple and from house to house, they kept*right* on teaching and 16preachingJesus as the Christ.