31
"1He is the one whom Godexalted to His righthand as a 2Prince and a 3Savior, to grant4repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32
"And we are 5witnesses of thesethings; and 6so is the HolySpirit, whomGod has given to those who obey Him."
Gamaliel's Counsel
33 But when they heard this, they were 7cut to the quick and intended to kill them.
34
But a Phariseenamed8Gamaliel, a 9teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in 10the 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, 11claiming 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 12the 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 ifthisplanoraction13is 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 found14fightingagainstGod."
40
They took his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they 15flogged 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 16Council, 17rejoicing that they had been consideredworthy to suffershame18for His name.