21
Early in the morning, after they had listened to the angel, the apostles went into the temple courtyard and began to teach. The chief priest and those who were with him called together the Jewish council, that is, all the leaders of Israel. They also sent men to the prison to get the apostles.
22
When the temple guards arrived at the prison, they didn't find the apostles. The guards came back and reported,
23
"We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors. However, when we opened the doors, we found no one inside."
24
When the officer of the temple guards and the chief priests heard this, they were puzzled about what could have happened.
25
Then someone told them, "The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courtyard. They're teaching the people."
26
Then the officer of the temple guards went with some of his men to bring back the apostles without using force. After all, the officer and his guards were afraid that the people would stone them to death for using force.
27
When they brought back the apostles, they made them stand in front of the council. The chief priest questioned them.
28
He said, "We gave you strict orders not to mention Jesus' name when you teach. Yet, you've filled Jerusalem with your teachings. You want to take revenge on us for putting that man to death."
29
Peter and the other apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than people.
30
You murdered Jesus by hanging him on a cross. But the God of our ancestors brought him back to life.
31
God used his power to give Jesus the highest position as leader and savior. He did this to lead the people of Israel to him, to change the way they think and act, and to forgive their sins.