Study Desk

But when they heard this, they became ^(C1)infuriated and nearly decided to execute them.

But a Pharisee named ^(C1)Gamaliel, a ^(C2)teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in ^(C3)the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time.

And he said to them, "Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men.

"For, some time ago Theudas appeared, ^(C1)claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. ^(F1)But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing.

"After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of ^(C1)the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered.

"And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or ^(F1)movement ^(C1)is men, it will be overthrown;

but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found ^(C1)fighting against God."

They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they ^(C1)flogged them and ordered them not to ^(F1)speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them.

So they went on their way from the presence of the ^(F1)(C1)Council, ^(C2)rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame ^(C3)for His name.

^(C1)And every day, in the temple and ^(F1)from house to house, they did not stop teaching and ^(C2)preaching the good news of Jesus as the ^(F2)Christ.