Acts 5:33-42 - Gamaliel's Advice
33 The members of the Council became frantic with rage on hearing this, and were for putting the Apostles to death. 34 But Gamaliel, a Pharisee, who was a Doctor of the Law and who was held in universal respect, rose in the Council, and directed that the men should be taken out of court for a little while. 35 He then said: "Men of Israel, take care as to what you intend to do with these men. 36 For not long ago Theudas appeared, professing to be somebody, and was joined by a body of some four hundred men. But he was killed; and all his followers scattered and dwindled away. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared at the time of the census, and induced people to follow him; Yet he, too, perished and all his followers were dispersed. 38 And, in this present case, my advice to you is not to interfere with these men, but to let them alone, for, if their designs and their work are merely of human origin, they will come to an end; 39 But, if they are of divine origin, you will be powerless to put an end to them--or else you may find yourselves fighting against God!" 40 The Council followed his advice, and, calling the Apostles in, had them flogged, and then, after cautioning them not to speak in the Name of Jesus, set them free. 41 But the Apostles left the Council, rejoicing that they had been thought worthy to suffer disgrace for that Name; 42 And never for a single day, either in the Temple Courts or in private houses, did they cease to teach, or to tell the Good News of Jesus, the Christ.