Acts 5:33-42 - Gamaliel's Advice

33 And when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to put them to death. 34 But a certain pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in much esteem by all the people, stood up in the council, and ordered the apostles to be taken out a little while; and then he said unto them, 35 Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye are about to do, as to these men. 36 For some time ago one Theudas arose, pretending to be some extraordinary person, to whom was joined a number of men, about four hundred: who was slain, and all that followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him arose Judas the Galilean, at the time of the registring, and drew much people after him: but he also perished, and all that followed him were dispersed. 38 And therefore as to the present affair I advise you to refrain from these men and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it be of God, ye cannot defeat it, least ye be found fighting even against God. 40 So they took his advice, and having called for the apostles and scourged them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name. 42 And every day in the temple and from house to house they ceased not from teaching and preaching that Jesus was the Christ.