Acts 5:22-32 - The Apostles On Trial Again

²² But when the officers arrived, they did not find them in the prison; and they came back and reported, ²³ “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened [the doors], we found no one inside.” ²⁴ Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these things, they were greatly perplexed, wondering what would come of this.

²⁵ But someone came and told them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing [right here] in the temple [area], teaching the people!” ²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and brought them back, without hurting them (because they were afraid of the people, worried that they might be stoned). ²⁷ So they brought them and presented them before the Council (Sanhedrin, Jewish High Court). The high priest questioned them, ²⁸ saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to bring this Man’s blood on us [by accusing us as His murderers].”

²⁹ Then Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men [we have no other choice]. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross [and you are responsible]. ³¹ God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior and Deliverer, in order to grant repentance to Israel, and [to grant] forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has bestowed on those who obey Him.”