Thematic Bible: Imprisoned and scourged; his defense before the council


Thematic Bible



Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.