34. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the meeting. He was a teacher of the law, and all the people respected him. He ordered the apostles to leave the meeting for a little while.
35. Then he said, “People of Israel, be careful what you are planning to do to these men.
36. Remember when Theudas appeared? He said he was a great man, and about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all his followers were scattered; they were able to do nothing.
37. Later, a man named Judas came from Galilee at the time of the registration. He also led a group of followers and was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38. And so now I tell you: Stay away from these men, and leave them alone. If their plan comes from human authority, it will fail.
39. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You might even be fighting against God himself!”The leaders agreed with what Gamaliel said.
40. They called the apostles in, beat them, and told them not to speak in the name of Jesus again. Then they let them go free.
41. The apostles left the meeting full of joy because they were given the honor of suffering disgrace for Jesus.
42. Every day in the Temple and in people’s homes they continued teaching the people and telling the Good News—that Jesus is the Christ.