34. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the Sanhedrin. He was a teacher of the law. He was honored by all the people. He ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while.
35. Then he spoke to the Sanhedrin. "Men of Israel," he said, "think carefully about what you plan to do to these men.
36. Some time ago Theudas appeared. He claimed he was really somebody. About 400 people followed him. But he was killed. All his followers were scattered. So they accomplished nothing.
37. After this, Judas from Galilee came along. This was in the days when the Romans made a list of all the people. Judas led a gang of men against the Romans. He too was killed. All his followers were scattered.
38. So let me give you some advice. Leave these men alone! Let them go! If their plans and actions are only human, they will fail.
39. But if their plans come from God, you won't be able to stop these men. You will only find yourselves fighting against God."
40. His speech won the leaders over. They called the apostles in and had them whipped. The leaders ordered them not to speak in Jesus' name. Then they let the apostles go.
41. The apostles were full of joy as they left the Sanhedrin. They considered it an honor to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.