1But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property,2and with his wife’s knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet. (Ac 4:35; Ac 4:37; Ac 5:3)3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? (Lu 22:3; Joh 13:2; Joh 13:27; Ac 5:2; Ac 5:4; Ac 5:9)4While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Ac 5:3; Ac 5:9)5When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard of it. (Eze 11:13; Ac 5:11)6The young men rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. (Eze 29:5; Joh 19:40; Ac 8:2)7After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.8And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you[1] sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”9But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” (Ac 5:3; Ac 15:10; 1Co 10:9)10Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.11And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (Ac 5:5)
Many Signs and Wonders Done
12Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles. And they were all together in Solomon’s Portico. (Mr 16:20; Joh 10:23; Ac 1:14; Ac 2:43; Ac 3:11; Ac 4:30; Ac 14:3; Ac 19:11; Ro 15:19; 2Co 12:12; Heb 2:4)13None of the rest dared join them, but the people held them in high esteem. (Ac 2:47; Ac 4:21; Ac 5:26)14And more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, (Ac 6:1)15so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. (2Ki 4:29; Mt 14:36; Mr 6:55; Ac 19:12)16The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. (Mr 16:17)
The Apostles Arrested and Freed
17But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and filled with jealousy (Mt 22:23; Ac 7:9; Ac 13:45; Ac 17:5; Jas 3:14; Jas 3:16)18they arrested the apostles and put them in the public prison. (Lu 21:12)19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, (Ac 8:26; Ac 12:10; Ac 16:26)20“Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” (Joh 6:63; Joh 6:68; Ac 3:15; Ac 11:18; Ac 13:46; Ac 22:4; Ac 28:28; Php 2:16)21And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach. Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. (Joh 8:2; Ac 5:25; Ac 5:42)22But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported,23“We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.”24Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. (Ac 4:1; Ac 5:26)25And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” (Ac 5:21)26Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people. (Ac 4:21; Ac 5:13; Ac 5:24)27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,28saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” (Mt 27:25; Ac 2:23; Ac 2:36; Ac 3:15; Ac 4:10; Ac 4:18; Ac 7:52)29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. (Ac 4:19)30The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. (Lu 24:20; Ac 2:24; Ac 3:13; Ac 10:39; Ac 13:29; Ga 3:13; 1Pe 2:24)31God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (Lu 2:11; Lu 5:32; Lu 24:47; Ac 2:33; Ac 3:15; Ac 11:18; Ro 2:4; 2Ti 2:25)32And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Lu 24:48; Joh 15:26; Ac 2:4; Ac 15:28; Heb 2:4; 1Jo 5:7)33When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them. (Ac 2:37; Ac 7:54)34But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. (Lu 5:17; Ac 22:3)35And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men.36For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. (Ac 8:9; Ac 21:38; Ga 2:6; Ga 6:3)37After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. (Lu 2:2)38So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; (La 3:37)39but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, (2Ch 13:12; Pr 21:30; Isa 8:9; Na 1:9; Ac 11:17)40and when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. (Mr 13:9; Lu 23:16; Ac 4:18; Ac 22:19)41Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (Le 24:11; Le 24:16; Mt 5:12; Joh 15:21; Ac 9:16; Ac 21:13; Ro 1:5; Php 2:9; 1Pe 4:13; 1Pe 4:16; 3Jo 1:7)42And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. (Ac 2:46; Ac 8:35; Ac 11:20; Ac 17:18; Ac 18:5)
1Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.2With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.3Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?4Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened.6Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.7About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.8Peter asked her, ‘Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?’ ‘Yes,’ she said, ‘that is the price.’9Peter said to her, ‘How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.’10At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.11Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
The apostles heal many
12The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.13No-one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.14Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.15As a result, people brought those who were ill into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.16Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing those who were ill and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.
The apostles persecuted
17Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out.20‘Go, stand in the temple courts,’ he said, ‘and tell the people all about this new life.’21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people. When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin – the full assembly of the elders of Israel – and sent to the jail for the apostles.22But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,23‘We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no-one inside.’24On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.25Then someone came and said, ‘Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.’26At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.27The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest.28‘We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,’ he said. ‘Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.’29Peter and the other apostles replied: ‘We must obey God rather than human beings!30The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead – whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.31God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Saviour that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.32We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.’33When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death.34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while.35Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: ‘Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men.36Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.37After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.38Therefore, in the present case I advise you: leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.39But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.’40His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.42Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
1A man named Ananias and his wife, Sapphira, also sold some land.2He kept part of the money for himself. Sapphira knew he had kept it. He brought the rest of it and put it down at the apostles’ feet.3Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, why did you let Satan fill your heart? He made you lie to the Holy Spirit. You have kept some of the money you received for the land.4Didn’t the land belong to you before it was sold? After it was sold, you could have used the money as you wished. What made you think of doing such a thing? You haven’t lied just to people. You’ve also lied to God.’5When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. All who heard what had happened were filled with fear.6Some young men came and wrapped up his body. They carried him out and buried him.7About three hours later, the wife of Ananias came in. She didn’t know what had happened.8Peter asked her, ‘Tell me. Is this the price you and Ananias sold the land for?’ ‘Yes’, she said. ‘That’s the price.’9Peter asked her, ‘How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! You can hear the steps of the men who buried your husband. They are at the door. They will carry you out also.’10At that moment she fell down at Peter’s feet and died. Then the young men came in. They saw that Sapphira was dead. So they carried her out and buried her beside her husband.11The whole church and all who heard about these things were filled with fear.
The apostles heal many people
12The apostles did many signs and wonders among the people. All the believers used to meet together at Solomon’s Porch.13No outsider dared to join them. But the people thought highly of them.14More and more men and women believed in the Lord. They joined the other believers.15So people brought those who were ill into the streets. They placed them on beds and mats. They hoped that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he walked by.16Crowds even gathered from the towns around Jerusalem. They brought their ill people. They also brought those who were suffering because of evil spirits. All of them were healed.
The apostles are treated badly
17The high priest and all his companions were Sadducees. They were very jealous of the apostles.18So they arrested them and put them in the public jail.19But during the night an angel of the Lord came. He opened the doors of the jail and brought the apostles out.20‘Go! Stand in the temple courtyard,’ the angel said. ‘Tell the people all about this new life.’21Early the next day they did as they had been told. They entered the temple courtyard. There they began to teach the people. The high priest and his companions arrived. They called the Sanhedrin together. The Sanhedrin was a gathering of all the elders of Israel. They sent for the apostles who were in jail.22The officers arrived at the jail. But they didn’t find the apostles there. So they went back and reported it.23‘We found the jail locked up tight,’ they said. ‘The guards were standing at the doors. But when we opened the doors, we didn’t find anyone inside.’24When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this report, they were bewildered. They wondered what would happen next.25Then someone came and said, ‘Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courtyard. They are teaching the people.’26So the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles back. But they didn’t use force. They were afraid the people would kill them by throwing stones at them.27They brought the apostles to the Sanhedrin. The high priest questioned them.28‘We gave you clear orders not to teach in Jesus’ name,’ he said. ‘But you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching. You want to make us guilty of this man’s death.’29Peter and the other apostles replied, ‘We must obey God instead of people!30You had Jesus killed by nailing him to a cross. But the God of our people raised Jesus from the dead.31Now Jesus is Prince and Saviour. God has proved this by giving Jesus a place of honour with him. He did it to turn Israel away from their sins and forgive them.32We are telling people about these things. And so is the Holy Spirit. God has given the Spirit to those who obey him.’33When the leaders heard this, they became very angry. They wanted to put the apostles to death.34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the Sanhedrin. He was a teacher of the law. He was honoured by all the people. He ordered the apostles to be taken outside for a little while.35Then Gamaliel spoke to the Sanhedrin. ‘Men of Israel,’ he said, ‘think carefully about what you plan to do to these men.36Some 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.37After 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.38So let me give you some advice. Leave these men alone! Let them go! If their plans and actions only come from people, they will fail.39But if their plans come from God, you won’t be able to stop these men. You will only find yourselves fighting against God.’40His 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.41The apostles were full of joy as they left the Sanhedrin. They considered it an honour to suffer shame for the name of Jesus.42Every day they taught in the temple courtyards and from house to house. They never stopped telling people the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.
Acts 5
King James Version
1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,2And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.3But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?4Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.6And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.7And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.8And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.9Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.10Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.11And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.13And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)15Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.16There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.17Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,18And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.19But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,20Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.21And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.22But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.24Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.25Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.26Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.27And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.29Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.31Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.32And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.33When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.34Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;35And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.36For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.37After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:39But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.41And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
1Ein Mann namens Hananias aber und seine Frau Saphira verkauften zusammen ein Grundstück2und mit Einverständnis seiner Frau behielt er etwas von dem Erlös für sich. Er brachte nur einen Teil und legte ihn den Aposteln zu Füßen.3Da sagte Petrus: Hananias, warum hat der Satan dein Herz erfüllt, dass du den Heiligen Geist belügst und von dem Erlös des Grundstücks etwas für dich behältst? (Lu 22:3; Joh 13:2)4Hätte es nicht dein Eigentum bleiben können und konntest du nicht auch nach dem Verkauf frei über den Erlös verfügen? Warum hast du in deinem Herzen beschlossen, so etwas zu tun? Du hast nicht Menschen belogen, sondern Gott.5Als Hananias diese Worte hörte, stürzte er zu Boden und starb. Und über alle, die es hörten, kam große Furcht.6Die jungen Männer standen auf, hüllten ihn ein, trugen ihn hinaus und begruben ihn.7Nach etwa drei Stunden kam seine Frau herein, ohne zu wissen, was geschehen war.8Petrus fragte sie: Sag mir, habt ihr das Grundstück für so viel verkauft? Sie antwortete: Ja, für so viel.9Da sagte Petrus zu ihr: Warum seid ihr übereingekommen, den Geist des Herrn auf die Probe zu stellen? Siehe, die Füße derer, die deinen Mann begraben haben, stehen vor der Tür; auch dich wird man hinaustragen.10Im selben Augenblick brach sie vor seinen Füßen zusammen und starb. Die jungen Männer kamen herein, fanden sie tot, trugen sie hinaus und begruben sie neben ihrem Mann.11Da kam große Furcht über die ganze Gemeinde und über alle, die davon hörten.
Zeichen und Wunder der Apostel
12Durch die Hände der Apostel geschahen viele Zeichen und Wunder im Volk. Alle kamen einmütig in der Halle Salomos zusammen.[1] (Ac 2:43; Ac 3:11; Ro 15:19; 2Co 12:12)13Von den Übrigen wagte niemand, sich ihnen anzuschließen; aber das Volk schätzte sie hoch.14Immer mehr wurden im Glauben zum Herrn geführt, Scharen von Männern und Frauen.15Selbst die Kranken trug man auf die Straßen hinaus und legte sie auf Betten und Liegen, damit, wenn Petrus vorüberkam, wenigstens sein Schatten auf einen von ihnen fiel. (Mr 6:56; Ac 19:12)16Auch aus den Städten rings um Jerusalem strömten die Leute zusammen und brachten Kranke und von unreinen Geistern Geplagte mit. Und alle wurden geheilt. (Lu 4:40)
Verhaftung und Befreiung der Apostel
17Da erhoben sich voll Eifersucht der Hohepriester und alle, die auf seiner Seite standen, nämlich die Partei der Sadduzäer. (Ac 4:1)18Und sie legten Hand an die Apostel und nahmen sie in öffentlichen Gewahrsam.19Ein Engel des Herrn aber öffnete nachts die Gefängnistore, führte sie hinaus und sagte: (Ac 12:7)20Geht, tretet im Tempel auf und verkündet dem Volk alle Worte dieses Lebens! (Ac 13:26)
Die Apostel vor dem Hohen Rat
21Sie gehorchten und gingen bei Tagesanbruch in den Tempel und lehrten. Währenddessen kam der Hohepriester mit seinen Begleitern. Sie riefen den Hohen Rat und alle Ältesten der Söhne Israels zusammen; man schickte Boten zum Gefängnis, um die Apostel vorführen zu lassen.22Die Diener gingen, fanden sie aber nicht im Gefängnis. Sie kehrten zurück und meldeten:23Wir fanden das Gefängnis sorgfältig verschlossen und die Wachen vor den Toren stehen; als wir aber öffneten, fanden wir niemanden darin.24Der Tempelhauptmann und die Hohepriester waren ratlos, als sie das hörten, und wussten nicht, was nun werden sollte.25Da kam jemand und meldete ihnen: Siehe, die Männer, die ihr ins Gefängnis geworfen habt, stehen im Tempel und lehren das Volk.26Da ging der Tempelhauptmann mit seinen Leuten hin und holte sie, allerdings nicht mit Gewalt; denn sie fürchteten, vom Volk gesteinigt zu werden. (Lu 20:19)27Man führte sie herbei und stellte sie vor den Hohen Rat. Der Hohepriester verhörte sie28und sagte: Wir haben euch streng verboten, in diesem Namen zu lehren; und siehe, ihr habt Jerusalem mit eurer Lehre erfüllt; ihr wollt das Blut dieses Menschen über uns bringen. (Mt 27:25; Ac 4:18)29Petrus und die Apostel antworteten: Man muss Gott mehr gehorchen als den Menschen. (Ac 4:19)30Der Gott unserer Väter hat Jesus auferweckt, den ihr ans Holz gehängt und ermordet habt. (De 21:22; Ac 2:23)31Ihn hat Gott als Anführer und Retter an seine rechte Seite erhoben, um Israel die Umkehr und Vergebung der Sünden zu schenken. (Ac 2:38)32Zeugen dieser Ereignisse sind wir und der Heilige Geist, den Gott allen verliehen hat, die ihm gehorchen. (Lu 24:48; Joh 15:26)33Als sie das hörten, gerieten sie in Zorn und beschlossen, sie zu töten.34Da erhob sich im Hohen Rat ein Pharisäer namens Gamaliël, ein beim ganzen Volk angesehener Gesetzeslehrer; er befahl, die Apostel für kurze Zeit hinauszuführen.[2] (Ac 22:3)35Dann sagte er: Israeliten, überlegt euch gut, was ihr mit diesen Leuten tun wollt!36Vor einiger Zeit nämlich trat Theudas auf und behauptete, er sei etwas Besonderes. Ihm schlossen sich etwa vierhundert Männer an. Aber er wurde getötet und sein ganzer Anhang wurde zerstreut und aufgerieben.37Nach ihm trat in den Tagen der Volkszählung Judas, der Galiläer, auf; er brachte viel Volk hinter sich und verleitete es zum Aufruhr. Auch er kam um und alle seine Anhänger wurden zerstreut. (Lu 2:2)38Darum rate ich euch jetzt: Lasst von diesen Männern ab und gebt sie frei; denn wenn dieses Vorhaben oder dieses Werk von Menschen stammt, wird es zerstört werden;39stammt es aber von Gott, so könnt ihr sie nicht vernichten; sonst werdet ihr noch als Kämpfer gegen Gott dastehen. Sie stimmten ihm zu,40riefen die Apostel herein und ließen sie auspeitschen; dann verboten sie ihnen, im Namen Jesu zu predigen, und ließen sie frei. (Ac 4:17; Ac 22:19)41Sie aber gingen weg vom Hohen Rat und freuten sich, dass sie gewürdigt worden waren, für seinen Namen Schmach zu erleiden. (Lu 6:22; 1Pe 4:13)42Und sie ließen nicht ab, Tag für Tag im Tempel und in den Häusern zu lehren, und verkündeten das Evangelium von Jesus, dem Christus. (Ac 2:46; Ac 5:20; Ac 8:35)