The Acts of the Apostles (1911) — PDF Scan 88

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82 THE ACTS OF TEE APOSTLES should not teacli in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us," Peter answered, ^^We ought to obey God rather than men." It was an angel from heaven who delivered them from prison, and bade them teach in the temple. In following his directions they were obeying the divine command, and this they must continue to do, at whatever cost to themselves. Then the spirit of inspiration came upon the disciples; the accused became the accusers, charging the murder of Christ upon those who composed the council. ''The God of our fathers raised up Jesus," Peter declared, "whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are Plis witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him." So enraged were the Jews at these words that they decided to take the law into their own hands, and without further trial, or without authority from the Eoman officers, to put the prisoners to death. Already guilty of the blood of Christ, they were now eager to stain their hands with the blood of His disciples. But in the council there was one man who recognized the voice of God in the words spoken by the disciples. This was Gamaliel, a Pharisee of good reputation, and a man of learning and high position. His clear intellect saw that the violent step contemplated by the priests would lead to terrible