His prejudiced heart prompts him to speak of Jesus without mentioning His name. But even in his bitterness, he bears a noted testimony of the success of the Apostles' preaching. "Ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine," said he, "and now intend to bring this man's blood upon us." Did the high priest remember, just then, that the Jews cried at the trial of Jesus, "His blood be upon us, and upon our children?" If so, he must have felt fearful that the imprecation might be realized. Then said Peter and the other Apostles: "We ought to obey God rather than men." Manifesting as much eagerness as the high priest had shown reluctance to name Jesus, Peter added: [Sidenote: A Bold Speech.] "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. "Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. We testify to these things and the Holy Ghost also says they are true." This bold speech cut the wicked judges to the heart. It made them so angry that they talked of slaying the Twelve, just as they had killed the Savior. [Sidenote: Gamaliel's Defense.] But there was one able lawyer among them who had justice in his heart. His name was Gamaliel. He stood up among them and said: "Put these men out of the hall for a little space." When this was done, he continued, in effect: "Ye men of Israel, be careful what you do to these men. If what they are preaching is of man it will soon pass away, just as Theudas and about four hundred who joined him were scattered and brought to naught; and just as Judas of Galilee and those who believed in him were dispersed. "But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God." [1] [Sidenote: Beaten and Released.] Gamaliel's influence prevailed; and the Apostles' lives were spared; but they were not released until they had been beaten and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus. If the beating they received was a scourging, each man was stripped to the waist, his arms tied to a low pillar, that he might lean forward, so the whipping could more easily strike him, and he was given thirty-nine lashes. As the Twelve, bleeding from the wounds of the lash, left the council chamber, their hearts were filled, not with sorrow and regret, but with rejoicing "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name." Footnotes: [1] Read the text: Acts 5:33-39. LESSON 14 A SPECIAL VISIT TO SAMARIA [Sidenote: Deacons.]