and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesusówhom you had killed by hanging him on a tree. 31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him." 33 When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, held in honor by all the people, stood up and ordered the men to be put outside for a while. 35 And he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action is of men, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God." 40 So they took his advice, and 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. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. 6 1 Now in those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the native Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." 5 And the statement pleased the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 The word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and