After the deaths of Ananias and Saphira, the apostles continued to do many signs and wonders. They were meeting at a gathering place beside the Temple, and many believers were added to their number, both men and women. Many people were coming from surrounding towns bringing the sick and demon possessed, even laying them in mats in the street so that the shadow of Peter could pass over them as he walked past. And they were all healed.
At that time the high priest rose up along with the Sadducees, and filled with jealosy they arrested the apostles and put them in the prison. But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, saying, “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this Life.” And when they heard this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.
When the high priest and the Jewish council gathered the next day they called for the apostles to be brought to them.They could not find them at the prison, although the guards were there and the doors locked. They were greatly confused when a report came to them saying that the apostles were at the temple teaching others. The soldiers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.
At this time the high priest questioned them, saying, “We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you are making us guilty for this man's blood.”
Peter answered him, “We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”
When they heard this they were enraged and wanted to kill them. At that time a Pharisee and teacher named Gamaliel stood and spoke to the Jewish council after having the apostles placed outside. He reminded them about other people who rose up claiming to be the Messiah and how each of their movements had failed. He then warned the other leaders, saying, “Keep away from these men, for if this plan is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”
The council took the advice of Gamaliel, called the apostles back inside and beat them, and commanded them to not speak in the name of Jesus.
The apostles left the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name of Jesus. They then continued teaching and preaching in his name in the temple and also house to house.