13 The council was caught by surprise by the confidence with which Peter and John spoke. After all, they understood that these apostles were uneducated and inexperienced. They also recognized that they had been followers of Jesus.
14 However, since the healed man was standing with Peter and John before their own eyes, they had no rebuttal.
15 After ordering them to wait outside, the council members began to confer with each other.
16 "What should we do with these men? Everyone living in Jerusalem is aware of the sign performed through them. It’s obvious to everyone and we can’t deny it.
17 To keep it from spreading further among the people, we need to warn them not to speak to anyone in this name."
18 When they called Peter and John back, they demanded that they stop all speaking and teaching in the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John responded, "It’s up to you to determine whether it’s right before God to obey you rather than God.