The priests saw the reasonableness of these views, and were obliged to agree with Gamaliel. Yet their prejudice and hatred could hardly be restrained. Very reluctantly, after beating the disciples and charging them again at the peril of their lives to preach no more in the name of Jesus, they released them. "And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ." 84

Præsterne indså det fornuftige i disse synspunkter og var nødt til at give Gamaliel ret. Alligevel lod deres fordom og had sig næppe styre. Kun meget modstræbende slap de disciplene fri efter at have ladet dem piske, og pålagde dem atter, under trussel om dødsstraf, ikke mere at prædike i Jesu navn.