¹² When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, ¹³ telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away^(A) while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴ If this report gets to the governor,^(B) we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

² They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.^(A)

³² When they heard about the resurrection of the dead,^(A) some of them sneered, but others said, “We want to hear you again on this subject.”

²² But we want to hear what your views are, for we know that people everywhere are talking against this sect.”^(A)

¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds^(A) and glorify God^(B) on the day he visits us.