¹⁸ Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.^{(A) 19} But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?^(B) You be the judges! ²⁰ As for us, we cannot help speaking^(C) about what we have seen and heard.”^(D)

²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people^(E) were praising God^(F) for what had happened. ²² For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray

²³ On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.^(G) “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.^{(H) 25} You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:^(I)

²⁷ Indeed Herod^(K) and Pontius Pilate^(L) met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,^(M) whom you anointed. ²⁸ They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.^{(N) 29} Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.^{(O) 30} Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders^(P) through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”^(Q)

³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.^(R) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit^(S) and spoke the word of God^(T) boldly.^(U)

⁴⁰ His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.^(A) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

⁴¹ The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing^(B) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.^{(C) 42} Day after day, in the temple courts^(D) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news^(E) that Jesus is the Messiah.^(F)