Acts 4:13-32

New International Version

¹³ When they saw the courage of Peter and John^(A) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,^(B) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.^{(C) 14} But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. ¹⁵ So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin^(D) and then conferred together. ¹⁶ “What are we going to do with these men?”^(E) they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign,^(F) and we cannot deny it. ¹⁷ But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

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

²¹ After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people^(K) were praising God^(L) 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.^(M) “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.^{(N) 25} You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:^(O)

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

³¹ After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.^(X) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit^(Y) and spoke the word of God^(Z) boldly.^(AA)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.^(AB)