唯一的救主

彼得和约翰向百姓讲道的时候,祭司、圣殿护卫长和撒都该人赶来了。 因为彼得和约翰宣讲借着耶稣死人可以复活,他们非常恼怒, 下令拘捕二人,因天色已晚,就把他们扣押了一夜。 但有许多听道的人信了,男人的数目约有五千人。

第二天,官长、长老和律法教师都聚集在耶路撒冷, 大祭司亚那,以及该亚法、约翰、亚历山大和大祭司的许多亲族都在场。 他们令使徒站在当中,质问道:“你们凭什么权柄、以谁的名义这样做?”

那时彼得被圣灵充满,对他们说:“各位百姓的官长和长老啊, 如果因为那残疾的乞丐得到医治这件善事,你们今天来查问我们他是如何痊愈的, 10 那么,你们和所有以色列人都应当知道,他能健康地站在你们面前,全是靠拿撒勒人耶稣基督的名!你们把祂钉在十字架上,但上帝使祂从死里复活了。

11 “‘祂是你们工匠丢弃的石头,
已成了房角石。’

12 除祂以外,别无救主,因为普天之下没有赐下别的名我们可以靠着得救!”

13 在场的人看到彼得和约翰的胆量,又知道他们原是没有学问的平民百姓,都很惊奇。他们认出这些人跟随过耶稣, 14 又见那被医好的瘸子站在他们旁边,便无话可说, 15 只好暂时把他们押下去,然后彼此商量说: 16 “我们该怎样处置这两个人呢?整个耶路撒冷的居民都知道他们行了一个神迹,我们无法否认。 17 为了避免这件事传得更广,我们必须警告他们以后不许再对任何人传讲耶稣的事。”

18 于是,他们又把使徒传来,严令他们不许再奉耶稣的名讲论或传道。 19 但彼得和约翰答道:“要我们听从你们而不听从上帝,这在上帝看来合理吗?你们自己想想吧。 20 我们耳闻目睹的,不能不说!” 21 官长实在不知道如何惩治使徒,只好再三恐吓之后把他们放了,因为百姓都为这个神迹赞美上帝。 22 在这次神迹中蒙上帝医治的那个人已经四十多岁了。

同心祷告

23 彼得和约翰被释放之后,就去找其他信徒,把祭司长和长老的话都告诉大家。 24 大家听后,一同高声向上帝祷告说:“主啊,你创造了天地、海洋和其中的万物。 25 你借着圣灵感动你的仆人——我们的祖先大卫说,

“‘列国为何咆哮?
万民为何枉费心机?
26 世上的君王一同行动,官长聚集起来,
要抵挡主和祂所膏立的王。’

27 “果然如此,希律和本丢·彼拉多、外族人和以色列人都聚集在这城里,要对抗你膏立的圣子[a]耶稣, 28 然而他们所做的只不过是你凭自己的能力和旨意所预定的。 29 主啊,你看他们这样恐吓我们,求你帮助你的奴仆们坦然无惧地传你的道。 30 求你伸出手医治疾病,借着你圣子耶稣的名行神迹奇事。”

31 祷告完后,聚会的地方震动起来,他们都被圣灵充满,放胆传扬上帝的道。

共用一切

32 当时所有信徒都同心合意,共用所有的东西,没有人说他的财物只属于自己。 33 使徒充满能力,继续为主耶稣复活的事做见证,上帝也赐下极大的恩典给众人。 34 信徒都一无所缺,因为大家卖掉房屋田产,把所得的钱交给使徒, 35 照各人的需要分配给各人。

36 有个生在塞浦路斯的利未人名叫约瑟,使徒叫他巴拿巴,意思是劝慰者。 37 他卖掉自己的一块田,把卖得的钱交给了使徒。

Footnotes

  1. 4:27 圣子”或译“圣仆”。

使徒与犹太议会

正当彼得和约翰向众人讲话时,一些祭司、大殿的看守长和撒都该人走了过来。 因为彼得和约翰正在教导人们,宣讲通过耶稣基督死里复活的事情,所以他们非常恼怒和不安。 他们逮捕了彼得和约翰,并把他们囚禁在牢房里过夜,因为当时已是晚上了。 但是,听到传道的人中许多人都信了,信徒由此增加到约五千人。

第二天,犹太人首领、年长的犹太首领和律法师都聚在耶路撒冷。 大祭司亚那和该亚法、约翰、亚力山大以及大祭司的亲属都在那里。 他们把彼得和约翰带到面前,质问道: “你们凭什么权力,又仗着谁的名义来这么做的呢?”

此时,彼得浑身充满圣灵,他对他们说∶“人民的首领和年长的犹太首领! 如果今天为我们治愈了一个残疾人的善行和他如何被治愈的,而质问我们的话, 10 那么,你们和所有的以色列人,都应该知道,让站在你们面前这个人痊愈的,是拿撒勒的耶稣基督名字的力量。你们把耶稣钉在十字架上,但是,上帝却让他死而复活。 11 耶稣是:

‘那块被你们建筑工扔掉的石头,
它现在变成了重要的基石。’ (A)

12 耶稣是唯一能有拯救的那位,因为,在天下没有赐给人们任何其它的名字,通过耶稣,我们必得救。”

13 当那些人看到彼得和约翰有如此的勇气,而且也知道他们没受过什么教育,只是普普通通的人而已时,都非常惊讶。他们意识到彼得和约翰曾与耶稣在一起过。 14 不过,他们既然看到和他们站在一起的那个被治愈了的人,也便无话可说了。 15 他们下令,要彼得和约翰离开议会,然后,开始彼此商量道: 16 “我们该拿这些人怎么办呢?住在耶路撒冷的人都知道了,通过他们所行的这个令人注目的奇迹,我们是无法否认它了。 17 但是,为了阻止此事在人们中间进一步扩散,我们必须警告他们,不得再以那个人的名义来向任何人讲话。”

18 然后,他们又把彼得和约翰叫了进来,命令他们不得以耶稣的名义说什么话或教导任何事情。 19 彼得和约翰却回答道∶“请你们自己判断,在上帝面前,我们应该听从你们的话,还是应该听从上帝的话呢? 20 我们对自己的所见所闻不能不说。” 21 他们进一步威胁了他们一番后,便把他们释放了。他们找不到任何办法来惩罚他们,因为当地所有的人都在为所发生的一切赞美着上帝。 22 因为那个被奇迹般治愈的人当时已经四十多岁了。

彼得和约翰回到信徒中间

23 彼得和约翰一被释放,又回到了自己人中间,向他们讲述了祭司长和年长的犹太首领对他们所说的一切。 24 人们听到这些,都异口同声地高声向上帝祷告道∶“主啊,您造就了天空、大地、海洋和其中的一切。 25 您,借圣灵,通过你的仆人,我们的祖先大卫之口说道:

‘众邦为何怒火冲天,
人们为什么要图谋虚妄?
26 地上的国王们为争战做好了准备;
统治者们结集在一起对抗主和他的基督。’ (B)

27 是的,希律和本丢彼拉多已经与外族人和以色列人聚集在这个城市,图谋反对您神圣的仆人耶稣、即您所立的基督。 28 他们聚在一起做的每一件事情,都是您,凭着您的力量和旨意预先决定应该发生的事情。 29 而现在,主啊,请明察他们的威胁,让您的仆人能够勇敢地讲述您的信息, 30 请您伸出手,治愈疾病,并通过您的圣仆耶稣的名字使奇事和神迹得以发生。”

31 人们刚祷告完,他们聚集的地方便颤动起来了。霎那间,他们都被圣灵充满,大胆地讲着上帝的信息。

信徒同分享

32 所有的信徒同心同意,没有人说他的财产只属于自己,而是互相分享拥有的一切。 33 使徒们用巨大的力量为主耶稣的复活做了见证,上帝慷慨地赐福给所有的信徒。 34 这些人中,没有一个缺少什么的,因为那些有田有房的人变卖财产后,把所得的钱, 35 放在了使徒的脚边。这些钱又按需分发给了每一个人。

36 一位来自塞浦路斯的利未人,名叫约瑟,使徒们都叫他“巴拿巴”(意思是“鼓舞他人的那位”)。 37 他卖掉了一块他拥有的地,把钱放在了使徒的脚边。

And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide.

Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this?

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;

10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed.

23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.

29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,

30 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

The priests and the captain of the temple guard(A) and the Sadducees(B) came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.(C) They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail(D) until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew(E) to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers,(F) the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas,(G) John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,(H) said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!(I) If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame(J) and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,(K) whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,(L) that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’[a](M)

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(N)

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John(O) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,(P) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.(Q) 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(R) and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?”(S) they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign,(T) 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.(U) 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?(V) You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking(W) about what we have seen and heard.”(X)

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

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.[b][c](AD)

27 Indeed Herod(AE) and Pontius Pilate(AF) met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,(AG) whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.(AH) 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.(AI) 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders(AJ) through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”(AK)

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.(AL) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit(AM) and spoke the word of God(AN) boldly.(AO)

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.(AP) 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify(AQ) to the resurrection(AR) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace(AS) was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,(AT) brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet,(AU) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.(AV)

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas(AW) (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.(AX)

Footnotes

  1. Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22
  2. Acts 4:26 That is, Messiah or Christ
  3. Acts 4:26 Psalm 2:1,2