¹⁸ So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;^{(A) 20} for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”^(B)

²¹ After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done;^{(C) 22} for this sign of healing had been performed on a man over 40 years old.

Prayer for Boldness

²³ After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they all raised their voices to God and said, “Master, You are the One who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.^{(D) 25} You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David Your servant:^[a]

²⁷ “For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people^[c] of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed,^{(F) 28} to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. ²⁹ And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness,^{(G) 30} while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders^(H) to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” ³¹ When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.^(I)