Peter and John Arrested

And while[a] they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees approached them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them[b] in custody until the next day, because it was already evening. But many of those who listened to the message believed, and the number of the men was approximately five thousand.

Peter and John on Trial Before the Sanhedrin

And it happened that on the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes came together in Jerusalem, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all those who were from the high priest’s family. And they made them stand in their[c] midst and[d] began to ask,[e] “By what power or by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a sick man—by what means[f] this man was healed— 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man stands before you healthy! 11 This one[g] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, that has become the cornerstone.[h] 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among people by which we must be saved.”

13 Now when they[i] saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were astonished, and recognized them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And because they[j] saw the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in return. 15 But after they[k] had ordered them to go outside the Sanhedrin,[l] they began to confer[m] with one another, 16 saying, “What should we do with these men? For that a remarkable sign has taken place through them is evident to all those who live in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it![n] 17 But in order that it may not spread much further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more in this name to anyone at all.”[o] 18 And they called them back and[p] commanded them[q] not to speak or to teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and[r] said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you decide! 20 For we are not able to refrain from speaking about the things that we have seen and heard.” 21 So after[s] threatening them[t] further, they released them, finding no way to punish them on account of the people, because they were all praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Continued Bold Witness

23 And when they[u] were released, they went to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they[v] heard it,[w] they lifted their voices with one mind to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, 25 the one who said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant,

‘Why do the nations[x] rage,
    and the peoples conspire in vain?
26 The kings of the earth stood opposed,
    and the rulers assembled together at the same place,
against the Lord and against his Christ.’[y]

27 For in truth both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, assembled together in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, 28 to do all that your hand and plan[z] had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, concern yourself with their threats and grant your slaves to speak your message with all boldness, 30 as you extend your hand to heal and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when[aa] they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak[ab] the word[ac] of God with boldness.

The Believers Share All Things in Common

32 Now the group of those who believed were one heart and soul, and no one said anything of what belonged to him was his own, but all things were theirs in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 34 For there was not even anyone needy among them, because all those who were owners of plots of land or houses were selling them[ad] and[ae] bringing the proceeds of the things that were sold 35 and placing them[af] at the feet of the apostles. And it was being distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 So Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite of Cyprus by nationality, 37 sold a field[ag] that belonged to him and[ah] brought the money and placed it[ai] at the feet of the apostles.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 4:1 Here “while” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“were speaking”)
  2. Acts 4:3 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  3. Acts 4:7 Literally “the”; the Greek article is used here as a possessive pronoun
  4. Acts 4:7 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“stand”) has been translated as a finite verb
  5. Acts 4:7 *The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began to ask”)
  6. Acts 4:9 Or “through whom”
  7. Acts 4:11 “This one” refers to Jesus
  8. Acts 4:11 Literally “the head of the corner”; this verse is an allusion to Ps 118:22
  9. Acts 4:13 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as temporal
  10. Acts 4:14 Here “because” is supplied as a component of the participle (“saw”) which is understood as causal
  11. Acts 4:15 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“had ordered”) which is understood as temporal
  12. Acts 4:15 Or “council”
  13. Acts 4:15 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began to confer”)
  14. Acts 4:16 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  15. Acts 4:17 Literally “to no man”
  16. Acts 4:18 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“called”) has been translated as a finite verb
  17. Acts 4:18 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  18. Acts 4:19 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“answered”) has been translated as a finite verb
  19. Acts 4:21 Here “after” is supplied as a component of the participle (“threatening … further”) which is understood as temporal
  20. Acts 4:21 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  21. Acts 4:23 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“were released”) which is understood as temporal
  22. Acts 4:24 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the participle (“heard”) which is understood as temporal
  23. Acts 4:24 *Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  24. Acts 4:25 Or “Gentiles”; the same Greek word can be translated “nations” or “Gentiles” depending on the context
  25. Acts 4:26 Or “Messiah”; this is a quotation from Ps 2:1–2
  26. Acts 4:28 Some manuscripts have “and your plan”
  27. Acts 4:31 Here “when” is supplied as a component of the temporal genitive absolute participle (“had prayed”)
  28. Acts 4:31 The imperfect tense has been translated as ingressive here (“began to speak”)
  29. Acts 4:31 Or “message”
  30. Acts 4:34 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  31. Acts 4:34 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“were selling”) has been translated as a finite verb
  32. Acts 4:35 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation
  33. Acts 4:37 Or “a farm”
  34. Acts 4:37 Here “and” is supplied because the previous participle (“sold”) has been translated as a finite verb
  35. Acts 4:37 Here the direct object is supplied from context in the English translation

¶ Y hablando ellos al pueblo, sobrevinieron los sacerdotes, y el magistrado del Templo, y los saduceos,

resentidos de que enseñaran al pueblo, y anunciaran en el Nombre de Jesús la resurrección de los muertos.

Y les echaron mano, y los pusieron en la cárcel hasta el día siguiente; porque era ya tarde.

Pero muchos de los que habían oído la palabra, creyeron; y fue el número de los varones como cinco mil.

¶ Y aconteció al día siguiente, que se juntaron en Jerusalén los príncipes de ellos, y los ancianos, y los escribas;

y Anás, príncipe de los sacerdotes, y Caifás, y Juan y Alejandro, y todos los que eran del linaje sacerdotal;

y haciéndolos presentar en medio, les preguntaron: ¿Con qué potestad, o en qué nombre, habéis hecho vosotros esto?

Entonces Pedro, lleno del Espíritu Santo, les dijo: Príncipes del pueblo, y ancianos de Israel:

Pues si somos hoy demandados acerca del beneficio hecho a un hombre enfermo, de qué manera éste haya sido sanado,

10 sea notorio a todos vosotros, y a todo el pueblo de Israel, que en el Nombre de Jesús el Cristo, el Nazareno, el que vosotros Colgasteis en un madero, y Dios le resucitó de los muertos, por él este hombre está en vuestra presencia sano.

11 Este es la piedra reprobada por vosotros los edificadores, la cual es puesta por cabeza del ángulo.

12 Y en ningún otro hay salud; porque no hay otro nombre debajo del cielo, dado a los hombres, en que podamos ser salvos.

13 Entonces viendo la constancia de Pedro y de Juan, y sabiendo que eran hombres sin letras e ignorantes, se maravillaban; y les conocían que habían estado con Jesús.

14 Y viendo al hombre que había sido sanado, que estaba con ellos, no podían decir nada en contra.

15 ¶ Mas les mandaron que salieran fuera del concilio; y conferían entre sí,

16 diciendo: ¿Qué hemos de hacer a estos hombres? Porque de cierto, señal manifiesta ha sido hecha por ellos, notoria a todos los que moran en Jerusalén, y no lo podemos negar.

17 Todavía, para que no se divulgue más por el pueblo, amenacémoslos, que no hablen de aquí en adelante a hombre alguno en este Nombre.

18 Y llamándolos, les intimaron que en ninguna manera hablaran ni enseñaran en el Nombre de Jesús.

19 Entonces Pedro y Juan, respondiendo, les dijeron: Juzgad si es justo delante de Dios obedecer antes a vosotros que a Dios;

20 porque no podemos dejar de decir lo que hemos visto y oído.

21 Ellos entonces los despacharon amenazándolos, no hallando ningún modo de castigarlos, por causa del pueblo; porque todos glorificaban a Dios de lo que había sido hecho.

22 Porque el hombre en quien había sido hecho este milagro de sanidad, era de más de cuarenta años.

23 ¶ Y sueltos, vinieron a los suyos, y contaron todo lo que los príncipes de los sacerdotes y los ancianos les habían dicho.

24 Y ellos, habiéndolo oído, alzaron unánimes la voz a Dios, y dijeron: Señor, tú eres el Dios que hiciste el cielo y la tierra, el mar, y todo lo que en ellos hay;

25 que (en el Espíritu Santo) por boca de David (nuestro padre), tu siervo, dijiste: ¿Por qué han bramado los gentiles, y los pueblos han pensado cosas vanas?

26 Asistieron los reyes de la tierra, y los príncipes se juntaron en uno contra el Señor, y contra su Cristo.

27 Porque verdaderamente se juntaron (en esta ciudad) contra tu santo siervo Jesús, al cual ungiste, Herodes y Poncio Pilato, con los gentiles y los pueblos de Israel,

28 para hacer lo que tu mano y tu consejo habían antes determinado que había de ser hecho.

29 Y ahora, Señor, mira sus amenazas, y da a tus esclavos que con toda confianza hablen tu palabra;

30 que extiendas tu mano a que sanidades, y milagros, y prodigios sean hechos por el Nombre de tu santo esclavo Jesús.

31 Cuando hubieron orado, el lugar en que estaban congregados tembló; y todos fueron llenos del Espíritu Santo, y hablaron la palabra de Dios con confianza.

32 ¶ Y de la multitud de los que habían creído era un corazón y un alma; y ninguno decía ser suyo algo de lo que poseía; mas todas las cosas les eran comunes.

33 Y los apóstoles daban testimonio de la resurrección del Señor Jesús con gran poder; y gran gracia era sobre todos ellos.

34 Que ningún necesitado había entre ellos; porque todos los que poseían heredades o casas, vendiéndolas, traían el precio de lo vendido,

35 y lo ponían a los pies de los apóstoles; y era repartido a cada uno de acuerdo a su necesidad.

36 Entonces José, que fue llamado de los apóstoles por sobrenombre, Bernabé, (que es interpretado, Hijo de consolación) levita, natural de Chipre,

37 como tenía una heredad, la vendió, y trajo el precio, y lo puso a los pies de los apóstoles.

Peter and John Are Brought in Front of the Council

The apostles were still talking to the people, when some priests, the captain of the temple guard, and some Sadducees arrived. These men were angry because the apostles were teaching the people that the dead would be raised from death, just as Jesus had been raised from death. It was already late in the afternoon, and they arrested Peter and John and put them in jail for the night. But a lot of people who had heard the message believed it. So by now there were about 5,000 followers of the Lord.

The next morning the leaders, the elders, and the teachers of the Law of Moses met in Jerusalem. The high priest Annas was there, as well as Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest's family. They brought in Peter and John and made them stand in the middle while they questioned them. They asked, “By what power and in whose name have you done this?”

Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and told the nation's leaders and the elders:

You are questioning us today about a kind deed in which a man who could not walk was healed. 10 But there is something we must tell you and everyone else in Israel. This man is standing here completely well because of the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. You put Jesus to death on a cross, but God raised him to life. 11 (A) He is the stone you builders thought was worthless, and now he is the most important stone of all. 12 Only Jesus has the power to save! His name is the only one in all the world that can save anyone.

13 The officials were amazed to see how brave Peter and John were, and they knew that these two apostles were only ordinary men and not well educated. The officials were certain these men had been with Jesus. 14 But they could not deny what had happened. The man who had been healed was standing there with the apostles.

15 The officials commanded them to leave the council room. Then the officials said to each other, 16 “What can we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about this miracle, and we cannot say it didn't happen. 17 But to keep this thing from spreading, we will warn them never again to speak to anyone about the name of Jesus.” 18 So they called the two apostles back in and told them they must never, for any reason, teach anything about the name of Jesus.

19 Peter and John answered, “Do you think God wants us to obey you or to obey him? 20 We cannot keep quiet about what we have seen and heard.”

21-22 The officials could not find any reason to punish Peter and John. So they threatened them and let them go. The man who was healed by this miracle was more than 40 years old, and everyone was praising God for what had happened.

Peter and Others Pray for Courage

23 As soon as Peter and John had been set free, they went back and told the others everything the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. 24 (B) When the rest of the Lord's followers heard this, they prayed together and said:

Master, you created heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25 (C) And by the Holy Spirit you spoke to our ancestor David. He was your servant, and you told him to say:

“Why are all the Gentiles
    so furious?
Why do people
    make foolish plans?
26 The kings of earth
    prepare for war,
and the rulers
    join together
against the Lord
    and his Messiah.”

27 (D) Here in Jerusalem, Herod[a] and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant[b] Jesus, your chosen Messiah. 28 They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen.

29 Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message. 30 Show your mighty power, as we heal people and work miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant[c] Jesus.

31 After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.

Sharing Possessions

32 (E) The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other. 33 In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers,[d] 34 and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money 35 to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone in need.

36-37 Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others.”

Footnotes

  1. 4.27 Herod: Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great.
  2. 4.27 Servant: See the note at 3.13.
  3. 4.30 Servant: See the note at 3.13.
  4. 4.33 God greatly blessed his followers: Or “Everyone highly respected his followers.”

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