Acts 4:23-31

Expanded Bible

The Believers Pray

²³ After Peter and John ·left the meeting of leaders [^Lwere released], they went to their own group and ·told them [reported] everything the ·leading [^Tchief] priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When the believers heard this, they ·prayed [^Lraised their voices] to God together, “·Lord [or Sovereign; Master], you are the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them [Gen. 1; Ps. 8; 19; 104]. ²⁵ By the Holy Spirit, through our father David your ·servant [or child], you said:

²⁷ ·These things really happened when [For truly; Indeed] Herod, Pontius Pilate, and ·some Jews [the people of Israel] and Gentiles all came together here in ·Jerusalem [^Lthis city] against your holy ·servant [child] Jesus, the One you ·made to be the Christ [^Lanointed; Luke 4:18; ^CChrist in Greek and Messiah in Hebrew mean “anointed one”]. ²⁸ These people made your plan happen because of your ·power [^Lhand] and your ·will [purpose]. [or ^LThey did whatever your hand and your purpose predestined/determined beforehand to be done.] ²⁹ And now, Lord, ·listen to [consider] their threats. Lord, help us, your ·servants [slaves], to speak your ·word [message] ·without fear [^Lwith all boldness/confidence]. ³⁰ ·Show us your power [^LStretch out your hand] to heal. Give ·proofs [signs] and ·make miracles happen [wonders] by the ·power [^Lname] of Jesus, your holy ·servant [or child].”

³¹ After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God’s ·word [message] ·without fear [^Lwith boldness/confidence/courage].