²⁰ Then Noah built an altar to the Lord^(A) and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean^(B) birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings^(C) on it. ²¹ The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma^(D) and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the ground^(E) because of humans, even though^[a] every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood.^(F) And never again will I destroy^(G) all living creatures,^(H) as I have done.

⁶ Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore^(A) the kingdom to Israel?”

⁷ He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.^{(B) 8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;^(C) and you will be my witnesses^(D) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,^(E) and to the ends of the earth.”^(F)

The Fellowship of the Believers

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching^(A) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread^(B) and to prayer.^{(C) 43} Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.^{(D) 44} All the believers were together and had everything in common.^{(E) 45} They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.^{(F) 46} Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.^(G) They broke bread^(H) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.^(I) And the Lord added to their number^(J) daily those who were being saved.

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.^{(A) 33} With great power the apostles continued to testify^(B) to the resurrection^(C) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace^(D) 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,^(E) brought the money from the sales ³⁵ and put it at the apostles’ feet,^(F) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.^(G)

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas^(H) (which means “son of encouragement”),