until the day he was carried up into heaven. Before he went, he talked to the apostles he had chosen. With the help of the Holy Spirit, he told them what they should do.

This was after his death, but he showed them that he was alive, proving it to them in many ways. The apostles saw Jesus many times during the 40 days after he was raised from death. He spoke to them about God’s kingdom.

Jesus Is Carried Up Into Heaven

The apostles were all together. They asked Jesus, “Lord, is this the time for you to give the people of Israel their kingdom again?”

A New Apostle Is Chosen

Then the apostles went back to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. This mountain is about a half mile from Jerusalem.

The apostles were all together. They were constantly praying with the same purpose. Some women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers were there with the apostles.

A large crowd came together because they heard the noise. They were surprised because, as the apostles were speaking, everyone heard in their own language.

They were all amazed at this. They did not understand how the apostles could do this. They said, “Look! These men we hear speaking are all from Galilee.

But others were laughing at the apostles, saying they were drunk from too much wine.

Peter Speaks to the People

Then Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles. He spoke loudly so that all the people could hear. He said, “My Jewish brothers and all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen to me. I will tell you something you need to know. Listen carefully.

When the people heard this, they felt very, very sorry. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

The Believers Share

The believers spent their time listening to the teaching of the apostles. They shared everything with each other. They ate together and prayed together.

Many wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles, and everyone felt great respect for God.

The Apostles and the Jewish High Council

While Peter and John were speaking to the people, some Jewish leaders came up to them. There were some priests, the captain of the soldiers that guarded the Temple, and some Sadducees.

They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the apostles were teaching that people will rise from death.

But many of the people who heard the apostles believed what they said. There were now about 5000 men in the group of believers.

They saw the crippled man standing there beside the apostles. They saw that he was healed, so they could say nothing against the apostles.

So the Jewish leaders called Peter and John in again. They told the apostles not to say anything or to teach anything in the name of Jesus.

The Jewish leaders could not find a way to punish the apostles, because all the people were praising God for what had been done. This miracle was a sign from God. The man who was healed was more than 40 years old. So the Jewish leaders warned the apostles again and let them go free.

With great power the apostles were making it known to everyone that the Lord Jesus was raised from death. And God blessed all the believers very much.

and gave it to the apostles. Then everyone was given whatever they needed.

One of the believers was named Joseph. The apostles called him Barnabas, a name that means “one who encourages others.” He was a Levite born in Cyprus.

Joseph sold a field he owned. He brought the money and gave it to the apostles.

but he gave only part of the money to the apostles. He secretly kept some of the money for himself. His wife knew this, and she agreed with it.

Proofs From God

The apostles were given the power to do many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. They were together in Solomon’s Porch, and they all had the same purpose.

None of the other people dared to stand with the apostles, but everyone was saying wonderful things about them.