Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

¹³ They saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak out. They knew that they were like any other men. They did not have much training. So the people were very much surprised. They knew that Peter and John had been with Jesus.

¹⁴ They saw the man who had been healed standing beside them. So they could say nothing against them.

¹⁵ They told Peter and John to leave the court. Then they talked the matter over among themselves.

¹⁶ They said, `What shall we do to these men? All the people who live in Jerusalem know about this big work they have done. And we cannot say they did not do it.

¹⁷ But we do not want any more people to hear about it. So let us say to these men, "Take care! Never speak to anyone in this name again." '

¹⁸ They called them in and said, `Never speak or teach in this name again.'

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, `How does God look at it? Is it right for us to obey you or to obey him? You judge that for yourselves.

²⁰ As for us, we must tell the things we have seen and heard.'

²¹ So the high priest and those with him told them again. Then they let them go. They could not punish them because of the people. They all praised God for what had been done.

²² The man who had been healed was more than forty years old.

²³ When they were free, Peter and John went back to their own friends. They told them all that the chief priests and leaders had said to them.

²⁴ When they heard it, they talked to God together. They said, `Lord, you are God. You made the sky, and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them.

²⁵ Our father David was your servant. Through him you said by the Holy Spirit, "Why are the people who are not Jews so angry? And why do the people plan things for nothing?

²⁶ The kings of the earth joined their forces. And the rulers met together against the Lord and his Christ."

²⁷ `It is true that Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with Jews and those who were not Jews here in this city. They met to make secret plans against your holy Son Jesus, whom you made Christ.

²⁸ But they only did what you had already planned should be done.

^29-30 ord, hear their words. Listen to the wrong things they say against us. We are your servants. Help us to speak your word without fear. And heal the sick by your own power. Let signs and wonderful things be done in the name of your holy Son Jesus.'

³¹ When they had talked to God, the room they were in shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they spoke the word of God without fear.