Peter and John Arrested

1And as they spoke unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,

2Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day: for it was now evening.

4But many of them who heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.

Peter Addresses the Jewish Rulers

5And it came to pass on the next day, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have you done this?

8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said unto them, You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the crippled man, by what means he is made whole;

10Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you whole.

11This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the head of the corner.

12Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved.

No Speaking or Teaching in Jesus' Name

13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ordinary men, they marveled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14And beholding the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle has been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17But that it spread no further among the people, let us sternly threaten them, that they speak no longer to any man in this name.

18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

Peter and John Must Say What They Hear and See

19But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge you.

20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing for which they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

Bold Prayer and a New Filling

23And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.

24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, you are God, who has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them:

25Who by the mouth of your servant David has said, Why did the nations rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27For of a truth against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28To do whatsoever your hand and your counsel determined before to be done.

29And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto your servants, that with all boldness they may speak your word,

30By stretching forth your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child Jesus.

31And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

Unity, Power, and Sharing

32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that any of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.

33And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

36And Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of encouragement,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.