27. Here in Jerusalem, Herod and Pontius Pilate got together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel. Then they turned against your holy Servant Jesus, your chosen Messiah.
28. They did what you in your power and wisdom had already decided would happen.
29. Lord, listen to their threats! We are your servants. So make us brave enough to speak your message.
30. Show your mighty power, as we heal people and perform miracles and wonders in the name of your holy Servant Jesus.
31. After they had prayed, the meeting place shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and bravely spoke God's message.
32. The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other.
33. In a powerful way the apostles told everyone that the Lord Jesus was now alive. God greatly blessed his followers,
34. and no one went in need of anything. Everyone who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money
35. to the apostles. Then they would give the money to anyone who needed it.
36-37. Joseph was one of the followers who had sold a piece of property and brought the money to the apostles. He was a Levite from Cyprus, and the apostles called him Barnabas, which means “one who encourages others”.