20. We cannot keep quiet. We must speak about what we have seen and heard.”
21-22. The Jewish leaders could not find a way to punish them because all the people were praising God for what had been done. (This miracle was a proof 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.
23. Peter and John left the meeting of Jewish leaders and went to their own group. They told them everything that the leading priests and the Jewish elders had said to them.
24. When the believers heard this, they prayed to God with one purpose. They prayed, “Lord, you are the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in the world.
25. Our father David was your servant. With the help of the Holy Spirit he said:‘Why are the nations so angry?Why are the people making useless plans?
26. The kings of the earth prepare to fight.Their leaders make plans togetheragainst the Lordand against his Christ.’ Psalm 2:1-2
27. These things really happened when Herod, Pontius Pilate, the non-Jewish people, and the Jewish people all came together against Jesus here in Jerusalem. Jesus is your holy Servant. He is the One you made to be the Christ.
28. These people made your plan happen; it happened because of your power and your will.
29. And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid! Lord, we are your servants. Help us to speak your word without fear.
30. Help us to be brave by showing us your power; make sick people well, give proofs, and make miracles happen by the power of Jesus, your holy servant.”
31. After they had prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke God’s word without fear.
32. The group of believers were joined in their hearts, and they had the same spirit. No person in the group said that the things he had were his own. Instead, they shared everything.
33. With great power the apostles were telling people that the Lord Jesus was truly raised from death. And God blessed all the believers very much.
34. They all received the things they needed. Everyone that owned fields or houses sold them. They brought the money
35. and gave it to the apostles. Then each person was given the things he needed.
36. One of the believers was named Joseph. The apostles called him Barnabas. (This name means “one who encourages.”) He was a Levite, born in Cyprus.
37. Joseph owned a field. He sold it, brought the money, and gave it to the apostles.