Acts 4:18-28

18 They called Peter and John and ordered them never to teach about Jesus or even mention his name.

19 Peter and John answered them, "Decide for yourselves whether God wants people to listen to you rather than to him.

20 We cannot stop talking about what we've seen and heard."

21 The authorities threatened them even more and then let them go. Since all the people were praising God for what had happened, the authorities couldn't find any way to punish Peter and John.

22 (The man who was healed by this miracle was over 40 years old.)

23 When Peter and John were released, they went to the other apostles and told them everything the chief priests and leaders had said.

24 When the apostles heard this, they were united and loudly prayed to God, "Master, you made the sky, the land, the sea, and everything in them.

25 You said through the Holy Spirit, who spoke through your servant David (our ancestor), 'Why do the nations act arrogantly? Why do their people devise useless plots?

26 Kings take their stand. Rulers make plans together against the Lord and against his Messiah.'

27 "In this city Herod and Pontius Pilate made plans together with non-Jewish people and the people of Israel. They made their plans against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.

28 Through your will and power, they did everything that you had already decided should be done.