Acts 4:18-37

18 So they called them back in and told them that under no condition were they to speak or to teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, "You yourselves judge which is right in God's sight - to obey you or to obey God.

20 For we cannot stop speaking of what we ourselves have seen and heard."

21 So the Council warned them even more strongly and then set them free. They saw that it was impossible to punish them, because the people were all praising God for what had happened.

22 The man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was over forty years old.

23 As soon as Peter and John were set free, they returned to their group and told them what the chief priests and the elders had said.

24 When the believers heard it, they all joined together in prayer to God: "Master and Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, and all that is in them! ¹

25 By means of the Holy Spirit you spoke through our ancestor David, your servant, when he said, ² "Why were the Gentiles furious; why did people make their useless plots?

26 The kings of the earth prepared themselves, and the rulers met together against the Lord and his Messiah.'

27 For indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together in this city with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Jesus, your holy Servant, whom you made Messiah. ³

28 They gathered to do everything that you by your power and will had already decided would happen.

29 And now, Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness.

30 Reach out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."

31 When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to proclaim God's message with boldness.

32 The group of believers was one in mind and heart. None of them said that any of their belongings were their own, but they all shared with one another everything they had. ⁴

33 With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God poured rich blessings on them all.

34 There was no one in the group who was in need. Those who owned fields or houses would sell them, bring the money received from the sale,

35 and turn it over to the apostles; and the money was distributed according to the needs of the people.

36 And so it was that Joseph, a Levite born in Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means "One who Encourages"),

37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and turned it over to the apostles.

Cross References

• 1. 4.24Exodus 20.11;Nehemiah 9.6;Psalms 146.6.
• 2. 4.25, 26Psalms 2.1, 2 (LXX).
• 3. 4.27 aLuke 23.7-11; bMatthew 27.1, 2;Mark 15.1;Luke 23.1;John 18.28, 29.
• 4. 4.32Acts 2.44, 45.