Peter and John Before the Council

1And of them speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2being distressed because of their teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection out from the dead. 3And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day; for it was already evening. 4But many of those having heard the word believed, and the number of the men became about five thousand.

5And it came to pass on the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, 6and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of high-priestly descent. 7And having placed them in the midst, they began to inquire, “In what power or in what name have you done this?”

8Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9if we are being examined this day as to a good work to the ailing man, by what means he has been healed, 10let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—whom you crucified, whom God raised out from the dead—in Him this man stands before you sound. 11This is

‘the stone having been rejected by you, the builders,

which has become the head of the corner.’a

12And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven having been given among men, by which it behooves us to be saved.”

The Name Forbidden

13Now seeing the boldness of Peter and of John, and having understood that they are unschooled and ordinary men, they were astonished. And they recognized them, that they had been with Jesus. 14And beholding the man having been healed standing with them, they had nothing to contradict. 15But having commanded them to go outside the Council, they began to confer with one another, 16saying, “What shall we do to these men? For truly that a noteworthy sign has come to pass through them is evident to all those inhabiting Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it. 17But that it might not spread further on among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man in this name.”

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

19But Peter and John answering, said to them, “Whether it is right before God to listen to you, rather than God, you must judge. 20For we are not able to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

21And having further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way they might punish them, on account of the people, because all were glorifying God for that having happened. 22For the man on whom this sign of healing had taken place was more than forty years old.

The Believers' Prayer
(Psalm 2:1-12)

23Now having been let go, they came to the own and reported how much the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24And having heard, they lifted up their voice with one accord to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, You made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, 25having spoken by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant,b our father David:

‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples devise vain things?

26The kings of the earth took their stand,

and the rulers were gathered together

against the Lord

and against His Christ.’c

27For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus whom You anointed, 28to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose had determined beforehand to happen. 29And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants to speak Your word with all boldness, 30in that You stretch out Your hand for healing and signs and wonders to take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

31And they having prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness.

Sharing among Believers
(Acts 2:42-47)

32Now the multitude of those having believed were one in heart and soul, and not one claimed anything of that which he possesses to be his own, but all things were theirs in common. 33And with great power, the apostles were giving testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.

34For there was not even anyone in need among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses, selling them, were bringing the proceeds of what is sold, 35and were laying them at the feet of the apostles, and distribution was made to each as anyone had need.

36Now Joseph having been called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated, Son of encouragement), a Levite, a Cypriot at the birth, 37having sold a field he owns, brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.