[1] And while they were talking to the people, the priests and the captain
of the Temple and the Sadducees came up to them, [2] Being greatly troubled
because they were teaching the people and preaching Jesus as an example of
the coming back from the dead. [3] And they took them and put them in
prison till the morning, for it was now evening. [4] But a number of those
who gave hearing to the word had faith; and they were now about five
thousand. [5] And on the day after, the rulers and those in authority and
the scribes came together in Jerusalem; [6] And Annas, the high priest, was
there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all the relations of the
high priest. [7] Then sending for Peter and John, they said, By what power
and in whose name have you done this? [8] Then Peter, being full of the
Holy Spirit, said to them, O you rulers of the people and men of authority,
[9] If we are questioned today about a good work done to a man who was ill,
as to how he has been made well, [10] Take note, all of you, and all the
people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you
put to death on the cross, whom God gave back from the dead, even through
him is this man now before you completely well. [11] He is the stone which
you builders had no use for, but which has been made the chief stone of the
building. [12] And in no other is there salvation: for there is no other
name under heaven, given among men, through which we may have salvation.
[13] Now when they saw that Peter and John were without fear, though they
were men of no education or learning, they were greatly surprised; and they
took note of them that they had been with Jesus. [14] And, seeing that the
man who had been made well was there with them, they were not able to say
anything against it. [15] But when they had given them orders to go out of
the Sanhedrin, they had a discussion among themselves, [16] Saying, What
are we to do with these men? for certainly it is clear to all who are
living in Jerusalem that a most important sign has been done by them, and
it is not possible to say that it is not so. [17] But so that it may not go
farther among the people, let us put them in fear of punishment if they say
anything in future in this name. [18] And they sent for them, and gave them
orders not to make statements or give teaching in the name of Jesus. [19]
But Peter and John in answer said to them, It is for you to say if it is
right in the eyes of God to give attention to you more than to God: [20]
For it is not possible for us to keep from saying what we have seen and
have knowledge of. [21] And when they had said more sharp words to them,
they let them go, not seeing what punishment they might give them, because
of the people; for all men were giving praise to God for what had taken
place. [22] For the man on whom this act of power was done was more than
forty years old. [23] And when they had been made free, they came back to
their friends, and gave an account of all the things which the chief
priests and the authorities had said to them. [24] And hearing it, they
all, with one mind, made prayer to God and said, O Lord, maker of heaven
and earth and the sea and all things in them: [25] Who has said, by the
Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David your servant, Why are
the nations so violently moved, and why are the thoughts of the people so
foolish? [26] The kings of the earth were lifted up, the rulers came
together, against the Lord, and against his Christ: [27] For, truly, in
this town, against your holy servant, Jesus, who was marked out by you as
Christ, Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of
Israel, came together, [28] To do that which had been fixed before by your
hand and your purpose. [29] And now, Lord, take note of their cruel words,
and give your servants power to be preachers of your word without fear,
[30] While your hand is stretched out to do works of mercy; so that signs
and wonders may be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. [31]
And when their prayer was ended, the place where they were was violently
moved, and they all became full of the Holy Spirit, preaching the word of
God without fear. [32] And all those who were of the faith were one in
heart and soul: and not one of them said that any of the things which he
had was his property only; but they had all things in common. [33] And with
great power the Apostles gave witness of the coming back of the Lord Jesus
from the dead; and grace was on them all. [34] And no one among them was in
need; for everyone who had land or houses, exchanging them for money, took
the price of them, [35] And put it at the feet of the Apostles for
distribution to everyone as he had need. [36] And Joseph, who was given by
the Apostles the name of Barnabas (the sense of which is, Son of comfort),
a Levite and a man of Cyprus by birth, [37] Having a field, got money for
it and put the money at the feet of the Apostles.
