Acts 4:17-37

17But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no longer to any man 1in this name.” 18And when they had summoned them, they 2commanded them not to speak or teach at all 3in the name of Jesus. 19But 4Peter and John answered and said to them, “5Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; 20for 6we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) 7on account of the people, because they were all 8glorifying God for what had happened; 22for the man was more than forty years old on whom this 9miracle of healing had been performed.

23When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24And when they heard this, they lifted their voices to God with one accord and said, “O 10Lord, it is You who 11made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25who 12by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, ‘13Why did the 14Gentiles rage, And the peoples devise futile things?2615The kings of the earth 16took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His 1718Christ.’ 27For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy 1920servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both 21Herod and 22Pontius Pilate, along with 23the 24Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28to do whatever Your hand and 25Your purpose predestined to occur. 29And 26now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that Your bond-servants may 27speak Your word with all 28confidence, 30while You extend Your hand to heal, and 2930signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy 3132servant Jesus.” 31And when they had prayed, the 33place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all 34filled with the Holy Spirit and began to 35speak the word of God with 36boldness.

32And the 37congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them 38claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but 39all things were common property to them. 33And 40with great power the apostles were giving 41testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses 42would sell them and bring the 43proceeds of the sales 35and 44lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be 45distributed to each as any had need.

36Now Joseph, a Levite of 46Cyprian birth, who was also called 47Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of 4849Encouragement), 37and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and 50laid it at the apostles’ feet.