Acts 4:17-37

17But to keep them from spreading their propaganda any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in Jesus’ name again.”

18So they called the apostles back in and commanded them never again to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

19But Peter and John replied, “Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him?

20We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.”

21The council then threatened them further, but they finally let them go because they didn’t know how to punish them without starting a riot. For everyone was praising God

22for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years.

23As soon as they were freed, Peter and John returned to the other believers and told them what the leading priests and elders had said.

24When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—

25you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant, saying, ‘Why were the nations so angry? Why did they waste their time with futile plans?

26The kings of the earth prepared for battle; the rulers gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’

27“In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united against Jesus, your holy servant, whom you anointed.

28But everything they did was determined beforehand according to your will.

29And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word.

30Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

31After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness.

32All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had.

33The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all.

34There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them

35and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.

36For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus.

37He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.