Acts 4

Peter and John Before the Council

1 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the a Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as b Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, c "By what power or by what name have you done this?" 8 d Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel: 9 "If we this day are judged for a good deed done to a helpless man, by what means he has been made well, 10 "let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, e that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, f whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. 11 "This is the g 'stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.' 1 12 h "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, i and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed j standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, k "What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a 2 notable miracle has been done through them is l evident 3 to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 "But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name." 18 m So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, n "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 o "For we cannot but speak the things which p we have seen and heard." 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, q because of the people, since they all r glorified God for s what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed.

The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 And being let go, t they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: "Lord, u You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them,

25 "who 4 by the mouth of Your servant David have said:
v 'Why did the nations rage,
And the people plot vain things?
26 The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the LORD and against His Christ.' 5

27 "For w truly against x Your holy Servant Jesus, y whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 z "to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 "Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants a that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 "by stretching out Your hand to heal, b and that signs and wonders may be done c through the name of d Your holy Servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, e the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, f and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the multitude of those who believed g were of one heart and one soul; h neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with i great power the apostles gave j witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And k great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; l for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 m and laid them at the apostles' feet; n and they distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And 6 Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of 7 Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 o having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

  1. Cross References
    Matthew 22:23
    The same day the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him.
  2. Cross References
    Luke 3:2
    While Annas and Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.
    John 11:49
    And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all.
    John 18:13
    And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was high priest that year.
  3. Cross References
    Exodus 2:14
    Then he said, "Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" So Moses feared and said, "Surely this thing is known!
    Matthew 21:23
    Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?
    Acts 7:27
    But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
  4. Cross References
    Luke 12:11
    Now when they bring you to the synagogues and magistrates and authorities, do not worry about how or what you should answer, or what you should say.
    Luke 12:12
    "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."
  5. Cross References
    Acts 2:22
    Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know -
    Acts 3:6
    Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
    Acts 3:16
    And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
  6. Cross References
    Acts 2:24
    Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
  7. Cross References
    Psalms 118:22
    The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.
    Isaiah 28:16
    Therefore thus says the Lord GOD: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, A tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; Whoever believes will not act hastily.
    Matthew 21:42
    Jesus said to them, "Have you never read in the Scriptures: 'The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD's doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes' ?
  8. Cross References
    Isaiah 42:1
    Behold! My Servant whom I uphold, My Elect One ...
    Isaiah 42:6
    I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, ...
    Isaiah 42:7
    To open blind eyes, To bring out prisoners from...
    Isaiah 53:11
    He shall see the labor of His soul, and be sati...
    Daniel 9:24
    Seventy weeks are determined For your people an...
    Matthew 1:21
    "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall ...
    John 14:6
    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, an...
    Acts 10:43
    "To Him all the prophets witness that, through ...
    1 Timothy 2:5
    For there is one God and one Mediator between G...
    1 Timothy 2:6
    Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testif...
  9. Cross References
    Matthew 11:25
    At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes.
    1 Corinthians 1:27
    But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty.
  10. Cross References
    Acts 3:11
    Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly amazed.
  11. Cross References
    John 11:47
    Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 3:7 - 10
    And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
  13. Cross References
    Acts 5:28
    Saying, "Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this Man's blood on us!
    Acts 5:40
    And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
  14. Cross References
    Acts 5:29
    But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: "We ought to obey God rather than men.
  15. Cross References
    Acts 1:8
    "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
    Acts 2:32
    This Jesus God has raised up, of which we are all witnesses.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 22:15
    For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard.
    1 John 1:1
    That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life -
    1 John 1:3
    That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.
  17. Cross References
    Matthew 21:26
    "But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude, for all count John as a prophet."
    Luke 20:6
    "But if we say, 'From men,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet."
    Luke 20:19
    And the chief priests and the scribes that very hour sought to lay hands on Him, but they feared the people - for they knew He had spoken this parable against them.
    Luke 22:2
    And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.
    Acts 5:26
    Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.
  18. Cross References
    Matthew 15:31
    So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel.
  19. Cross References
    Acts 3:7
    And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.
    Acts 3:8
    So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them - walking, leaping, and praising God.
  20. Cross References
    Acts 2:44 - 46
    Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.
    Acts 12:12
    So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying.
  21. Cross References
    Exodus 20:11
    For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
    2 Kings 19:15
    Then Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said: "O LORD God of Israel, the One who dwells between the cherubim, You are God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.
    Nehemiah 9:6
    You alone are the LORD; You have made heaven, The heaven of heavens, with all their host, The earth and everything on it, The seas and all that is in them, And You preserve them all. The host of heaven worships You.
    Psalms 146:6
    Who made heaven and earth, The sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever.
  22. Cross References
    Psalms 2:1
    Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?
    Psalms 2:2
    The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying.
  23. Cross References
    Matthew 26:3
    Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled at the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas.
    Luke 22:2
    And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.
    Luke 23:1
    Then the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate.
    Luke 23:8
    Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad; for he had desired for a long time to see Him, because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by Him.
  24. Cross References
    Luke 1:35
    And the angel answered and said to her, " The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God.
  25. Cross References
    Luke 4:18
    The Spirit of the LORD is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed.
    John 10:36
    Do you say of Him whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, 'You are blaspheming,' because I said, 'I am the Son of God'?
  26. Cross References
    Acts 2:23
    Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death.
    Acts 3:18
    But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.
  27. Cross References
    Acts 4:13
    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and Joh...
    Acts 4:31
    And when they had prayed, the place where they ...
    Acts 9:27
    But Barnabas took him and brought him to the ap...
    Acts 13:46
    Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It ...
    Acts 14:3
    Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaki...
    Acts 19:8
    And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly...
    Acts 26:26
    For the king, before whom I also speak freely, ...
    Ephesians 6:19
    And for me, that utterance may be given to me, ...
  28. Cross References
    Acts 2:43
    Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.
    Acts 5:12
    And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon's Porch.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 3:6
    Then Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.
    Acts 3:16
    And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
  30. Cross References
    Acts 4:27
    For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together
  31. Cross References
    Matthew 5:6
    Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled.
    Acts 2:2
    And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
    Acts 2:4
    And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
    Acts 16:26
    Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone's chains were loosed.
  32. Cross References
    Acts 4:29
    Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word.
  33. Cross References
    Acts 5:12
    And through the hands of the apostles many sign...
    Romans 15:5
    Now may the God of patience and comfort grant y...
    Romans 15:6
    That you may with one mind and one mouth glorif...
    2 Corinthians 13:11
    Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. B...
    Philippians 1:27
    Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel o...
    Philippians 2:2
    Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the...
    1 Peter 3:8
    Finally, all of you be of one mind, having comp...
  34. Cross References
    Acts 2:44
    Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common.
  35. Cross References
    Acts 1:8
    "But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
  36. Cross References
    Acts 1:22
    "beginning from the baptism of John to that day when He was taken up from us, one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection."
  37. Cross References
    Romans 6:15
    What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!
  38. Cross References
    Matthew 19:21
    Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.
    Acts 2:45
    And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
  39. Cross References
    Acts 4:37
    Having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
    Acts 5:2
    And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  40. Cross References
    Acts 2:45
    And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
    Acts 6:1
    Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
  41. Cross References
    Acts 4:34
    Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold.
    Acts 4:35
    And laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
    Acts 5:1
    But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
    Acts 5:2
    And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.
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