Acts 4

Peter and John Before the Council

1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and l the captain of the temple and m the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming n in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested them and o put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the word believed, and p the number of the men came to about five thousand.

5 On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, 6 with q Annas the high priest and r Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, s "By what power or t by what name did you do this?" 8 Then Peter, u filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today v concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that w by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, x whom God raised from the dead - by him this man is standing before you well. 11 y This Jesus 1 is the stone that was z rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. 2 12 And there is a salvation b in no one else, for c there is no other d name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."

13 e Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed f standing beside them, g they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, h "What shall we do with these men? For that i a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them j to speak no more to anyone in this name." 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, k "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for l we cannot but speak of what m we have seen and heard." 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, n because of the people, for all were praising God o for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices p together to God and said, "Sovereign Lord, q who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them,

25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, 3 said by the Holy Spirit,
r "'Why did the Gentiles rage,
and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and s the rulers were gathered together,
against the Lord and against his t Anointed' 4 -

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your u holy servant Jesus, v whom you anointed, both w Herod and x Pontius Pilate, along y with the Gentiles and z the peoples of Israel, 28 a to do whatever your hand and b your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, c look upon their threats and grant to your servants 5 to continue to speak your word with all d boldness, 30 while e you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed f through the name of your g holy servant Jesus." 31 And when they had prayed, h the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and i they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and j continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of k one heart and l soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but m they had everything in common. 33 And with great n power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and o great grace was upon them all. 34 p There was not a needy person among them, for q as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and r laid it at the apostles' feet, and s it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means t son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and u laid it at the apostles' feet.

  1. Cross References
    Acts 5:24
    Now when the captain of the temple and the chie...
    Acts 5:26
    Then the captain with the officers went and bro...
    Luke 22:4
    He went away and conferred with the chief pries...
    Luke 22:52
    Then Jesus said to the chief priests and office...
    1 Chronicles 9:11
    And Azariah the son of Hilkiah, son of Meshulla...
    Nehemiah 11:11
    Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, son of Meshullam, s...
  2. Cross References
    Matthew 22:23
    The same day Sadducees came to him, who say that there is no resurrection, and they asked him a question.
  3. Cross References
    Acts 17:18
    Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, "What does this babbler wish to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities" - because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection.
    Acts 3:15
    And you killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses.
  4. Cross References
    Luke 21:12
    But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.
  5. Cross References
    Acts 2:41
    So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.
  6. Cross References
    Luke 3:2
    During the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the wilderness.
    John 18:13
    First they led him to Annas, for he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.
    John 18:24
    Annas then sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.
  7. Cross References
    Matthew 26:3
    Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas.
  8. Cross References
    Matthew 21:23
    And when he entered the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came up to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?
  9. Cross References
    Acts 4:10
    Let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead - by him this man is standing before you well.
  10. Cross References
    Matthew 10:20
    For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
  11. Cross References
    Acts 3:7 - 8
    And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
  12. Cross References
    Acts 3:6
    But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!
  13. Cross References
    Acts 2:24
    God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
  14. Cross References
    Psalms 118:22
    The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.
  15. Cross References
    Mark 9:12
    And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
    Luke 23:11
    And Herod with his soldiers treated him with contempt and mocked him. Then, arraying him in splendid clothing, he sent him back to Pilate.
  16. Cross References
    Acts 13:26
    Brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.
    Acts 28:28
    Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.
    John 4:22
    You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
    Hebrews 2:3
    How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard.
    Jude 1:3
    Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
  17. Cross References
    1 Timothy 2:5
    For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
  18. Cross References
    Galatians 1:7
    Not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.
  19. Cross References
    Acts 10:43
    To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.
    Luke 24:47
    And that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.
    John 20:31
    But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.
  20. Cross References
    John 7:15
    The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied?
  21. Cross References
    Acts 3:11
    While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in the portico called Solomon's.
  22. Cross References
    Luke 21:15
    For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
  23. Cross References
    John 11:47
    So the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered the Council and said, "What are we to do? For this man performs many signs.
    John 12:19
    So the Pharisees said to one another, "You see that you are gaining nothing. Look, the world has gone after him.
  24. Cross References
    Acts 4:21
    And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all were praising God for what had happened.
    Acts 3:9 - 10
    And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
  25. Cross References
    Acts 5:28
    Saying, "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
    Acts 5:40
    And when they had called in the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
  26. Cross References
    Acts 5:29
    But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.
  27. Cross References
    Amos 3:8
    The lion has roared; who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken; who can but prophesy?
    John 15:27
    And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.
    1 Corinthians 9:16
    For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
  28. Cross References
    Acts 22:15
    For you will be a witness for him to everyone 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 looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life -
    1 John 1:3
    That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
  29. Cross References
    Acts 5:13
    None of the rest dared join them, but the peopl...
    Acts 5:26
    Then the captain with the officers went and bro...
    Matthew 21:26
    But if we say, 'From man,' we are afraid of the...
    Matthew 21:46
    And although they were seeking to arrest him, t...
    Mark 11:32
    But shall we say, 'From man'?" - they were afra...
    Luke 20:6
    But if we say, 'From man,' all the people will ...
    Luke 20:19
    The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay...
    Luke 22:2
    And the chief priests and the scribes were seek...
  30. Cross References
    Acts 3:7 - 8
    And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong.
  31. Cross References
    Acts 1:14
    All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
  32. Cross References
    Exodus 20:11
    For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth,...
    2 Chronicles 2:12
    Hiram also said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Is...
    Nehemiah 9:6
    You are the Lord, you alone. You have made heav...
    Psalms 102:25
    Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, an...
    Psalms 124:8
    Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made h...
    Psalms 134:3
    May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made h...
    Psalms 146:6
    Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all tha...
  33. Cross References
    Psalms 2:1 - 2
    Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
  34. Cross References
    Psalms 2:1 - 2
    Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
  35. Cross References
    Acts 4:5
    On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem.
  36. Cross References
    Acts 10:38
    How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.
    Luke 4:18
    The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.
    Hebrews 1:9
    You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.
    Daniel 9:24
    Seventy weeks are decreed about your people and your holy city, to finish the transgression, to put an end to sin, and to atone for iniquity, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal both vision and prophet, and to anoint a most holy place.
    Revelation 11:15
    Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.
  37. Cross References
    Acts 4:30
    While you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.
  38. Cross References
    Acts 4:26
    The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers were gathered together, against the Lord and against his Anointed' -
  39. Cross References
    Luke 23:7 - 11
    And when he learned that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who was himself in Jerusalem at that time.
  40. Cross References
    Matthew 27:2
    And they bound him and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate the governor.
  41. Cross References
    Matthew 20:19
    And deliver him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.
  42. Cross References
    Matthew 26:3
    Then the chief priests and the elders of the people gathered in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas.
  43. Cross References
    Isaiah 46:10
    Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.
  44. Cross References
    Acts 2:23
    This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
  45. Cross References
    2 Kings 19:16
    Incline your ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to mock the living God.
  46. 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 in which th...
    Acts 9:27
    But Barnabas took him and brought him to the ap...
    Acts 9:29
    And he spoke and disputed against the Hellenist...
    Acts 13:46
    And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying,...
    Acts 14:3
    So they remained for a long time, speaking bold...
    Acts 18:26
    He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but ...
    Acts 19:8
    And he entered the synagogue and for three mont...
    Acts 28:31
    Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching abo...
    Ephesians 6:19
    And also for me, that words may be given to me ...
  47. Cross References
    Psalms 138:7
    Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me.
    Proverbs 31:20
    She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.
    Isaiah 1:25
    I will turn my hand against you and will smelt away your dross as with lye and remove all your alloy.
    Zephaniah 1:4
    I will stretch out my hand against Judah and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and I will cut off from this place the remnant of Baal and the name of the idolatrous priests along with the priests.
  48. Cross References
    Acts 3:6
    But Peter said, "I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!
    Matthew 7:22
    On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?
    Mark 9:39
    But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.
    Mark 16:17
    And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues.
  49. Cross References
    Acts 4:27
    For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel.
  50. Cross References
    Acts 2:2
    And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.
    Acts 16:26
    And 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 bonds were unfastened.
    Psalms 77:18
    The crash of your thunder was in the whirlwind; your lightnings lighted up the world; the earth trembled and shook.
  51. Cross References
    Acts 2:4
    And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
  52. Cross References
    Philippians 1:14
    And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
  53. Cross References
    2 Chronicles 30:12
    The hand of God was also on Judah to give them one heart to do what the king and the princes commanded by the word of the Lord.
    Ezekiel 11:19
    And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh.
  54. Cross References
    Philippians 1:27
    Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.
  55. Cross References
    Acts 2:44
    And all who believed were together and had all things in common.
  56. Cross References
    Acts 1:8
    But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
    Acts 1:22
    Beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us - one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.
  57. Cross References
    Acts 11:23
    When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose.
  58. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 8:14 - 15
    Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
  59. Cross References
    Acts 2:45
    And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
  60. Cross References
    Acts 4:37
    Sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
    Acts 5:2
    And with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet.
  61. Cross References
    Acts 6:1
    Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
  62. Cross References
    Mark 3:17
    James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder).
  63. Cross References
    Acts 4:35
    And laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.
Previous Book Next Book