20We cannot stop talking about what we've seen and heard."
21The authorities threatened them even more and then let them go. Since all the people were praising God for what had happened, the authorities couldn't find any way to punish Peter and John.
22(The man who was healed by this miracle was over 40 years old.)
23When Peter and John were released, they went to the other apostles and told them everything the chief priests and leaders had said. 24When the apostles heard this, they were united and loudly prayed to God, "Master, you made the sky, the land, the sea, and everything in them.
25You said through the Holy Spirit, who spoke through your servant David (our ancestor), 'Why do the nations act arrogantly? Why do their people devise useless plots?
26Kings take their stand. Rulers make plans together against the Lord and against his Messiah.'
27"In this city Herod and Pontius Pilate made plans together with non-Jewish people and the people of Israel. They made their plans against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28Through your will and power, they did everything that you had already decided should be done. 29"Lord, pay attention to their threats now, and allow us to speak your word boldly. 30Show your power by healing, performing miracles, and doing amazing things through the power and the name of your holy servant Jesus." 31When the apostles had finished praying, their meeting place shook. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God boldly.
32The whole group of believers lived in harmony. No one called any of his possessions his own. Instead, they shared everything. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify that the Lord Jesus had come back to life. [God's] abundant good will was with all of them. 34None of them needed anything. From time to time, people sold land or houses and brought the money 35to the apostles. Then the money was distributed to anyone who needed it.
36Joseph, a descendant of Levi, had been born on the island of Cyprus. The apostles called him Barnabas, which means "a person who encourages." 37He had some land. He sold it and turned the money over to the apostles.
