-
Peter Speaks to the Onlookers
While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.
-
When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk?
-
By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.
-
“Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders.
-
Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’
-
But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
-
If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed,
-
then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.
-
Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
-
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
-
But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.
-
“What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it.
-
But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”
-
Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
-
After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened.
-
For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.
-
Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.
-
The Believers Share Their Possessions
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.
-
that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales
-
Ananias and Sapphira
Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property.
-
Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
-
About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
-
The Apostles Heal Many
The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade.
-
No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.
-
But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported,
