Peter and John Before the Jewish Council

4 ¹While Peter and John were speaking to the people, some men came to them. There were some Jewish priests, the captain of the soldiers that guarded the temple,* and some Sadducees.* ²They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the two apostles* were teaching that people will rise from death. ³The Jewish leaders grabbed Peter and John and put them in jail. It was already night, so they kept Peter and John in jail until the next day. ⁴But many of the people that heard Peter and John believed the things they said. There were now about 5,000 men in the group of believers. ⁵The next day the Jewish leaders, the older Jewish leaders, and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. ⁶Annas (the high priest*), Caiaphas, John, and Alexander were there. Everyone from the high priest's family was there. ⁷They made Peter and John stand before all the people there. The Jewish leaders asked them many times, "How did you make this crippled man well? What power did you use? With whose authority did you do this?" ⁸Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit.* He said to them, "Leaders of the people and you older leaders: ⁹Are you questioning us today about the good thing that was done to this crippled man? Are you asking us what made him well? ¹⁰We want all of you and all the Jewish people to know that this man was made well by the power of Jesus Christ from Nazareth! You nailed Jesus to a cross. God raised him from death. This man was crippled, but he is now well. He is able to stand here before you because of the power of Jesus! ¹¹Jesus is 'the stone* that you builders thought was not important. But this stone has become the cornerstone.*' Psalm 118:22

¹²Jesus is the only One who can save people. His name is the only power in the world that has been given to save people. We must be saved through Jesus!" ¹³The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But the leaders also saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus. ¹⁴They saw the crippled man standing there beside the two apostles.* They saw that the man was healed. So they could say nothing against the apostles. ¹⁵The Jewish leaders told them to leave the meeting. Then the leaders talked to each other about what they should do. ¹⁶They said, "What shall we do with these men (the apostles)? Every person in Jerusalem knows that they have done a great miracle.* This is clear. We cannot say it is not true. ¹⁷But we must make them afraid to talk to people about this man (Jesus). Then this problem will not spread among the people." ¹⁸So the Jewish leaders called Peter and John in again. They told the apostles* not to say anything or to teach anything in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹But Peter and John answered them, "What do you think is right? What would God want? Should we obey you or God? ²⁰We cannot be quiet. We must tell people about the things we saw and heard." ^21-22The Jewish leaders could not find a way to punish the apostles, because all the people were praising God for what had been done. (This miracle* was a proof from God. The man that was healed was more than 40 years old!) So the Jewish leaders warned the apostles again and let them go free.

temple The special building in Jerusalem for Jewish worship. Sadducees A leading Jewish religious group. They accepted only the first five books of the Old Testament. They believed that people don't live again after death. apostles The men Jesus chose to be his special helpers. high priest The most important Jewish priest and leader. Spirit, Holy Spirit Also called the Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, and the Comforter. Joined with God and Christ, he does God's work among people in the world. stone A picture or symbol meaning Jesus. cornerstone The first and most important rock of a building. miracle(s) Miracles are amazing works done by God's power.