Peter and John Return to the Believers

²³Peter and John left the meeting of Jewish leaders and went to their own group. They told the group everything that the leading priests and the older Jewish leaders had said to them. ²⁴When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God. They all wanted the same thing. They prayed, "Master, you are the One who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in the world. ²⁵Our father* David was your servant. With the help of the Holy Spirit* he wrote these words: 'Why are the nations shouting? Why are the people of the world planning things [against God]? It is hopeless! ²⁶The kings of the earth prepare themselves to fight, and the rulers all come together against the Lord (God) and against his Christ.*' Psalm 2:1-2

²⁷These things really happened when Herod,* Pontius Pilate, the nations, and the Jewish people all 'came together' against Jesus here in Jerusalem. Jesus is your holy Servant. He is the One you (God) made to be the Christ.* ²⁸These people that 'came together' against Jesus made your plan happen; it happened because of your power and your will. ²⁹And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid! Lord, we are your servants. Help us to speak the things you want us to say without fear. ³⁰Help us to be brave by showing us your power: make sick people well, give proofs, and make miracles* happen by the power of Jesus, your holy servant." ³¹After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit,* and they continued to speak God's message* without fear.

The Believers Share

³²The group of believers were joined in their hearts, and they had the same spirit. No person in the group said that the things he had were his own. Instead, they shared everything. ³³With great power the apostles* told the people that the Lord Jesus was truly raised from death. And God blessed all the believers very much. ³⁴They all received the things they needed. Everyone that owned fields (land) or houses sold them for money. They brought the money ³⁵and gave it to the apostles. Then each person was given the things he needed. ³⁶One of the believers was named Joseph. The apostles* called him Barnabas. (This name means "A person that helps others.") He was a Levite* born in Cyprus. ³⁷Joseph owned a field. He sold the field, brought the money, and gave it to the apostles.

father(s) Important ancestors of the Jews; the leaders of the twelve Jewish family groups. 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. Christ The "anointed one" (Messiah) or chosen one of God. Herod Herod Antipas, tetrarch (ruler) of Galilee and Perea, son of Herod the Great. miracle(s) Miracles are amazing works done by God's power. God's message The news that God has made a way for people to have their sins forgiven and live with him forever. apostles The men Jesus chose to be his special helpers. Levite Levites were men from the family group of Levi who helped the Jewish priests in the temple.