Acts 4

All 37 verses in the Clear Bible Translation. Tap a verse to compare the KJV and read what it means.

Read Acts 4 in the Bible reader, with audio →

1. 1As they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees approached them.
2. 2They were upset that Peter and John were teaching the people and preaching through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
3. 3They arrested them and held them until the next day, since it was already evening.
4. 4But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of men was about 5,000.
5. 5The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes gathered in Jerusalem.
6. 6Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and everyone else from the high priest's family.
7. 7They brought Peter and John before them and demanded, "By what power or in whose name did you do this?"
8. 8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered them, "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel,
9. 9if we are being questioned today about an act of kindness shown to a crippled man — how he was healed —
10. 10then let every one of you and all the people of Israel know this: it was by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the one you crucified and God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you completely healed.
11. 11Jesus is 'the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.'
12. 12There is no salvation through anyone else. There is no other name under heaven given to humanity by which we must be saved."
13. 13When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.
14. 14And since the man who had been healed was standing right there with them, the council had nothing they could say against it.
15. 15So they ordered Peter and John to step outside the council chamber and began debating among themselves.
16. 16"What shall we do with these men?" they asked. "A notable miracle has indeed been done by them, and it is clear to everyone living in Jerusalem; we cannot deny it."
17. 17But to keep this from spreading any further among the people, let's warn them with serious threats never to speak to anyone in this name again."
18. 18So they called Peter and John back in and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19. 19But Peter and John replied, "You decide for yourselves whether it's right in God's sight to obey you rather than God.
20. 20Because we simply cannot stop talking about what we've seen and heard."
21. 21After further threatening them, they released them, finding no way to punish them because of the people, for everyone was praising God for what had happened.
22. 22After all, the man who had been miraculously healed was over 40 years old.
23. 23As soon as they were released, Peter and John went back to the other believers and told them everything the chief priests and elders had said.
24. 24When the believers heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God: "Lord, you are God! You made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and everything in them.
25. 25You spoke through your servant David when he said: 'Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot useless schemes?'
26. 26The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his Christ.'
27. 27Truly, Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.
28. 28They carried out everything your hand and your counsel had already determined would take place.
29. 29Now, Lord, see how they're threatening us, and give your servants the courage to speak your word with complete boldness.
30. 30By stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of your holy child Jesus.”
31. 31When they finished praying, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking the word of God with boldness.
32. 32The multitude of believers were of one heart and one soul. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything in common.
33. 33With great power, the apostles testified about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
34. 34No one among them was in need, because those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the money from the sales
35. 35and place it at the apostles' feet. Then it was distributed to anyone who had a need.
36. 36And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation), a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,
37. 37He sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.