While 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, F63 and some Sadducees. F64
They were upset because of what Peter and John were teaching the people. By telling people about Jesus, the two apostles F65 were teaching that people will rise from death.
They 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?"
We 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!
Jesus 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!"
The 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.
They saw the crippled man standing there beside the two apostles. F70 They saw that the man was healed. So they could say nothing against the apostles.
They said, "What shall we do with these men (the apostles)? Every person in Jerusalem knows that they have done a great miracle. F71 This is clear. We cannot say it is not true.
The 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 F73 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.
Peter 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.
When 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.
Our ancestor David was your servant. With the help of the Holy Spirit F74 he wrote these words: 'Why are the nations shouting? Why are the people of the world planning things {against God}? It is hopeless!
These things really happened when Herod, F76 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. F77
And 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.
Help us to be brave by showing us your power: make sick people well, give proofs, and make miracles F78 happen by the power of Jesus, your holy servant."
After the believers prayed, the place where they were meeting shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, F79 and they continued to speak God's message F80 without fear.