The Believers Pray for Boldness

²³ After they were released, they went to their own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard it, they raised their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth, the sea, and everything in them,^{(A) 25} it is you who said by the Holy Spirit through our ancestor David, your servant:^[a]

²⁷ “For in this city, in fact, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the gentiles and the peoples of Israel, gathered together against your holy servant^[c] Jesus, whom you anointed,^{(D) 28} to do whatever your hand and your plan had predestined to take place. ²⁹ And now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,^{(E) 30} while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant^[d] Jesus.”^{(F) 31} When they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.^(G)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

³² Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common.^{(H) 33} With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.^{(I) 34} There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold.^{(J) 35} They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need.^{(K) 36} There was a Levite from Cyprus, Joseph, to whom the apostles gave the name Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”). ³⁷ He sold a field that belonged to him, then brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.^(L)