14. But there was nothing that they could say, because they saw the man who had been healed standing there with Peter and John.
15. So they told them to leave the Council room, and then they started discussing among themselves.
16. “What shall we do with these men?” they asked. “Everyone in Jerusalem knows that this extraordinary miracle has been performed by them, and we cannot deny it.
17. But to keep this matter from spreading any further among the people, let us warn these men never again to speak to anyone in the name of Jesus.”
18. So they called them back in and told them that on no condition were they to speak or to teach in the name of Jesus.
19. But Peter and John answered them, “You yourselves judge which is right in God's sight — to obey you or to obey God.
20. For we cannot stop speaking of what we ourselves have seen and heard.”
21. So the Council warned them even more strongly and then set them free. They saw that it was impossible to punish them, because the people were all praising God for what had happened.
22. The man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was over forty years old.
23. As soon as Peter and John were set free, they returned to their group and told them what the chief priests and the elders had said.
24. When the believers heard it, they all joined together in prayer to God: “Master and Creator of heaven, earth, and sea, and all that is in them!
25. By means of the Holy Spirit you spoke through our ancestor David, your servant, when he said:‘Why were the Gentiles furious;why did people make their useless plots?
26. The kings of the earth prepared themselves,and the rulers met togetheragainst the Lord and his Messiah.’
27. For indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together in this city with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Jesus, your holy Servant, whom you made Messiah.
28. They gathered to do everything that you by your power and will had already decided would happen.
29. And now, Lord, take notice of the threats they have made, and allow us, your servants, to speak your message with all boldness.
30. Stretch out your hand to heal, and grant that wonders and miracles may be performed through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.”