13. The Jewish leaders understood that Peter and John had no special training or education. But they also saw that they were not afraid to speak. So the leaders were amazed. They also realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus.
14. They saw the crippled man standing there beside the apostles. They saw that he was healed, so they could say nothing against the apostles.
15. The Jewish leaders told them to leave the council meeting. Then the leaders talked to each other about what they should do.
16. They said, “What shall we do with these men? Everyone in Jerusalem knows about the miracle they did as a sign from God. It’s too obvious. We can’t say it didn’t happen.
17. But we must make them afraid to talk to anyone again using that name. Then this problem will not spread among the people.”
18. So the Jewish leaders called Peter and John in again. They told the apostles not to say anything or to teach anything in the name of Jesus.
19. But Peter and John answered them, “What do you think is right? What would God want? Should we obey you or God?
20. We cannot be quiet. We must tell people about what we have seen and heard.”
21-22. 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 was a sign from God. The man who was healed was more than 40 years old. So the Jewish leaders warned the apostles again and let them go free.
23. 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.
24. When the believers heard this, they all prayed to God with one purpose. They said, “Master, you are the one who made the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in the world.
25. Our ancestor David was your servant. With the help of the Holy Spirit he wrote these words: ‘Why are the nations shouting? Why are the people planning such useless things?
26. ‘The kings of the earth prepare themselves to fight, and the rulers all come together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’ Psalm 2:1-2
27. That’s what actually happened when Herod, Pontius Pilate, the other nations, and the people of Israel all came together against Jesus here in Jerusalem. He is your holy Servant, the one you made to be the Messiah.
28. These people who came together against Jesus made your plan happen. It was done because of your power and your will.
29. And now, Lord, listen to what they are saying. They are trying to make us afraid. We are your servants. Help us to say what you want us to say without fear.