17. But so that it may not be spread any further among the people, let us give them a stern warning never again to speak to anyone in this name.”
18. So they called them back and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.
19. Peter and John, however, said to them in reply, “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to obey you rather than God, you be the judges.
20. It is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
21. After threatening them further, they released them, finding no way to punish them, on account of the people who were all praising God for what had happened.
22. For the man on whom this sign of healing had been done was over forty years old.
23. After their release they went back to their own people and reported what the chief priests and elders had told them.
24. And when they heard it, they raised their voices to God with one accord and said, “Sovereign Lord, maker of heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them,
25. you said by the holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant:‘Why did the Gentiles rageand the peoples entertain folly?
26. The kings of the earth took their standand the princes gathered togetheragainst the Lord and against his anointed.’
27. Indeed they gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,