23 On their release, Peter and John went back and told the others everything the chief priests and the leaders had said to them. 24 When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer, “O Sovereign LORD, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— 25 who by your Holy Spirit, and the mouth of Your servant David has said: ‘Why do the nations rage? And the people plot vain things? 26 The kings of earth prepare for battle. The leaders gather together against the LORD and against his Messiah’ [Ps.2:1-2]. 27 In fact, this has happened here in this very city! For Herod Antipas, Pontius Pilate the governor, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were all united - against Jesus, your holy servant whom you anointed - 28 to do whatever your hand and your plan had decided beforehand would happen. 29 And now, O LORD, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. 30 Reach out your hand to heal, with wonders and miracles performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31 After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. [King James and New King James blended - And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.] 32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul, neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. (This is noT state run Socialism where leaders control all resources. “If they do this” [crucify Him] “during a green leaf, what will they do during a dry leaf?” Lk.23:31)
33 With great power the apostles continued to give their testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles for distribution as anyone had need. 36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus (a future partner of Paul) whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.
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Very Brief Outline of Acts:
Jesus returns to where he was with the Father before his advent/visit (his brief first one).
The Holy Spirit/Presence of God is poured out on the believers who were in Jerusalem on the late Spring holy day of Pentecost. Peter speaks, there are 3000 new believers that day.
The good news message spreads, Peter is invited and goes to a Roman’s house and all believe. The first record of non Hebrew believers (besides likely some on Pentecost).
Persecution breaks out.. jail. stoning. Pharisee Saul leads the persecution, but on his way to Damascus with papers for arrests, Jesus makes himself seen but is so bright Paul falls to the ground and is blinded. After two days he is healed and is a believer, and soon is called Paul. He wrote many (to most) of the New Testament letters, but spent a few years (it seems to me) exclusively listening to the Lord. He established many ‘churches’ in what’s called three missionary journeys, and met and worked with Mark and Luke, and quite a few others. (Luke wrote this Book of Acts.) His fourth journey is to Rome to trial as a prisoner. There’s a shipwreck on the way.. He wrote many of his letters while in prison and under ‘house’ arrest.
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