This morning's text comes from the book of acts, the fourth chapter, beginning in the

13th verse through the 22nd verse.

Acts 4, 13 to 22.

Hear the word of the Lord. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John and

and perceived that they were uneducated common men, they wondered and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

But seen the man that had been healed, standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition.

But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council,

they conferred with one another, saying,

what shall we do with these men?

For that a notable sign has been performed through them is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to anyone in this name. So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

But Peter and John answered them,

whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.

For we cannot but speak what we have seen and heard.

And when they had further threatened them,

they let them go, finding no way to punish them

because of the people.

For all men praise God for what had happened, for the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than 40 years he had been lame, it says in Chapter 3,

verse 2, he was lame from birth.

And now he was running and leaping and praising God through the temple.

A great crowd had gathered when they saw him and Peter, you remember,

preached a great sermon with power and 2,000 people received Christ and repented and joined the church.

...