You killed the Originator of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this fact we are witnesses!

God raised up his servant and sent him first to you, to bless you by turning each one of you from your iniquities.”

But Peter and John replied, “Whether it is right before God to obey you rather than God, you decide,

And now, Lord, pay attention to their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your message with great courage,

while you extend your hand to heal, and to bring about miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

For there was no one needy among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling them and bringing the proceeds from the sales

Thus they even carried the sick out into the streets, and put them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow would fall on some of them.

God exalted him to his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.

And we are witnesses of these events, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.”

They incited the people, the elders, and the experts in the law; then they approached Stephen, seized him, and brought him before the council.

All who were sitting in the council looked intently at Stephen and saw his face was like the face of an angel.

This was the one who exploited our people and was cruel to our ancestors, forcing them to abandon their infants so they would die.

But when he was about forty years old, it entered his mind to visit his fellow countrymen the Israelites.

‘I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look more closely.

But the Lord said to him, ‘Take the sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.

Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him, but pushed him aside and turned back to Egypt in their hearts,

“Look!” he said. “I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Then he fell to his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he died.

The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the miraculous signs he was performing.

Now in that city was a man named Simon, who had been practicing magic and amazing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great.