The apostles chose seven devout men to handle practical matters, such as the daily distribution of good, so the apostles could focus on prayer and proclamation.

Forbidden by the Council (the Sanhedrin) to teach about Jesus, Peter and the other apostles replied, "We must obey God rather than men." They continued to proclaim Jesus as the Christ (the Messiah), counting any penalties as honors.

The disciples had all things in common. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.

In 4:1-4, the priests and Sadducees arrested Peter and John. In 4:5-12, Peter and John take the opportunity to proclaim Jesus Christ to the Council (also known as the Sanhedrin).

Peter preaches a sermon in the portico of the Temple, recounting their rejection of Jesus, acknowledging that they acted in ignorance, and calling them to repent and to receive forgiveness.

The disciples devoted themselves to the apostles' teach, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and the prayers. They had all possessions in common. The Lord daily added to their number those who were being saved.

"Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified." Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

"Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs, even as you yourselves know, him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it."

On the Day of Pentecost, devout Jews have come to Jerusalem from every nation. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. Peter preaches a powerful sermon (which continues through 2:36).