40 And with many other words he solemnly urged and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” 41 So those who accepted his message were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

The Fellowship of the First Believers

42 And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. 43 And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were being performed by the apostles. 44 And all who believed were in the same place, and had everything in common. 45 And they began selling* their* possessions and property, and distributing these things to all, to the degree that anyone had need. 46 And every day, devoting themselves to meeting* with one purpose in the temple courts* and breaking bread from house to house, they were eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding every day to the total of those who were being saved.

A Lame Beggar Healed at the Temple

3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man was being carried who was lame ⌊from birth⌋.a ⌊He⌋b was placed every day at the gate of the temple called “Beautiful,” so that he could ask for charitable gifts from those who were going into the temple courts.* 3 When he* saw Peter and John about to go into the temple courts,* he began asking to receive alms. 4 And Peter looked intently at him, together with John, and* said, “Look at us!” 5 So he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “Silver and gold ⌊I do not possess⌋,c but what I have, this I give to you—in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”d 7 And taking hold of him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and began walking around* and entered into the temple courts* with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 And they recognized him, that this onee was the one who used to sit asking for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.