Chapter I: AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2)Every branch in (2)

(7)Now it came to pass at the distance of about three hours, his wife also, not knowing what had passed, came in. (8)And Peter addressed her, Tell me, if ye sold the estate for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much.

(9)Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have conspired together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? see, the feet of them who have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. (10)Then she fell instantly at his feet, and expired: and the young men entering, found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her with her husband. (11)And great awe fell on all the Church, and on all who heard these things.

(12)But by the hands of the apostles were many signs and miracles done among the people; (and they were all with one accord in the portico of Solomon. (13)But of the rest no man had the courage to unite himself with them: though the people extolled them. (14)But believers on the Lord were abundantly added to them, multitudes, both of men and women.) (15)Insomuch that they carried out into the streets the sick, and laid them on beds and couches, that when Peter was coming by, if but even his shadow might pass over some of them.

(16)Then came together also a multitude from the neighbouring cities to Jerusalem, bringing the sick, and those who were disturbed by unclean spirits; who were healed universally.

(17)Then arose the high-priest, and all those who were connected with him, (which was the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with zeal, (18)and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. (19)But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said, (20)Go, and taking your station in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. (21)Having heard this therefore, they entered very early in the morning into the temple, and taught. But when the high-priest came, and those who were with him, they convoked the sanhedrim, and all the assembly of elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them. (22)But the officers, on their arrival, found them not in the prison: and returning, informed them, (23)saying; The prison indeed found we fast locked with all security, and the guards standing without, before the door: but when we opened it, we found no person within.

(24)Now when they heard these words, both the priest and captain of the temple and the chief priests were in the utmost perplexity concerning these things, what could be the meaning of it. (25)Then came a person and informed them, saying, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. (26)Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them. (27)But when they had conducted them, they placed them in the sanhedrim: and the high-priest interrogated them, (28)saying, Did we not lay our strict injunction upon you, that you should not teach in this name? and, lo, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would fain bring this man's blood upon us.

(29)Then Peter and the apostles answering said, We must obey God rather than men. (30)The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye had killed, suspending him on a tree. (31)Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. (32)And we are witnesses of these things; and the Holy Ghost also, which God hath given to those who obey him.

(33)But when they heard this, they were cut asunder as with a saw, and took counsel how to make away with them.

(34)Then arose a certain Pharisee, in the sanhedrim, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in high esteem by all the people, and ordered the apostles to be taken out for a little space; (35)and he said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves respecting these men, what ye mean to do to them. (36)For before these days arose Theudas, saying that he himself was a singular personage: to whom a number of men, about four hundred, attached themselves: who was taken off; and as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. (37)And after him arose Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrolment, and drew away a multitude of the populace after him: he also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. (38)And as to the matters now before you, I say unto you, Abstain from these men, and leave them to themselves: for if this design or this work be of men, it will come to nothing: (39)but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; and in that case would be found fighters against God. (40)And to him they assented: and calling in the apostles, after scourging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.

(41)Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment. (42)And all the day long in the temple, and from house to house, they never ceased teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.

CHAP. VI.

NOW in those days, when the disciples were multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian proselytes against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. (2)Then the twelve assembling the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to make distribution to the tables. (3)Therefore, brethren, do ye look out for seven men from among yourselves, the best approved, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint to superintend this business. (4)But we will devote ourselves constantly to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

(5)And this saying was very agreeable to all the multitude: and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas a proselyte a man of Antioch: (6)whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them. (7)And the word of God increased: and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied greatly; and a vast body of the priests were obedient to the faith.

(8)Now Stephen, full of faith and of power, wrought great miracles and signs among the people. (9)Then rose up certain men of the synagogue of the freed-men, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. (10)And they could not resist the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. (11)Then they suborned men to say, We heard him speak blasphemous things against Moses, and against God. (12)And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and coming upon him, they seized him together, and dragged him to the sanhedrim; (13)and they set up false witnesses, saying, This man doth not cease speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: (14)for we have heard him affirm, that Jesus the Nazarean, even he, will destroy this place, and change the accustomed ordinances which Moses delivered to us. (15)And fixing their eyes upon him, all who sat in the sanhedrim, beheld his face as the face of an angel.

CHAP. VII.

THEN said the high-priest, Are these things so?

(2)He replied, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear me:

The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, (3)and said to him, Go forth out of thy country, and from among thy relations, and come hither to a land which I will shew thee[32]. (4)Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans, and, dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father was dead, God removed him as a sojourner into this very country, in which we now dwell. (5)Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not so much as the print of his foot: yet he promised to give it for a possession to him and to his seed after him, when he had no son. (6)Then spake God to him thus, That his seed should sojourn in a foreign land: and that they should enslave it, and grievously afflict it, four hundred years. (7)And the nation by which they shall be enslaved will I judge, said God: and after these things they shall come out, and shall worship me in this place[33]. (8)And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. (9)And the patriarchs, envious, sold Joseph into Egypt: yet God was with him, (10)and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he appointed him governor over Egypt and all his house. (11)Then came a famine upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great distress: and our fathers found no provisions. (12)But when Jacob heard that there were provisions in Egypt, he sent our fathers, the first time. (13)And the second time Joseph was made known unto his brethren; and Joseph's family was made known unto Pharaoh. (14)Then sent Joseph, and invited his father Jacob to come to him, and all his kindred, consisting of seventy-five persons. (15)So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, himself, and our fathers, (16)and they removed him to Sychem, and laid him in the sepulchre which Abraham had bought, at a price paid in silver, of the sons of Emmor, the father of Shechem. (17)But as the time of the promise which God had with an oath confirmed unto Abraham drew nigh, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, (18)until another king arose, who knew not Joseph. (19)This man, forming crafty designs against our nation, grievously treated our fathers, so as to cause them to expose their children, in order to exterminate the race. (20)At which time Moses was born, and was endued with singular beauty from God, who was brought up three months in the house of his father: (21)and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him home, and brought him up for herself, as a son. (22)And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of Egypt, and was mighty in words and actions. (23)But when he had completed his fortieth year, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. (24)And seeing one of them treated injuriously, he defended him, and executed vengeance for him who had suffered the outrage, smiting the Egyptian. (25)For he thought that his brethren would understand that God by his hand would give them deliverance: but they understood not. (26)And the following day he shewed himself to them as they were fighting, and urged them to peace, saying, My friends, ye are brethren; wherefore do ye ill treat one another? (27)Then he who did his neighbour wrong thrust him from him, saying, Who appointed thee a ruler and a judge over us? (28)Wilt thou kill me, as thou killedst the Egyptian yesterday? (29)Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.

(30)And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him in the desert of mount Sinai the angel of the Lord, in a flame of fire in a bush. (31)But when Moses saw it, he marvelled at the sight: and as he was drawing nearer to observe it, a voice from the Lord came to him, (32)"I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob[34]." Then Moses trembling, dared not to look farther.

(33)Then the Lord said unto him, "Loose the sandal from thy feet: for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. (34)Attentive I have beheld the evil treatment of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I am come down to deliver them. And now come hither, I will send thee into Egypt[35]." (35)This very Moses whom they had rejected, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. (36)He brought them forth, after performing miracles and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. (37)This is the Moses who said unto the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up for you from among your brethren, as myself; him shall ye hear[36]." (38)This is he, who was with the church in the wilderness with the angel who spake to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers: who received the oracles of life to give unto us: (39)to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and turned back in their hearts unto Egypt, (40)saying to Aaron, Make us gods who shall go before us: for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what hath happened to him. (41)And they made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice for the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

(42)Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Have ye offered me slain beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? (43)Yet have ye taken up the tabernacle of Moloc, and the star of your god Remphan, those figures which ye made to pay adoration to them: and I will transport you beyond Babylon[37].

(44)The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, as he that spake to Moses commanded, that he should make it according to the model which he had seen. (45)Which also our fathers having received, brought in with Joshua into the place possessed by the Gentiles, whom God drove out from before the presence of our fathers, unto the days of David; (46)who found favour before God, and sought to procure an habitation for the God of Jacob. (47)But Solomon built an house for him. (48)Though the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as the prophet saith, (49)"Heaven is my throne, and earth the footstool for my feet: what kind of house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what place is there for my repose? (50)hath not my hand made all these things[38]?"

(51)Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and in ears, ye do always oppose yourselves against the Holy Ghost: as your fathers, so are ye. (52)Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they killed those who before published the tidings of the coming of that Righteous Person; of whom ye have now been the betrayers and murderers: (53)who have received the law through arrangements of angels, yet have not observed it.

(54)Now when they heard these things, they were cut through their hearts as with a saw, and gnashed upon him with their teeth.

(55)But he being full of the Holy Ghost, and looking up stedfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; (56)and he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.

(57)Then they screamed out with a great cry, and stopped their ears, and rushed all together upon him, (58)and dragging him out of the city, stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, named Saul. (59)And they stoned Stephen, in the act of prayer, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit! (60)Then falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, impute not to them this sin! And thus speaking, fell asleep.

CHAP. VIII.

BUT Saul was delighted with his execution.

Now on that very day commenced a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all, besides the apostles, were dispersed through the regions of Judea and Samaria.

(2)Then some pious men assembling, carried Stephen to his grave, and made great lamentation over him.

(3)But Saul ravaged the church, entering into the houses, and dragging men and women, cast them into prison.

(4)Those therefore who were dispersed, travelled through the country, preaching the word. (5)But Philip, going down to a city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them. (6)And the multitudes with united minds were very attentive to the things spoken by Philip, when they heard him, and saw the miracles which he did. (7)For the unclean spirits, roaring with great cries, came forth out of many who were possessed: and many who were paralytic and lame were healed. (8)And there was great joy in that city.

(9)But a certain man, named Simon, lived previously in that city, who practised magic, and astonished the nation of Samaria, giving out himself as an extraordinary great personage: (10)to whom all gave heed from the small to the great, saying, This man is the great power of God. (11)And to him they attended, because he had of a considerable time astonished them by his magical tricks. (12)But when they believed Philip, who preached the glad tidings of the things which related to the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised both men and women. (13)Then Simon also himself believed: and being baptised, he attached himself to Philip, and beholding the signs and great miracles which were performed, he was astonished.

(14)But when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: (15)who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (16)for as yet he had not fallen on any one of them: only they had been baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. (17)Then they laid their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

(18)Now when Simon saw, that by the imposition of the apostles' hands, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, (19)saying, Confer on me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, they may receive the Holy Ghost. (20)But Peter said unto him, May thy silver with thyself go into perdition, because thou hast imagined that the gift of God can be purchased with money. (21)There is for thee neither part nor lot in this word: for thy heart is not right before God. (22)Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray to God, if haply this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee. (23)For I see that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity. (24)Then Simon answering said, Pray ye for me unto the Lord, that none of the things which ye have spoken may come upon me.

(25)Then they, after bearing their testimony, and speaking the word of the Lord, returned towards Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

(26)Now the angel of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise, and go towards the south, on the road which leads down from Jerusalem to Gaza: it is a wilderness. (27)And he arose and went: and lo! an Ethiopian man, an eunuch, a person in power under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasury; he had gone to worship unto Jerusalem, (28)and was returning, and sitting in his chariot, was reading the prophet Isaiah. (29)Then said the Spirit to Philip, Go up, and approach close to that chariot. (30)Then Philip running up to him, heard him reading the prophet Isaiah; and he said, Well! but dost thou understand what thou art reading? (31)He replied, How indeed can I, except some person guide me in the way? And he besought Philip to come up and sit with him. (32)The portion of scripture which he had been reading was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and as a lamb before him who sheareth it is dumb, so he opened not his mouth: (33)in his humiliation his judgment was taken away: but his generation who can describe? for his life was taken away from the earth[39]." (34)Then the eunuch addressing himself to Philip, said, I pray thee, of whom doth the prophet thus speak? of himself, or of some other person? (35)Then Philip opening his mouth, and beginning from that scripture, preached to him Jesus. (36)But as they went on the road, they came to some water: and the eunuch said, Here is water, what forbids my being baptised? (37)And Philip said, If thou believest with the whole heart, it is allowable. Then he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38)And he bid the carriage stop: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptised him. (39)But when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught up Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more: then he went on his way rejoicing. (40)But Philip found himself at Azotus: and passing through he preached the gospel in all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

CHAP. IX.

BUT Saul, still breathing out threatenings and murder against the disciples of the Lord, applying to the high-priest, (2)besought of him letters for the synagogues at Damascus, that if he should find any persons of this way, whether men or women, he might bring them in chains to Jerusalem. (3)So advancing on his journey, he was drawing nigh to Damascus: and suddenly there shone around him a light from heaven: (4)and falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5)Then said he, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou art persecuting: It is difficult for thee to kick against the goads. (6)And trembling and amazed he said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

(7)And the men who travelled with him stood astonished, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no man. (8)Then Paul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. (9)And he was three days seeing nothing, and did neither eat nor drink.

(10)Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias! And he said, Here I am, Lord. (11)Then the Lord said to him, Arise, go into the street called Strait, and inquire at the house of Judas for one named Saul a man of Tarsus: for, behold, he is praying, (12)and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming to him, and laying his hand upon him, that he may recover his sight. (13)But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how many evils he hath inflicted on thy saints at Jerusalem: (14)and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. (15)But the Lord said unto him, Go: for this man is an elect vessel for me, to bear my name before nations, and kings, and the children of Israel: (16)for I will shew him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake.

(17)Then went Ananias, and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who was seen by thee in the way that thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recover thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. (18)And directly there fell from his eyes as it were scales: and he recovered sight instantly, and arose, and was baptised. (19)And when he had taken nourishment, he regained his strength. And Saul continued with the disciples who were at Damascus several days. (20)And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (21)And all who heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this the man who made havoc at Jerusalem, among those who called on this name? and hither he came for this purpose, that he might carry them in chains unto the chief priests? (22)But Saul was endued with still greater power, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, conclusively evincing that this person is the Messiah.

(23)But when many days were fulfilled, the Jews consulted together how to kill him: (24)but their design was discovered to Saul. And they kept guard at the gates of the city day and night, that they might kill him. (25)But the disciples taking him by night, got him off through the wall, letting him down in a basket.

(26)But when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples: and they were all afraid of him, not crediting that he was a disciple. (27)Then Barnabas taking him by the hand, brought him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how boldly he had preached at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28)And he was with them coming in, and going out at Jerusalem: (29)and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. And he talked and disputed with the Grecian proselytes: but they made an attempt to murder him. (30)Then the brethren, when they knew it brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.

(31)Then had the churches peace through all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, being edified; and walking in the fear of God, and in the consolation of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

(32)Now it came to pass, as Peter was passing through all parts, that he went down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. (33)And found there a certain man named AEneas, during six years stretched on a bed, who was paralytic. (34)And Peter said to him, AEneas, Jesus the Messiah maketh thee whole: arise, and make thine own bed. And he arose immediately. (35)And all who dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

(36)But there was at Joppa a woman, a disciple, named Tabitha, (which by interpretation is called Dorcas:) this woman was full of good works and of alms which she did. (37)But it came to pass that in those days she sickened and died: having then washed her, they laid her out in an upper room. (38)And as Lydda was near to Joppa, the disciples hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, entreating him without delay to come over to them. (39)Then Peter arose and went with them. And they carried him, on his arrival, into the upper room: and all the widows stood round him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made, whilst she was with them. (40)But Peter putting them all out, fell upon his knees, and prayed; and turning to the body, said, Tabitha, arise! And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. (41)Then he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling in the saints and the widows, presented her to them alive. (42)And it was known through all Joppa; and many believed on the Lord. (43)Then it came to pass, that he abode many days at Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

CHAP. X.

NOW there was a man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of the cohort called the Italic, (2)a man of piety, and who feared God with all his house, giving much alms to the people, and praying to God continually. (3)He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, Cornelius. (4)Then looking stedfastly on him, and being terrified, he said, What means this, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (5)And now send men to Joppa, and inquire for Simon, who is surnamed Peter: (6)he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is near the sea: this man will tell thee what thou must do. (7)But when the angel departed who spake to Cornelius, he called two of his domestics, and a pious soldier, persons who constantly were in attendance upon him; (8)and relating all things to them, sent them to Joppa.

(9)Then the next morning, as they were on their journey, and drew near to the city, Peter went up to the flat roof to pray about the sixth hour: (10)and he grew very hungry, and desired something to eat: but whilst they were getting it ready, a sacred ecstacy fell upon him. (11)And he saw heaven opened, and there descended to him a certain vessel, as a great sheet with chains at the four corners, and resting upon the earth: (12)in which were all the quadrupeds of the earth, and wild beasts, and reptiles, and birds of the air. (13)And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; slay and eat. (14)But Peter said, By no means, Lord for I have never at any time eaten of any thing common or unclean. (15)And the voice again a second time came to him, What God hath cleansed, call not thou unclean. (16)This was thrice repeated: and the vessel was again taken up into heaven.

(17)But while Peter was perplexed in himself what was meant by the vision which he had seen, then, behold! the men which had been sent by Cornelius having inquired out the house of Simon, stood before the door, (18)and calling, asked if Simon, surnamed Peter, lodged there. (19)But while Peter was musing upon the vision, the Spirit said to him, Lo! three men are inquiring after thee. (20)Arise then, and go down, and go with them, entertaining no doubt, for I have sent them. (21)Then Peter went down to the men who were sent by Cornelius to him; and said, Lo! I am the person that ye ask for: what is the business on which ye are come hither? (22)Then they said, Cornelius a centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report with all the nation of the Jews, has been divinely admonished by a holy angel to send for thee to his house, to hear words from thee.

(23)Then inviting them in, he lodged them there. And the next morning Peter went with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa accompanied him. (24)And the next day they entered into Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his relations and nearest friends. (25)And as Peter was entering, Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, paid him homage. (26)But Peter raised him up, saying, Arise; I also myself am a man. (27)And conversing with him, he entered, and found many assembled together.

(28)And he said unto them, Ye know how contrary it is to established usage, for a man who is a Jew to associate with or visit one of another nation; but God hath shewed me to call no man common or unclean. (29)Wherefore also without a word, I came when invited: I beg to know therefore for what purpose ye have sent for me?

(30)Then Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting till this hour; and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house, and, lo! a man stood before me in shining apparel, (31)and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thy alms are remembered before God. (32)Send therefore to Joppa, and invite Simon, whose surname is Peter, to come to thee; he lodgeth in the house of Simon the tanner, near the sea: who, when he is come will talk with thee. (33)Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast done well in coming. Now therefore are all we here present before God, to hear all things that are given in charge to thee from God.

(34)Then Peter opening his mouth, said, In truth I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons: (35)but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is acceptable to him. (36)The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (he is Lord of all,) ye know: (37)even that which was the common talk through all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; (38)respecting Jesus, who was of Nazareth, how God had anointed him with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were tyrannically oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. (39)And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the region of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they killed suspending him on a tree: (40)him God raised up the third day, and ordained that he should be visibly manifested; (41)not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he was arisen from the dead. (42)And hath commanded us to proclaim to the people, and to bear our testimony that this is the person who is ordained of God the Judge of the living and the dead. (43)To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one who believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins.

(44)While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all who heard the discourse. (45)And they of the circumcision who were believers, as many as came with Peter, were amazed, because even on the Gentiles the gift of the holy Ghost was poured out. (46)For they heard them speaking in different languages, and magnifying God. Then Peter addressed them, (47)Can any one forbid the water for baptising these persons, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? (48)So he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the Lord. Then they entreated him to tarry there some days.

CHAP. XI. NOW the apostles and brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. (2)And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they of the circumcision disputed with him, (3)saying, Thou hast gone in to men holding uncircumcision, and hast eaten with them.

(4)Then Peter taking up the matter from the beginning, explained it to them regularly, saying, (5)I was in the city of Joppa praying and I saw in a trance a vision, a certain vessel descending as a vast sheet let down from heaven by its four corners; and it came close to me: (6)on which looking attentively, I perceived, and saw the quadrupeds of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the birds of the air. (7)Then I heard a voice saying to me, Rise, Peter; slay and eat. (8)But I said, By no means, Lord: for never yet hath any thing common or unclean entered into my mouth. (9)But the voice replied the second time from heaven, What God hath cleansed, call not thou common. (10)Now this was repeated thrice: and the whole withdrawn again into heaven. (11)And, lo! immediately three men stood before the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. (12)And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no hesitation. But with me went also these six brethren, and we entered into the man's house: (13)and he informed us how he had seen an angel in his house, standing and saying to him, Send men to Joppa, and invite Simon, who is surnamed Peter; (14)who will speak words to thee, by which thou mayest be saved, and thy house. (15)So when I had begun to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, just as on us at the beginning. (16)Then I recollected the word of the Lord, how he had said, John indeed baptised with water; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost. (17)If God then gave an equal gift to them even as to us, on believing on the Lord Jesus Christ; I, indeed, who was I, that I should be able to restrain God?

(18)So when they heard these things they were satisfied, and glorified God, saying, Well! then hath God even to the Gentiles given repentance unto life.

(19)Now those also who were dispersed by the persecution which arose on account of Stephen passed on as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no man except the Jews only. (20)And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they arrived at Antioch, spake to the Grecian proselytes, preaching the Lord Jesus. (21)And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a vast multitude believing, turned to the Lord. (22)And the report concerning them was heard in the ears of the church which was at Jerusalem: and they dispatched Barnabas, to go as far as Antioch. (23)Who, when he arrived there, and beheld the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted them all, with full purpose of heart to adhere to the Lord. (24)For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and a great multitude was added to the Lord.

(25)Then went forth Barnabas to Tarsus, in search of Saul: (26)and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that during a whole year they were jointly employed in that church, and taught a vast multitude, and they called for the first time in Antioch the disciples Christians. (27)Now there came down in those days prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28)And one of them named Agabus, rising up, signified by the spirit that a great famine was coming upon the whole habitable globe: which also came in the reign of Claudius Caesar. (29)Then the disciples, as everyman had ability, determined every individual of them to send a sum to be distributed among the brethren who dwelt in Judea: (30)which also they did, sending it off to the presbyters by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

CHAP. XII.

NOW at that time Herod the king stretched forth his hand to treat cruelly certain persons belonging to the church. (2)And he slew James the brother of John with a sword. (3)And seeing how agreeable this was to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) (4)Whom having apprehended, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep guard over him; intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people _for execution_. (5)So then Peter was kept in prison: but fervent prayer was offered up by the church to God for him. (6)Now when Herod was going to bring him forth, the same night was Peter fast asleep between the two soldiers, fastened to them with two chains: and the guards before the door kept the prison. (7)And, lo! an angel of the Lord stood there, and light glared through the apartment: then with a stroke on Peter's side, he roused him up, and said, Arise quickly. And his chains fell from his hands. (8)And the angel said to him, Gird thyself up, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said unto him, Wrap thyself in thy mantle, and follow me. (9)And going out, he followed him; and knew not that it was a reality which was done by the angel; but he supposed he saw a vision. (10)So passing through the first ward and the second, they came to the iron door which leads into the city, which opened to them spontaneously: and being come out, they walked forward through one street; and immediately the angel departed from him. (11)And Peter coming to himself, said, Now I know assuredly, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and all the eager expectation of the people of the Jews. (12)And after considering with himself, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, who is surnamed Mark; where many were thronged together, and praying. (13)Peter then knocking at the door of the gateway, there came a damsel to ask who was there, named Rhoda. (14)And well knowing Peter's voice, she opened not the door for joy; but running in, told that Peter was standing before the door. (15)But they said, Thou art raving. But she confidently persisted that it was so. Then they said, It is his angel. (16)But Peter continued knocking: and they opened the door and saw him, and were astonished. (17)Then beckoning with the hand that they should be silent, he informed them in what manner the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Tell James and the brethren these things. And departing thence he went into another place.

(18)Now when the day broke, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what could possibly become of Peter. (19)And Herod sought him out earnestly, but not being able to find him, after having examined the guards strictly, he commanded them to be executed. And going down from Jerusalem to Caesarea, took up his abode there.

(20)Now Herod was fiercely bent on war against the Tyrians and Sidonians: but they presented themselves unanimously before him, and ingratiating themselves with Blastus who was over the king's bedchamber, they begged for peace; because their country received all their supply of provisions from the king's territories. (21)Then on a day appointed, Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, and seated on his throne, made an harangue unto them. (22)And the populace shouted, It is the voice of a god, and not a man. (23)But instantly the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not the glory to God: and being devoured with worms, he expired.

(24)But the word of the Lord increased, and was widely diffused. (25)Then Barnabas and Saul departed from Jerusalem, having completed the distribution _of the sum entrusted with them_; and they took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

CHAP. XIII.

NOW there were at Antioch, according to the established church, prophets and teachers; such as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger the black, and Lucius a Cyrenian, and Manaen, Herod the tetrarch's foster-brother, and Saul. (2)And as they were employed in the ministry, and kept a fast, the Holy Ghost said, Set apart for me now both Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (3)Then having kept a fast and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them out. (4)They then being sent forth indeed by the Holy Ghost, went down to Seleucia; and from thence sailed to Cyprus. (5)And being at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had John also as their attendant. (6)Now as they travelled through the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain person who professed magic, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: (7)who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man; he inviting to his house Barnabas and Saul, desired earnestly to hear the word of God. (8)But Elymas the magician (for such is his name when interpreted) opposed them, seeking to pervert the proconsul from the faith. (9)Then Saul (now Paul), filled with the Holy Ghost, and fixing his eyes upon him, (10)said, O thou full of all guile and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease perverting the strait ways of the Lord? (11)And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, seeing the sun no more for a season. And instantly there fell on him a thick mist and darkness; and groping about he sought some to lead him by the hand. (12)Then when the proconsul saw what was done, he believed, being struck with the doctrine of the Lord.

(13)Hereupon sailing from Paphos, they who were about Paul came to Perga in Pamphylia: but John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. (14)And they departed from Perga, and came to Antioch in Pisidia, and entering into the synagogue on the sabbath-day, they sat down. (15)Then after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogues sent to them, saying, Men and brethren, if ye are disposed to give a word of exhortation to the people, speak.

(16)Then Paul arose, and waving his hand, said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hear me. (17)The God of this people Israel selected our fathers, and exalted the people during their abode in the land of Egypt, and with a mighty arm brought he them out of it. (18)And about the space of forty years he bore with their behaviour in the wilderness. (19)And destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he distributed their territory to them by lot. (20)And after these things, during a space of about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. (21)And from that time they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Kis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, during forty years. (22)And removing him, he raised up unto them David to be king; respecting whom also he spake testifying, "I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who shall perform all my intentions[40]." (23)From this man's seed according to the promise hath God raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus: (24)John having preached before his first coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. (25)But as John was finishing his course, he said, Whom do ye suppose me to be? I am not _the Messiah_. But, behold! he is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to loose. (26)Men and brethren, children of the race of Abraham, and all among you who fear God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. (27)For they who dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, being ignorant of him, and the words of the prophets that are read every sabbath-day, by condemning him have fulfilled them. (28)And though they found no cause of death in him, they besought Pilate that he might be killed. (29)But when they had finished all things that were written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre. (30)But God raised him from the dead: (31)and he was seen many days by those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. (32)And we preach to you the promise made to our fathers; (33)for this hath God fulfilled to their children, even to us, in raising up Jesus: as it is also written in the second Psalm, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee[41]." (34)But that he raised him from the dead, no more in future to return to corruption, he hath thus spoken, "I will give you the holy things of David, which are sure[42]." (35)Wherefore also he saith in another place, "Thou wilt not permit thy Holy One to see corruption[43]." (36)For David indeed, after having served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was placed with his fathers, and saw corruption. (37)But he, whom God raised up, saw no corruption. (38)Be it therefore known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man remission of sin is proclaimed to you: (39)and by this man shall every one who believeth be justified from all things, from which it was not possible that he should be justified by the law of Moses. (40)Take heed then, that this come not upon you, which is spoken by the prophets; (41)"Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I do a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though one declare it unto you[44]."

(42)But when the Jews were going out of the synagogue, the Gentiles entreated that these words might be spoken to them the following sabbath. (43)And when the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, exhorting them, persuaded them to abide stedfast in the grace of God.

(44)And on the next sabbath almost all the city thronged together to hear the word of God. (45)But the Jews seeing the multitude, were filled with envy, and opposed the things spoken by Paul, contradicting and reviling. (46)Then Paul and Barnabas speaking with undaunted boldness, said, It was necessary that the word of God should be first spoken unto you: but since ye have thrust it from you, and judged yourselves not worthy of eternal life, lo! we turn to the Gentiles. (47)For so hath the Lord enjoined us, "I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou mightest be for salvation unto the extremity of the earth[45]." (48)Now when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced, and glorified the word of the Lord: and they believed, even as many as were ordained to life eternal. (49)So the word of the Lord was diffused through the whole region.

(50)Then the Jews stirred up the devout women, and those who were respectable, and the principal persons of the city, and raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and cast them out of their borders. (51)But they, shaking off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium. (52)And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

CHAP. XIV.

NOW it came to pass at Iconium, that they went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spake in such a manner, as that a vast multitude both of the Jews and Greek proselytes believed. (2)But the unbelieving Jews stirred up, and maliciously prejudiced the spirits of the Gentiles against the brethren. (3)A long space therefore continued they there speaking boldly in the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, and granted signs and miracles to be wrought by their hands. (4)So the multitude was divided: some indeed were with the Jews, but others with the apostles. (5)And when there was a strong effort made both by the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers to ill-treat and stone them, (6)conscious of their danger, they fled unto the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe, and the circum-jacent country: (7)and there they preached the gospel.

(8)And there was a certain man at Lystra, who having lost the use of his feet was sitting, being lame from his mother's womb, and who had never been able to walk: (9)this person heard Paul speaking; who fixing his eyes on him, and discovering that he had faith to be healed, (10)said with a loud voice, Stand up firm on thy feet! And he leaped and walked. (11)But when the multitudes beheld what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, in the dialect of Lycaonia, saying, The gods in the form of mortals are come down to us. (12)And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he principally led the discourse.

(13)Then the priest of Jupiter, who was the presiding deity of their city, brought bulls and garlands unto the gates of the city, and intended to offer a sacrifice with the people. (14)But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard it, they rent their garments, and rushed into the crowd, crying out, (15)and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We too are mortals subject to the same infirmities with you; preaching to you the gospel, that ye should turn from these vain things unto the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things which are therein: (16)who in the past generations hath suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. (17)Although indeed he left not himself untestified of, doing us good, giving us from heaven showers, and fruitful seasons, replenishing our hearts with food and gladness. (18)And thus speaking, scarce restrained they the multitudes from offering the sacrifice to them.

(19)Then came the Jews from Antioch and Iconium, and gaining over the multitudes, they stoned Paul, and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. (20)But as the disciples stood around him, he arose, and entered into the city: and on the morrow he departed with Barnabas for Derbe. (21)And after preaching the gospel in that city, and bringing many to become disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch; (22)strengthening the souls of the brethren, exhorting them to abide firm in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must pass into the kingdom of heaven. (23)Then appointing them presbyters in every city, by prayer with fastings they commended them to the Lord, on whom they had believed.