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

(24)And when the priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they were at a loss concerning them, to what this might grow. (25)But one came and told them, saying: Behold, the men whom ye put in the prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people. (26)Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them, not with violence (for they feared the people), that they might not be stoned. (27)And having brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, (28)saying: Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this name? And, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

(29)And Peter answering, and the apostles, said: We ought to obey God rather than men. (30)The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree. (31)Him, as a prince and a Savior, did God exalt to his right hand, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. (32)And we are his witnesses of these things, and the Holy Spirit also, which God gave to those who obey him.

(33)And they, hearing it, were convulsed with rage, and took counsel to slay them. (34)But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while; (35)and said to them: Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye are about to do in respect to these men. (36)For before these days arose Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves; who was slain, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered and brought to naught. (37)After this man arose Judas the Galilaean, in the days of the registering, and drew away much people after him; he also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. (38)And now I say to you, refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught; (39)but if it is of God ye can not overthrow them; lest haply ye be found also fighting against God.

(40)And to him they assented; and having called the apostles, they scourged them, and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

(41)They therefore went rejoicing from the presence of the council, because for that name they were counted worthy to suffer shame. (42)And every day, in the temple, and from house to house, they ceased not to teach, and to publish the glad tidings of Jesus the Christ.

VI.

AND in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. (2)And the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said: It is not proper that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. (3)Therefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good repute, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this business. (4)But we will give ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

(5)And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch, (6)whom they set before the apostles; and having prayed, they laid their hands on them.

(7)And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

(8)And Stephen, full of grace and of power, did great wonders and signs among the people. (9)And there arose certain ones of the synagogue so called of the Freedmen[6:9], and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. (10)And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. (11)Then they suborned men, who said: We have heard him speak blasphemous words 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, and brought him to the council, (13)and set up false witnesses, Who said: This man ceases not to speak words against this holy place, and the law. (14)For we have heard him say, that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us. (15)And all that sat in the council, looking intently upon him, saw his face as the face of an angel.

VII.

AND the high priest said: Are then these things so? (2)And he said: Brethren, and fathers, hearken. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, (3)and said to him: Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee. (4)Then he went forth from the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Haran; and from thence, after his father was dead, he caused him to remove into this land, wherein ye now dwell. (5)And he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot-breadth; and he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when he had no child. (6)And God spoke after this manner, that his seed shall be a sojourner in a strange land, and they will bring them into bondage, and afflict them four hundred years. (7)And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage I will judge, said God; and after that they shall come forth, and shall serve me in this place. (8)And he gave him the covenant of circumcision; and thus he begot Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. (9)And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt. And God was with him, (10)and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

(11)And there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and a great affliction; and our fathers found no sustenance. (12)But Jacob, hearing that there was grain in Egypt, first sent out our fathers. (13)And at the second time, Joseph was recognized by his brothers; and the race of Joseph was made known to Pharaoh. (14)Then Joseph sent, and called for Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. (15)And Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, (16)and were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

(17)But as the time of the promise drew near, which God declared to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, (18)until another king arose who knew not Joseph. (19)He, dealing subtly with our race, afflicted our fathers, so that they should cast out their infants, that they might not be preserved alive. (20)In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair[7:20], who was nourished three months in his father's house. (21)And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for herself as a son.

(22)And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. (23)And when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the sons of Israel. (24)And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged the one oppressed by smiting the Egyptian. (25)For he supposed his brethren would understand, that God by his hand would deliver them; but they understood not. (26)And on the following day he showed himself to them as they were contending, and urged them to peace, saying: Ye are brethren; why wrong ye one another? (27)But he who was wronging his neighbor thrust him away, saying: Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? (28)Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst kill the Egyptian yesterday? (29)And Moses fled at this saying, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begot two sons. (30)And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him in the wilderness of the mount Sinai an angel in a flame of fire, in a bush. (31)And Moses, seeing it, wondered at the sight; and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came to him, saving: (32)I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not behold. (33)And the Lord said to him: Loose the sandals from thy feet; for the place where thou standest is holy ground. (34)Truly, I saw the affliction of my people in Egypt, and I heard their groaning, and came down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. (35)This Moses whom they denied, saying: Who made thee a ruler and a judge? him did God send as a ruler and a redeemer by the hand[7:35] of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. (36)He brought them out, working wonders 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 to the children of Israel: A Prophet will God raise up to you of your brethren, like unto. (38)This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers; who received the living oracles to give to us; (39)to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, (40)saying to Aaron: Make us gods who shall go before us; for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

(41)And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. (42)And God turned away, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets:

Did ye offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices,
Forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
(43)And ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch,
And the star of the god Remphan,
The figures which ye made to worship them;
And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

(44)Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, as he who spoke to Moses commanded, that he should make it according to the pattern that he had seen; (45)which also our fathers received, and brought in with Joshua into the possession of the heathen, whom God drove out before our fathers, unto the days of David; (46)who found favor before God, and asked that he might find a habitation for the God of Jacob. (47)But Solomon built a house for him. (48)Yet the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands; as says the prophet:

(49)Heaven is my throne,
And the earth is my footstool.
What house will ye build for me, saith the Lord;
Or what is my place of rest?
(50)Did not my hand make all these things?

(51)Stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and ears! Ye always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do ye. (52)Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they slew those who announced beforehand concerning the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have now become the betrayers and murderers; (53)who received the law as the ordinances of angels, and kept it not.

(54)Hearing these things, they were enraged in their hearts, and gnashed their teeth against him. (55)But, being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked intently into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: (56)Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (57)And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; (58)and having cast him out of the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid off their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul, (59)and stoned Stephen, calling and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (60)And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And saying this, he fell asleep.

VIII.

AND Saul was consenting to his death. And on that day there arose a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (2)And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. (3)But Saul laid waste the church, entering house after house, and dragging both men and women, committed them to prison.

(4)They, therefore, that were scattered, went abroad, preaching the word. (5)And Philip went down to the city[8:5] of Samaria, and preached to them the Christ. (6)And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to the things said by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he wrought. (7)For out of many who had unclean spirits they went forth, crying with loud voice; and many that were palsied, and that were lame, were healed. (8)And there was great joy in that city.

(9)But a certain man, named Simon, was in the city before, using sorcery, and bewitching the people of Samaria, saying that he was some great one; (10)to whom all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the great power of God[8:10]. (11)And to him they gave heed, because for a long time they were bewitched by his sorceries. (12)But when they believed Philip publishing the good news concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were immersed, both men and women. (13)And Simon also himself believed; and having been immersed, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were wrought.

(14)And the apostles in Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria has received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John; (15)who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; (16)for he had not yet fallen upon any of them; but they had only been immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17)Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

(18)And Simon, seeing that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, offered them money, (19)saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. (20)But Peter said to him: Thy money perish with thee; because thou didst think to obtain the gift of God with money: (21)Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter[8:21]; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. (22)Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. (23)For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.

(24)And Simon answering, said: Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of the things which ye have spoken come upon me.

(25)They, therefore, having testified and spoken the word of the Lord, were returning to Jerusalem, and publishing the good news to many villages of the Samaritans. (26)But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, and go down to the south, to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is desert.

(27)And he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch, an officer of state of Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, (28)was returning, and sitting in his chariot; and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. (29)And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (30)And Philip ran thither, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet. And he said: Understandest thou then what thou art reading? (31)And he said: How could I, except some one should guide me? And he entreated Philip to come up, and sit with him.

(32)And the contents of the Scripture which he was reading was this:

He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb dumb before his shearer,
So he opens not his mouth.
(33)In his humiliation his judgment was taken away;
And his generation[8:33] who shall fully declare?
For his life is taken away from the earth.

(34)And the eunuch answering said to Philip: I pray thee, of whom does the prophet speak this? Of himself, or of some other man? (35)And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, made known to him the good news of Jesus. (36)And as they went along the way, they came to a certain water. And the eunuch said: See, here is water; what hinders that I should be immersed? (37)[8:37]And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And answering he said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38)And he commanded that the chariot should stop. And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he immersed him. (39)And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing. (40)But Philip was found at Azotus; and passing through, he published the good news to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

IX.

BUT Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, (2)and asked of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

(3)And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus. And suddenly there flashed around him a light from heaven; (4)and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5)And he said: Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said: I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. (6)But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

(7)And the men who journeyed with him were standing speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. (8)And Saul arose from the earth; and his eyes being opened, he saw nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. (9)And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

(10)And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him the Lord said, in a vision, Ananias! And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. (11)And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus. For, behold, he prays; (12)and in a vision he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive sight.

(13)And Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard from many concerning this man, how great evils he did to thy saints at Jerusalem. (14)And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (15)But the Lord said to him: Go; for he is to me a chosen vessel, to bear my name before Gentiles, and kings, and the sons of Israel; (16)for I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (17)And Ananias went, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayest receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. (18)And immediately there fell off from his eyes as it were scales; and he received sight, and arose, and was immersed; (19)and having taken food, he was strengthened.

And Saul was certain days with the disciples at Damascus. (20)And straightway he preached Jesus, in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (21)And all that heard him were amazed, and said: Is not this he who destroyed in Jerusalem those who call on this name? And he came hither for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests.

(22)But Saul was more strengthened, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

(23)And when many days were completed, the Jews took counsel to kill him. (24)But their lying in wait became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates day and night to kill him. (25)But the disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.

(26)And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, attempted to join himself to the disciples; and all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. (27)But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and related fully to them how he saw the Lord in the way, and that he spoke to him, and how he preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28)And he was with them, going in and out at Jerusalem, (29)and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus; and was speaking and disputing against the Grecian Jews; but they were attempting to slay him. (30)And the brethren, learning it, brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

(31)The church therefore, throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

(32)And it came to pass that Peter, going through them all, came down also to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. (33)And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had lain upon a pallet eight years, who was palsied. (34)And Peter said to him: Aeneas, Jesus the Christ makes thee whole; arise, and make thy bed. And immediately he arose. (35)And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him; and they turned to the Lord.

(36)And there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which interpreted is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works, and of alms, which she did. (37)And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died. And having washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38)And as Lydda was near to Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent to him two men, entreating that he would not delay to come to them.

(39)And Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40)But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up. (41)And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42)And it became known throughout all Joppa; and many believed on the Lord.

(43)And it came to pass, that he remained many days in Joppa, with one Simon, a tanner.

X.

THERE was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band; (2)devout, and one that feared God with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to God always. (3)He saw in a vision, distinctly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him: Cornelius! (4)And fixing his eyes on him, he was afraid, and said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (5)And now send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter. (6)He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.

(7)And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius was gone, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him; (8)and having told them all these things, he sent them to Joppa.

(9)On the morrow, as they were journeying, and drawing near to the city, Peter went up upon the house-top to pray, about the sixth hour. (10)And he became very hungry, and desired to eat. While they now were making ready, there fell upon him a trance; (11)and he beholds heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as a great sheet, bound by four corners, and let down upon the earth; (12)wherein were all the fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth, and birds of the air. (13)And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter; slay, and eat. (14)But Peter said: Not so, Lord; for I never ate anything common or unclean. (15)And a voice came to him again, the second time: What God cleansed, call not thou common. (16)This was done thrice; and the vessel was taken up again into heaven.

(17)And while Peter was doubting in himself what the vision might be which he saw, behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, came and stood before the gate; (18)and calling they asked, whether Simon, who is surnamed Peter, lodges here.

(19)While Peter was earnestly considering the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold, men are seeking thee. (20)But arise, and go down, and go with them, making no scruple; because I have sent them.

(21)Peter went down to the men, and said: Behold, I am he whom ye seek. What is the cause for which ye are here? (22)And they said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee to his house; and to hear words from thee.

(23)He called them in, therefore, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went forth with them, and certain brethren from Joppa went with him. (24)And on the morrow after, they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his kinsmen and near friends. (25)And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and did reverence to him. (26)But Peter raised him, saying: Stand up; I myself also am a man. (27)And while talking with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (28)And he said to them: Ye know that it is unlawful[10:28] for a Jew to keep company with, or come to, one of another nation; but God showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (29)Wherefore I also came without delay, when sent for. I ask therefore for what reason did ye send for me?

(30)And Cornelius said: Four days ago I was fasting unto this hour, and at the ninth hour was praying in my house; and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, (31)and said: Cornelius, thy prayer was heard, and thine alms were remembered before God. (32)Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter; he lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea-side; who, when he comes will speak to thee. (33)Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou didst well in coming hither. Now therefore we are all present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee from the Lord.

(34)And Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons; (35)but in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him. (36)The word which he sent to the sons of Israel, publishing glad tidings of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), (37)ye know; the thing which was done throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the immersion which John preached; Jesus of Nazareth, (38)how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the Devil; because God was with him. (39)And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, hanging him on a tree. (40)Him God raised on the third day, and showed him openly; (41)not to all the people, but to witnesses before appointed by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (42)And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he who has been appointed by God to be Judge of the living and dead. (43)To him all the prophets bear witness, that through his name every one who believes on him shall receive remission of sins.

(44)While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. (45)And those of the circumcision who believed, as many as came with Peter, were astonished, that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. (46)For they heard them speaking with tongues, and magnifying God.

Then answered Peter: (47)Can any one forbid the water, that these should not be immersed, who received the Holy Spirit even as we also? (48)And he commanded that they should be immersed in the name of the Lord. Then they entreated him to remain certain days.

XI.

AND the apostles, and the brethren throughout Judaea, heard that the Gentiles also received the word of God. (2)And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, (3)saying: Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

(4)But Peter rehearsed the matter to them in order, from the beginning, saying: (5)I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as a great sheet, let down out of heaven by four corners; and it came even to me. (6)On which fixing my eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and birds of the air. (7)And I heard a voice saying to me: Arise, Peter; slay and eat. (8)But I said: Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean ever entered into my mouth. (9)But a voice answered me a second time out of heaven: What God cleansed, regard not thou as common. (10)And this was done three times; and all were drawn up again into heaven.

(11)And, behold, immediately there stood three men at the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. (12)And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no scruple. And these six brethren also went with me, and we entered into the man's house. (13)And he told us how he saw the angel in his house, standing and saying to him: Send to Joppa, and call for Simon who is surnamed Peter; (14)who will speak to thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, and all thy house.

(15)And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as also on us at the beginning; (16)and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said: John indeed immersed in water, but ye shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit. (17)If therefore God gave the like gift to them as to us, having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who then was I, that I could withstand God?

(18)When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying: So then, to the Gentiles also God gave repentance unto life.

(19)Now they who were scattered abroad by the persecution that arose on account of Stephen, went as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none but Jews. (20)But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, publishing the good news of the Lord Jesus. (21)And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.

(22)But the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas, to go as far as Antioch. (23)Who having come, and seen the grace of God, rejoiced; and he exhorted all, that with purpose of heart they should cleave to the Lord. (24)For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

(25)And Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to seek for Saul; (26)and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they came together in the church, and taught a great multitude; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

(27)And in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28)And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great dearth over all the world; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. (29)And the disciples, according as any one was prospered, determined each of them to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judaea; (30)which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

XII.

AND about that time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to oppress[12:1] certain of the church. (2)And he slew James the brother of John with the sword. (3)And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also; (then were the days of unleavened bread;) (4)whom he also seized and put in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after the passover to bring him forth to the people.

(5)Peter therefore was kept guarded in the prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God on his behalf.

(6)And when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and keepers before the door were guarding the prison. (7)And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him, saying: Rise up quickly. And his chains fell from off his hands. (8)And the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. (9)And he went out, and followed him; and knew not that what was done by the angel was true, but thought he saw a vision.

(10)And having passed the first and the second watch, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out, and passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

(11)And Peter, having come to himself, said: Now I know truly, that the Lord sent forth his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (12)And becoming fully conscious of it, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying.

(13)And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maidservant came to hearken, named Rhoda.

(14)And recognizing Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told that Peter was standing before the gate. (15)And they said to her: Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said: It is his angel.

(16)But Peter continued knocking; and opening the door they saw him, and were amazed. (17)And beckoning to them with the hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison. And he said: Go tell these things to James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.

(18)And when it was day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what was become of Peter. (19)And Herod, when he had sought for him, and found him not, after examining the keepers, commanded that they should be led away to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

(20)And Herod was highly displeased with the Tyrians and Sidonians. But they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by that of the king.

(21)And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made a speech to them. (22)And thereupon the people shouted: The voice of a god, and not of a man! (23)And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not glory to God; and he was eaten by worms, and expired.

(24)But the word of God grew and multiplied. (25)And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having performed the service, taking with them also John, who was surnamed Mark.

XIII.

AND there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers; Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

(2)And while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, unto the work to which I have called them. (3)Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

(4)They therefore, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, came down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed away to Cyprus. (5)And having come to Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had also John as an assistant.

(6)And having gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain Magian, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Bar-jesus; (7)who was with the proconsul of the country, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. He, having called for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God. (8)But Elymas the Magian (for so his name is interpreted), withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.

(9)Then Saul (who is also called Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes on him, (10)and said: O full of all deceit and all wickedness, child of the Devil, enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? (11)And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness; and going about, he sought persons to lead him by the hand.

(12)Then the proconsul, seeing what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

(13)And Paul and his companions, having put to sea from Paphos, came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. (14)But they, going on from Perga, came to Antioch in Pisidia; and entering into the synagogue on the sabbath day, they sat down. (15)And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Men, brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.

(16)And Paul arose, and beckoning with the hand, said: Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken. (17)The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers; and he exalted the people in their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm he brought them out of it. (18)And about the time of forty years he nourished them[13:18] in the wilderness. (19)And having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as a possession, (20)about four hundred and fifty years. And after that, he gave judges, until Samuel the prophet. (21)And afterward they desired a king; and God gave them Saul the Son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. (22)And having removed him, he raised up for them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, saying: I found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.

(23)Of the seed of this man, God, according to promise, raised up to Israel a Savior, Jesus; (24)John having first preached, before his entrance, the immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. (25)Now as John was finishing his course, he said: Whom do ye suppose me to be? I am not he. But, behold, there comes one after me, the sandal of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.

(26)Men, brethren, children of the race of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you the word of this salvation was sent forth. (27)For they who dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, fulfilled them in condemning him. (28)And though they found no cause of death, they demanded of Pilate that he should be slain. (29)And when they had fulfilled all the things written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. (30)But God raised him from the dead. (31)And he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people. (32)And we declare to you glad tidings of the promise made to the fathers, (33)that God has fulfilled this to us their children, in raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm[13:33]:

Thou art my Son;
I this day have begotten thee.

(34)And that he raised him up from the dead to return no more to corruption, he has thus spoken: I will give to you the holy, the sure promises of David. (35)Wherefore also in another psalm he says: Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. (36)For David, having served his own generation according to the purpose of God, fell asleep, and was added to his fathers, and saw corruption. (37)But he, whom God raised, saw not corruption.

(38)Be it known to you therefore, men, brethren, that remission of sins through this man is announced to you; (39)and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye were not able to be justified by the law of Moses.

(40)Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken in the prophets:

(41)Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish;
Because I work a work in your days,
A work which ye will not believe,
Though one should fully declare it to you.

(42)And as they were going out, they besought that these words might be spoken to them on the next sabbath. (43)And when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and of the proselyte worshipers followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

(44)And on the next sabbath day, almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. (45)But the Jews, seeing the multitudes, were filled with indignation, and spoke against the things said by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

(46)Then Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly, and said: It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you; but since ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves not worthy of the eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. (47)For so has the Lord commanded us:

I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles,
That thou shouldst be for salvation to the end of the earth.

(48)And the Gentiles hearing it rejoiced, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were appointed unto eternal life believed. (49)And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.

(50)But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out from their borders. (51)And they, having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium. (52)And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit.

XIV.

AND it came to pass in Iconium, that they went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of Jews and Greeks believed. (2)But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren. (3)They spent a long time, therefore, speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

(4)But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. (5)And when a movement was made, both of the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, (6)they, being aware of it, fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region around; (7)and there they were publishing the good news.

(8)And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being lame from his mother's womb, who never walked. (9)This man was listening to Paul as he spoke; who, fixing his eyes on him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, (10)said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up, and walked.

(11)And the multitudes, seeing what Paul did, lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia: The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. (12)And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. (13)And the priest of Jupiter, that was before the city, having brought oxen and garlands to the gates, would have offered sacrifice with the people. (14)But the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, hearing of it, rent their clothes, and rushed forth to the multitude; crying out, (15)and saying: Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like nature with you, bringing you glad tidings, that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein; (16)who, in the ages past, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways; (17)although he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, giving you rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.

(18)And with these sayings they hardly restrained the people from sacrificing to them.

(19)But there came thither Jews from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people, and stoned Paul, they drew him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. (20)But the disciples having gathered around him, he rose up, and came into the city; and on the morrow he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. (21)And having published the good news to that city, and made many disciples, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch; (22)confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much affliction enter into the kingdom of God.

(23)And having appointed for them elders in every church, they commended them, with prayer and fasting, to the Lord, on whom they believed. (24)And after passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. (25)And having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; (26)and thence they sailed away to Antioch, from whence they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they accomplished.

(27)And having come, and gathered the church together, they reported how great things God wrought with them, and that he opened to the Gentiles a door of faith. (28)And they spent no little time with the disciples.

XV.

AND certain men, coming down from Judaea, taught the brethren: Except ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye can not be saved. (2)Paul and Barnabas having therefore had no little dissension and discussion with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, about this question.

(3)They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. (4)And having come to Jerusalem, they were gladly received by the church, and the apostles and elders; and they reported how great things God wrought with them. (5)But there arose some of those from the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying: It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

(6)And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. (7)And when there had been much discussion, Peter arose, and said to them: Men, brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings and believe. (8)And God who knows the heart bore them witness, giving to them the Holy Spirit, as also to us; (9)and made no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

(10)Now therefore why do ye tempt God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (11)But, through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe that we shall be saved, in the same manner as they also.

(12)And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, narrating how great signs and wonders God wrought among the Gentiles through them.

(13)And after they were silent, James answered, saying: Men, brethren, hearken to me. (14)Simeon narrated how at first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (15)And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written:

(16)After this I will return,
And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down;
And I will rebuild the ruins thereof, and will set it up again;
(17)that the rest of men may seek after the Lord,
And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called,
Saith the Lord, who does these things[15:17].

(18)Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

(19)Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not those who from among the Gentiles are turning to God; (20)but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. (21)For Moses of old time has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

(22)Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, resolved, having chosen men from themselves, to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (23)And they wrote by them thus:

The apostles and the elders and the brethren, to the brethren from the Gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: (24)Forasmuch as we heard, that some who went out from us troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying that ye must be circumcised and keep the law[15:24], to whom we gave no commandment; (25)it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26)men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(27)We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves also by word tell you the same things. (28)For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things; (29)that ye abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell.

(30)They therefore, being dismissed, came to Antioch; and assembling the multitude they delivered the letter. (31)And having read it, they rejoiced for the consolation. (32)And Judas and Silas, also themselves being prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

(33)And having remained a while, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to the apostles. (34)But it pleased Silas to abide there still[15:34]. (35)Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing the glad tidings of the word of the Lord, with many others also.