The first Chapter.
In my first treatise (Dear friend Theophilus) I have written of all
that Iesus began to do and teach, until the day in the which he was
taken up, after that he thorow the holy ghost, had given commandments
unto the Apostles, which he chose: to whom also he shewed himself
alive, after his passion by many tokens, appearing unto them forty
days, and spake of the kingdom of God, and gathered them together, and
commanded them, that they should not depart from Ierusalem: but to wait
for the promise of the father, whereof ye have heard of me. For Ihon
baptised with water but ye shall be baptised with the holy ghost, and
that within this few days.
When they were come together, they asked of him, saying: Master wilt
thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israhel? He said unto
them: It is not for you to know the times, or the seasons which the
father hath put in his own power: but ye shall receive power of the
holy ghost which shall come on you. And ye shall be witnesses unto me
in Ierusalem, and in all Iewery, and in Samary, and even unto the
world's end.
And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld he was taken up,
and a cloud received him up out of their sight. And as they fastened
their eyes in heaven, as he went, lo two men stood by them in white
clothing, which also said: ye men of Galile, why stand ye gazing up
into heaven? This same Iesus which is taken up from you into heaven,
shall so come, even as ye have seen him go into heaven.
Then returned they unto Ierusalem from mount Olivete, which is nigh to
Ierusalem, containing a saboth day's journey. And when they were come
in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both Peter and Iames, Ihon
and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartlemew and Matthew, Iames the son of
Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Iudas Iames' son. These all continued
with one accord, in prayer, and supplication with the women, and Mary
the mother of Iesu. And with his brethren.
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said
(The number of names were about an hundred and twenty) Ye men and
brethren, this scripture must needs be fulfilled which the holy ghost
thorow the mouth of David spake before of Iudas, which was guide to
them that took Iesus. For he was now numbered with us and obtained
fellowship in this ministration. And the same hath now possessed a plot
of ground with the reward of iniquity. And when he was hanged, burst
asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it is known
unto all the inhabiters of Ierusalem. Insomuch that that field is
called in their mother tongue, Acheldema, that is to say the blood
field.
It is written in the book of psalms: His habitation be void, and no man
be dwelling therein: and his bishopricke let another take. Wherefore of
these men which have companied with us (all the time that the lord
Iesus went out and in among us, beginning at the baptism of Ihon unto
that same day that he was taken up from us) must one be ordained to be
a witness with us of his resurrection.
And they appointed two, Ioseph called Barsabas (whose surname was
Iustus) and Matthias. And they prayed saying: Thou lord which knowest
the hearts of all men, shew whether thou hast chosen of these two, that
the one may take the room of this ministration, and apostleship from
the which Iudas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own
place. And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell on Mathias. And
he was counted with the eleven apostles.
The second Chapter.
When the fiftieth day was come, they were all with one accord gathered
together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as
it had been the coming of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they sat. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, as they
had been fire, and it sat upon each of them: and they were all filled
with the holy ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, even as the
spirit gave them utterance.
There were dwelling at Ierusalem jewes, devout men, which were of all
nations under heaven. When this was noised about, the multitude came
together and were astonied, because that every man heard them speak his
own tongue. They wondered all, and marvelled saying among themselves:
Look, are not all these which speak of Galile? And how hear we every
man his own tongue wherein we were born? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites
and the inhabiters of Mesopotamia, of Iury, Capadocia, Ponthus, and of
Asia, Phrigia, Pamphlia, and of Egypt, and of the parts of Libia, which
is beside Syrene, And strangers of Rome, Iewes and Proselites, greeks
and Arabians: We have heard them speak with our own tongues the great
works of God. They were all amazed, and wondered saying one to another:
what meaneth this? Other mocked them saying: They are full of new wine.
Peter stepped forth with the eleven, and lift up his voice, and said
unto them: Ye men of Iewry, and all ye that inhabit Ierusalem: be this
known unto you, and with your ears hear my words. These are not
drunken, as ye wene: For it is yet but the third hour of the day: but
this is that which was spoken by the prophet Ioel: It shall be in the
last days (saith God) of my spirit I will pour out upon all flesh. And
your sons, and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see
visions. And your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants, and
on my hand maidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, And they
shall prophesy. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and tokens in
the earth beneath, blood and fire, and the vapour of smoke. The sun
shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that
great, and notable day of the lord come. And the time shall come that
whosoever shall call on the name of the lord, shall be saved. Ye men of
Israhel, hear these words. Iesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God
among you with miracles and wonders, and signs which God did by him in
the midst of you, as ye yourselves know: him have ye taken by the hands
of unrighteous persons, after he was delivered by the determinate
counsel and foreknowledge of God, and have crucified and slain him,
whom God hath raised up and lowsed the sorrows of death, because it was
impossible that he should be holden of it. David speaketh of him:
Aforehand, saw I God always before me: For he is on my right hand, that
I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue
was glad. Moreover also, my flesh shall rest in hope because thou shalt
not leave my soul in hell, neither shalt suffer thy saint to see
corruption. Thou hast shewed me the ways of life, Thou shalt make me
full of joy with thy countenance.
Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David:
For he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre remaineth with us
unto his day. Therefore since he was a prophet, and knew that God had
sworn with an oath to him, that the fruit of his loins should sit on
his seat: He saw before, and spake of the resurrection of Christ, that
his soul should not be left in hell: neither his flesh should see
corruption. This Iesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are
witnesses.
Since now that he by the right hand of God exalted is, and hath
received of the father the promise of the holy ghost, he hath shed
forth that which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended into
heaven, but he said: The lord said to my lord sit on my right hand,
until I make thy foes, thy foot stool. So therefore let all the house
of Israhel know for a surety, that God hath made the same Iesus whom ye
have crucified, lord and Christ.
When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto
Peter, and unto the other apostles: Ye men and brethren, what shall we
do? Peter said unto them: Repent and be baptised every one of you in
the name of Iesus Christ, For the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the holy ghost. For the promise was made unto you,
and to your children, and to all that are afar, even as many as our
lord God shall call. And with many other words bare he witness, and
exhorted them saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
They that gladly received his preaching were baptised, And the same
day, there were added unto them about a three thousand souls.
And they continued in the Apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayer. And fear came over every soul. And
many wonders and signs were shewed by the Apostles. And all that
believed gathered then together, and had all things common. And sold
their possessions and goods, and departed them to all men, as every man
had need. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple, and
brake bread in every house, and ate their meat together with gladness,
and singleness of heart praising God, and had favour with all the
people, and the lord added to the congregation daily them that should
be saved.
The .iij. Chapter.
Peter and Ihon went up together into the temple at the ninth hour of
prayer: And there was a certain man halt from his mother's womb, whom
they brought and laid at the gate of the temple called beautiful, to
ask his alms of them that entered into the temple. When he saw Peter
and Ihon, that they would into the temple, he desired to receive an
alms, Peter fastened his eyes on him with Ihon and said: look on us,
and he gave heed unto them, trusting to receive something of them. Then
said Peter: Silver and gold have I none, such as I have give I thee. In
the name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk. And he took him
by the right hand, and lifted him up. And immediately his feet and
anklebones received strength, and he sprang, stood, and also walked,
and entered with them into the temple walking, and leaping, and lauding
God.
And all the people saw him walk and laud God. And they knew him, that
it was he which sat and begged at the beautiful gate of the temple. And
they wondered, and were sore astonied at that which had happened unto
him. As the halt which was healed held Peter and Ihon, all the people
ran amazed unto them in Solomon's hall.
When Peter saw that, he answered unto the people: Ye men of Israhell,
why marvel ye at this? Or why look ye so steadfastly on us, as though
by our own power, or holiness we had made this man go? God of Abraham,
Isaac, and Iacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his son Iesus,
whom ye betrayed, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had
judged him to be lowsed: but ye denied the holy and just, and desired
that he should give you a murderer, and killed the lord of life whom
God hath raised from death, of the which we are witnesses: And his name
thorow the faith of his name hath made this man sound whom ye see and
know. And the faith which is by him, hath to this man given this
health, in the presence of you all.
And now brethren I wot well that thorow ignorance ye have done it, as
did also your heads. But God which shewed before by the mouth of all
his prophets that Christ should suffer, hath thuswise fulfilled it.
Repent ye therefore and turn that your sins may be done away when the
time of comfort cometh, which we shall have of the presence of the
lord, and when God shall send him, which before was preached unto you,
that is to wit Iesus Christ, which must heaven receive until the time
that all things be restored again, which God hath spoken by the mouth
of all his holy prophets since the world began.
For Moses said unto the fathers: A prophet shall your lord God raise up
unto you, one of your brethren, like unto me, him shall ye hear in all
things whatsoever he shall say unto you. For the time will come, that
every soul which shall not hear that same prophet, shall be exiled from
the people. Also all the prophets from Samuel, and thenceforth, as many
as have spoken, have in likewise told of these days. Ye are the
children of the prophets, and to you pertaineth the testament that God
hath made unto our fathers saying to Abraham: Even in thy seed shall
all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. First unto you hath God
raised up his son Iesus, and him he hath sent to bless you, that every
one of you should turn from his wickedness.
The .iiij. Chapter.
As they spake unto the people, the priests and the ruler of the temple,
and the saduces came upon them, taking grievously that they taught the
people and preached in the name of Iesus the resurrection from death.
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold until the next day.
For it was now eventide. Many of them which heard the words believed,
and the number of the men was about five thousand.
It chanced on the morrow that their rulers, and seniors, and scribes,
as Annas the chief priest, and Caiaphas, and Ihon and Alexander, and as
many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together
at Ierusalem, and set them in the midst, and asked by what power, or in
what name have ye done this sirs? Then Peter full of the holy ghost
said unto them. Ye rulers of the people, and seniors of Israhel, if we
this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man by what
means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people
of Israhel, that in the name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye
crucified, and whom God raised from death again, this man standeth here
present before you whole. This is the stone cast aside of you builders
which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there health
in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein
we must be saved.
When they saw the boldness of Peter and Ihon, And knew that they were
unlearned men and lay people, they marvelled, and they knew them, that
they were with Iesu: Seeing also the man which was healed standing with
them, they could not say against it, but commanded them to go aside out
of the council, And communed among themselves saying: what shall we do
to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known
to all them that dwell in Ierusalem, and we cannot deny it: But that it
be noised no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them
that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.
And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should
speak or teach in the name of Iesu. But Peter and Ihon answered unto
them and said: whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you more
than God judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have seen and
heard. So threatened they them and let them go, And found no thing how
to punish them, because of the people: For all men lauded God for the
miracle which was done. For the man was above forty year old, on whom
this miracle of healing was shewed.
As soon as they were let go they came to their fellows, and shewed all
that the high priests and seniors had said. When they heard that, with
one mind they lift up their voices to God and said: lord, thou art God
which hast made heaven and earth, the sea and all that in them is,
which by the mouth of thy servant David hast said: Why did the heathen
grudge, and the people imagine vain things. The kings of the earth
stood up and the rulers came together against the lord, And against his
Christ.
For of a truth against thy holy child Iesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod and also Pontius Pilate with the gentiles, and the people of
Israhel, gathered themselves to gether for to do whatsoever thy hand
and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now lord behold their
threatenings, and grant unto thy servants with all confidence to speak
thy word. So that thou stretch forth thy hand that healing, and signs,
and wonders be done by the name of thy holy child Iesus. And as soon as
they had prayed, the place moved where they were assembled together,
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and they spake the word
of God boldly.
The multitude of them that believed, were of one heart, And of one
soul. Also none of them said, that any thing of those which he
possessed was his own: But had all things common. And with great power
gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the lord Iesu. And
great grace was with them all. Neither was there any among them that
lacked. For as many as were possessors of lands or houses, sold them
and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid it down at
the Apostles' feet. And distribution was made unto every man according
as he had need.
And Ioses which was also called of the Apostles Barnabas (that is to
say the son of consolation, being a Levite, and of the country of
Cipers) had land, and sold it, and laid the price down at the Apostles'
feet.
The .v. Chapter.
A certain man named Ananias with Saphira his wife sold a possession,
and kept away part of the price (his wife also being of counsel) and
brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles' feet. Then
said Peter: Ananias how is it that Satan hath filled thine heart, that
thou shouldest lie unto the holy ghost, and keep away part of the price
of thy livelihood: Pertained it not unto thee only? And after it was
sold, was not the price in thine own power? How is it that thou hast
conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou hast not lied unto men, but
unto God. When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and gave up the
ghost. And great fear came on all them that these things heard. And the
young men rose up, and put him apart, and carried him out, and buried
him. It fortuned as it were about the space of iij. hours after, that
his wife came in ignorant of that which was done. Peter said unto her:
Tell me, sold ye the land for so much? And she said: ye for so much.
Peter said unto her: why have ye agreed together, to tempt the spirit
of the lord? Lo, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at
the door, and shall carry thee out, Then she fell down straightway at
his feet and yielded up the ghost. The young men came in and found her
dead, and carried her out and buried her by her husband. And great fear
came on all the congregation. And on as many as heard it.
By the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders shewed among
the people. And they were all together with one accord in Solomon's
hall. And of other durst no man join himself to them: but the people
magnified them. The number of them that believed in the lord both of
men and women grew more and more insomuch that they brought their sick
into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that at the
leastway the shadow of Peter when he came by, might shadow some of
them. There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto
Ierusalem, bringing with them sick and them which were vexed with
unclean spirits. And they were healed every one.
The chief priest rose up and they that were with him (which is the sect
of the Saduces) and were full of indignation, and laid hands on the
apostles, and put them in the common prison: but the angel of the lord
by night opened the prison door, and brought them forth, and said: go
step forth, and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this
life. When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the
morning and taught.
The chief priest came and they that were with him and called a council
together, and all the seniors of the children of Israhel, and sent to
the prison to fetch them. When the ministers came and found them not in
the prison, they came again and told saying: The prison found we shut
with all diligence, and the keepers standing without before the doors:
but when we had opened we found no man within. When the chief priest of
all and the ruler of the temple, and the high priests heard these
things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would grow.
Then came one and shewed them: Lo the men that ye put in prison stand
in the temple, and preach to the people. Then went the ruler of the
temple with ministers, and brought them without violence. For they
feared the people lest they should have been stoned. And when they had
brought them, they set them before the council. And the chief priest
asked them saying: did not we straitly command you that ye should not
teach in this name? and behold ye have filled Ierusalem with your
doctrine, and ye intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Peter and the other Apostles answered, and said: We ought more to obey
God than men. The God of our fathers raised up Iesus, whom ye slew and
hanged on tree. Him being a ruler and a saviour hath God exalted with
his right hand, for to give repentance to Israhell and forgiveness of
sins. And we are his records as concerning these things: and also the
holy ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard
that they clave asunder, and sought means to slay them. Then stood
there up one in the council, a pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of
law, had in authority among the people and commanded to put the
Apostles aside a little space, and said unto them: Men of Israhell take
heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. Before
these days rose up one Theudas boasting himself, to whom resorted a
number of men, about a four hundred, which was slain, and they all
which believed him were scattered abroad, and brought to nought. After
this man arose there up one Iudas of Galile, in the time when tribute
began, and drew away much people after him. He also perished: and all
even as many as harkened to him are scattered a broad.
And now I say unto you: refrain yourselves from these men, let them
alone: For if this counsel or work be of men, it will come to nought:
but and if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest haply ye be found
to strive against God. And to him they agreed, and called the apostles,
and beat them, and commanded that they should not speak in the name of
Iesu, and let them go.
And they departed from the council rejoicing that they were counted
worthy to suffer rebuke for his name. And daily in the temple, and in
every house they ceased not, teaching and preaching Iesus Christ.
The .vj. Chapter.
In those days as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a grudge
among the greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were
despised in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the
multitude of the disciples together and said: it is not meet that we
should leave the word of God and serve at the tables, wherefore
brethren look ye out among you seven men of honest report, and full of
the holy ghost and wisdom, which we may appoint to this needful
business: but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the
ministration of the word. And the saying pleased the whole multitude
well. And they chose Stephen a man full of faith, and of the holy
ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nichanor, and Timon, and
Permenas, and Nicholas a proselite of Antioch, which they set before
the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them.
And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Ierusalem greatly. And a great company of the priests
were obedient to the faith. Stephen full of faith and power did great
wonders, and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the
Synagogue, which are called libertines, and Sirenens, and Alexandrians,
and Cilicilians, and Asians, and disputed with Steven. And they could
not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. Then sent
they in men which said: we have heard him speak blasphemous words
against Moses, and against God, and they moved the people, and the
seniors, and the scribes: and they came upon him and caught him, and
brought him to the council, and brought forth false witnesses which
said: This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy
place and the law, for we heard him say: This Iesus of Nazareth shall
destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave
unto us. And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and
saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
The .vij. Chapter.
Then said the chief priest: is it even so? And he said: ye men,
brethren, and fathers, hearken to. The God of glory appeared unto our
father Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in
Charran, and said unto him: come out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew unto thee. Then came
he out of the land of Caldey, and dwelt in Charran. And after that as
soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, wherein ye
now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it, no not one foot of
ground. And promised that he would give it to him and to his seed after
him, when as yet he had no child.
God verily spake on this wise, thy seed shall be a dweller in a strange
land, and they shall put them in bondage, and entreat them evil .iiij.
C. years. And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge
(said God) and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this
place. And gave him the testament of circumcision, and he begat Isaac,
and circumcised him the viij. day, and Isaac begat Iacob, and Iacob the
twelve patriarchs.
And the patriarchs having indignation sold Ioseph into Egypt, and God
was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave
him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao king of Egypt, And Pharao
made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and
great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. When Iacob
heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and when
he had sent them the second time, Ioseph was known of his brethren, and
Ioseph's kindred was made known unto Pharao. Then sent Ioseph and
caused his father to be brought and all his kin, three score and xv.
souls. And Iacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our
fathers, and were translated into Sichem, and were put in the sepulchre
that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Emor, at Sichem.
When the time of the promise drew nigh (which God had promised with an
oath to Abraham) the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another
king arose which knew not of Ioseph. The same dealt subtly with our
kindred, and evil intreated our fathers, and made them to cast out
their children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was
Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was
nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out
Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son.
And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was
mighty in deeds and in words.
When he was full forty year old, it came into his heart to visit his
brethren, the children of Israhel. And when he saw one of them suffer
wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done
to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have
understood how that God by his hands should give them health: but they
understood not.
And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would
have set them at one again saying: Sirs ye are brethren why hurt ye one
another? But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying:
Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What wilt thou kill me, as
thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at that word, and
was a stranger in the land of Madian, Where he begat two sons.
When xl. years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of
mount Sina the angel of the lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When
Moses saw it he wondered at the sight, and as he drew near to behold
it. And the voice of the lord came unto him: I am the God of thy
fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob.
Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the lord to him put off
thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy
ground. I have perfectly seen the affliction of my people which is in
Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them. And now come and I will send thee into Egypt.
The same Moses whom they forsook saying: who made the a ruler and a
judge: God sent both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel
which appeared to him in the bush. This man brought them out shewing
wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness
xl. years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israhell:
A prophet shall your lord God raise up unto you of your brethren like
unto me, him shall ye hear.
This is he that was in the congregation, in the wilderness with the
angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers. This
man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers
would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back
again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For
we wot not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land
of Egypt. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice
unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the
stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets: O ye of
the house of Israhell: have ye given unto me offerings or sacrifice, by
the space of xl. years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the
tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which
ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.
Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, as he
had appointed them speaking unto Moses, that he should make it
according to the fashion that he had seen, which tabernacle our fathers
received, and brought it in with Iosue into the possession of the
gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers
unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that
he might find a tabernacle for the God of Iacob. And Solomon built him
an house.
But he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands,
as saith the prophet: Heaven is my seat, and earth is my foot stool,
what house will ye build for me saith the lord? or what resting place?
hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and of
uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have allways resisted the holy
ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not
your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which shewed before
of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye
also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept
it.
When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they
gnashed on him with their teeth. He being full of the holy ghost looked
up with his eyes into heaven and saw the majesty of God, and Iesus
standing on the right hand of God, and said: lo, I see the heavens
open, and the son of man stand on the right hand of God. Then they gave
a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears and all ran upon him
at once, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the
witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet named Saul. And
they stoned Steven calling on and saying: lord Iesu receive my spirit.
And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: lord impute not this
sin unto them, For they wote not what they do. And when he had thus
spoken he fell asleep.
The .viij. Chapter.
Saul had pleasure in his death. At that time there was a great
persecution against the congregation which was at Ierusalem, and they
were all scattered abroad thorowout the regions of Iury and Samaria,
except the apostles. Then devout men dressed Steven, and made great
lamentation over him. Saul made havoc of the congregation entering into
every house, and drew out both man and woman, and thrust them into
prison. They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the
word. Then came Philip into a city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto
them. And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spake
with one accord, in that they heard and saw the miracles which he did.
For unclean spirits crying with loud voice, came out of many which were
possessed of them. Many taken with palsies, and many that halted were
healed. And there was great joy in that city. And there was a certain
man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city, used witchcraft
and bewitched the people, saying that he was a man that could do great
things. Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest saying: this
is that power of God, which is called great. Him they set much by,
because of long time with sorcery he had deluded their wits. As soon as
they believed Philips preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name
of Iesu Christ, they were baptised both men and women. Then Simon
himself believed and was baptised. And continued with Philip, and
wondered beholding the miracles and signs, which were shewed.
When the Apostles which were at Ierusalem heard say that Samaria had
received the word of God: they sent unto them Peter and Ihon, which
when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy
ghost. For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised
only in the name of Christ Iesu. Then laid they their hands on them,
and they received the holy ghost.
When Simon saw that thorow laying on of the Apostles' hands on them,
the holy ghost was given: he offered them money saying: Give me also
this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the holy
ghost. Then said Peter unto him: Perish thou and thy money together.
For thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money? thou
hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not
right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and
pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I
perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity.
Then answered Simon and said: Pray ye to the lord for me that none of
these things which ye have spoken fall on me. And they when they had
testified, and preached the word of the lord returned to Ierusalem and
preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.
Then the angel of the lord spake unto Philip saying: Arise and go
towards midday unto the way which leadeth from Ierusalem unto Gaza,
which is in the desert. He arose and went on, and behold a man of
Ethiopia which was gelded, and of great authority with Candace queen of
the Ethiophians, which had the rule of all her treasure, came to
Ierusalem for to pray. As he returned home again sitting in his chariot
he read Esay the prophet.
Then the spirit said unto Philip: Go near and join thyself to yonder
chariot. Philip ran to him, and heard him read Esay the prophet and
said: Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said: how can I,
except I had a guide? And he desired Philip that he would come up and
sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read was this. He was
led as a sheep to be slain: And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so
opened he not his mouth, in that he submitted himself, his judgement
was exalted: who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken
from the earth. The gelded man answered Philip and said: I pray thee of
whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself? or of some other man?
Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached
unto him Iesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain
water, and the gelded man said: See here is water, what shall let me to
be baptised? Philip said unto him: If thou believe with all thine
heart, thou mayst. He answered saying: I believe that Iesus Christ is
the son of God. And commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went
down both into the water: both Philip and also the gelded man. And he
baptised him. As soon as they were come out of the water the spirit of
the lord caught away Philip. And the gelded man saw him no more. And he
went on his way rejoicing: but Philip was found at Azotus. And he
walked thorow out the country preaching in their cities, till he came
to Cesarea.
The .ix. Chapter.
Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples
of the lord, went unto the high priest, and desired 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 unto Ierusalem. As he
went on his journey, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and
suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell
to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why
persecutest thou me? And he said what art thou lord? The lord said, I
am Iesus whom thou persecutest, it shall be hard for thee to kick
against the prick. He both trembling and astonied 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 shalt do.
The men which accompanied him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a
voice, but saw no man. Saul arose from the earth, And when he had
opened his eyes he saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and
brought him into Damascus. And he was iij. days without sight, and
neither ate nor drank.
There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, to him said the
lord in a vision: Ananias. And he said: I am here lord. And the lord
said to him: arise and go into the street which is called straight, and
seek in the house of Iudas after one called Saul of the city of
Tharsus. For behold he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named
Ananias coming in unto him, And putting his hands on him, that he might
receive his sight.
Ananias answered: lord I have heard by many of this man, how much hurt
he hath done to thy saints at Ierusalem: and in this place he hath
authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name. The
lord said unto him: Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to
bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of
Israhel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my
name's sake.
Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on
him and said: brother Saul, the lord that appeared unto thee in the way
as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and
be filled with the holy ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes
as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was
baptised. And received meat and was comforted.
Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was
the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said: is not this he
that spoiled them which called on this name in Ierusalem? And came
hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high
priests? Saul increased in strength, And confounded the jews which
dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ.
After a good while, the jews took counsel among themselves to kill him.
But their layings wait were known of Saul. And they watched at the
gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night,
and put him thorow the wall and let him down in a basket.
When Saul came to Ierusalem he assayed to couple himself with the
disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was
a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and
told them how he had seen the lord in the way and had spoken with him:
and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Iesu, And he had
his conversation with them at Ierusalem, and quit himself boldly in the
name of the lord Iesu. And he spake and disputed with the greeks and
they went about to slay him. When the brethren knew of that, they
brought him to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tharsus. Then had the
congregations rest thorowout all jewry and Galile and Samary, and were
edified, and walked in the fear of the lord, And multiplied by the
comfort of the holy ghost.
It chanced that as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came to the
saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named
Eneas, which had kept his bed viij. years sick of the palsy. Then said
Peter unto him: Eneas, the lord Iesus Christ make thee whole: Arise and
make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and
Assaron, saw him, and turned to the lord.
There was at Ioppa a certain woman (which was a disciple named Tabitha,
which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was full of good works
and alms deeds, which she did. It chanced in those days that she was
sick and died. When they had washed her and laid her in a chamber:
Because Lydda was nigh to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter
was there, they sent unto him, desiring him that he would not be
grieved to come unto them.
Peter arose and came with them: when he was come, they brought him into
the chamber, and all the widows stood round about him weeping and
shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with
them. Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed and turned
him to the body, and said: Tabitha, arise. She opened her eyes, and
when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lift her
up, and called the saints and widows and shewed her alive. And it was
known thorow out all Ioppa, and many believed on the lord. And it
fortuned that he tarried many days in Ioppa with one Simon a tanner.
The .x. Chapter.
There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the
soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his
household, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed God always.
The same man saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day
the angel of God coming in unto him, and saying unto him: Cornelius,
when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said: what is it lord? He
said unto him: Thy prayers and thy alms are come up into remembrance in
the presence of God. And now send men to Ioppa, and call for one Simon
named also Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by
the seaside. He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do. When the
Angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his
household, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him, to whom he
told all the matter, and sent them to Ioppa.
On the morrow as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the
city, Peter went up into the uppermost part of the house to pray, about
the vj. hour. Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten. while
they made ready for him. He fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened,
and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet,
knit at the iiij. corners, and was let down to the earth, wherein were
all manner of iiij. footed beasts of the earth and vermin and worms,
and fouls of the air. And a voice spake unto him from heaven: Rise
Peter Kill and eat. Peter said: God forbid lord, for I have never eaten
any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again
the second time: What God hath cleansed that make thou not common. This
was done thrice, And the vessel was received up again into heaven.
While Peter mused in himself what this vision which he had seen meant,
behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made inquirance for
Simon's house, and stood before the door. And called out one and asked
whether Simon which was also called Peter, were lodged there. While
Peter thought on this vision, the spirit said unto him: Lo, men seek
thee: arise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, and doubt not.
For I have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto
him from Cornelius, and said: Lo, I am he, whom ye seek, what is the
cause wherefore ye are come? They said unto him: Cornelius the captain
a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the
people of the jews was warned by an holy angel, to send for thee in to
his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and
lodged them.
On the morrow Peter went with them, and certain brethren from Ioppa
accompanied him. And the third day entered they into Cesaria. Cornelius
waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen, and special
friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, Cornelius met him, and
fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Peter took him up, saying:
Even I myself am a man. And as he talked with him he came in, and found
many that were come together. And he said unto them: Ye do know how
that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a jew to company or come
unto an alien: But God hath shewed me that I should not call any man
common or unclean: therefore came I unto you without scruple, as soon
as I was sent for. I ask therefore: for what intent have ye sent for
me?
And Cornelius said: This day now. iiij. days I fasted, and at the ninth
hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright
clothing, and said: Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms
deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to
Ioppa, and call for Simon which is also called Peter. He is lodged in
the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside, the which as soon as he
is come, shall speak unto thee. Then sent I for thee immediately, and
thou hast well done for to come. Now are we all here, present before
God to hear all things that are commanded unto thee of God.
Peter opened his mought and said: Of a truth I perceive, that God is
not partial, but in all people he that feareth him and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with him.
Ye know the preaching that God sent unto the children of Israhell,
preaching peace by Iesus Christe (which is lord over all things.) which
preaching was published thorowout all Iewery, and began in Galile,
after the baptism preached by Ihon, After that God had anointed Iesus
of Nazareth with the holy ghost, and with power, he went about doing
good, and healing all that were oppressed with devils, for God was with
him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the
jewes and at Ierusalem, whom they slew, and hung on tree. Him God
raised up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people,
but unto us witnesses chosen before of God, which ate and drank with
him, after he arose from death. And he commanded us to preach unto the
people and testify, that it is he that is ordained of God a judge of
quick and dead. To him giveth all the prophets witness, that thorow his
name shall receive remission of sins all that believe in him.
While Peter yet spake these words, the holy ghost fell on all them
which heard his preaching. And they of the circumcision which believed
were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles
also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost. For they heard them speak
with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter: can any man forbid
water that these should not be baptised, which have received the holy
ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptised in the name
of the lord. Then prayed they him, to tarry a few days.
The .xj. Chapter.
It came to the ears of the Apostles and the brethren which were in
jewry, that the heathen also had received the word of God. When Peter
was come up to Ierusalem, they of the circumcision disputed with him,
saying: Thou wentest in unto men uncircumcised, and atest with them.
Peter began and expounded the thing in order to them saying: I was in
the city of Ioppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain
vessel descend, as it had been a large linen cloth, let down from
heaven by the four corners, And it came to me: into the which when I
had fastened mine eyes I considered and saw fourfooted beasts of the
earth, and vermin and worms, and fowls of the air. I heard also a voice
saying unto me: Arise Peter, slay and eat. And I said: God forbid lord,
for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mought.
The voice answered me again from heaven count not thou those things
common, which God hath cleansed. And this was done three times. And all
were taken up again into heaven.
And behold immediately were there three men come unto the house where I
was, sent from Cesarea unto me. And the spirit said unto me, that I
should go with them, without doubting. Moreover the six brethren
accompanied me. And we entered into the man's house. And he shewed us,
how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him:
Send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, named also Peter he shall tell
thee words, whereby both thou and all thine house shall be saved. And
as I began to preach, the holy ghost fell on them, as he did on us at
the beginning. Then came to my remembrance the words of the lord, how
he said: Ihon baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the
holy ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them like gifts, as he did unto
us, when we believed on the lord Iesus Christ: what was I that I should
have withstood God? when they heard this, they held their peace and
glorified God, saying: Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life.
They which were scattered abroad thorow the affliction that arose about
Steven, walked thorow out till they came unto Phenice and Cypers and
Antioche, preaching the word to no man, but unto the jews only. Some of
them were men of Cypers and of Syrene, which when they were come into
Antioch, spake unto the greeks, and preached the lord Iesus. And the
hand of the lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned
unto the lord.
Tidings of this came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in
Ierusalem, And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto
Antioche. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of the lord,
was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would
continually cleave unto the lord. For he was a perfect man, and full of
the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the lord.
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had
found him, he brought him unto Antioche. And it chanced that a whole
year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and
taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioche were the
first that were called Christen.
In those days came prophets from Ierusalem unto Antioche. There stood
up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there
should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in
the Emperor Claudius days. Then the disciples every man according to
his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in
jewry, which thing they also did, and sent it to the seniors, by the
hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The .xij. Chapter.
In that time Herod the king layed hands on certain of the congregation,
to vex them. And he killed Iames the brother of Ihon with a sword: and
because he saw that it pleased the jews, he proceeded further, to take
Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread, and when he had
caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to iiij.
quaternions of soldiers to be kept, intending after ester to bring him
forth to the people. Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made
without ceasing of the congregation unto God for him. When Herod would
have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter
between ij. soldiers, bound with two chains, And the keepers before the
door kept the prison.
And behold the angel of the lord was there present, and a light shined
in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and stirred him up
saying: arise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. And
the Angel said unto him: gird thyself and bind on thy sandals, And so
he did. And he said unto him: cast on thy mantle about thee, and follow
me. And he came out and followed him, and wist not, that it was truth
which was done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When
they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron
gate, that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them by his own
accord. And they went out and passed thorow one street, and by and by
the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said: now I know of a surety,
that the lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me from the hand
of Herod, and from all the waiting for of the people of the jewes. And
as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of
one Ihon, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered together
in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to
hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not
the entry for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the
entry. And they said unto her: thou art mad. And she bare them down
that it was even so. Then said they: it is his angel. Peter continued
knocking: When they had opened the door, and saw him, they were
astonied. He beckoned unto them with his hand to hold their peace, and
told them by what means the lord had brought him out of the prison. And
said: go shew this unto Iames and to the brethren. And he departed and
went into another place.
As soon as it was day there was no little ado among the soldiers, what
was become of Peter. When Herod had called for him, and found him not,
he examined the keepers, and commanded to depart. And he descended from
Iewry to Cesarea, and there abode. Herod was displeased with them of
Tyre and Sidon. And they came all at once, and made intercession unto
Blastus the king's chamberlain, and desired peace, because their
country was nourished by the king's land. Upon a day appointed, the
king arrayed him in royal apparel, and set him in his seat, and made an
oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying: It is the voice
of a God and not of a man. And immediately the angel of the lord smote
him, because he gave not God the honour, and he was eaten of worms, and
gave up the ghost.
And the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned
to Ierusalem, and fulfilled their office, and took with them Ihon,
which was also called Marcus.
The .xiij. Chapter.
There were at Antioche, in the congregation, prophets and doctors, as
Barnabas and Simeonb called Nyger, And Lucius of Cerene, and Manahen
Herod the tetrarkes nursefellow, and Saul. As they served God, and
fasted, The holy ghost said: separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the
work whereunto I have called them. Then fasted they and prayed, and put
their hands on them, and let them go.
And they after they were sent of the holy ghost, came unto Seleutia,
and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were come to
Solamine, they shewed the word of God in the synagogues, unto the
jewes. And they had Ihon to their minister.
When they had gone over all the Isle unto the city of Paphos, they
found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet which was a jewe, named
Bariesu, which was with the ruler of the country one Sergius Paulus a
prudent man. The same ruler called unto him Barnabas and Saul, and
desired to hear the word of God. The sorcerer Elemas (for so was his
name by interpretation) withstood them, and sought to turn away the
ruler from the faith. Then Saul which also is called Paul being full of
the holy ghost, set his eyes on him, and said: O full of all subtlety
and deceitfulness the child of the devil, and the enemy of all
righteousness thou ceasest not to pervert the straight ways of the
lord. And now behold the hand of the lord is upon thee, and thou shalt
be blind and not see the sun for a season. And immediately fell on him
a mist and a darkness, And he went about seeking, them that should lead
him by the hand. Then the ruler when he saw what had happened,
believed, and wondered at doctrine of the lord.
When Paul and they that were with him, had shipped from Paphus, they
came to Perga a city of Pamphilia. There departed Ihon from them, and
returned to Ierusalem. But they wandered thorow the countries, from
Perga to Antioche a city of the country of Pisidia, and went into the
synagoge on the saboth day, and sat down. After the lecture of the law
and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them saying: Ye
men and brethren, if ye have any sermon to exhort the people, say on.
Paul stood up and beckoned with his hand and said: Men of Israhel, and
ye that fear God, give audience. The God of this people chose our
fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the
land of Egypt, and with a mighty arm brought them out of it, and about
the time of. xl. years, suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
And he destroyed vij. nations in the land of Canaan, and divided their
land to them by Lott. And afterward he gave unto them judges about the
space of. iiij.C. and l. years unto the time of Samuel the prophet. And
after that they desired a king, and God gave unto them Saul the son of
Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of xl. years. And
after he had put him down, he set up David to be their king, to whom he
gave witness, saying: I have found David the son of Iesse, a man after
mine own heart, he shall fulfil all my will.
Of this man's seed hath God (according to his promise) brought forth to
the people of Israel a saviour, one Iesus, when Ihon had first preached
before his coming the baptism of repentance to Israhel. When Ihon had
fulfilled his course, he said: Whom ye think that I am? the same am I
not, but behold there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am
not worthy to lowse.
Ye men and brethren, children of the generation off Abraham, and
whosoever among you feareth God, to you is this word of health sent.
The inhabiters of Ierusalem, and their rulers because they knew him
not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every saboth
day, have fulfilled them in condemning him. And when they found no
cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate to kill him. And when
they had fulfilled all that were written of him, they took him down
from the tree and put him in a sepulchre: But God raised him again from
death, and he was seen many days of them, which came with him from
Galile to Ierusalem which are his witnesses unto the people.
And we declare unto you, how that the promise made unto the fathers,
God hath now fulfilled unto us the children, in that he raised up Iesus
again, even as it is written in the first {other second} psalm: Thou
art my son, this same day begat I thee. As concerning that he so raised
him up from death, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this
wise: The holy promises made to David I will keep faithfully. Wherefore
he saith also in another place: Thou shalt not suffer thy saincte to
see corruption. For David after he had in his time fulfilled the will
of God, he slept, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption.
But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore ye men and brethren, that thorow this
man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins, And by him are all
that believe justified from all things from the which ye could not be
justified by the law of Moses. Beware therefore lest that fall on you,
which is spoken of in the prophets: Behold ye despisers, and wonder,
and perish ye: for I do a work in your days, which ye shall not
believe, if a man would declare it you.
When the jews were gone out of the Synagogue, the gentiles besought
them that they would preach the word to them between the saboth days.
When the congregation was broken up, many of the jews and virtuous
proselites followed Paul and Barnabas, which spake to them and exhorted
them to continue in the grace of God.
And the next saboth day came Almost the whole city together to hear the
word of God. When the jews saw the people, they were full of
indignation and spake against those things which were spoken of Paul,
They spake against it, and dispraised it, rayling on it. Then Paul and
Barnabas waxed bold, and said: it was meet that the word of God should
first have been preached to you. But seeing ye put it from you, and
think yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the
gentiles. For so hath the lord commanded us: I have made thee a light
to the gentiles, that thou be health unto the end of the world.
The gentiles heard, and were glad and glorified the word of the lord,
and believed even as many as were ordained unto eternal life. And the
word of the lord was published thorowout all the region. But the jews
moved the worshipful and honorable women, and the chief men of the
city. And raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled
them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust off their feet
against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with
joy and with the holy ghost.
The .xiiij. Chapter.
It fortuned in Iconium that they went both together into the synagogue
of the jewes, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the jewes
and also of the greeks believed. But the unbelieving jews, stirred up
and unquieted the minds of the gentiles against the brethren. Long time
abode they there and quit themselves boldly with the help of the lord,
the which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, And caused signs
and wonders to be done by their hands. The people of city were divided:
and part held with the jews, and part with the Apostles.
When there was a fault made both of the gentiles and also of the jewes
with their rulers, to put them to shame and to stone them, they were
ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derba, cities of Licaonia, and
unto the region that lieth round about, and there preached the gospell.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra weak in his feet, being halt from
his mother's womb, and never walked. The same heard Paul preach, which
beheld him and perceived that he had faith to be whole, and said with a
loud voice: stand upright on thy feet. And he started up, and walked.
When the people saw what Paul had done, they lift up their voices,
saying in the speech of Lycaonia: Goddes are come down to us in the
likeness of men. And they called Barnabas, Iupiter, and Paul Mercurius,
because he was the preacher. Then Iupiters priest, which dwelt before
their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the church porch, and would
have done sacrifice with the people. When the Apostles, Barnabas and
Paul heard that, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people,
crying and saying: sirs, why do ye this? We are mortal men like unto
you, and preach unto you, that ye should turn from these vanities unto
the living God, which made heaven and earth and the sea and all that in
them is, the which in times past suffered all nations to walk in their
own ways. Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he
shewed his benefits, in giving us rain from heaven and fruitful
seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. And with these
sayings, scarce refrained they the people, that they had not done
sacrifice unto them.
Thither came certain jews from Antioche and Iconium, and obtained the
peoples' consent and stoned Paul, and drew him out of the city,
supposing he had been dead. As the disciples stood round about him, he
arose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with
Barnabas to Derba. After they had preached to that city, and taught
many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium and Antioche, and
strengthened the disciples souls, exhorting them to continue in the
faith, affirming that we must thorow much adversity enter into the
kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them seniors by election in
every congregation, after they had prayed and fasted, they commended
them to God on whom they believed.