001:001 The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus
began both to do and to teach,
001:002 until the day in which he was received up, after he had given
commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom
he had chosen.
001:003 To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered,
by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days,
and speaking about God's Kingdom.
001:004 Being assembled together with them, he charged them, "Don't depart
from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father,
which you heard from me.
001:005 For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized
in the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
001:006 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord,
are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
001:007 He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons
which the Father has set within his own authority.
001:008 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.
You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria,
and to the uttermost parts of the earth."
001:009 When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was
taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.
001:010 While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went,
behold, two men stood by them in white clothing,
001:011 who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking
into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into
the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going
into the sky."
001:012 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet,
which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.
001:013 When they had come in, they went up into the upper room,
where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James,
Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son
of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.
001:014 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer
and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother
of Jesus, and with his brothers.
001:015 In these days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples
(and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said,
001:016 "Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled,
which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David
concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus.
001:017 For he was numbered with us, and received his portion
in this ministry.
001:018 Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness,
and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his
intestines gushed out.
001:019 It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in
their language that field was called 'Akeldama,' that is,
'The field of blood.'
001:020 For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation
be made desolate. Let no one dwell therein;'{Psalm 69:25} and,
'Let another take his office.'{Psalm 109:8}
001:021 "Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time
that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
001:022 beginning from the baptism of John, to the day that he was
received up from us, of these one must become a witness
with us of his resurrection."
001:023 They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was
surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
001:024 They prayed, and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men,
show which one of these two you have chosen
001:025 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas
fell away, that he might go to his own place."
001:026 They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias,
and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
002:001 Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one
accord in one place.
002:002 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.
002:003 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them,
and one sat on each of them.
002:004 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak
with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.
002:005 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men,
from every nation under the sky.
002:006 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together,
and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking
in his own language.
002:007 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another,
"Behold, aren't all these who speak Galileans?
002:008 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?
002:009 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia,
Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia,
002:010 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene,
visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,
002:011 Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages
the mighty works of God!"
002:012 They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another,
"What does this mean?"
002:013 Others, mocking, said, "They are filled with new wine."
002:014 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice,
and spoke out to them, "You men of Judea, and all you
who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen
to my words.
002:015 For these aren't drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only
the third hour of the day{about 9:00 AM}.
002:016 But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
002:017 'It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour
out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters
will prophesy. Your young men will see visions.
Your old men will dream dreams.
002:018 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days,
I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.
002:019 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the
earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.
002:020 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood,
before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
002:021 It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Lord
will be saved.'{Joel 2:28-32}
002:022 "Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth,
a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders
and signs which God did by him in the midst of you,
even as you yourselves know,
002:023 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and
foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men,
crucified and killed;
002:024 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death,
because it was not possible that he should be held by it.
002:025 For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before my face,
For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.
002:026 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced.
Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;
002:027 because you will not leave my soul in Hades{or, Hell}, neither will
you allow your Holy One to see decay.
002:028 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full
of gladness with your presence.'{Psalm 16:8-11}
002:029 "Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David,
that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us
to this day.
002:030 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn
with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body,
according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit
on his throne,
002:031 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ,
that neither was his soul left in Hades{or, Hell}, nor did
his flesh see decay.
002:032 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.
002:033 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having
received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit,
he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.
002:034 For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself,
'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand,
002:035 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'{Psalm 110:1}
002:036 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has
made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
002:037 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers,
what shall we do?"
002:038 Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,
and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
002:039 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all
who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will
call to himself."
002:040 With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying,
"Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"
002:041 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.
There were added that day about three thousand souls.
002:042 They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship,
in the breaking of bread, and prayer.
002:043 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done
through the apostles.
002:044 All who believed were together, and had all things in common.
002:045 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them
to all, according as anyone had need.
002:046 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple,
and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness
and singleness of heart,
002:047 praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord
added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
003:001 Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer,
the ninth hour{3:00 PM}.
003:002 A certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried,
whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is
called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who
entered into the temple.
003:003 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked
to receive gifts for the needy.
003:004 Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, "Look at us."
003:005 He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.
003:006 But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have,
that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
get up and walk!"
003:007 He took him by the right hand, and raised him up.
Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.
003:008 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them
into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.
003:009 All the people saw him walking and praising God.
003:010 They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging
for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple.
They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had
happened to him.
003:011 As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John,
all the people ran together to them in the porch that is
called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
003:012 When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, "You men of Israel,
why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us,
as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?
003:013 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers,
has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up,
and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined
to release him.
003:014 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a
murderer to be granted to you,
003:015 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead,
to which we are witnesses.
003:016 By faith in his name has his name made this man strong,
whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has
given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
003:017 "Now, brothers{The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly
translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."}, I know
that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers.
003:018 But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets,
that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
003:019 "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence
of the Lord,
003:020 and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before,
003:021 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things,
which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.
003:022 For Moses indeed said to the fathers, 'The Lord God will raise
up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me.
You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you.
003:023 It will be, that every soul that will not listen to that prophet
will be utterly destroyed from among the people.'{Deuteronomy
18:15,18-19}
003:024 Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after,
as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.
003:025 You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God
made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'In your seed will
all the families of the earth be blessed.'{Genesis 22:18; 26:4}
003:026 God, having raised up his servant, Jesus, sent him to you first,
to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from your wickedness."
004:001 As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain
of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,
004:002 being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed
in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.
004:003 They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day,
for it was now evening.
004:004 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number
of the men came to be about five thousand.
004:005 It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribes
were gathered together in Jerusalem.
004:006 Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander,
and as many as were relatives of the high priest.
004:007 When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired,
"By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"
004:008 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them,
"You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
004:009 if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a
crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,
004:010 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel,
that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified,
whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand
here before you whole.
004:011 He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders,
which has become the head of the corner.'{Psalm 118:22}
004:012 There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any
other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we
must be saved!"
004:013 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived
that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled.
They recognized that they had been with Jesus.
004:014 Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could
say nothing against it.
004:015 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council,
they conferred among themselves,
004:016 saying, "What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable
miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen
by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.
004:017 But so that this spreads no further among the people,
let's threaten them, that from now on they don't speak
to anyone in this name."
004:018 They called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor
teach in the name of Jesus.
004:019 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right
in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God,
judge for yourselves,
004:020 for we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard."
004:021 When they had further threatened them, they let them go,
finding no way to punish them, because of the people;
for everyone glorified God for that which was done.
004:022 For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed
was more than forty years old.
004:023 Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported
all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
004:024 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with
one accord, and said, "O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven,
the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;
004:025 who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, 'Why do
the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?
004:026 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers
take council together, against the Lord, and against
his Christ{Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean
Anointed One.}.'{Psalm 2:1-2}
004:027 "For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom
you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles
and the people of Israel, were gathered together
004:028 to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen.
004:029 Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants
to speak your word with all boldness,
004:030 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders
may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."
004:031 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were
gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit,
and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
004:032 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul.
Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which
he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.
004:033 With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all.
004:034 For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many
as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought
the proceeds of the things that were sold,
004:035 and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made
to each, according as anyone had need.
004:036 Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is,
being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man
of Cyprus by race,
004:037 having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it
at the apostles' feet.
005:001 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife,
sold a possession,
005:002 and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it,
and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
005:003 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart
to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price
of the land?
005:004 While you kept it, didn't it remain your own?
After it was sold, wasn't it in your power?
How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart?
You haven't lied to men, but to God."
005:005 Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died.
Great fear came on all who heard these things.
005:006 The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him
out and buried him.
005:007 About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what
had happened, came in.
005:008 Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much."
She said, "Yes, for so much."
005:009 But Peter asked her, "How is it that you have agreed
together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet
of those who have buried your husband are at the door,
and they will carry you out."
005:010 She fell down immediately at his feet, and died.
The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried
her out and buried her by her husband.
005:011 Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who
heard these things.
005:012 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among
the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
005:013 None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them.
005:014 More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both
men and women.
005:015 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid
them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by,
at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them.
005:016 Multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem,
bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by
unclean spirits: and they were all healed.
005:017 But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him
(which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were
filled with jealousy,
005:018 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody.
005:019 But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night,
and brought them out, and said,
005:020 "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words
of this life."
005:021 When they heard this, they entered into the temple
about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came,
and those who were with him, and called the council together,
and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent
to the prison to have them brought.
005:022 But the officers who came didn't find them in the prison.
They returned and reported,
005:023 "We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing
before the doors, but when we opened them, we found
no one inside!"
005:024 Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief
priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them
and what might become of this.
005:025 One came and told them, "Behold, the men whom you put in prison
are in the temple, standing and teaching the people."
005:026 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them
without violence, for they were afraid that the people
might stone them.
005:027 When they had brought them, they set them before the council.
The high priest questioned them,
005:028 saying, "Didn't we strictly charge you not to teach in this name?
Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching,
and intend to bring this man's blood on us."
005:029 But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God
rather than men.
005:030 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed,
hanging him on a tree.
005:031 God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior,
to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.
005:032 We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit,
whom God has given to those who obey him."
005:033 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart,
and determined to kill them.
005:034 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel,
a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded
to put the apostles out for a little while.
005:035 He said to them, "You men of Israel, be careful concerning
these men, what you are about to do.
005:036 For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out
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 dispersed, and came to nothing.
005:037 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days
of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him.
He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him,
were scattered abroad.
005:038 Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone.
For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.
005:039 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it,
and you would be found even to be fighting against God!"
005:040 They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat
them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus,
and let them go.
005:041 They therefore departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor
for Jesus' name.
005:042 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped
teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.
006:001 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying,
a complaint arose from the Hellenists{The Hellenists used
Greek language and culture, even though they were also of
Hebrew descent.} against the Hebrews, because their widows
were neglected in the daily service.
006:002 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said,
"It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God
and serve tables.
006:003 Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report,
full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint
over this business.
006:004 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry
of the word."
006:005 These words pleased the whole multitude.
They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the
Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas,
and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;
006:006 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed,
they laid their hands on them.
006:007 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company
of the priests were obedient to the faith.
006:008 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders
and signs among the people.
006:009 But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines,"
and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of
Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.
006:010 They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit
by which he spoke.
006:011 Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him
speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."
006:012 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes,
and came against him and seized him, and brought him in
to the council,
006:013 and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops
speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
006:014 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will
destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses
delivered to us."
006:015 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him,
saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
007:001 The high priest said, "Are these things so?"
007:002 He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory
appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia,
before he lived in Haran,
007:003 and said to him, 'Get out of your land, and from your relatives,
and come into a land which I will show you.'{Genesis 12:1}
007:004 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and lived in Haran.
From there, when his father was dead, God moved him into this land,
where you are now living.
007:005 He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set
his foot on. He promised that he would give it to him
for a possession, and to his seed after him, when he still
had no child.
007:006 God spoke in this way: that his seed would live as aliens in a
strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated
for four hundred years.
007:007 'I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,'
said God, 'and after that will they come out, and serve me
in this place.'{Genesis 15:13-14}
007:008 He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became
the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day.
Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father
of the twelve patriarchs.
007:009 "The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him
into Egypt. God was with him,
007:010 and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave
him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt.
He made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
007:011 Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan,
and great affliction. Our fathers found no food.
007:012 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent
out our fathers the first time.
007:013 On the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers,
and Joseph's race was revealed to Pharaoh.
007:014 Joseph sent, and summoned Jacob, his father, and all
his relatives, seventy-five souls.
007:015 Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, himself and our fathers,
007:016 and they were brought back to Shechem, and laid in the tomb
that Abraham bought for a price in silver from the children
of Hamor of Shechem.
007:017 "But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn
to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
007:018 until there arose a different king, who didn't know Joseph.
007:019 The same took advantage of our race, and mistreated our fathers,
and forced them to throw out their babies, so that they
wouldn't stay alive.
007:020 At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome.
He was nourished three months in his father's house.
007:021 When he was thrown out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up,
and reared him as her own son.
007:022 Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians.
He was mighty in his words and works.
007:023 But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit
his brothers{The word for "brothers" here and where the context
allows may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters"
or "siblings."}, the children of Israel.
007:024 Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged
him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian.
007:025 He supposed that his brothers understood that God, by his hand,
was giving them deliverance; but they didn't understand.
007:026 "The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged
them to be at peace again, saying, 'Sirs, you are brothers.
Why do you wrong one another?'
007:027 But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying,
'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
007:028 Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'{Exodus
2:14}
007:029 Moses fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land
of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
007:030 "When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared
to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire
in a bush.
007:031 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he came close
to see, a voice of the Lord came to him,
007:032 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God
of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'{Exodus 3:6} Moses trembled,
and dared not look.
007:033 The Lord said to him, 'Take your sandals off of your feet,
for the place where you stand is holy ground.
007:034 I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt,
and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them.
Now come, I will send you into Egypt.'{Exodus 3:5,7-8,10}
007:035 "This Moses, whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler
and a judge?'--God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer
by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
007:036 This man led them out, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt,
in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.
007:037 This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, 'The Lord
our God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers,
like me.{TR adds "You shall listen to him."}'{Deuteronomy 18:15}
007:038 This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel
that spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers,
who received living oracles to give to us,
007:039 to whom our fathers wouldn't be obedient, but rejected him,
and turned back in their hearts to Egypt,
007:040 saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods that will go before us,
for as for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt,
we don't know what has become of him.'{Exodus 32:1}
007:041 They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol,
and rejoiced in the works of their hands.
007:042 But God turned, and gave them up to serve the army of the sky,
as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'Did you offer
to me slain animals and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness,
O house of Israel?
007:043 You took up the tent of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan,
the figures which you made to worship. I will carry you
away{Amos 5:25-27} beyond Babylon.'
007:044 "Our fathers had the tent of the testimony in the wilderness,
even as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it
according to the pattern that he had seen;
007:045 which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua
when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God
drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David,
007:046 who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find
a habitation for the God of Jacob.
007:047 But Solomon built him a house.
007:048 However, the Most High doesn't dwell in temples made with hands,
as the prophet says,
007:049 'heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet.
What kind of house will you build me?' says the Lord;
'or what is the place of my rest?
007:050 Didn't my hand make all these things?'{Isaiah 66:1-2}
007:051 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,
you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did,
so you do.
007:052 Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute?
They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One,
of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.
007:053 You received the law as it was ordained by angels,
and didn't keep it!"
007:054 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart,
and they gnashed at him with their teeth.
007:055 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly
into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing
on the right hand of God,
007:056 and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God!"
007:057 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears,
and rushed at him with one accord.
007:058 They threw him out of the city, and stoned him.
The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young
man named Saul.
007:059 They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit!"
007:060 He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold
this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep.
008:001 Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose
against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day.
They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea
and Samaria, except for the apostles.
008:002 Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him.
008:003 But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house,
and dragged both men and women off to prison.
008:004 Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around
preaching the word.
008:005 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed
to them the Christ.
008:006 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that
were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs
which he did.
008:007 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them.
They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been
paralyzed and lame were healed.
008:008 There was great joy in that city.
008:009 But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice
sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria,
making himself out to be some great one,
008:010 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest,
saying, "This man is that great power of God."
008:011 They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed
them with his sorceries.
008:012 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning
the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women.
008:013 Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued
with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring,
he was amazed.
008:014 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria
had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,
008:015 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they
might receive the Holy Spirit;
008:016 for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been
baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.
008:017 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Spirit.
008:018 Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through
the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,
008:019 saying, "Give me also this power, that whoever I lay my hands
on may receive the Holy Spirit."
008:020 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you,
because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!
008:021 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart
isn't right before God.
008:022 Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps
the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.
008:023 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in
the bondage of iniquity."
008:024 Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things
which you have spoken happen to me."
008:025 They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word
of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News
to many villages of the Samaritans.
008:026 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go
toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.
This is a desert."
008:027 He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia,
a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of
the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come
to Jerusalem to worship.
008:028 He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading
the prophet Isaiah.
008:029 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself
to this chariot."
008:030 Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet,
and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
008:031 He said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?"
He begged Philip to come up and sit with him.
008:032 Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this,
"He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before
his shearer is silent, so he doesn't open his mouth.
008:033 In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away.
Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken
from the earth."{Isaiah 53:7,8}
008:034 The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the prophet talking about?
About himself, or about someone else?"
008:035 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture,
preached to him Jesus.
008:036 As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the
eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me
from being baptized?"
008:037 {TR adds "Philip said, 'If you believe with all your heart, you may.'
He answered, 'I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.'"}
008:038 He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both
went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch,
and he baptized him.
008:039 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord
caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn't see him any more,
for he went on his way rejoicing.
008:040 But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached
the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.
009:001 But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against
the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
009:002 and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus,
that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women,
he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
009:003 As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus,
and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.
009:004 He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him,
"Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
009:005 He said, "Who are you, Lord?" The Lord said, "I am Jesus,
whom you are persecuting.{TR adds "It's hard for you to kick
against the goads."}
009:006 But{TR omits "But" } rise up, and enter into the city,
and you will be told what you must do."
009:007 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound,
but seeing no one.
009:008 Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened,
he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought
him into Damascus.
009:009 He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
009:010 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias.
The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" He said, "Behold,
it's me, Lord."
009:011 The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street
which is called Straight, and inquire in the house
of Judah{or, Judas} for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus.
For behold, he is praying,
009:012 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in,
and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight."
009:013 But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man,
how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.
009:014 Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call
on your name."
009:015 But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen
vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings,
and the children of Israel.
009:016 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for
my name's sake."
009:017 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his
hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared
to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you
may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."
009:018 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes,
and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.
009:019 He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days
with the disciples who were at Damascus.
009:020 Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ,
that he is the Son of God.
009:021 All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Isn't this he who
in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name?
And he had come here intending to bring them bound before
the chief priests!"
009:022 But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews
who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
009:023 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together
to kill him,
009:024 but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates
both day and night that they might kill him,
009:025 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through
the wall, lowering him in a basket.
009:026 When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to
the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing
that he was a disciple.
009:027 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles,
and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way,
and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had
preached boldly in the name of Jesus.
009:028 He was with them entering into{TR and NU add "and
going out"} Jerusalem,
009:029 preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and disputed
against the Hellenists,{The Hellenists were Hebrews who used
Greek language and culture.} but they were seeking to kill him.
009:030 When the brothers{The word for "brothers" here and where the context
allows may also be correctly translated "brothers and sisters"
or "siblings."} knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea,
and sent him off to Tarsus.
009:031 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria
had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in
the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
009:032 It happened, as Peter went throughout all those parts,
he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.
009:033 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been
bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed.
009:034 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you.
Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose.
009:035 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned
to the Lord.
009:036 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha,
which when translated, means Dorcas.{"Dorcas" is Greek
for "Gazelle."} This woman was full of good works and acts
of mercy which she did.
009:037 It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died.
When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.
009:038 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there,
sent two men{Reading from NU, TR; MT omits "two men"} to him,
imploring him not to delay in coming to them.
009:039 Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought
him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping,
and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made
while she was with them.
009:040 Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed.
Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!"
She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
009:041 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints
and widows, he presented her alive.
009:042 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed
in the Lord.
009:043 It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon,
a tanner.
010:001 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name,
a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,
010:002 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house,
who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people,
and always prayed to God.
010:003 At about the ninth hour of the day{3:00 PM}, he clearly
saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him, and saying
to him, "Cornelius!"
010:004 He, fastening his eyes on him, and being frightened, said,
"What is it, Lord?" He said to him, "Your prayers and your
gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.
010:005 Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is surnamed Peter.
010:006 He lodges with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the
seaside.{TR adds "This one will tell you what it is necessary
for you to do."}"
010:007 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called
two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those
who waited on him continually.
010:008 Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.
010:009 Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got
close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray
at about noon.
010:010 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing,
he fell into a trance.
010:011 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him,
like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth,
010:012 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth,
wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.
010:013 A voice came to him, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat!"
010:014 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything
that is common or unclean."
010:015 A voice came to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed,
you must not call unclean."
010:016 This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was
received up into heaven.
010:017 Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision
which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were
sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house,
stood before the gate,
010:018 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter,
was lodging there.
010:019 While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said
to him, "Behold, three{Reading from TR and NU.
MT omits "three"} men seek you.
010:020 But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing;
for I have sent them."
010:021 Peter went down to the men, and said, "Behold, I am he whom you seek.
Why have you come?"
010:022 They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who
fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews,
was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house,
and to listen to what you say."
010:023 So he called them in and lodged them. On the next day Peter
arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from
Joppa accompanied him.
010:024 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was
waiting for them, having called together his relatives
and his near friends.
010:025 When it happened that Peter entered, Cornelius met him,
fell down at his feet, and worshiped him.
010:026 But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up! I myself am
also a man."
010:027 As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together.
010:028 He said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful
thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one
of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn't call
any man unholy or unclean.
010:029 Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for.
I ask therefore, why did you send for me?"
010:030 Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour,
and at the ninth hour,{3:00 P. M.} I prayed in my house,
and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
010:031 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts
to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.
010:032 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter.
He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside.
When he comes, he will speak to you.'
010:033 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come.
Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God
to hear all things that have been commanded you by God."
010:034 Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God
doesn't show favoritism;
010:035 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness
is acceptable to him.