Blephen being accused, Chap. visdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law. answereth for himself. 17 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph: 19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil-eutreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live 20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: 14 For we have heard him say, That this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and 21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's shall change the customs which Moses deliver-daughter took him up, and nourished him for ed us. her own son. 2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our Father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian 25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them; but they understood not. 26 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them 4 Then came he out of the land of the Chal-at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why deans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. do ye wrong one to another? 27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egypyesterday? 5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a posses-tian sion, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 7 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. 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eight day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. 9 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with nim, 10 And delivered him out of all his afflic-. tions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt, and all his house. 11 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction and our fathers found no sustenance. : 12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kinared was made known unto Pharaoh. 14 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 15 Su Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, be, and our fathers, 16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 29 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. 30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, – 32 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. 33 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou otandest is holy ground. 34 I have seen, I have 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, I will send thee into Egypt. 35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer, by the hand of the angel which appeare to him in the bush 36 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37 This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 38 This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel wich spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers who received the lively oracles to give unto us. The tunuch and Philip. A ND Saul was consenting unto his death And at that time there was a great perse 39 To whom our fathers would not obey,cution against the church which was at Jerusabut thrust him from them, and in their hearts lem; and they were ail scattered abroad turned back again into Egypt, throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, excent the apostles. 40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us for as for this Moses, winen brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 1 12 Then God turned, and gave them up to ship the host of heaven; as it is written in t... book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacritices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? 43 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. 44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: 45 Which also our fathers that came after, brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 46 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built him an house. 48 Howbeit, the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord; or, what is the place of my rest? 50 Hath not my hand made all these things? 51 Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost; as your fathers did, so do ye. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and baling men and women, committed them to prison. 4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went every where preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Sa maria, and preached Christ unto them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did with loud voice, were 7 For unclean spirits, cryine possessed with came out of many them and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one; 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 11 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip, preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done, 14 Now, when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the 15 Who when they were come down, prayed Just One of whom ye have been now the be-for them, that they might receive the Holy trayers and murderers; Ghost. 53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and he not kept it. 54 When they neard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost looked up steadfastly to heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. CHAP. VIII. The church planted in Samaria by Philip: 25 He baptizeth the Ethiopian eunuch. 16 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 18.nd when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money," 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money pe rish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gut of God may be purchased with money. 21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 23 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that nose of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Saul's conversion, who Chap. In preacheth Christ boldly, Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many Lord raid unto him, Arise, and go into the city, villages of the Samaritans. and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 26 ¶ And the angel of the Lord spake into Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27 And he arose and went and behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot, read Esaias the prophet. 29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened he saw no man; but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Da mascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Under-go into the street which is called Straight, and standest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some *man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 44 32 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a steep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 23 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away and who shall declare his genera tion? for his life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whoin speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the samo scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias, coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at lerusalem. 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord (even Jesus that 36 Ambas they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be bap-appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest) tized? hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and be went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through, he preached in all the cities, till he ame to Cesarea. CHAP. IX. Saul is called to the apostleship: 18 is baptised, 20 and preacheth Christ boldly. AND Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 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 Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 1 And when he had received meat he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul and they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou perse-spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly eutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the at Damascus in the name of Jesus. pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonishe said, Lord what wilt thou have me to do? And the 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Cornelius sendeth for Peter. The ACT3. Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. Peter's heavenly vision. household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the house-top to pray, about the sixth hour. 10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten. but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth; 12 Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creep 34 And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thying things, and fowls of the air. bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose, and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner. CHAP. X. 13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Feter: kill and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. 15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate, 18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. 19 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them. 21 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius, and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come? 22 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23 Then called he them in, and lodge them. hear-And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him 1 Cornelius sendeth for Peter 34 Peter preach- called the Italian band. 2 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people; and praved to God always: 3 He saw in a vision evidently, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4 And when he looked on him he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter, 6 He lodgeth with oue Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side be shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do. 24 And the morrow after they entered into Cesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and neat friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and wor shipped him. 28 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him he went in, and found many that were come together 28 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company or come unto one of another nation: but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man commou or un clean 7 And when the anger which spake unto 29 Therefore came I unto you without Cornelius was departed, he called two of his gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: 1 mi He preacheth to Cornelius, Chap. xi. and defendeth himself. therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusa 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was lem, they that were of the circumcision confasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour tended with him, prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner, by the seaside; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. 33 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God. 34 T Then Peter opered his mouth, and said, of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ; (he is Lord of all,) 37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost, and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil: for God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did, bou in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him. openly; 41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. 43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name, whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission cf sins. 44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. 45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter. 47 Can any man förbid water, that these should not be baptized, which bave received the Holy Ghost as well as we? 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. CHAP. XI. ND the apostles and brethren that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had alsoj received the word of God. 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners: and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which, when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth; and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: 13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be haptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as l'henice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch; 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For be was a good man, and full of |
