The Acts of the Holy Apostles, Written by Luke the Evangelist

1 1 Luke tieth this history to his Gospel. 9 Christ being taken into heaven. 10 The Apostles,  11 being warned by the Angels,  12 to return, 14 and give themselves to prayer. 15 By Peter’s motion, 18 into Judas the traitor’s place. 26 Matthias is chosen.

1 I have made the [a]former treatise, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began to [b]do and teach,

2 Until the day that he was taken up, after that he through the holy Ghost, had given commandments unto the Apostles, whom he had chosen:

3 [c]To whom also he presented himself alive after that he had suffered, by many [d]infallible tokens, being seen of them by the space of forty days, and speaking of those things whichappertained to the kingdom of God.

4 And when he had [e]gathered them together, he commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which said he, ye have heard of me.

5 For John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized [f]with the holy Ghost within these few days.

6 [g]When they therefore were come together they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time [h]restore the kingdom to Israel?

7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times, or the [i]seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

8 But ye shall receive power of the holy Ghost, when he shall come on you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

9 [j]And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up: for a cloud took him up out of their sight.

10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven, as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel.

11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing into heaven? This Jesus which is taken up [k]from you into heaven, shall so come, as ye have seen him go into heaven.

12 ¶ Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount that is called the mount of Olives, which is near to Jerusalem, being from it a Sabbath [l]day’s journey.

13 [m]And when they were [n]come in, they went up into an upper chamber, where abode both Peter and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zealot, and Judas James’s brother.

14 These all [o]continued with [p]one accord in [q]prayer and supplication with the [r]women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his [s]brethren.

15 [t]And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said (now the number of [u]names that were in one place were about an hundred and twenty.)

16 [v]Ye men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, Which the holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before of Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

17 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained fellowship in this ministration.

18 He therefore hath [w]purchased a field with the reward of iniquity: and when he had[x]thrown down himself headlong, he brast asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it is known unto all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, insomuch, that that field is called in their own language, Akel Dama, that is, The field of blood.

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be void, and let no man dwell therein: also, Let another take his [y]charge.

21 [z]Wherefore of these men which have companied with us, all the time that the Lord Jesus was [aa]conversant among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John unto the day that he was taken up [ab]from us, must one of them be made a witness with us of his resurrection.

23 [ac]And they [ad]presented two, Joseph called Barsabas, whose surname was Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, saying, Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, show whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25 That he may take the [ae]room of this ministration and Apostleship, from which Judas hath[af]gone astray, to go to his own place.

26 Then they gave forth their lots: and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was by a common consent counted with the eleven Apostles.

2 1 The Apostles 4 filled with the holy Ghost 8 speak with divers tongues: 12 They are thought to be drunk, 15 but Peter disproveth that. 34 He teacheth that Christ is the Messiah: 37 And seeing the hearers astonied,  38 he exhorteth them to repentance.

1 And [ag]when the day of Pentecost was [ah]come, they were [ai]all with one accord in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing and mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they sat.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like fire, and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and began to speak with [aj]other tongues, as the [ak]Spirit gave them utterance.

5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, men that feared God, of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this was noised, the multitude came together and were astonied, because that every man heard them speak his own language.

7 And they wondered all, and marveled, saying among themselves, Behold, are not all these which speak, of Galilee?

8 [al]How then hear we every man our own language, wherein we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, and of Judea, and of Cappadocia, of Pontus, and Asia,

10 And of Phrygia, and Pamphylia, of Egypt, and of the parts of Libya, which is beside Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, and [am]Jews, and Proselytes,

11 Cretes, and Arabians: we heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

12 [an]They were all then amazed, and doubted, saying one to another, What may this be?

13 And others [ao]mocked, and said, They are full of new wine.

14 ¶ But Peter standing with the eleven, [ap]lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judea, and ye all that inhabit Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken unto my words.

15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, since it is but the [aq]third hour of the day.

16 But this is that, which was spoken by the [ar]Prophet Joel,

17 [as]And it shall be in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon [at]all [au]flesh, and your sons, and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.

18 And on my servants, and on mine handmaids I will pour out of my Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and tokens in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and the vapors of smoke.

20 The Sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.

21 [av]And it shall be, that whosoever shall [aw]call on the Name of the Lord, shall be saved.

22 [ax]Ye men of Israel, hear these words, JESUS of Nazareth, a man [ay]approved of God among you with great works, and wonders, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:

23 Him, I say, being delivered by the determinate counsel, and [az]foreknowledge of God, after you had taken, with wicked [ba]hands you have crucified and [bb]slain.

24 [bc]Whom God hath raised up, and loosed the [bd]sorrows of death, because it was impossible that he should be holden of it.

25 For David saith concerning him, I beheld the Lord always before me: for he is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken.

26 Therefore did mine heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad, and moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope,

27 Because thou wilt not [be]leave my soul in grave, neither wilt suffer thine Holy one to see corruption.

28 Thou hast [bf]showed me the ways of life, and shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.

29 Men and brethren, I may boldly speak unto you of the Patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulcher remaineth with us unto this day.

30 Therefore, seeing he was a Prophet, and knew that God had [bg]sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would raise up Christ concerning the flesh, to set him upon his throne.

31 He knowing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul should not be left in grave, neither his flesh should see corruption.

32 [bh]This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.

33 Since then that he by the [bi]right hand of God hath been exalted, and hath received of his Father the promise of the holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear.

34 For David is not ascended into heaven, but he saith, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand,

35 Until I make thine enemies thy footstool.

36 Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a surety, that God hath [bj]made him both Lord, and Christ, this Jesus, I say, whom ye have crucified.

37 Now when they heard it, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter and the other Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 [bk]Then Peter said unto them, Amend your lives, and be baptized every one of you in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins: and ye shall receive the gift of the holy Ghost.

39 For the [bl]promise is made unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off,even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40 [bm]And with many other words he besought and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this [froward] generation.

41 [bn]Then they that gladly received his word, were baptized, and the same day there were added to the Church about three thousand souls.

42 [bo]And they continued in the Apostles’ doctrine, and [bp]fellowship, and [bq]breaking of bread, and prayers.

43 ¶ [br]And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles.

44 [bs]And all that believed, were in one place, and had all things common.

45 And they sold their possessions, and goods, and parted them to all men, as everyone had need.

46 [bt]And they continued daily with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread at home, did eat their meat together with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and had favor with all the people: and the Lord added to the Church from day to day, such as should be saved.

3 1 Peter goeth into the Temple with John,  2 healeth the cripple. 9 To the people gathered together to see the miracle, 12 he expoundeth the mystery of our salvation through Christ, 14 accusing their ingratitude, 19 and requiring the repentance.

1 Now [bu]Peter and John went up together into the Temple, at the ninth hour of prayer.

2 And a certain man which was a cripple from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the Temple called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the Temple,

3 Who seeing Peter and John, that they would enter into the Temple, desiring to receive an alms.

4 And Peter earnestly beholding him with John, said, Look on us.

5 And he [bv]gave heed unto them, trusting to receive some thing of them.

6 Then said Peter, Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, that give I thee: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaped up, stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walk, and praising God.

10 And they knew him, that it was he which sat for the alms at the Beautiful gate of the Temple: and they were amazed, and sore astonied at that which was come unto him.

11 ¶ And as the cripple which was healed, [bw]held Peter and John, all the people ran amazed unto them in the porch which is called Solomon’s.

12 [bx]So when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so steadfastly on us, as though by our own power or godliness, we had made this man go?

13 The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye betrayed, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had judged him to be delivered.

14 But ye denied the Holy one and the just, and desired a murderer to be given you,

15 And killed the Lord [by]of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses.

16 And his Name hath made this man sound, whom ye see and know, through faith in his Name: [bz]and the faith which is by him, hath given to him this perfect health of his whole body in the presence of you all.

17 [ca]And now brethren, I know that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your governors.

18 But those things, which God before had showed [cb]by the mouth of all his Prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath thus fulfilled.

19 Amend your lives therefore, and turn, that your sins may be put away, when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you.

21 [cc]Whom the heaven must contain until the time that all things be restored, which God had spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began.

22 For Moses said unto the Fathers, The Lord your God shall raise up unto you [cd]a Prophet, even of your brethren, like unto me: ye shall hear him in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.

23 For it shall be that every person which shall not hear that Prophet, shall be destroyed out of the people.

24 Also all the Prophets [ce]from Samuel, and thenceforth as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

25 [cf]Ye are the [cg]children of the Prophets, and of the covenant, which God hath made unto our fathers, saying to Abraham, Even in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

26 First unto you hath God [ch]raised up his Son Jesus, and him he hath sent to bless you, in turning everyone of you from your iniquities.

4 1 Peter and John,  3 are taken and brought before the council, 7 and 19 They speak boldly in Christ’s cause. 24 The disciples pray unto God. 32 Many sell their possessions. 36 Of whom Barnabas is one.

1 And [ci]as they spake unto the people, the Priests and the [cj]Captain of the Temple, and the Sadducees came upon them.

2 Taking it grievously that they taught the people, and preached in Jesus’ Name the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold, until the next day, for it was now eventide.

4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word, believed, and the [ck]number of the men was about five thousand.

5 ¶ And it came to pass on the morrow, that their [cl]rulers, and Elders, and Scribes, were gathered together at Jerusalem,

6 And Annas the chief Priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the [cm]kindred of the high Priest.

7 [cn]And when they had set them before them, they asked, By what power, or in what[co]Name have ye done this?

8 Then Peter full of the holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel,

9 [cp]For as much as we this day are examined, of the good deed done to the impotent man,to wit, by what means he is made whole,

10 [cq]Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye have crucified, whom God raised again from the dead, evenby him doth this man stand here before you, whole.

11 This is the stone cast aside of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for among men there is [cr]given none other[cs]Name [ct]under heaven, whereby we must be saved.

13 [cu]Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and without [cv]knowledge, they marveled, and knew them, that they had been with Jesus:

14 And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it.

15 Then they commanded them to go aside out of the Council, and [cw]conferred among themselves,

16 [cx]Saying, What shall we do to these men? for surely a manifest sign is done by them,and it is openly known to all them that dwell in Jerusalem: and we cannot deny it.

17 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.

18 So they called them, and commanded them, that in no wise they should speak or teach in the Name of Jesus.

19 [cy]But Peter and John answered unto them, and said, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

21 [cz]So they threatened them, and let them go, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people: for all men praised God for that which was done.

22 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed.

23 [da]Then as soon as they were let go, they came to their fellows, and showed all that the high Priests and Elders had said unto them.

24 [db]And when they heard it, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou art the God which had made the heaven, and the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them.

25 Which by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth assembled, and the rulers came together against the Lord, and against his Christ.

27 For doubtless, against thine holy Son Jesus, whom thou hadst anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the [dc]people of Israel gathered themselves together.

28 To [dd]do whatsoever [de]thine hand, and thy counsel had determined before to be done.

29 And now, O Lord, behold their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word,

30 So that thou stretch forth thine hand that healing, and signs, and wonders may be done by the Name of thine holy Son Jesus.

31 [df]And when as they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God boldly.

32 [dg]And the multitude of them that believed, were of [dh]one heart, and of one soul: neither any of them said, that anything of that which he possessed, was his own, but they had all things common.

33 And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.

34 [di]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,

35 And laid it down at the Apostles’ feet, and it was distributed unto every man, according as he had need.

36 Also Joses which was called of the Apostles, Barnabas (that is by interpretation, the son of consolation) being a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Where as he had land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it down at the Apostles’ feet.

5 1 Ananias for his deceit in keeping back part of price,  5 falleth down dead, 10 and likewise Sapphira his wife. 12 Through divers the Apostles’ miracles, 14 the faith is increased. 18 The Apostles that were imprisoned, 19 are delivered by an Angel, 26 and being before the Synod of the Priests, 36 through Gamaliel’s counsel they are kept alive, 40 and beaten: 41 They glorify God.

1 But [dj]a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And [dk]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.

3 Then said Peter, Ananias, why hath Satan [dl]filled thine heart, that thou shouldest [dm]lie unto the holy Ghost, and keep away part of the price of this possession?

4 While it remained, appertained it not unto thee? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? how is it that thou hast [dn]conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

5 Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down, and gave up the ghost. Then great fear came on all them that heard these things.

6 And the young men rose up, and took him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it came to pass about the space of three hours after, that his wife came in, ignorant of that which was done.

8 And Peter said unto her, Tell me, sold ye the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.

9 Then Peter said unto her, Why have ye agreed together, to [do]tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thine husband, are at the [dp]door, and shall carry thee out.

10 Then she fell down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carried her out, and buried her by her husband.

11 [dq]And great fear came on all the Church, and on as many as heard these things.

12 Thus by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders showed among the people (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.

13 And of the other durst no man join himself to them: nevertheless the people [dr]magnified them.

14 Also the number of them that believed in the Lord, both of men and women, grew more and more)

15 Insomuch that they brought the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the leastway the shadow of Peter, when he came by, might shadow some of them.

16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits, who were all healed.

17 ¶ [ds]Then the chief Priest rose up, and all they that were with him (which was the [dt]sect of the Sadducees) and were full of indignation,

18 And laid hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 [du]But the Angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,

20 [dv]Go your way, and stand in the Temple, and speak to the people, all the [dw]words of this life.

21 [dx]So when they heard it, they entered into the Temple early in the morning, and taught. And the chief Priest came, and they that were with him, and called the Council together, and all the Elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison, to cause them to be brought.

22 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told it,

23 Saying, Certainly we found the prison shut as sure as was possible, and the keepers standing without, before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24 Then when the chief Priest and the captain of the Temple, and the high Priests heard these things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would grow.

25 [dy]Then came one and showed them, saying, Behold, the men that ye put in prison, are standing in the Temple, and teach the people.

26 [dz]Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence (for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.)

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the Council, and the chief Priest asked them,

28 [ea]Saying, Did we not straightly command you, that ye should not teach in this name? and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and ye would [eb]bring this man’s blood upon us.

29 [ec]Then Peter and the Apostles answered, and said, We ought rather to obey God than men.

30 [ed]The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree.

31 Him hath God lifted up with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 [ee]And we are his witnesses concerning these things which we say: yea, and the holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.

33 Now when they heard it, they [ef]brast for anger, and consulted to slay them.

34 [eg]Then stood there up in the Council a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a doctor of the Law, honored of all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space,

35 And said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do touching these men.

36 [eh]For before these times, rose up Theudas [ei]boasting himself, to whom resorted a number of men, about a four hundred, who was slain: and they all which obeyed him were scattered, and brought to naught.

37 After this man, arose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the tribute, and drew away much people after him: he also perished, and all that obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

38 And now I say unto you, [ej]Refrain yourselves from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of [ek]men, it will come to naught:

39 But if it be of God, ye cannot destroy it, lest ye be found even fighters against God.

40 And to him they agreed, and called the Apostles: and when they had beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the Name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 [el]So they departed from the Council, rejoicing, that they were counted worthy to suffer rebuke for his Name.

42 And daily in the [em]Temple, and from house to house they ceased not to teach, and preach Jesus Christ.

6 1 The Apostles, 3 appoint the office of Deaconship, 5 to seven chosen men: 8 Of whom Stephen, full of faith, is one:  12 He is taken, 13 and accused as a transgressor of Moses’ Law.

1 And [en]in those days, as the number of the disciples grew, there arose a murmuring of the[eo]Grecians towards the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the [ep]daily ministering.

2 [eq]Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together, and said, It is not [er]meet that we should leave the word of God to serve the [es]tables.

3 [et]Wherefore brethren, look you out among you seven men of honest report, and full of the holy Ghost, and of wisdom, which we may appoint to this business.

4 And we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the word.

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a Proselyte of Antioch,

6 [eu]Which they set before the Apostles: and they prayed, and [ev]laid their hands on them.

7 [ew]And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the Priests were obedient to the [ex]faith.

8 ¶ [ey]Now Stephen full of faith and [ez]power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 [fa]Then there arose certain of the [fb]Synagogue, which are called Libertines, and Cyrenians, and of Alexandria, and of them of Cilicia, and of Asia, and disputed with Stephen.

10 [fc]But they were not able to resist the wisdom, and the Spirit by the which he spake.

11 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and God.

12 [fd]Thus they moved the people and the Elders, and the Scribes: and running upon him, caught him, and brought him to the Council,

13 [fe]And set forth false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the Law.

14 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave us.

15 And as all that sat in the Council looked steadfastly on him, they [ff]saw his face as it had been the face of an Angel.

7 1 Stephen pleading his cause, showeth that God chose the Fathers,  20 before Moses was born, 42 and before the Temple was built: 44 And that all outward ceremonies were ordained according to the heavenly Pattern. 54 The Jews gnashing their teeth, 59 stone him.

1 Then [fg]said the chief Priest, Are these things so?

2 [fh]And he said, Ye men, brethren, and Fathers, hearken, That God of [fi]glory appeared unto our father Abraham, while he was in [fj]Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

3 And said unto him, Come out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee.

4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Haran. And after that his father was dead, God brought him from thence into this land, wherein ye now dwell,

5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, [fk]no not the breadth of a foot: yet he [fl]promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

6 But God spake thus, that his seed should be a sojourner in a strange land: and that they should keep it in bondage, and entreat it evil [fm]four hundred years.

7 But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, saith God: and after that, they shall come forth and serve me in this place.

8 He gave him also the covenant of circumcision: and to Abraham begatIsaac, and circumcised him the eighth day: and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve Patriarchs.

9 [fn]And the Patriarchs moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was [fo]with him,

10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him [fp]favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who made him governor over Egypt, and over his whole house.

11 ¶ Then came there a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance.

12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first:

13 And at the second time Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.

14 Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kindred, even threescore and fifteen souls.

15 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, and our fathers,

16 And were [fq]removed into Shechem, and were put in the sepulcher, that Abraham had bought for money of the sons of Hamor, son of Shechem.

17 But when the time of the promise drew near, 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 [fr]dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive.

20 The same time was Moses born and was [fs]acceptable unto God: which was nourished up in his father’s house three months.

21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

23 Now when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.

24 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.

25 For he supposed his brethren would have understood, that God by his hand should give them deliverance: but they understood it not.

26 And the next day, he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren: why do ye wrong one to another?

27 But he that did his neighbor wrong, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a prince, and a judge over us?

28 Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?

29 Then fled Moses at that 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 Sinai, an [ft]Angel of the Lord in a flame of fire, in a bush.

31 And when Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to consider it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying,

32 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 it.

33 Then the Lord said to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest, 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, and I will send thee into Egypt.

35 This Moses whom they forsook, saying, Who made thee a prince and a judge? the same God sent for a prince, and a deliverer by the [fu]hand of the Angel which appeared to him in the bush.

36 He brought them out, doing wonders, and miracles in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37 [fv]This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, even of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.

38 This is he that was in the Congregation, in the wilderness with the Angel, which spake to him in mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles to give unto us.

39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but refused, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

40 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods that may go before us: for we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.

41 And they made a [fw]calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

42 Then God turned himself away, and [fx]gave them up to serve the [fy]host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets, O house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?

43 And ye [fz]took up the Tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures, which ye made to worship them: therefore I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

44 [ga]Our fathers had the Tabernacle of [gb]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 tabernacle also our fathers [gc]received, and brought in with Jesus into the[gd]possession of the Gentiles, which God drove out [ge]before our fathers, unto the days of David:

46 Who found favor before God, and desired that he might find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47 [gf]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 for me, saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in?

50 Hath not mine hand made all these things?

51 [gg]Ye stiff-necked and of [gh]uncircumcised hearts and ears, ye have always resisted the holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do you.

52 Which of the Prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, of whom ye are now the betrayers and murderers,

53 Which have received the law by the [gi]ordinance of Angels, and have not kept it.

54 [gj]But when they heard these things, their hearts brast for anger, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

55 [gk]But he being full of the holy Ghost, looked steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus [gl]standing at the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens open, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.

57 [gm]Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and [gn]ran upon him violently all at once,

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the [go]witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, named Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, who called on God, and said, Lord Jesus receive my spirit.

60 [gp]And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, [gq]lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had thus spoken, he [gr]slept.

8 2 The godly make lamentation for Stephen. 3 Saul maketh havoc of the Church.  5 Philip preacheth Christ at Samaria. 9 Simon Magus,  13 his covetousness reproved. 26 Philip 27 cometh to the Ethiopian Eunuch, 38 and baptizeth him.

1 And [gs]Saul consented to his death. And at that time, there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and of Samaria, except the Apostles.

2 [gt]Then certain men fearing God, [gu]carried Stephen among them, to be buried, and made great lamentation for him.

3 [gv]But Saul made havoc of the Church, and entered into every house, and drew out both men and women, and put them into prison.

4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went to and fro preaching the word.

5 ¶ [gw]Then came Philip into the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.

6 And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, with one accord, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits crying with a loud voice, came out of many that were possessed of them: and many taken with palsies, and that halted, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 [gx]And there was before in the city, a certain man called Simon, which used [gy]witchcraft, and [gz]bewitched the people of Samaria, saying that he himself was some great man,

10 To whom they gave heed from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that great power of God.

11 And they gave heed unto him, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12 But as soon as they believed Philip, which preached the things that concerned the kingdom of God, and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.

13 [ha]Then Simon himself believed also, and was baptized, and continued with Philip, and wondered, when he saw the signs and great miracles which were done.

14 ¶ [hb]Now when the Apostles, which were at Jerusalem, heard say, that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.

15 Which when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the [hc]holy Ghost.

16 (For as yet he was fallen down on none of them, but they were baptized only in the Name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the holy Ghost.

18 [hd]And 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 the hands, he may receive the holy Ghost.

20 [he]Then said Peter unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou thinkest that the gift of God may be obtained with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this [hf]business: for thine heart is not [hg]right in the sight of God.

22 [hh]Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, that if it be possible, the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.

23 For I see that thou art in the [hi]gall of bitterness, and in the [hj]bond of iniquity.

24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken, come upon me.

25 ¶ So they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Gospel in many towns of the Samaritans.

26 [hk]Then the Angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the South unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is waste.

27 And he arose and went on: and behold, a certain Eunuch of Ethiopia, Candace the Queen of the Ethiopians’ [hl]chief Governor, who had the rule of all her treasure, and came to Jerusalem to worship.

28 And as he returned sitting in his chariot, he read Isaiah the Prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near and join thyself to yonder chariot.

30 And Philip ran thither, and heard him read the Prophet Isaiah, and said, But understandest thou what thou readest?

31 And he said, How can I, except I had [hm]a guide? And he desired Philip, that he would come up and sit with him.

32 [hn]Now the place of the Scripture which he read, was this, He was lead as a sheep to the slaughter: and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth.

33 In his [ho]humility his judgment hath been exalted: but who shall declare his[hp]generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34 Then the Eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the Prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the Eunuch said, See, here is water: what doth let me to be baptized?

37 [hq]And Philip said unto him, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. Then he answered, and said, [hr]I believe that that Jesus Christ is that Son of God.

38 Then 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 as soon as they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the Eunuch saw him no more: so he went on his way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus, and he walked to and fro preaching in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

9 2 Saul going towards Damascus, 4 is stricken down to the ground of the Lord: 10 Ananias is sent 18 to baptize him. 23 The laying away of the Jews, 25 he escapeth, being let down through the wall. 33 Peter cureth Aeneas of the palsy, 36 and by him Tabitha being dead, 40 is restored to life.

1 And [hs]Saul yet [ht]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 that were of that [hu]way, (either men or women) he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

3 Now as he journeyed, it came to pass that as he was come near to Damascus, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is [hv]hard for thee to kick against pricks.

6 He then both trembling and astonied, said, Lord, what wilt thou that I do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.

7 The men also which journeyed with him, [hw]stood amazed, hearing his [hx]voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the ground, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus,

9 Where he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here Lord.

11 Then the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of [hy]Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth.

12 (And he saw in a vision a man named Ananias coming in to him, and putting his hands 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 Jerusalem.

14 Moreover here he hath authority of the high Priests, to bind all that call on thy Name.

15 Then the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a [hz]chosen vessel unto me, to bear my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.

16 For I will [ia]show him, how many things he must suffer for my Name’s sake.

17 Then Ananias went his way, and entered into [ib]that house, and put his hands on him, and saith, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me (even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest) that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and suddenly he received sight, and arose, and was baptized,

19 And received meat, and was strengthened. So was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 [ic]And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues, that he was that Son of God.

21 So that all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he, that made havoc of them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he should bring them bound unto the high Priests?

22 [id]But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, [ie]confirming that this was that Christ.

23 [if]And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him,

24 But their laying await was known of Saul: now they watched the gates day and night, that they might kill him.

25 [ig]Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall, and let him down by a rope in a basket.

26 [ih]And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself with 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 to them, how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken unto him, and how he had spoken boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus.

28 [ii]And he was conversant [ij]with them at Jerusalem,

29 And spake boldly in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and spake and disputed against the[ik]Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

30 [il]But when the brethren knew it, they brought him to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

31 [im]Then had the Churches rest through all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were[in]edified, and walked in the fear of the Lord, and were multiplied by the comfort of the holy Ghost.

32 [io]And it came to pass, as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his couch eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 Then said Peter unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise and truss thy couch together. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt at [ip]Lydda and Sharon, saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36 [iq]There was also at Joppa a certain woman, a disciple named Tabitha (which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was full of good works and alms which she did.

37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 Now forasmuch as Lydda was near to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring that he would not delay to come unto them.

39 Then Peter arose and came with them: and when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber, where all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing 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 turned him to the body, and said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up.

41 Then he gave her the hand and lifted her up, and called the Saints and widows, and restored 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.

10 1 Cornelius 4 at the Angel’s commandment, 5 sendeth for Peter. 11 Who also by a vision, 15, 20 is taught not to despise the Gentiles. 34 He preacheth the Gospel to Cornelius and his household. 45 Who having received the holy Ghost,  47 are baptized.

1 Furthermore [ir]there was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the band called the Italian band,

2 A [is]devout man, and one that feared God with [it]all his household, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed God continually.

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 But when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, [iu]What is it, Lord? and he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are [iv]come up into [iw]remembrance before God.

5 Now therefore send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a Tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

7 And when the Angel which spake unto Cornelius, was departed, he called two of his servants, and a soldier that feared God, one of them that waited on him,

8 And told them all things, and sent them to Joppa.

9 On the morrow as they went on their journey, and drew near unto the city, Peter went up upon the house to pray, about the sixth hour.

10 Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten: but while they made somethingready, he fell into a [ix]trance.

11 And he saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet, knit at the [iy]four corners, and was let down to the earth.

12 Wherein were [iz]all manner of [ja]four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts and[jb]creeping things, and fowls of the heaven.

13 And there came a voice to him, Arise, Peter: kill, and eat.

14 [jc]But Peter said, Not so, Lord: for I have never eaten anything that is polluted, or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, The things that God hath purified,[jd]pollute thou not.

16 This was so done thrice: and the vessel was drawn up again into heaven.

17 ¶ Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen, meant, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had inquired for Simon’s house, and stood at the gate,

18 And called, and asked, whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 And 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, and doubt 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 captain, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from heaven by an holy Angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear thy words.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them: and the next day, Peter went forth with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

24 ¶ And the day after, they entered into Caesarea. Now Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen, and special friends.

25 [je]And it came to pass as Peter came in, that Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up: for even I myself am a man.

27 And as he talked with him, he came in, and found many that were come together.

28 And he said unto them, Ye know that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew, to company, or come unto one of another nation: but God hath showed me, that I should not call any man polluted, or unclean.

29 Therefore came I unto you without saying nay, when I was sent for. I ask therefore, for what intent have ye sent for me?

30 Then Cornelius said, Four days ago, about [jf]this hour, I fasted, and at the ninth hour I prayed in mine house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 [jg]And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 [jh]Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter (he is lodged in the house of Simon a Tanner by the Seaside) who when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Then sent I for thee immediately, and thou hast well done to come. Now therefore are we all here present before God to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 [ji]Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive, that [jj]God is no [respecter] of persons.

35 But in every nation he that [jk]feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 Ye [jl]know the word which God hath sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, which is Lord of all:

37 [jm]Even the word which came through all Judea, beginning in Galilee, after the Baptism which John preached:

38 To wit, how God [jn]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 both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, whom they slew, hanging him on a tree.

40 Him God raised up the third day, and caused that he was showed openly:

41 Not to all the people, but unto the witnesses [jo]chosen before of God, even to us which did eat and drink with him, after he arose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify, that it is he that is ordained of God a judge of quick and dead.

43 To him also give all the Prophets witness, that through his Name all that believe in him, shall receive remission of sins.

44 [jp]While Peter yet spake these words, the holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 So they of the circumcision, which believed, were astonied, 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 [jq]Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the holy Ghost, as well as we?

48 So he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.