Part 21

(5)Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, men of piety, from every nation under heaven. (6)And when this report spread, the multitude collected around them, and were overwhelmed with astonishment, because they heard them speaking every one in his own peculiar dialect. (7)And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to another, Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? (8)And how do we hear every man in our own peculiar dialect, in which from our birth we were brought up? (9)Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and they who inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia, (10)and Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Lybia adjoining Cyrene, and the sojourners, who are Romans, both Jews and proselytes, (11)Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own several tongues the marvellous things of God. (12)And they were all amazed, and much perplexed, and knew not what to think, saying one to another, What can this mean? (13)But others scoffing said, These men are brimful of sweet wine. (14)But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them; Men of Judea, and all ye who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words: (15)for these men are not, as ye suppose, drunk, for it is only the third hour of the day. (16)But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel; (17)"And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: (18)and upon my servants and my handmaidens in those days will I pour out of my spirit; and they shall prophesy: (19)and I will perform prodigies in the heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. (20)The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and illustrious day of the Lord come. (21)And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the Lord shall be saved[25]." (22)Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus the Nazarean, a man from God, pointed out to you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as yourselves also know: (23)him, by the destined counsel and foreknowledge of God delivered up, ye have seized, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: (24)whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: forasmuch as it was not possible that he should be held thereby. (25)For David speaketh concerning him, "I have seen the Lord always before me, for he is at my right hand, that I might not be shaken: (26)therefore is my heart full of joy, and my tongue hath exulted; and still shall my flesh also repose in hope, (27)that thou wilt not leave my soul in the mansion of the dead, nor permit that Holy One of thine to see corruption. (28)Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt fill me with delight by thy countenance[26]."

(29)Men and brethren, permit me to speak with freedom to you concerning the patriarch David, that he hath been both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us to this day. (30)Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Messiah to sit upon his throne; (31)he, foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of the Messiah, that his soul should not be left in the mansion of the dead, and that his flesh should not see corruption. (32)This very Jesus hath God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. (33)He therefore being exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, hath poured out this, which ye now see and hear. (34)For David is not ascended into the heavens: for he saith himself, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit on my right hand, (35)until I make thine enemies a footstool for thy feet[27]." (36)Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him Lord and Messiah, even that very Jesus whom ye crucified.

(37)Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

(38)Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptised every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (39)For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off; even as many as the Lord our God shall call. (40)And with many other words he testified and exhorted, saying, Be saved from this untoward generation.

(41)They therefore who gladly received his discourse were baptised: and there were added to them that day about three thousand souls. (42)And they persevered stedfastly in the doctrine of the apostles, and in communion, and in breaking bread, and in prayers. (43)And on every soul there was an awe: and many miracles and signs were done by the apostles. (44)Now all who believed were together, and had all things common; (45)and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as every one had need. (46)And daily continuing with one mind at the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their food with great joy and simplicity of heart, (47)praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added the saved ones daily to the church.

CHAP. III.

NOW at that time Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth; (2)when a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, to ask alms of those who were entering into the temple; (3)who seeing Peter and John just going into the temple, asked to receive alms.

(4)Then Peter fixing his eves stedfastly on him with John, said, Look on us. (5)So he attentively regarded them, expecting to receive something from them. (6)Then said Peter, I have neither silver nor gold; but what I have, that I give thee: By the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean, arise, and walk! (7)And taking him by the right hand, he raised him up: and immediately his feet and ancles were restored to strength. (8)And springing up he stood on his feet, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. (9)And all the people beheld him walking and praising God: (10)and they took notice of him, that it was the same person who had sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with astonishment and amazed at what had happened to him. (11)But as the lame man that was cured held fast Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them into the portico called Solomon's, in vast amazement.

(12)Then Peter observing it, addressed himself to the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why gaze ye upon us, as if by our own power or piety we had enabled this man to walk?

(13)The God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. (14)But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and besought that a man, a murderer, might as a favour be given unto you; (15)but ye slew the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses. (16)And through faith in his name hath his name restored this man to strength, whom ye behold and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the sight of you all. (17)And now, brethren, I know that through ignorance ye did this deed, as did also your rulers. (18)But the things which God before announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Messiah should suffer, he hath thus fulfilled. (19)Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when refreshing seasons shall come from the presence of the Lord; (20)and he will send Jesus Christ, who was before preached unto you: (21)whom the heaven indeed must receive, until the times of restoration of all things, which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy prophets from the beginning of the world. (22)For Moses truly said unto the fathers, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you from among your brethren, like myself; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall speak to you. (23)But it shall come to pass, that every soul which will not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly exterminated from amidst the people[28]." (24)And all the prophets indeed from Samuel, and those who succeeded him, as many as have spoken, have also foretold those days. (25)Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And "in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed[29]." (26)Unto you in the first instance, hath God, after raising up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, to the end that every one of you should turn away from your iniquities.

CHAP. IV.

AND as they were thus speaking, the priests, and the captain of the temple-guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, (2)worn down with vexation, because they taught the people, and preached by Jesus the resurrection of the dead. (3)And they laid hands on them, and committed them to prison till the next day: for it was then evening.

(4)But many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. (5)Now it came to pass that the next morning, their rulers, and elders, and scribes, were assembled at Jerusalem, (6)and Annas the high-priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were the high-priest's relations. (7)And placing them in the midst, they interrogated them, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this thing?

(8)Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, (9)if we are this day examined relative to the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he was restored; (10)be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarean, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him doth this man stand here sound in your presence. (11)This is the stone which, though set at nought by you builders, is become the head of the corner[30]. (12)And there is no salvation in any other person: for there is no other name under heaven given unto men, whereby we must be saved.

(13)Attentively regarding then the noble confidence of Peter and John, and perceiving that they were men unlettered, and destitute of education, they were astonished; and they recollected them, that they had been with Jesus. (14)But seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had not a word to reply in contradiction. (15)But bidding them retire out of the council-chamber, they conferred among themselves, (16)saying, What shall we do with these men? for that an acknowledged miracle hath been wrought by them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. (17)But that it be no farther spread among the people, we will menace them with threats, no more to speak in this name to any man. (18)So calling them in, they charged them not to speak in any manner, nor to teach, in the name of Jesus.

(19)But Peter and John, answering them, said, If it be right in the sight of God to obey you rather than God, be yourselves the judges. (20)For we cannot refrain from speaking the things which we have seen and heard. (21)Then they with many additional threatenings dismissed them, finding no pretext how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for what had been done. (22)For the man was more than forty years of age, upon whom this miracle of healing was performed.

(23)But they being dismissed, came unto their own friends, and told them all things which the high-priests and elders had said. (24)Now when they heard it, they lifted up their united voice to God, and said, Lord, thou art the God which made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things which are in them: (25)who by the mouth of David thy servant saidst, Why do the heathen so furiously rage, and the people meditate vain things? (26)The kings of the earth rose up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his Messiah[31]. (27)For they have been in truth collected together against thy holy Son Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, even Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the heathen, and the people of Israel, (28)to do all that thy hand and thy counsel predestined should come to pass. (29)And as to the present transactions, Lord, look upon their threatnings: and grant thy servants power with all boldness to speak thy word, (30)by stretching out thy hand for healing; and that signs and miracles may be performed by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

(31)And while they were praying, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

(32)And in the multitude of those that believed there was one heart and soul: and not one person said, that any part of his substance was his peculiar property; but all things were in common among them.

(33)And with great power bore the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. (34)Neither was there any person in want among them: for as many as were possessors of fields or houses disposed of them, and brought the prices of the things sold, (35)and laid them at the apostles' feet: and a distribution was made to every one according as he had need. (36)And Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, (which is, being interpreted, A son of consolation,) a Levite, a Cyprian by birth, (37)having a field belonging to him, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

CHAP. V.

NOW a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, had sold an estate, (2)and secreted a part of the price paid, his wife also being privy to the transaction, and he brought a part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. (3)But Peter said, O Ananias! why hath Satan filled thy heart that thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost, and secrete something from the price of the estate? (4)it remained unsold, was it not vested in thee? and when sold, was it not in thine own power? why then hast thou determined in thine heart to do this deed? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. (5)Then Ananias, hearing those words, sunk down and expired: and great dread fell upon all who heard these things. (6)Then the young men arose, and swathed him up, and carrying him out, buried him.

(7)Now it came to pass at the distance of about three hours, his wife also, not knowing what had passed, came in. (8)And Peter addressed her, Tell me, if ye sold the estate for so much? And she said, Yes, for so much.

(9)Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have conspired together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? see, the feet of them who have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. (10)Then she fell instantly at his feet, and expired: and the young men entering, found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her with her husband. (11)And great awe fell on all the Church, and on all who heard these things.

(12)But by the hands of the apostles were many signs and miracles done among the people; (and they were all with one accord in the portico of Solomon. (13)But of the rest no man had the courage to unite himself with them: though the people extolled them. (14)But believers on the Lord were abundantly added to them, multitudes, both of men and women.) (15)Insomuch that they carried out into the streets the sick, and laid them on beds and couches, that when Peter was coming by, if but even his shadow might pass over some of them.

(16)Then came together also a multitude from the neighbouring cities to Jerusalem, bringing the sick, and those who were disturbed by unclean spirits; who were healed universally.

(17)Then arose the high-priest, and all those who were connected with him, (which was the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with zeal, (18)and laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. (19)But the angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and conducting them forth, said, (20)Go, and taking your station in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. (21)Having heard this therefore, they entered very early in the morning into the temple, and taught. But when the high-priest came, and those who were with him, they convoked the sanhedrim, and all the assembly of elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to bring them. (22)But the officers, on their arrival, found them not in the prison: and returning, informed them, (23)saying; The prison indeed found we fast locked with all security, and the guards standing without, before the door: but when we opened it, we found no person within.

(24)Now when they heard these words, both the priest and captain of the temple and the chief priests were in the utmost perplexity concerning these things, what could be the meaning of it. (25)Then came a person and informed them, saying, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. (26)Then went the captain, with the officers, and brought them; not forcibly, for they were afraid of the people, lest they should stone them. (27)But when they had conducted them, they placed them in the sanhedrim: and the high-priest interrogated them, (28)saying, Did we not lay our strict injunction upon you, that you should not teach in this name? and, lo, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would fain bring this man's blood upon us.

(29)Then Peter and the apostles answering said, We must obey God rather than men. (30)The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye had killed, suspending him on a tree. (31)Him hath God exalted at his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance unto Israel, and remission of sins. (32)And we are witnesses of these things; and the Holy Ghost also, which God hath given to those who obey him.

(33)But when they heard this, they were cut asunder as with a saw, and took counsel how to make away with them.

(34)Then arose a certain Pharisee, in the sanhedrim, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, held in high esteem by all the people, and ordered the apostles to be taken out for a little space; (35)and he said unto them, Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves respecting these men, what ye mean to do to them. (36)For before these days arose Theudas, saying that he himself was a singular personage: to whom a number of men, about four hundred, attached themselves: who was taken off; and as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. (37)And after him arose Judas the Galilean, in the days of the enrolment, and drew away a multitude of the populace after him: he also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. (38)And as to the matters now before you, I say unto you, Abstain from these men, and leave them to themselves: for if this design or this work be of men, it will come to nothing: (39)but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; and in that case would be found fighters against God. (40)And to him they assented: and calling in the apostles, after scourging them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them.

(41)Then they went rejoicing from the presence of the sanhedrim, that for his name's sake, they had been counted worthy to suffer this injurious treatment. (42)And all the day long in the temple, and from house to house, they never ceased teaching and preaching Jesus Christ.

CHAP. VI.

NOW in those days, when the disciples were multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian proselytes against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. (2)Then the twelve assembling the multitude of the disciples, said, It is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to make distribution to the tables. (3)Therefore, brethren, do ye look out for seven men from among yourselves, the best approved, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint to superintend this business. (4)But we will devote ourselves constantly to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

(5)And this saying was very agreeable to all the multitude: and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas a proselyte a man of Antioch: (6)whom they presented before the apostles: and having prayed, they laid their hands upon them. (7)And the word of God increased: and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied greatly; and a vast body of the priests were obedient to the faith.

(8)Now Stephen, full of faith and of power, wrought great miracles and signs among the people. (9)Then rose up certain men of the synagogue of the freed-men, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. (10)And they could not resist the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. (11)Then they suborned men to say, We heard him speak blasphemous things against Moses, and against God. (12)And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and coming upon him, they seized him together, and dragged him to the sanhedrim; (13)and they set up false witnesses, saying, This man doth not cease speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: (14)for we have heard him affirm, that Jesus the Nazarean, even he, will destroy this place, and change the accustomed ordinances which Moses delivered to us. (15)And fixing their eyes upon him, all who sat in the sanhedrim, beheld his face as the face of an angel.

CHAP. VII.

THEN said the high-priest, Are these things so?

(2)He replied, Men, brethren, and fathers, hear me: