Chapter 205

8:1. And at that time, there was raised a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem. And they were all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles.

8:2. And devout men took order for Stephen’s funeral and made great mourning over him.

8:3. But Saul made havock of the church, entering in from house to house: and dragging away men and women, committed them to prison.

8:4. They therefore that were dispersed went about preaching the word of God.

8:5. And Philip, going down to the city of Samaria, preached Christ unto them.

8:6. And the people with one accord were attentive to those things which were said by Philip, hearing, and seeing the miracles which he did.

8:7. For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with a loud voice, went out.

8:8. And many, taken with the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

8:9. There was therefore great joy in that city. Now there was a certain man named Simon who before had been a magician in that city, seducing the people of Samaria, giving out that he was some great one:

8:10. To whom they all gave ear, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the power of God, which is called great.

8:11. And they were attentive to him, because, for a long time, he had bewitched them with his magical practices.

8:12. But when they had believed Philip preaching of the kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

8:13. Then Simon himself believed also and, being baptized, he adhered to Philip. And being astonished, wondered to see the signs and exceeding great miracles which were done.

8:14. Now, when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John.

8:15. Who, when they were come, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Ghost.

8:16. For he was not as yet come upon any of them: but they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

8:17. Then they laid their hands upon them: and they received the Holy Ghost.

They laid their hands upon them, etc.... The apostles administered the sacrament of confirmation, by imposition of hands, and prayer; and the faithful thereby received the Holy Ghost. Not but they had received the grace of the Holy Ghost at their baptism: yet not that plenitude of grace and those spiritual gifts which they afterwards received from bishops in the sacrament of confirmation, which strengthened them to profess their faith publicly.

8:18. And when Simon saw that, by the imposition of the hands of the apostles, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

8:19. Saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I shall lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But Peter said to him:

8:20. Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee: because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

8:21. Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

8:22. Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness: and pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee.

8:23. For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and in the bonds of iniquity.

8:24. Then Simon answering, said: Pray you for me to the Lord that none of these things which you have spoken may come upon me.

8:25. And they indeed, having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem: and preached the gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.

8:26. Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, go towards the south, to the way that goeth down from Jerusalem into Gaza: this is desert.

8:27. And rising up, he went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch, of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge over all her treasures, had come to Jerusalem to adore.

8:28. And he was returning, sitting in his chariot and reading Isaias the prophet.

8:29. And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near and join thyself to this chariot.

8:30. And Philip running thither, heard him reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest?

8:31. Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

8:32. And the place of the scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter: and like a lamb without voice before his shearer, so openeth he not his mouth.

8:33. In humility his judgment was taken away. His generation who shall declare, for his life shall be taken from the earth?

8:34. And the eunuch answering Philip, said: I beseech thee, of whom doth the prophet speak this? Of himself, or of some other man?

8:35. Then Philip, opening his mouth and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

8:36. And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water. And the eunuch said: See, here is water: What doth hinder me from being baptized?

8:37. And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answering, said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

If thou believest with all thy heart.... The scripture many times mentions only one disposition, as here belief, when others equally necessary are not expressed, viz., a sorrow for sins, a firm hope, and the love of God. Moreover, believing with the whole heart signifies a belief of every thing necessary for salvation.

8:38. And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch. And he baptized him.

8:39. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took away Philip: and the eunuch saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing.

8:40. But Philip was found in Azotus: and passing through, he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Cæsarea.

Acts Chapter 9

Paul’s conversion and zeal. Peter heals Eneas and raises up Tabitha to life.

9:1. And Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

9:2. And asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

9:3. And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus. And suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him.

9:4. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

9:5. Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

9:6. And he, trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

9:7. And the Lord said to him: Arise and go into the city; and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the men who went in company with him stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice but seeing no man.

9:8. And Saul arose from the ground: and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they, leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus.

9:9. And he was there three days without sight: and he did neither eat nor drink.

9:10. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias, And he said: Behold I am here, Lord.

9:11. And the Lord said to him: Arise and go into the street that is called Strait and seek in the house of Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth.

9:12. (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.)

9:13. But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in Jerusalem.

9:14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name.

9:15. And the Lord said to him: Go thy way: for this man is to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.

9:16. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.

9:17. And Ananias went his way and entered into the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the way as thou camest, that thou mayest receive thy sight and be filled with the Holy Ghost.

9:18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales: and he received his sight. And rising up, he was baptized.

9:19. And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some days.

9:20. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues, that he is the son of God.

9:21. And all that heard him were astonished and said: Is not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called upon this name and came hither for that intent, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests?

9:22. But Saul increased much more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that this is the Christ.

9:23. And when many days were passed, the Jews consulted together to kill him.

9:24. But their lying in wait was made known to Saul. And they watched the gates also day and night, that they might kill him.

9:25. But the disciples, taking him in the night, conveyed him away by the wall, letting him down in a basket.

9:26. And when he was come into Jerusalem, he essayed to join himself to the disciples: and they all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

9:27. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and told them how he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken to him: and how in Damascus he had dealt confidently in the name of Jesus.

9:28. And he was with them, coming in and going out in Jerusalem and dealing confidently in the name of the Lord.

9:29. He spoke also to the Gentiles and disputed with the Greeks. But they sought to kill him.

9:30. Which when the brethren had known, they brought him down to Cæsarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

9:31. Now, the church had peace throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria: and was edified, walking in the fear of the Lord: and was filled with the consolation of the Holy Ghost.

9:32. And it came to pass that Peter, as he passed through, visiting all, came to the saints who dwelt at Lydda.

9:33. And he found there a certain man named Eneas, who had kept his bed for eight years, who was ill of the palsy.

9:34. And Peter said to him: Eneas, the Lord Jesus Christ healeth thee. Arise and make thy bed. And immediately he arose.

9:35. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him: who were converted to the Lord.

9:36. And in Joppe there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

9:37. 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.

9:38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppe, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not be slack to come unto them.

9:39. And Peter rising up went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber. And all the widows stood about him, weeping and shewing him the coats and garments which Dorcas made them.

9:40. And they all being put forth, Peter, kneeling down, prayed. And turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up.

9:41. And giving her his hand, he lifted her up. And when he had called the saints and the widows, he presented her alive.

9:42. And it was made known throughout all Joppe. And many believed in the Lord.

9:43. And it came to pass that he abode many days in Joppe, with one Simon a tanner.

Acts Chapter 10

Cornelius is received into the church. Peter’s vision.

10:1. And there was a certain man in Cæsarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian band:

10:2. A religious man, and fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people and always praying to God.

10:3. This man saw in a vision manifestly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him and saying to him: Cornelius.

10:4. And he, beholding him, being seized with fear, said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God.

10:5. And now send men to Joppe: and call hither one Simon, who is surnamed Peter.

10:6. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. He will tell thee what thou must do.

10:7. And when the angel who spoke to him was departed, he called two of his household servants and a soldier who feared the Lord, of them that were under him.

10:8. To whom when he had related all, he sent them to Joppe.

10:9. And on the next day, whilst they were going on their journey and drawing nigh to the city, Peter went up to the higher parts of the house to pray, about the sixth hour.

10:10. And being hungry, he was desirous to taste somewhat. And as they were preparing, there came upon him an ecstasy of mind.

10:11. And he saw the heaven opened and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great linen sheet let down by the four corners from heaven to the earth:

10:12. Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts and creeping things of the earth and fowls of the air.

10:13. And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter. Kill and eat.

10:14. But Peter said: Far be it from me. For I never did eat any thing that is common and unclean.

10:15. And the voice spoke to him again the second time: That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common.

10:16. And this was done thrice. And presently the vessel was taken up into heaven.

10:17. Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself what the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon’s house, stood at the gate.

10:18. And when they had called, they asked if Simon, who is surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

10:19. And as Peter was thinking of the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold three men seek thee.

10:20. Arise, therefore: get thee down and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

10:21. Then Peter, going down to the men, said: Behold, I am he whom you seek. What is the cause for which you are come?

10:22. Who said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man and one that feareth God, and having good testimony from all the nation of the Jews, received an answer of an holy angel, to send for thee into his house And to hear words of thee.

10:23. Then bringing them in, he lodged them. And the day following, he arose and went with them: and some of the brethren from Joppe accompanied him.

10:24. And the morrow after, he entered into Cæsarea. And Cornelius waited for them, having called together his kinsmen and special friends.

10:25. And it came to pass that when Peter was come in, Cornelius came to meet him and falling at his feet adored.

10:26. But Peter lifted him up, saying: Arise: I myself also am a man.

10:27. And talking with him, he went in and found many that were come together.

10:28. And he said to them: you know how abominable it is for a man that is a Jew to keep company or to come unto one of another nation: but God hath shewed to me, to call no man common or unclean.

10:29. For which cause, making no doubt, I came when I was sent for. I ask, therefore, for what cause you have sent for me?

10:30. And Cornelius said: Four days ago, unto this hour, I was praying in my house, at the ninth hour and behold a man stood before me in white apparel and said:

10:31. Cornelius, thy prayer is heard and thy alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

10:32. Send therefore to Joppe: and call hither Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side.

10:33. Immediately therefore I sent to thee: and thou hast done well in coming. Now, therefore, all we are present in thy sight to hear all things whatsoever are commanded thee by the Lord.

10:34. And Peter opening his mouth, said: in very deed I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons.

10:35. But in every nation, he that feareth him and worketh justice is acceptable to him.

In every nation, etc.... That is to say, not only Jews, but Gentiles also, of what nation soever, are acceptable to God, if they fear him and work justice. But then true faith is always to be presupposed, without which (saith St. Paul, Heb. 11. 6) it is impossible to please God. Beware then of the error of those, who would infer from this passage, that men of all religions may be pleasing to God. For since none but the true religion can be from God, all other religions must be from the father of lies, and therefore highly displeasing to the God of truth.

10:36. God sent the word to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all).

10:37. You know the word which hath been published through all Judea: for it began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached.

10:38. Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

10:39. And we are witnesses of all things that he did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem: whom they killed, hanging him upon a tree.

10:40. Him God raised up the third day and gave him to be made manifest,

10:41. Not to all the people, but to witnesses preordained by God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him, after he arose again from the dead.

10:42. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is he who was appointed by God to be judge of the living and of the dead.

10:43. To him all the prophets give testimony, that by his name all receive remission of sins, who believe in him.

10:44. While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.

10:45. And the faithful of the circumcision, who came with Peter, were astonished for that the grace of the Holy Ghost was poured out upon the Gentiles also.

10:46. For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God.

10:47. Then Peter answered: Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost, as well as we?

10:48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they desired him to tarry with them some days.

Acts Chapter 11

Peter defends his having received the Gentiles into the church.

11:1. And the apostles and brethren, who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.

11:2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

11:3. Saying: Why didst thou go in to men uncircumcised and didst eat with them?

11:4. But Peter began and declared to them the matter in order, saying:

11:5. I was in the city of Joppe praying: and I saw in an ecstasy of mind a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. And it came even unto me.

11:6. Into which looking, I considered and saw fourfooted creatures of the earth and beasts and creeping things and fowls of the air.

11:7. And I heard also a voice saying to me: Arise, Peter. Kill and eat.

11:8. And I said: Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth.

11:9. And the voice answered again from heaven: What God hath made clean, do not thou call common.

11:10. And this was done three times. And all were taken up again into heaven.

11:11. And behold, immediately there were three men come to the house wherein I was, sent to me from Cæsarea.

11:12. And the Spirit said to me that I should go with them, nothing doubting. And these six brethren went with me also: and we entered into the man’s house.

11:13. And he told us how he had seen an angel in his house, standing and saying to him: Send to Joppe and call hither Simon, who is surnamed Peter,

11:14. Who shall speak to thee words whereby thou shalt be saved, and all thy house.

11:15. And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Ghost fell upon them, as upon us also in the beginning.

11:16. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how that he said: John indeed baptized with water but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

11:17. If then God gave them the same grace as to us also who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ: who was I, that could withstand God?

11:18. Having heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying: God then hath also to the Gentiles given repentance, unto life.

11:19. Now they who had been dispersed by the persecution that arose on occasion of Stephen went about as far as Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none, but to the Jews only.

11:20. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were entered into Antioch, spoke also to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.

11:21. And the hand of he Lord was with them: and a great number believing, were converted to the Lord.

11:22. And the tidings came to the ears of the church that was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch.

11:23. Who, when he was come and had seen the grace of God, rejoiced. And he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to continue in the Lord.

11:24. For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

11:25. And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when he had found, he brought to Antioch.

11:26. And they conversed there in the church a whole year: and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the disciples were first named Christians.

11:27. And in these days there came prophets from Jerusalem to Antioch.

11:28. And one of them named Agabus, rising up, signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over the whole world, which came to pass under Claudius.

11:29. And the disciples, every man according to his ability, purposed to send relief to the brethren who dwelt in Judea.

11:30. Which also they did, sending it to the ancients, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts Chapter 12

Herod’s persecution. Peter’s deliverance by an angel. Herod’s punishment.

12:1. And at the same time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands, to afflict some of the church.

12:2. And he killed James, the brother of John, With the sword.

12:3. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes.

Azymes.... The festival of the unleavened bread, or the pasch, which answers to our Easter.

12:4. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers, to be kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the people.

12:5. Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.

12:6. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

12:7. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him and a light shined in the room. And he, striking Peter on the side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands.

12:8. And the angel said to him: Gird thyself and put on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment about thee and follow me,

12:9. And going out, he followed him. And he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw a vision.

12:10. And passing through the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city which of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on through one street. And immediately the angel departed from him.