Chapter 3

44:009:018 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

44:009:019 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

44:009:020 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

44:009:021 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

44:009:022 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

44:009:023 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:

44:009:024 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

44:009:025 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

44:009:026 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

44:009:027 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

44:009:028 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

44:009:029 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

44:009:030 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

44:009:031 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

44:009:032 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

44:009:033 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

44:009:034 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

44:009:035 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

44:009:036 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

44:009:037 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.

44:009:038 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

44:009:039 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

44:009:040 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

44:009:041 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

44:009:042 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

44:009:043 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

44:010:001 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

44:010:002 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

44:010:003 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.

44:010:004 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

44:010:005 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

44:010:006 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

44:010:007 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

44:010:008 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

44:010:009 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

44:010:010 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

44:010:011 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

44:010:012 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

44:010:013 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

44:010:014 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

44:010:015 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

44:010:016 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

44:010:017 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

44:010:018 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

44:010:019 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

44:010:020 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

44:010:021 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?

44:010:022 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

44:010:023 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

44:010:024 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

44:010:025 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

44:010:026 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

44:010:027 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

44:010:028 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

44:010:029 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

44:010:030 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

44:010:031 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

44:010:032 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

44:010:033 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

44:010:034 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

44:010:035 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

44:010:036 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

44:010:037 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

44:010:038 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

44:010:039 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

44:010:040 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

44:010:041 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

44:010:042 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

44:010:043 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

44:010:044 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

44:010:045 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

44:010:046 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

44:010:047 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

44:010:048 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

44:011:001 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

44:011:002 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

44:011:003 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

44:011:004 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

44:011:005 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

44:011:006 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

44:011:007 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

44:011:008 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

44:011:009 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

44:011:010 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

44:011:011 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

44:011:012 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

44:011:013 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

44:011:014 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

44:011:015 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

44:011:016 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

44:011:017 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

44:011:018 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

44:011:019 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

44:011:020 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.

44:011:021 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

44:011:022 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

44:011:023 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

44:011:024 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

44:011:025 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:

44:011:026 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

44:011:027 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

44:011:028 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.

44:011:029 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

44:011:030 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

44:012:001 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

44:012:002 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

44:012:003 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

44:012:004 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

44:012:005 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

44:012:006 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.

44:012:007 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

44:012:008 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

44:012:009 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

44:012:010 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

44:012:011 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

44:012:012 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

44:012:013 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

44:012:014 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

44:012:015 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

44:012:016 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

44:012:017 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

44:012:018 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

44:012:019 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

44:012:020 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country.

44:012:021 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.

44:012:022 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.

44:012:023 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

44:012:024 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

44:012:025 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.

44:013:001 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

44:013:002 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

44:013:003 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

44:013:004 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

44:013:005 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.

44:013:006 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:

44:013:007 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

44:013:008 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.

44:013:009 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.

44:013:010 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

44:013:011 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.

44:013:012 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

44:013:013 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

44:013:014 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.

44:013:015 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

44:013:016 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.

44:013:017 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.

44:013:018 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.

44:013:019 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.

44:013:020 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

44:013:021 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.

44:013:022 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.

44:013:023 Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:

44:013:024 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.