The Acts of the Apostles Peter and John

1 The first account which I drew up, Theophilus, dealt with all that Jesus did and taught from the very first, 2 down to that day on which he was taken up to heaven, after he had, by the help of the Holy Spirit, given instructions to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3 With abundant proofs, he showed himself to them, still living, after his death; appearing to them from time to time during forty days, and speaking of all that related to the kingdom of God. 4 And once, when he had gathered them together, he charged them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the fulfilment of the Father’s promise – ‘that promise,’ he said, ‘of which you have heard me speak; 5 for, while John baptized with water, you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit before many days have passed.’

6 So, when the apostles had met together, they asked Jesus this question – ‘Master, is this the time when you intend to re-establish the kingdom for Israel?’ 7 His answer was, ‘It is not for you to know times or hours, for the Father has reserved these for his own decision; 8 but you will receive power, when the Holy Spirit will have descended on you, and will be witnesses for me not only in Jerusalem, but throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’

9 No sooner had Jesus said this than he was caught up before their eyes, and a cloud received him from their sight. 10 While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white, stood beside them, 11 and said, ‘People of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the heavens? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heavens, will come in the same way in which you have seen him go into the heavens.’

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called Olivet, which is about three quarters of a mile from the city. 13 When they reached Jerusalem, they went to the upstairs room, where they were staying. There were there Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 They all united in devoting themselves to prayer, and so did some women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.Titleless Section Break

15 About this time, at a meeting of the Lord’s followers, when there were about a hundred and twenty present, Peter rose to speak. 16 ‘Friends,’ he said, ‘it was necessary that the prediction of scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit made by the lips of David about Judas, who acted as guide to the men who arrested Jesus, 17 for he was one of our number and had his part allotted him in this work of ours.’ 18 (This man had bought a piece of land with the price of his treachery; and, falling heavily, his body had burst open, and all his bowels protruded. 19 This became known to everyone living in Jerusalem, so that the field came to be called, in their language, “Akeldama,” which means the “Field of Blood.”)

20 ‘For in the book of Psalms,’ Peter continued, ‘it is said –

“Let his home become desolate,

and let no one live in it”;

and also –

“His office let another take.”

21 Therefore, from among the men who have been with us all the time that Jesus, our Master, went in and out among us – 22 from his baptism by John down to that day on which he was taken from us – someone must be found to join us as a witness of his resurrection.’ 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas, whose other name was Justus, and Matthias; 24 and they offered this prayer –

‘Lord, who reads all hearts, show which of these two men you have chosen 25 to take the place in this apostolic work, which Judas has abandoned, to go to his proper place.’

26 Then they drew lots between them; and, the lot having fallen to Matthias, he was added to the number of the eleven apostles.

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2 In the course of the Festival at the close of the Harvest the disciples had all met together, 2 when suddenly there came from the heavens a noise like a strong wind rushing by; it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. 3 Then there appeared tongues of what seemed to be flame, separating, so that one settled on each of them; 4 and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak in different languages as the Spirit prompted their utterances.

5 Now there were then staying in Jerusalem religious Jews from every country in the world; 6 and, when this sound was heard, numbers of people collected, in the greatest excitement, because each of them heard the disciples speaking in his own language. 7 They were utterly amazed, and kept asking in astonishment, ‘What! Are not all these people who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that we each of us hear them in our own language? 9 Some of us are Parthians, some Medes, some Elamites; and some of us live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Roman Asia, 10 in Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and the districts of Libya adjoining Cyrene; some of us are visitors from Rome, 11 either Jews by birth or converts, and some are Cretans and Arabians – yet we all alike hear them speaking in our own languages of the great things that God has done.’ 12 They were all utterly amazed and bewildered.

‘What does it mean?’ they asked one another. 13 But there were some who said with a sneer, ‘They have had too much new wine.’

14 Then Peter, surrounded by the eleven other apostles, stood up, and, raising his voice, addressed the crowd. ‘People of Judea,’ he began, ‘and all you who are staying in Jerusalem, let me tell you what this means. Mark well my words. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose; for it is only now nine in the morning! No! 16 This is what is spoken of in the prophet Joel –

17 “It will come about in the last days,” God says,

“That I will pour out my Spirit on all humanity;

your sons and your daughters will become prophets,

your young men will see visions,

and your old men dream dreams;

18 yes, even on the slaves – for they are mine – both men and women,

I will in those days pour out my Spirit,

and they will become prophets;

19 and I will show wonders in the heavens above,

and signs on the earth below –

blood and fire and mist of smoke;

20 the sun will become darkness,

and the moon blood-red,

before the day of the Lord comes – that great and awful day.

21 Then will everyone who invokes the name of the Lord be saved.”

22 People of Israel, listen to what I am saying. Jesus of Nazareth, a man whose mission from God to you was proved by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God showed among you through him, as you know full well – 23 he, I say, in accordance with God’s definite plan and with his previous knowledge, was betrayed, and you, by the hands of lawless men, nailed him to a cross and put him to death. 24 But God released him from the pangs of death and raised him to life, it being impossible for death to retain its hold on him. 25 Indeed he was the one David was referring to when he said –

“I have had the Lord ever before my eyes,

for he stands at my right hand, so that I should not be disquieted.

26 Therefore my heart was cheered, and my tongue told its delight;

yes, even my body, too, will rest in hope;

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,

nor surrender me, your holy one, to undergo corruption.

28 You have shown me the path to life,

you will fill me with gladness in your presence.”

29 Friends, I can speak to you the more confidently about the patriarch David, because he is dead and buried, and his tomb is here among us to this very day. 30 David, then, prophet as he was, knowing that God had solemnly sworn to him to set one of his descendants on his throne, looked into the future, 31 and referred to the resurrection of the Christ when he said that he had not been abandoned to Hades, nor had his body undergone corruption. 32 It was this Jesus, whom God raised to life; and of that we are ourselves all witnesses. 33 And now that he has been exalted to the right hand of God, and has received from the Father the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, he has begun to pour out that gift, as you yourselves now see and hear. 34 It was not David who went up into heaven; for he himself says –

“The Lord said to my master, ‘Sit on my right hand,

35 Until I put your enemies as a footstool under your feet.’ ”

36 So let the whole nation of Israel know beyond all doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ – this Jesus whom you crucified.’

37 When the people heard this, they were conscience-smitten, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Friends, what can we do?’

38 ‘Repent,’ answered Peter, ‘and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children, and also for all those now far away, who may be called by the Lord our God.’

40 Peter spoke to them for a long time using many other arguments and pleaded with them – ‘Save yourselves from the perverse spirit of this age.’ 41 So those who accepted his teaching were baptized, and about three thousand people joined the disciples on that day alone. 42 They devoted themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the Common life of the church, to the breaking of the bread and to the Prayers.

43 A deep impression was made on everyone, and many wonders and signs were done at the hands of the apostles. 44 All who became believers in Christ held everything for the common use; 45 they sold their property and their goods, and shared the proceeds among them all, according to their individual needs. 46 Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the Temple Courts, and to the breaking of bread at their homes, while they partook of their food in simple-hearted gladness, praising God, and winning the goodwill of all the people. 47 And the Lord daily added to their company those who were in the path of salvation.

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3 One day, as Peter and John were going up into the Temple Courts for the three o’clock Prayers, 2 a man, who had been lame from his birth, was being carried by. This man used to be set down every day at the gate of the Temple called “the Beautiful Gate,” to beg of those who went in. 3 Seeing Peter and John on the point of entering, he asked them to give him something. 4 Peter fixed his eyes on him, and so did John, and then Peter said, ‘Look at us.’

5 The man was all attention, expecting to get something from them; 6 but Peter added, ‘I have no gold or silver, but I give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.’ 7 Grasping the lame man by the right hand, Peter lifted him up. Instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong, 8 and, leaping up, he stood and began to walk about, and then went with them into the Temple Courts, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9 All the people saw him walking about and praising God; 10 and, when they recognised him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, they were utterly astonished and amazed at what had happened to him. 11 While the man still clung to Peter and John, the people all quickly gathered round them in the Colonnade named after Solomon, in the greatest astonishment.

12 On seeing this, Peter said to the people, ‘People of Israel, why are you surprised at this? And why do you stare at us, as though we, by any power or piety of our own, had enabled this man to walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has done honour to his servant Jesus – him whom you gave up and disowned before Pilate, when he had decided to set him free. 14 You, I say, disowned the holy and righteous one, and asked for the release of a murderer! 15 The guide to life you put to death! But God raised him from the dead – and of that we are ourselves witnesses. 16 And it is by faith in the name of Jesus, that this man, whom you all see and know, has – by his name – been made strong. Yes, it is the faith inspired by Jesus that has made this complete cure of the man, before the eyes of you all. 17 And yet, my friends, I know that you acted as you did from ignorance, and your rulers also. 18 But it was in this way that God fulfilled all that he had long ago foretold, as to the sufferings of his Christ, by the lips of all the prophets. 19 Therefore, repent and turn so that your sins may be wiped away; so that happier times may come from the Lord himself, 20 and so that he may send you, in Jesus, your long-appointed Christ. 21 But heaven must be his home, until the days of the Universal Restoration, of which God has spoken by the lips of his holy prophets from the very first. 22 Moses himself said –

“The Lord your God will raise up from among yourselves a prophet, as he raised me. To him you will listen whenever he speaks to you. 23 And it will be that should anyone among the people not listen to that prophet, he will be utterly destroyed.”

24 Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel onwards, and all their successors who had a message to deliver, told of these days. 25 You yourselves are the heirs of the prophets, and heirs, too, of the covenant which God made with your ancestors, when he said to Abraham –

“In your descendants will all the nations of the earth be blessed.”

26 For you, first, God raised up his servant, and sent him to bless you, by turning each one of you from his wicked ways.’ 4 While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the chief priest, with the officer in charge at the Temple and the Sadducees, came up to them, 2 much annoyed because they were teaching the people, and because, through Jesus, they were preaching the resurrection from the dead. 3 They arrested the apostles and, as it was already evening, had them placed in custody until the next day. 4 Many, however, of those who had heard the apostles’ message became believers in Christ, the number of the men alone amounting to about five thousand.Titleless Section Break

5 The next day, a meeting of the leaders of the people, the elders, and the teachers of the Law was held in Jerusalem. 6 There were present Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all who were of High-Priestly rank. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them, and questioned them.

‘By what power,’ they asked, ‘Or in whose name have men like you done this thing?’

8 Then, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said, ‘Leaders of the people and elders, 9 since we are on our trial today for a kind act done to a helpless man, and are asked in what way the man here before you has been cured, 10 let me tell you all and all the people of Israel, that it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead – it is, I say, by his name that this man stands here before you lame no longer. 11 Jesus is “the stone which, scorned by you the builders, has yet become the corner stone.” 12 And salvation is in him alone; for there is no other name in the whole world, given to people, to which we must look for our salvation.’

13 When the Council saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and found that they were uneducated men of humble station, they were surprised, and realised that they had been companions of Jesus. 14 But, when they looked at the man who had been healed, standing there with them, they had nothing to say. 15 So they ordered them out of court, and then began consulting together.

16 ‘What are we to do to these men?’ they asked one another. ‘That a remarkable sign has been given through them is obvious to everyone living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But, to prevent this thing from spreading further among the people, let us warn them not to speak in this name any more to anyone whatever.’

18 So they called the apostles in, and ordered them not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John replied, ‘Whether it is right, in the sight of God, to listen to you rather than to him – judge for yourselves, 20 for we cannot help speaking of what we have seen and heard.’ 21 However, after further warnings, the Council set them at liberty, not seeing any safe way of punishing them, because of the people, for they were all praising God for what had occurred; 22 for the man who was the subject of this miraculous cure was more than forty years old.Titleless Section Break

23 After they had been set at liberty, the apostles went to their friends and told them what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 All who heard their story, moved by a common impulse, raised their voices to God in prayer:

‘Sovereign Lord, it is you who has made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them, 25 and who, by the lips of our ancestor, your servant David, who spoke under the influence of the Holy Spirit, have said –

“Why did the nations rage,

and the peoples form vain designs?

26 The kings of the earth set their array,

and its rulers gathered together,

against the Lord and against his Christ.”

27 There have indeed gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you has consecrated the Christ, not Herod and Pontius Pilate only, but the nations and the people of Israel besides – 28 yet only to do what you, by your power and of your own will, did long ago destine to be done. 29 Now, therefore, Lord, mark their threats, and enable your servants, with all fearlessness, to tell your message, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and cause signs and wonders to take place through the name of your holy servant Jesus.’

31 When their prayer was ended, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to tell God’s message fearlessly.Titleless Section Break

32 The whole body of those who had become believers in Christ were of one heart and mind. Not one of them claimed any of his goods as his own, but everything was held for the common use. 33 The apostles continued with great power to bear their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s blessing rested on them all abundantly. 34 Nor was there anyone in need among them, for all who were owners of land or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the sales 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and then everyone received a share in proportion to his wants. 36 A Levite of Cyprian birth, named Joseph, (who had received from the apostles the additional name of “Barnabas” – which means “The Consoler,”) 37 Sold a farm that belonged to him, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

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5 There was, however, a man named Ananias, who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property, 2 and, with her connivance, kept back some of the proceeds. He brought only a part and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

3 ‘Ananias,’ Peter exclaimed, ‘how is it that Satan has so taken possession of your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit, and kept back a part of the money paid for the land? 4 While it was unsold, was not it your own? And after it was sold, was not the money at your own disposal? How did you come to think of such a thing? You have lied, not to people, but to God!’

5 As Ananias heard these words, he fell down and expired; and everyone who heard of it was appalled. 6 The young men got up, and, winding the body in a sheet, carried it out and buried it.

7 After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 ‘Is it true,’ Peter asked, addressing her, ‘that you sold your land for such a sum?’

‘Yes,’ she answered, ‘we did.’ 9 Then Peter said, ‘How did you come to agree to provoke the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The footsteps of those who have buried your husband are at the door; and they will carry you out too.’

10 Instantly Sapphira fell down at Peter’s feet and expired. On coming in, the young men found her dead; so they carried her out and buried her by her husband’s side. 11 The whole church and all who heard of these events were appalled.Titleless Section Break

12 Many signs and wonders continued to occur among the people, through the instrumentality of the apostles, whose custom it was to meet all together in the Colonnade of Solomon; 13 but of the rest no one ventured to join them. On the other hand, the people were full of their praise, 14 and still larger numbers, both of men and women, as they became believers in the Lord, were added to their number. 15 The consequence was that people would bring out their sick even into the streets, and lay them on mattresses and mats, in the hope that, as Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on someone of them. 16 Besides this, the inhabitants of the towns round Jerusalem flocked into the city, bringing with them their sick and those who were troubled by foul spirits; and they were cured everyone.Titleless Section Break

17 At this the high priest was roused to action, and he and all his supporters (who formed the party of the Sadducees), moved by jealousy, 18 arrested the apostles, and had them placed in custody. 19 An angel of the Lord, however, opened the prison doors at night and led them out. 20 ‘Go,’ he said, ‘and stand in the Temple Courts, and tell the people the whole message of this new life.’ 21 When they heard this, they went at daybreak into the Temple Courts, and began to teach. The high priest and his party, on their arrival, summoned the High Council, including all the leaders of the people among the Israelites, and sent to the jail to fetch the apostles. 22 But, when the officers got there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported that, 23 while they had found the goal barred securely and the guards posted at the doors, yet, on opening them, they had not found anyone inside. 24 When the officer in charge at the Temple and the chief priests heard their story, they were perplexed about the apostles and as to what all this would lead to. 25 Presently, however, someone came and told them, that the men whom they had put in prison were actually standing in the Temple Courts, teaching the people. 26 Then, the officer went with his men and fetched the apostles – without using violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people – 27 and then brought them before the Council. The high priest demanded an explanation from them.

28 ‘We gave you strict orders,’ he said, ‘not to teach in this name. Yet you have actually flooded Jerusalem with your teaching, and you want to make us responsible for the death of this man.’

29 To this Peter and the apostles replied, ‘We must obey God rather than people. 30 The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging him on a cross. 31 It is this Jesus whom God has exalted to his right hand, to be a guide and a Saviour, to give Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witness to the truth of this, and so is the Holy Spirit – the gift of God to those who obey him.’

33 The members of the Council became frantic with rage on hearing this, and were for putting the apostles to death. 34 But Gamaliel, a Pharisee, who was a Doctor of the Law and who was held in universal respect, rose in the Council, and directed that the men should be taken out of court for a little while.

35 He then said, ‘People of Israel, take care as to what you intend to do with these men. 36 For not long ago Theudas appeared, professing to be somebody, and was joined by a body of some four hundred men. But he was killed; and all his followers scattered and dwindled away. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared at the time of the census, and induced people to follow him; yet he, too, perished and all his followers were dispersed. 38 And, in this present case, my advice to you is not to interfere with these men, but to leave them alone, for, if their designs and their work are merely of human origin, they will come to an end; 39 but, if they are of divine origin, you will be powerless to put an end to them – or else you may find yourselves fighting against God!’

40 The Council followed his advice, and, calling the apostles in, had them flogged, and then, after cautioning them not to speak in the name of Jesus, set them free. 41 But the apostles left the Council, rejoicing that they had been thought worthy to suffer disgrace for that name; 42 and never for a single day, either in the Temple Courts or in private houses, did they cease to teach, or to tell the good news of Jesus, the Christ.

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6 About this time, when the number of the disciples was constantly increasing, complaints were made by the Greek speaking Jews against the Aramaic speaking Jews, that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 The Twelve, therefore, called together the general body of the disciples and said to them, ‘It is not well for us to see to the distribution at the tables and neglect God’s message. 3 Therefore, friends, look for seven men of reputation among yourselves, wise and spiritually-minded men, and we will appoint them to attend to this matter; 4 while we, for our part, will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the delivery of the message.’

5 This proposal was unanimously agreed to; and the disciples chose Stephen – a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit – and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a former convert to Judaism; 6 and they brought these men to the apostles, who, after praying, placed their hands on them.Titleless Section Break

7 So God’s message spread, and the number of the disciples continued to increase rapidly in Jerusalem, and a large body of the priests accepted the faith.Titleless Section Break

8 Meanwhile Stephen, divinely helped and strengthened, was showing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some members of the Synagogue of the Freed Slaves (as it was called), Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and Visitors from Cilicia and Roman Asia, were roused to action and began disputing with Stephen; 10 yet they were quite unable to withstand the wisdom and the inspiration with which he spoke. 11 Then they induced some men to assert that they had heard Stephen saying blasphemous things against Moses, and against God; 12 and they stirred up the people, as well as the elders and the teachers of the Law, and set on Stephen, and arrested him, and brought him before the High Council. 13 There they produced witnesses who gave false evidence.

‘This man,’ they said, ‘is incessantly saying things against this holy place and the Law; 14 indeed, we have heard him declare that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and change the customs handed down to us by Moses.’ 15 The eyes of all the members of the Council were riveted on Stephen, and they saw his face looking like the face of an angel.

7 Then the high priest asked, ‘Is this true?’ 2 Stephen replied, ‘Brothers and fathers, hear what I have to say. God, who manifests himself in the glory, appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, and before he settled in Haran, and said to him – 3 “Leave your country and your people, and come into the country that I will show you.” 4 And so Abraham left the country of the Chaldaeans and settled in Haran; and from there, after his father’s death, God caused him to migrate into this country, in which you are now living. 5 God did not at that time give him any part of it, not even a foot of ground. But he promised to give him possession of it and his descendants after him, though at that time he had no child. 6 God’s words were these – “Abraham’s descendants will live in a foreign country, where they will be enslaved and ill-treated for four hundred years. 7 But I myself will judge the nation, to which they will be enslaved,” God said, “and after that they will leave the country and worship me in this place.” 8 Then God made with Abraham the covenant of circumcision; and under it Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him when he was eight days old; and Isaac became the father of Jacob; and Jacob of the Twelve Patriarchs. 9 The Patriarchs, out of jealousy, sold Joseph into slavery in Egypt; but God was with him, 10 and delivered him out of all his troubles, and enabled him to win favour and show wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him Governor of Egypt and of his whole household. 11 Then a famine spread over the whole of Egypt and Canaan, causing great distress, and our ancestors could find no food. 12 Hearing, however, that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob sent our ancestors there on their first visit. 13 In the course of their second visit, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent an urgent invitation to his father Jacob and to his relatives, seventy-five persons in all; 15 and so Jacob went down into Egypt. There he died, and our ancestors also, 16 and their bodies were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 17 As the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise which God had made to Abraham, the people increased largely in numbers in Egypt, 18 until a new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to the throne. 19 This king acted deceitfully towards our people and ill-treated our ancestors, making them abandon their own infants, so that they should not be reared. 20 It was just at this time that Moses was born. He was an exceedingly beautiful child, and for three months was brought up in his own father’s house; 21 and, when he was abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh found him and brought him up as her own son. 22 So Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and proved his ability both by his words and actions. 23 When he was in his fortieth year, he resolved to visit his fellow Israelites; 24 and, seeing an Israelite ill-treated, he defended him, and avenged the man, who was being wronged, by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He thought his own people would understand that God was using him to save them; but they failed to do so. 26 The next day he again appeared on the scene, when some of them were fighting, and tried to make peace between them. “Men,” he said, “you are brothers; how is it that you are ill-treating one another?” 27 But the man who was ill-treating his fellow workman pushed Moses aside saying – “Who made you a ruler and judge over us? 28 Do you mean to make away with me as you did yesterday with that Egyptian?” 29 At these words Moses took to flight, and became an exile in Midian; and there he had two sons born to him. 30 Forty years had passed when there appeared to him, in the desert of Mount Sinai, an angel in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was astonished at the vision; but on his going nearer to look at it more closely, the voice of the Lord was heard to say – 32 “I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.” Moses trembled, and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him – “Take your sandals off your feet, for the spot where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt, and heard their groans, and I have come down to deliver them. Come now and I will send you into Egypt.” 35 This same Moses, whom they had disowned with the words – “Who made you a ruler and a judge?” was the man whom God sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer, under the guidance of the angel that had appeared to him in the bush. 36 He it was who led them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the desert during forty years. 37 This was the Moses who said to the people of Israel – “God will raise up for you, from among yourselves, a prophet, as he raised up me.” 38 He, too, it was who was present at the assembly in the desert, with the angel who talked to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors, and who received living truths to impart to you. 39 Yet our ancestors refused him obedience; more than that, they rejected him, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, 40 while they said to Aaron – “Make us Gods who will lead the way for us, since, as for this Moses who has brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 41 That was the time when they made the calf and offered sacrifice to their idol, and held festivities in honour of their own handiwork! 42 So God turned from them and left them to the worship of the Starry Host, as is written in the book of the prophets –

“Did you offer victims and sacrifices to me, house of Israel,

all those forty years in the desert?

43 You took with you the tent where Moloch is worshipped

and the star of the god Rephan –

the images which you had made to worship.

Therefore I will exile you beyond Babylon.”

44 Our ancestors had the tent where they worshipped God in the desert, constructed, just as he who spoke to Moses had directed him to make it, after the model which he had seen. 45 This tent, which was handed down to them, was brought into this country by our ancestors who accompanied Joshua (at the conquest of the nations that God drove out before their advance), and remained here until the time of David. 46 David found favour with God, and prayed that he might provide the God of Jacob with a place to reside. 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for God. 48 Yet it is not in buildings made by hands that the Most High dwells. As the prophet says –

49 “The heavens are a throne for me,

and the earth a stool for my feet.

What manner of house will you build me, asks the Lord,

or what place is there where I may rest?

50 Was it not my hand that made all these things?”

51 Stubborn people, heathen in heart and ears, you are for ever resisting the Holy Spirit; your ancestors did it, and you are doing it still. 52 Which of the prophets escaped persecution at their hands? They killed those who foretold the coming of the righteous one; of whom you, in your turn, have now become the betrayers and murderers – 53 you who received the Law as transmitted by angels and yet failed to keep it.’

54 As they listened to this, the Council grew frantic with rage, and gnashed their teeth at Stephen. 55 He, filled as he was with the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes intently on the heavens, and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at God’s right hand.

56 ‘Look,’ he exclaimed, ‘I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at God’s right hand!’ 57 At this, with a loud shout, they stopped their ears and all rushed on him, forced him outside the city, 58 and began to stone him, the witnesses laying their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen, while he cried to the Lord, ‘Lord Jesus! Receive my spirit!’ 60 Falling on his knees, he called out loudly, ‘Lord! Do not charge them with this sin;’ and with these words he fell asleep.

8 Saul approved of his being put to death.

On that very day a great persecution broke out against the church which was in Jerusalem; and its members, with the exception of the apostles, were all scattered over the districts of Judea and Samaria. 2 Some religious men buried Stephen, with loud lamentations for him. 3 But Saul began to devastate the church; he entered house after house, dragged out men and women alike, and threw them into prison.

4 Now those who were scattered in different directions went from place to place proclaiming the good news. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and there began to preach the Christ. 6 The people, one and all, listened attentively to what Philip told them, when they heard of, and saw, the miracles which he was working. 7 For there were many instances of people with foul spirits, where the spirits, with loud screams, came out of them; and many who were paralysed or lame were cured, 8 so that there was great rejoicing throughout that city. 9 There was staying in the city a man named Simon, who had been practicing magic there and mystifying the Samaritan people, giving himself out to be some great being. 10 Everyone, high and low, paid attention to him. “This man,” they used to say, “must be that power of God which people call ‘The Great Power.’ ” 11 And they paid attention to him because they had for a long time been mystified by his magic arts. 12 However, when they came to believe Philip, as he told them the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon believed, and after his baptism attached himself to Philip, and was in his turn mystified at seeing signs and great miracles constantly occurring.

14 When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had welcomed God’s message, they sent Peter and John to them; 15 and they, on their arrival, prayed that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 (As yet the Spirit had not descended on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 When Simon saw that it was through the placing of the apostles’ hands on them that the Spirit was given, he brought them a sum of money and said, 19 ‘Give me also this power of yours, so that, if I place my hands on anyone, he may receive the Holy Spirit.’

20 ‘A curse on you and on your silver,’ Peter exclaimed, ‘for thinking that God’s free gift can be bought with money! 21 You have no share or part in our message, for your heart is not right with God. 22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord, that, if possible, you may be forgiven for such a thought; 23 for I see that you have fallen into the bitterness of envy and the fetters of sin.’

24 ‘Pray to the Lord for me, all of you,’ Simon answered, ‘so that none of the things you have spoken of may happen to me.’

25 Peter and John, having borne their testimony and delivered the Lord’s message, returned to Jerusalem, telling the good news, as they went, in many Samaritan villages.

26 Meanwhile an angel of the Lord had said to Philip, ‘Set out on a journey southwards, along the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ (It is now deserted). 27 So Philip set out on a journey; and on his way he came on an official of high rank, in the service of Candace, Queen of the Abyssinians. He was her treasurer, and had been to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and was now on his way home, sitting in his carriage and reading the prophet Isaiah.

29 The Spirit said to Philip, ‘Go up to the carriage over there and keep close to it.’ 30 So Philip ran up, and he heard the Abyssinian reading the prophet Isaiah.

‘Do you understand what you are reading?’ he asked. 31 ‘How can I,’ the other answered, ‘unless someone will explain it to me?’ and he invited Philip to get up and sit by his side. 32 The passage of scripture which he was reading was this –

“Like a sheep, he was led away to slaughter,

and as a lamb is dumb in the hands of its shearer,

so he refrains from opening his lips.

33 He was humiliated and justice was denied him.

Who will tell the story of his generation?

For his life is cut off from earth.”

34 ‘Now,’ said the Treasurer, addressing Philip, ‘tell me, of whom is the prophet speaking? Of himself, or of someone else?’ 35 Then Philip began, and, taking this passage as his text, told him the good news about Jesus.

36 Presently, as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the Treasurer exclaimed, ‘Look! Here is water; what is to prevent my being baptized?’ 37 [fn] 38 So he ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water – both Philip and the Treasurer – and Philip baptized him. 39 But, when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the Treasurer saw no more of him; for he continued his journey with a joyful heart. 40 But Philip was found at Ashdod, and, as he went on his way, he told the good news in all the towns through which he passed, until he came to Caesarea.

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9 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked him to give him letters to the Jewish congregations at Damascus, authorising him, if he found there any supporters of the Way, whether men or women, to have them put in chains and brought to Jerusalem.

3 While on his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, suddenly a light from the heavens flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him – ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

5 ‘Who are you, Lord?’ he asked.

‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the voice answered; 6 ‘Yet stand up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’

7 The men traveling with Saul were meanwhile standing speechless; they heard the sound of the voice, but saw no one. 8 When Saul got up from the ground, though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So his men led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus; 9 and for three days he was unable to see, and took nothing either to eat or to drink.Titleless Section Break

10 Now there was at Damascus a disciple named Ananias, to whom, in a vision, the Lord said, ‘Ananias.’

‘Yes, Lord,’ he answered. 11 ‘Go at once,’ said the Lord, ‘to the Straight Street, and ask at Judas’s house for a man named Saul, from Tarsus. He is at this moment praying, 12 and he has seen, in a vision, a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him, so that he may recover his sight.’

13 ‘Lord,’ exclaimed Ananias, ‘I have heard from many people about this man – how much harm he has done at Jerusalem to your people there. 14 And, here, too, he holds authority from the chief priests to put in chains all those who invoke your name.’ 15 But the Lord said to him, ‘Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to uphold my name before the Gentiles and their kings, and the people of Israel. 16 I will myself show him all that he has to suffer for my name.’

17 So Ananias went, entered the house, and, placing his hands on Saul, said, ‘Saul, my brother, I have been sent by the Lord – by Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here – so that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.’ 18 Instantly it seemed as if a film fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. Then he got up and was baptized, 19 and, after he had taken food, he felt his strength return.Titleless Section Break

Saul stayed for some days with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and at once began in the synagogues to proclaim Jesus as the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed.

‘Is not this,’ they asked, ‘the man who worked havoc in Jerusalem among those that invoke this name, and who had also come here for the express purpose of having such persons put in chains and taken before the chief priests?’ 22 Saul’s influence, however, kept steadily increasing, and he confounded the Jewish people who lived in Damascus by the proofs that he gave that Jesus was the Christ.

23 After some time some of them laid a plot to kill Saul, 24 but it became known to him. They even watched the gates day and night, to kill him; 25 but his disciples let him down by night through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

26 On his arrival in Jerusalem, Saul attempted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, as they did not believe that he was really a disciple. 27 Barnabas, however, taking him by the hand, brought him to the apostles, and told them the whole story of how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord, and how the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 After that, Saul remained in Jerusalem, in close contact with the apostles; and he spoke fearlessly in the name of the Lord, 29 talking and arguing with the Jews of foreign birth, who, however, made attempts to kill him. 30 But, when the followers found this out, they took him down to Caesarea, and sent him on his way to Tarsus.Titleless Section Break

31 And so it came about that the church, throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, enjoyed peace and became firmly established; and, ordering its life by respect for the Lord and the help of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.Titleless Section Break

32 Peter, while traveling from place to place throughout the country, went down to visit the people of Christ living at Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years with paralysis. 34 ‘Aeneas,’ Peter said to him, ‘Jesus Christ cures you. Get up, and make your bed.’ Aeneas got up at once; 35 and all the inhabitants of Lydda and of the Plain of Sharon saw him, and came over to the Lord’s side.

36 At Joppa there lived a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which is in Greek “Dorcas” – a Gazelle. Her life was spent in doing kind and charitable actions. 37 Just at that time she was taken ill, and died; and they had washed her body and laid it out in an upstairs room. 38 Joppa was near Lydda, and the disciples, having heard that Peter was at Lydda, sent two men with the request that he come to them without delay. 39 Peter returned with them at once. On his arrival, he was taken upstairs, and all the widows came round him in tears, showing the coats and other clothing which Dorcas had made while she was among them. 40 But Peter sent everybody out of the room, and knelt down and prayed. Then, turning to the body, he said, ‘Tabitha! Stand up.’

She opened her eyes, and, seeing Peter, sat up. 41 Giving her his hand, Peter raised her up, and, calling in the widows and others of Christ’s people, presented her to them alive. 42 This became known all through Joppa, and numbers of people came to believe in the Lord. 43 And Peter stayed some days at Joppa with a tanner named Simon.

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10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in the regiment known as the “Italian Regiment,” 2 A religious man and one who reverenced God, with all his household. He was liberal in his charities to the people, and prayed to God constantly. 3 One afternoon, about three o’clock, he distinctly saw in a vision an angel from God come to him, and call him by name. 4 Cornelius fixed his eyes on him and, in great alarm, said, ‘What is it, Lord?’

‘Your prayers and your charities,’ the angel answered, ‘have been an acceptable offering to God. 5 And now, send messengers to Joppa and fetch a man called Simon, who is also known as Peter. 6 He is lodging with a tanner named Simon, who has a house near the sea.’

7 When the angel, who had spoken to him, had gone, Cornelius called two servants and a religious soldier, who was one of his constant attendants, 8 and, after telling them the whole story, sent them to Joppa.

9 On the next day, while these men were on their way, just as they were nearing the town, Peter went up on the housetop about midday to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat; but while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance, 11 and saw that the heavens were open, and that something like a great sail was descending, let down by its four corners towards the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then he was aware of a voice which said – ‘Stand up, Peter, kill something, and eat.’

14 ‘No, Lord, I cannot,’ answered Peter, ‘for I have never eaten anything defiled and unclean.’ 15 Again he was aware of a voice which said – ‘What God has pronounced clean, do not regard as defiled.’ 16 This happened three times, and then suddenly it was all taken up into the heavens.

17 While Peter was still perplexed as to the meaning of the vision that he had seen, the men sent by Cornelius, having enquired the way to Simon’s house, came up to the gate, 18 and called out and asked if the Simon, who was also known as Peter, was lodging there. 19 Peter was still pondering over the vision, when the Spirit said to him, ‘There are two men looking for you at this moment. 20 Go down at once and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.’

21 Peter went down to the men and said, ‘I am the person you are looking for. What is your reason for coming?’

22 The men replied, ‘Our centurion, Cornelius, a pious man who reverences God and is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for you to his house, and to listen to what you have to say.’ 23 So Peter invited them in and entertained them.

The next day he lost no time in setting out with them, accompanied by some of the Lord’s followers from Joppa; 24 and the day following he entered Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them, and had invited his relatives and intimate friends to meet them. 25 So, when Peter entered the city, Cornelius met him, and, throwing himself at Peter’s feet, bowed to the ground. 26 Peter, however, lifted him up, saying as he did so, ‘Stand up, I am only human like yourself.’

27 Talking with him as he went, Peter entered the house, where he found a large gathering of people, to whom he said, 28 ‘You are doubtless aware that it is forbidden for a Jew to be intimate with a foreigner, or even to enter his house; and yet God has shown me that I ought not to call anyone defiled or unclean. 29 That was why I came, when I was sent for, without raising any objection. And now I ask your reason for sending for me.’

30 ‘Just three days ago this very hour,’ Cornelius said, ‘I was in my house, saying the Afternoon Prayers, when a man in dazzling clothing suddenly stood before me. 31 “Cornelius,” he said, “your prayer has been heard, and your charities have been accepted, by God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa, and invite the Simon, who is also known as Peter, to come here. He is lodging in the house of Simon the tanner, near the sea.” 33 Accordingly I sent to you at once, and you have been so good as to come. And now we are all here in the presence of God, to listen to all that you have been instructed by the Lord to say.’ 34 Then Peter began.

‘I see, beyond all doubt,’ he said, ‘that God does not show partiality, 35 but that in every nation he who reverences him and does what is right is acceptable to him. 36 God has sent his message to the Israelites and told them, through Jesus Christ, the good news of peace – and Jesus is Lord of all! 37 You yourselves know the story which spread through all Judea, how, beginning form Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed – 38 the story, I mean, of Jesus of Nazareth, and how God consecrated him his Christ by enduing him with the Holy Spirit and with power; and how he went about doing good and curing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. 39 We are ourselves, too, witnesses to all that he did in Judea and in Jerusalem; yet they put him to death by hanging him on a cross! 40 This Jesus God raised on the third day, and enabled him to appear, 41 not indeed to everyone, but to witnesses chosen beforehand by God – to us, who ate and drank with him after his resurrection from the dead. 42 Further, God charged us to proclaim to the people, and solemnly affirm, that it is Jesus who has been appointed by God judge of the living and the dead. 43 To him it is that all the prophets bear witness, when they say that everyone who believes in him receives through his name forgiveness of sins.’

44 Before Peter had finished saying these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the message. 45 Those converts from Judaism, who had come with Peter, were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been bestowed even on the Gentiles; 46 for they heard them speaking in different languages and extolling God. At this Peter asked, 47 ‘Can anyone refuse the water for the baptism of these people, now that they have received the Holy Spirit as we did ourselves?’ 48 And he directed that they should be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ; after which they asked him to stay there a few days longer.

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11 The apostles and the followers throughout Judea heard that even the Gentiles had welcomed God’s message. 2 But, when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who were converts from Judaism began to attack him, 3 on the ground that he had visited people who were not circumcised, and had taken meals with them. 4 So Peter began to relate the facts to them as they had occurred. 5 ‘I was in the town of Joppa,’ he said, ‘and was praying; and, while in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a great sail descending, let down by its four corners out of the heavens; and it came right down to me. 6 Looking intently at it, I began to distinguish quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds; 7 and I also heard a voice saying to me – “Stand up, Peter, kill something and eat.” 8 “No, Lord, I cannot,” I answered, “for nothing defiled or unclean has ever passed my lips.” 9 Then a second time there came a voice from the heavens. “What God has pronounced clean”, it said, “you must not call defiled.” 10 This happened three times, and then all was drawn up again into the heavens. 11 At that moment three men, who had been sent from Caesarea to see me, came up to the house in which we were. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six companions also went with me. And, when we came into the man’s house, 13 he told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and how the angel had said to him – “Send to Joppa and fetch the Simon, who is also known as Peter; 14 for he will tell you truths, which will prove the means of salvation to you and all your household.” 15 I had but just begun to speak,’ continued Peter, ‘when the Holy Spirit fell on them, exactly as on us at the first; 16 and I recalled the saying of the Master – “John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” 17 Since then, God had given them the very same gift as he gave us when we became believers in Jesus Christ the Master – who was I that I could thwart God?’

18 On hearing this statement, they said no more, but broke out into praise of God. ‘So even to the Gentiles,’ they exclaimed, ‘God has granted the repentance which leads to life!’Titleless Section Break

19 Now those who had been scattered in different directions, in consequence of the persecution that followed the death of Stephen, went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message – but only to Jews. 20 Some of them, however, who were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, on coming to Antioch, addressed themselves also to the Jews of foreign birth, telling them the good news about that Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, so that a great number who had learned to believe came over to the Lord’s side. 22 The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 On coming there he saw to his great joy these tokens of the loving kindness of God, and encouraged them all to make up their minds to be faithful to the Lord – 24 For Barnabas was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith – and a large number of people took their stand on the Lord’s side. 25 Afterwards Barnabas left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and, when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And so it came about that, for a whole year, they attended the meetings of the church there, and taught a large number of people; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”Titleless Section Break

27 During this time, some prophets came to Antioch from Jerusalem. 28 One of them, named Agabus, came forward and, under the influence of the Spirit, foretold a great famine that was to spread over all the world – a famine which occurred in the reign of Claudius. 29 So the disciples, without exception, determined, in proportion to their means, to send something to help the followers living in Judea. 30 And this they did, sending it to the church elders by Barnabas and Saul.

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12 It was at that time that King Herod began to ill-treat some of the members of the church. 2 He had James, the brother of John, beheaded; 3 and, when he saw that the Jews were pleased with this, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the Festival of the unleavened bread.) 4 After seizing Peter, Herod put him in prison, and entrusted him to the keeping of four Guards of four soldiers each, intending, after the Passover, to bring him up before the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but meanwhile the prayers of the church were being earnestly offered to God on his behalf. 6 Just when Herod was intending to bring him before the people, on that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, chained to them both, while there were sentries in front of the door, guarding the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side, and roused him with the words, ‘Get up quickly.’ 8 The chains dropped from his wrists, and then the angel said, ‘Put on your belt and sandals.’ When Peter had done so, the angel added, ‘Throw your cloak round you and follow me.’

9 Peter followed him out, not knowing that what was happening under the angel’s guidance was real, but thinking that he was seeing a vision. 10 Passing the first Guard, and then the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them of itself; and, when they had passed through that, and had walked along one street, all at once the angel left him.

11 Then Peter came to himself and said, ‘Now I know beyond all doubt that the Lord has sent his angel, and has rescued me from Herod’s hands and from all that the Jewish people have been expecting.’ 12 As soon as he realized what had happened, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also known as Mark, where a number of people were gathered together, praying. 13 On his knocking at the door in the gate, a maidservant, named Rhoda, came to answer it. 14 She recognized Peter’s voice, but in her joy left the gate unopened, and ran in, and told them that Peter was standing outside.

15 ‘You are mad!’ they exclaimed. But, when she persisted that it was so, they said, ‘It must be his spirit!’

16 Meanwhile Peter went on knocking, and, when they opened the gate and saw him, they were amazed. 17 Peter signed to them with his hand to be silent, and then told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, adding, ‘Tell James and the others all this.’ Then he left the house, and went away to another place.

18 In the morning there was a great stir among the soldiers – what could have become of Peter! 19 And, when Herod had made further search for him and failed to find him, he closely questioned the Guard, and ordered them away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to stay at Caesarea.

20 It happened that Herod was deeply offended with the people of Tyre and Sidon, but they went in a body to him, and, having succeeded in winning over Blastus, the Chamberlain, they begged Herod for a reconciliation, because their country was dependent on the king’s for its food supply. 21 On an appointed day Herod, wearing his state robes, seated himself on his throne, and delivered an oration. 22 The people kept shouting, ‘It is the voice of God, and not of a person!’

23 Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory; and he was attacked with worms, and died. 24 Meanwhile the Lord’s message kept extending, and spreading far and wide.Titleless Section Break

25 When Barnabas and Saul had carried out their mission, they returned to Jerusalem, and took with them John, who was also known as Mark.