This eBook was produced by David Widger with the help of Derek Andrew's text from January 1992 and the work of Bryan Taylor in November 2002. Book 44 Acts 44:001:001 The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 44:001:002 Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 44:001:003 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 44:001:004 And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 44:001:005 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 44:001:006 When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 44:001:007 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 44:001:008 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 44:001:009 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 44:001:010 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 44:001:011 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 44:001:012 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey. 44:001:013 And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. 44:001:014 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. 44:001:015 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) 44:001:016 Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. 44:001:017 For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. 44:001:018 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. 44:001:019 And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. 44:001:020 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. 44:001:021 Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 44:001:022 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. 44:001:023 And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 44:001:024 And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, 44:001:025 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. 44:001:026 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. 44:002:001 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 44:002:002 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 44:002:003 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 44:002:004 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 44:002:005 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 44:002:006 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 44:002:007 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? 44:002:008 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 44:002:009 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 44:002:010 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 44:002:011 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 44:002:012 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 44:002:013 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine. 44:002:014 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: 44:002:015 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 44:002:016 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; 44:002:017 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 44:002:018 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 44:002:019 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 44:002:020 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: 44:002:021 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. 44:002:022 Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know: 44:002:023 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 44:002:024 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it. 44:002:025 For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved: 44:002:026 Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 44:002:027 Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. 44:002:028 Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. 44:002:029 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. 44:002:030 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; 44:002:031 He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. 44:002:032 This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 44:002:033 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 44:002:034 For David is not ascended into the heavens: but he saith himself, The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, 44:002:035 Until I make thy foes thy footstool. 44:002:036 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 44:002:037 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 44:002:038 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 44:002:039 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the LORD our God shall call. 44:002:040 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 44:002:041 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 44:002:042 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 44:002:043 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44:002:044 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 44:002:045 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 44:002:046 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 44:002:047 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. 44:003:001 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 44:003:002 And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 44:003:003 Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 44:003:004 And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 44:003:005 And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 44:003:006 Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 44:003:007 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 44:003:008 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 44:003:009 And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 44:003:010 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 44:003:011 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 44:003:012 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 44:003:013 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 44:003:014 But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 44:003:015 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 44:003:016 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 44:003:017 And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 44:003:018 But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 44:003:019 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 44:003:020 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 44:003:021 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 44:003:022 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 44:003:023 And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 44:003:024 Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 44:003:025 Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 44:003:026 Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. 44:004:001 And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 44:004:002 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 44:004:003 And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 44:004:004 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 44:004:005 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 44:004:006 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 44:004:007 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 44:004:008 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 44:004:009 If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 44:004:010 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 44:004:011 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 44:004:012 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 44:004:013 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 44:004:014 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 44:004:015 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 44:004:016 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 44:004:017 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 44:004:018 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 44:004:019 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 44:004:020 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 44:004:021 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 44:004:022 For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 44:004:023 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 44:004:024 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 44:004:025 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 44:004:026 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 44:004:027 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 44:004:028 For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 44:004:029 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 44:004:030 By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 44:004:031 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 44:004:032 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 44:004:033 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 44:004:034 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 44:004:035 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 44:004:036 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 44:004:037 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 44:005:001 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 44:005:002 And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 44:005:003 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 44:005:004 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 44:005:005 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 44:005:006 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 44:005:007 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 44:005:008 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 44:005:009 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 44:005:010 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 44:005:011 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. 44:005:012 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 44:005:013 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 44:005:014 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 44:005:015 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 44:005:016 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. 44:005:017 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 44:005:018 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 44:005:019 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 44:005:020 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 44:005:021 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 44:005:022 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told, 44:005:023 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 44:005:024 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 44:005:025 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 44:005:026 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 44:005:027 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 44:005:028 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 44:005:029 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 44:005:030 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 44:005:031 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 44:005:032 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 44:005:033 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 44:005:034 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 44:005:035 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 44:005:036 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 44:005:037 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 44:005:038 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 44:005:039 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 44:005:040 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 44:005:041 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 44:005:042 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. 44:006:001 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 44:006:002 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 44:006:003 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 44:006:004 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 44:006:005 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 44:006:006 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 44:006:007 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 44:006:008 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 44:006:009 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 44:006:010 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 44:006:011 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 44:006:012 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 44:006:013 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 44:006:014 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 44:006:015 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. 44:007:001 Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 44:007:002 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 44:007:003 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 44:007:004 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 44:007:005 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 44:007:006 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 44:007:007 And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 44:007:008 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. 44:007:009 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 44:007:010 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 44:007:011 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. 44:007:012 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 44:007:013 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. 44:007:014 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 44:007:015 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, 44:007:016 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 44:007:017 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 44:007:018 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. 44:007:019 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. 44:007:020 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: 44:007:021 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. 44:007:022 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 44:007:023 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 44:007:024 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: 44:007:025 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. 44:007:026 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? 44:007:027 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? 44:007:028 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? 44:007:029 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. 44:007:030 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 44:007:031 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him, 44:007:032 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. 44:007:033 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. 44:007:034 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. 44:007:035 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 44:007:036 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 44:007:037 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 44:007:038 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: 44:007:039 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 44:007:040 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 44:007:041 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 44:007:042 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? 44:007:043 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. 44:007:044 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. 44:007:045 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 44:007:046 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 44:007:047 But Solomon built him an house. 44:007:048 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 44:007:049 Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? 44:007:050 Hath not my hand made all these things? 44:007:051 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 44:007:052 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 44:007:053 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 44:007:054 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 44:007:055 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 44:007:056 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 44:007:057 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 44:007:058 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 44:007:059 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 44:007:060 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 44:008:001 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 44:008:002 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 44:008:003 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison. 44:008:004 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. 44:008:005 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 44:008:006 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. 44:008:007 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 44:008:008 And there was great joy in that city. 44:008:009 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: 44:008:010 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. 44:008:011 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 44:008:012 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 44:008:013 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. 44:008:014 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 44:008:015 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: 44:008:016 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 44:008:017 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 44:008:018 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 44:008:019 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 44:008:020 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. 44:008:021 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. 44:008:022 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. 44:008:023 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 44:008:024 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 44:008:025 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. 44:008:026 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 44:008:027 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, 44:008:028 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. 44:008:029 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 44:008:030 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 44:008:031 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 44:008:032 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: 44:008:033 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. 44:008:034 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? 44:008:035 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 44:008:036 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 44:008:037 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. 44:008:038 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 44:008:039 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. 44:008:040 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. 44:009:001 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 44:009:002 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 44:009:003 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 44:009:004 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 44:009:005 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 44:009:006 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 44:009:007 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 44:009:008 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 44:009:009 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 44:009:010 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 44:009:011 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 44:009:012 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 44:009:013 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 44:009:014 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 44:009:015 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 44:009:016 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 44:009:017 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 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,
{'title': 'The Bible, King James version, Book 44: Acts by Anonymous', 'source': 'Project Gutenberg', 'lang': 'en'}