Acts 1-14

Lexham English Bible

The Preface

1 I produced the former account, O Theophilus, about all that^[a] Jesus began to do and to teach, ² until the day he was taken up, after he^[b] had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen, ³ to whom he also presented himself alive after he suffered, with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking the things about the kingdom of God. ⁴ And while he^[c] was with^[d] them,^[e] he commanded them, “Do not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what was promised by the Father, which you heard about from me. ⁵ For John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”^[f]

The Ascension

⁶ So when^[g] they had come together, they began asking^[h] him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ⁷ But he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has set by his own authority. ⁸ But you will receive power when^[i] the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest part of the earth.” ⁹ And after he^[j] had said these things, while^[k] they were watching, he was taken up, and a cloud received him from their sight. ¹⁰ And as they were staring into the sky while^[l] he was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood by them ¹¹ who also said, “Men of Galilee,^[m] why do you stand there looking^[n] into the sky? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven like this will come back in the same way you saw him departing into heaven!”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain that is called Olive Grove^[o] which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.^{[p] 13} And when they had entered, they went up to the upstairs room where they were staying—Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas son of James. ¹⁴ All these were busily engaged with one mind in prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with^[q] his brothers.

¹⁵ And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (and it was a crowd of persons of about one hundred twenty at the same place) and^[r] said, ¹⁶ “Men and brothers, it was necessary that the scripture be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit proclaimed beforehand through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus, ¹⁷ because he was counted among us and received a share in this ministry.” ¹⁸ (Now this man acquired a field for the wages of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines spilled out. ¹⁹ And it became known to all who live in Jerusalem, so that that field was called in their own language^[s] “Akeldama,” that is, “Field of Blood.”) ²⁰ “For it is written in the book of Psalms,

and,

²¹ Therefore it is necessary for one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus went in and went out among us, ²² beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us—one of these men must become a witness of his resurrection together with us.” ²³ And they proposed two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was called Justus) and Matthias. ²⁴ And they prayed and^[v] said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show clearly which one of these two you have chosen ²⁵ to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to depart to his own place.” ²⁶ And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to serve^[w] with the eleven apostles.

Pentecost and the Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in the same place. ² And suddenly a sound like a violent rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ And divided^[x] tongues like fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages^[y] as the Spirit gave them ability to speak out.

⁵ Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. ⁶ And when^[z] this sound occurred, the crowd gathered and was in confusion, because each one was hearing them speaking in his own language. ⁷ And they were astounded and astonished, saying, “Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? ⁸ And how do we hear, each one of us, in our own native language?^{[aa] 9} Parthians and Medes and Elamites and those residing in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,^{[ab] 10} Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, and the Romans who were in town, ¹¹ both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own languages the great deeds of God!” ¹² And all were amazed and greatly perplexed, saying to one another,^[ac] “What can this mean?”^{[ad] 13} But others jeered and^[ae] said, “They are full of sweet new wine!”

Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost

¹⁴ But Peter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them, “Judean men, and all those who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words! ¹⁵ For these men are not drunk, as you assume, because it is the third hour of the day. ¹⁶ But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

²² “Israelite men, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— ²³ this man, delivered up by the determined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed by^[ah] nailing to a cross^[ai] through the hand of lawless men. ²⁴ God raised him^[aj] up, having brought to an end the pains of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says with reference to him,

²⁹ “Men and brothers, it is possible to speak with confidence to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us until this day. ³⁰ Therefore, because he^[am] was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants^[an] on his throne, ³¹ by^[ao] having foreseen this,^[ap] he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ,^[aq] that neither was he abandoned in Hades nor did his flesh experience decay. ³² This Jesus God raised up, of which^[ar] we all are witnesses. ³³ Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he has poured out this that you see and hear.^{[as] 34} For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says,

³⁶ Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you crucified!”

The Response to Peter’s Sermon

³⁷ Now when they^[au] heard this,^[av] they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “What should we do, men and brothers?” ³⁸ And Peter said^[aw] to them, “Repent and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all those who are far away, as many as the Lord our God calls to himself.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he solemnly urged and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” ⁴¹ So those who accepted his message were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.

The Fellowship of the First Believers

⁴² And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayers. ⁴³ And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were being performed by the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were in the same place, and had everything in common. ⁴⁵ And they began selling^[ax] their^[ay] possessions and property, and distributing these things to all, to the degree that anyone had need. ⁴⁶ And every day, devoting themselves to meeting^[az] with one purpose in the temple courts^[ba] and breaking bread from house to house, they were eating their food with joy and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding every day to the total of those who were being saved.

A Lame Beggar Healed at the Temple

3 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. ² And a certain man was being carried who was lame from birth.^[bb] He^[bc] was placed every day at the gate of the temple called “Beautiful,” so that he could ask for charitable gifts from those who were going into the temple courts.^{[bd] 3} When he^[be] saw Peter and John about to go into the temple courts,^[bf] he began asking to receive alms. ⁴ And Peter looked intently at him, together with John, and^[bg] said, “Look at us!” ⁵ So he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. ⁶ But Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not possess,^[bh] but what I have, this I give to you—in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!”^{[bi] 7} And taking hold of him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. ⁸ And leaping up, he stood and began walking around^[bj] and entered into the temple courts^[bk] with them, walking and leaping and praising God. ⁹ And all the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ And they recognized him, that this one^[bl] was the one who used to sit asking for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.

Peter’s Sermon in Solomon’s Portico

¹¹ And while^[bm] he was holding fast to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico called Solomon’s, utterly astonished. ¹² And when he^[bn] saw it,^[bo] Peter replied to the people, “Men and Israelites, why are you astonished at this? Or why are you staring at us, as if by our own power or godliness we have made him walk? ¹³ The God of Abraham and of Isaac^[bp] and of Jacob,^[bq] the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, after^[br] he had decided to release him.^{[bs] 14} But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and demanded that a man—a murderer—be granted to you. ¹⁵ And you killed the originator of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses! ¹⁶ And on the basis of faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know, and the faith that is through him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all. ¹⁷ And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. ¹⁸ But the things which God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ^[bt] would suffer, he has fulfilled in this way. ¹⁹ Therefore repent and turn back, so that your sins may be blotted out, ²⁰ so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and he may send the Christ^[bu] appointed for you—Jesus, ²¹ whom heaven must receive until the times of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from earliest times. ²² Moses said, ‘The Lord God^[bv] will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers. You will listen to him in everything that he says to you.^{[bw] 23} And it will be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed utterly from the people.’^{[bx] 24} And indeed, all the prophets from Samuel and all those who followed him^[by] have spoken about and proclaimed these days. ²⁵ You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring all the nations of the earth will be blessed.’^{[bz] 26} God, after he^[ca] had raised up his servant, sent him to you first, to bless you by turning each of you back from your wickedness!”

Peter and John Arrested

4 And while^[cb] they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees approached them, ² greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ³ And they laid hands on them and put them^[cc] in custody until the next day, because it was already evening. ⁴ But many of those who listened to the message believed, and the number of the men was approximately five thousand.

Peter and John on Trial Before the Sanhedrin

⁵ And it happened that on the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes came together in Jerusalem, ⁶ and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all those who were from the high priest’s family. ⁷ And they made them stand in their^[cd] midst and^[ce] began to ask,^[cf] “By what power or by what name did you do this?” ⁸ Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, ⁹ if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a sick man—by what means^[cg] this man was healed— ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man stands before you healthy! ¹¹ This one^[ch] is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, that has become the cornerstone.^{[ci] 12} And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among people by which we must be saved.”

¹³ Now when they^[cj] saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were astonished, and recognized them, that they had been with Jesus. ¹⁴ And because they^[ck] saw the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say in return. ¹⁵ But after they^[cl] had ordered them to go outside the Sanhedrin,^[cm] they began to confer^[cn] with one another, ¹⁶ saying, “What should we do with these men? For that a remarkable sign has taken place through them is evident to all those who live in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it!^{[co] 17} But in order that it may not spread much further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more in this name to anyone at all.”^{[cp] 18} And they called them back and^[cq] commanded them^[cr] not to speak or to teach at all in the name of Jesus. ¹⁹ But Peter and John answered and^[cs] said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than God, you decide! ²⁰ For we are not able to refrain from speaking about the things that we have seen and heard.” ²¹ So after^[ct] threatening them^[cu] further, they released them, finding no way to punish them on account of the people, because they were all praising God for what had happened. ²² For the man on whom this sign of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Continued Bold Witness

²³ And when they^[cv] were released, they went to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ And when they^[cw] heard it,^[cx] they lifted their voices with one mind to God and said, “Master, you are the one who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, ²⁵ the one who said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, your servant,

²⁷ For in truth both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, assembled together in this city against your holy servant Jesus whom you anointed, ²⁸ to do all that your hand and plan^[da] had predestined to take place. ²⁹ And now, Lord, concern yourself with their threats and grant your slaves to speak your message with all boldness, ³⁰ as you extend your hand to heal and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ And when^[db] they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak^[dc] the word^[dd] of God with boldness.

The Believers Share All Things in Common

³² Now the group of those who believed were one heart and soul, and no one said anything of what belonged to him was his own, but all things were theirs in common. ³³ And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. ³⁴ For there was not even anyone needy among them, because all those who were owners of plots of land or houses were selling them^[de] and^[df] bringing the proceeds of the things that were sold ³⁵ and placing them^[dg] at the feet of the apostles. And it was being distributed to each as anyone had need. ³⁶ So Joseph, who was called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated “son of encouragement”), a Levite of Cyprus by nationality, ³⁷ sold a field^[dh] that belonged to him and^[di] brought the money and placed it^[dj] at the feet of the apostles.

Ananias and Sapphira Lie to the Holy Spirit

5 Now a certain man named^[dk] Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, ² and he kept back for himself some of the proceeds, and his^[dl] wife was aware of it.^[dm] And he brought a certain part and^[dn] placed it^[do] at the feet of the apostles. ³ But Peter said, “Ananias, for what reason has Satan filled your heart, that you lied to the Holy Spirit and kept back for yourself some of the proceeds of the piece of land? ⁴ When it^[dp] remained to you, did it not remain yours? And when it^[dq] was sold, was it at your disposal? How is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to people, but to God!”

⁵ And when^[dr] Ananias heard these words, he fell down and^[ds] died. And great fear came on all those who heard about it.^{[dt] 6} So the young men stood up, wrapped him up, and carried him^[du] out and^[dv] buried him.^{[dw] 7} And it happened that there was an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you both^[dx] were paid this much for the piece of land.” And she said, “Yes, this much.” ⁹ So Peter said to her, “How is it that it was agreed by you two^[dy] to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!” ¹⁰ And immediately she fell down at his feet and died. So when^[dz] the young men came in, they found her dead, and carried her^[ea] out and^[eb] buried her^[ec] with her husband. ¹¹ And great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard about these things.

Many Signs and Wonders Are Performed by the Apostles

¹² Now many signs and wonders were being performed among the people through the hands of the apostles. And they were all together^[ed] in Solomon’s Portico. ¹³ And none of the rest dared to join them, but the people spoke highly of them. ¹⁴ And even more believers in the Lord^[ee] were being added, large numbers of both men and women, ¹⁵ so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and put them^[ef] on cots and mats^[eg] so that when^[eh] Peter came by, at least his^[ei] shadow would fall on some of them. ¹⁶ And the people of the towns around Jerusalem also came together, bringing the sick and those tormented by unclean spirits, who were all being healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Imprisoned

¹⁷ Now the high priest rose up and all those who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), and^[ej] they were filled with jealousy. ¹⁸ And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in the public prison. ¹⁹ But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out and^[ek] said, ²⁰ “Go and stand in the temple courts^[el] and^[em] proclaim to the people all the words of this life.” ²¹ And when they^[en] heard this,^[eo] they entered at daybreak into the temple courts^[ep] and began teaching.^[eq]

Now when^[er] the high priest and those with him arrived, they summoned the Sanhedrin—even the whole council of elders of the sons of Israel—and sent to the prison to have them brought. ²² But the officers who came^[es] did not find them in the prison, and they returned and^[et] reported, ²³ saying, “We found the prison locked with all security and the guards standing at the doors, but when we^[eu] opened them,^[ev] we found no one inside!” ²⁴ Now when both the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed concerning them, as to what this might be. ²⁵ But someone came and^[ew] reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple courts^[ex] and teaching the people!” ²⁶ Then the captain went with the officers and^[ey] brought them, not with force (for they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned by them).^[ez]

The Apostles on Trial Before the Sanhedrin

²⁷ And when they^[fa] had brought them, they made them^[fb] stand in the Sanhedrin,^[fc] and the high priest put a question to them, ²⁸ saying, “We strictly commanded^[fd] you^[fe] not to teach in this name? And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching! And you are intending to bring upon us the blood of this man!” ²⁹ But Peter and the apostles answered and^[ff] said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men! ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed by^[fg] hanging him^[fh] on a tree. ³¹ This one God has exalted to his right hand as Leader and Savior to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. ³² And we are witnesses of these things, and so is^[fi] the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey him.” ³³ Now when^[fj] they heard this,^[fk] they were infuriated, and were wanting to execute them. ³⁴ But a certain man stood up in the Sanhedrin,^[fl] a Pharisee named^[fm] Gamaliel, a teacher of the law respected by all the people, and^[fn] gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. ³⁵ And he said to them, “Men and Israelites, take care for yourselves what you are about to do to these men! ³⁶ For before these days, Theudas rose up saying he was somebody. A number of men, about four hundred, joined him.^[fo] He^[fp] was executed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. ³⁷ After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and caused people to follow him in revolt.^[fq] And that one perished, and all who followed him were scattered. ³⁸ And now I tell you, keep away from these men, and leave them alone, because if this plan or this matter is from people, it will be overthrown.^{[fr] 39} But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them, lest you even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him. ⁴⁰ And they summoned the apostles, beat them,^[fs] commanded them^[ft] not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.^{[fu] 41} So they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin^[fv] rejoicing, because they had been considered worthy to be dishonored for the sake of the name. ⁴² Every day, both in the temple courts^[fw] and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that the Christ^[fx] was Jesus.

The First Seven Deacons Appointed

6 Now in these days, as^[fy] the disciples were increasing in number,^[fz] a complaint arose by the Greek-speaking Jews^[ga] against the Hebraic Jews^[gb] because^[gc] their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.^{[gd] 2} So the twelve summoned the community of disciples and^[ge] said, “It is not desirable that we neglect the word of God to serve tables. ³ So, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation,^[gf] full of the Spirit and wisdom, whom we will put in charge of this need. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” ⁵ And the statement pleased the whole group, and they chose Stephen (a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit), and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus (a convert from Antioch), ⁶ whom they stood before the apostles. And they prayed and^[gg] placed their^[gh] hands on them.

⁷ And the word of God kept spreading, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was increasing greatly, and a large number of priests began obeying^[gi] the faith.

Stephen Arrested

⁸ Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ But some of those from the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called),^[gj] both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia,^[gk] stood up and^[gl] disputed with Stephen. ¹⁰ And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. ¹¹ Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!” ¹² And they incited the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came up and^[gm] seized him and brought him^[gn] to the Sanhedrin.^{[go] 13} And they put forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking words against the holy place^[gp] and the law! ¹⁴ For we have heard him saying that this Nazarene Jesus will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” ¹⁵ And as they^[gq] looked intently at him, all those who were sitting in the Sanhedrin^[gr] saw his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen’s Defense

7 And the high priest said, “Is it so concerning these things?” ² So he said, “Men—brothers and fathers—listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he^[gs] was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran, ³ and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your relatives and come to the land that I will show you.’ ⁴ Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and^[gt] settled in Haran. And from there, after his father died, he caused him to move to this land in which you now live. ⁵ And he did not give him an inheritance in it—not even a footstep^[gu]—and he promised to give it^[gv] to him for his possession, and to his descendants after him, although he did not have^[gw][gx] a child. ⁶ But God spoke like this: ‘His descendants will be foreigners in a foreign land, and they will enslave them and mistreat them^[gy] four hundred years, ⁷ and the nation that^[gz] they will serve as slaves, I will judge,’ God said, ‘and after these things they will come out^[ha] and will worship me in this place.’^{[hb] 8} And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so he became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac did so with^[hc] Jacob, and Jacob did so with^[hd] the twelve patriarchs. ⁹ And the patriarchs, because they^[he] were jealous of Joseph, sold him^[hf] into Egypt. And God was with him, ¹⁰ and rescued him from all his afflictions and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt. And he appointed him ruler over Egypt and all^[hg] his household. ¹¹ And a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan and great affliction, and our fathers could not find food. ¹² So when^[hh] Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. ¹³ And on the second visit^[hi] Joseph was made known to his brothers, and the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh. ¹⁴ So Joseph sent and^[hj] summoned his father Jacob and all his^[hk] relatives, seventy-five persons in all. ¹⁵ And Jacob went down to Egypt and died, he and our fathers. ¹⁶ And they were brought back to Shechem and buried in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

¹⁷ “But as the time of the promise that God had made to Abraham was drawing near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt ¹⁸ until another king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. ¹⁹ This man deceitfully took advantage of our^[hl] people and^[hm] mistreated our ancestors, causing them to abandon their infants^[hn] so that they would not be kept alive. ²⁰ At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God. He^[ho] was brought up for three months in his^[hp] father’s house, ²¹ and when^[hq] he was abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up and brought him up as her own son.^{[hr] 22} And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was powerful in his words and deeds.

²³ “But when he was forty years old,^[hs] it entered in his heart to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel. ²⁴ And when he^[ht] saw one of them being unjustly harmed, he defended him^[hu] and avenged^[hv] the one who had been oppressed by^[hw] striking down the Egyptian. ²⁵ And he thought his^[hx] brothers would understand that God was granting deliverance to them by his hand, but they did not understand. ²⁶ And on the following day, he made an appearance to them while they^[hy] were fighting and was attempting to reconcile^[hz] them in peace, saying, ‘Men and brothers, why are you doing wrong to one another?’ ²⁷ But the one who was doing wrong to his^[ia] neighbor pushed him aside, saying, ‘Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ You do not want to do away with me the same way^[ib] you did away with the Egyptian yesterday, do you?’^{[ic] 29} And at this statement, Moses fled and became a foreigner in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

³⁰ “And when^[id] forty years had been completed, an angel appeared to him in the desert of Mount Sinai in the flame of a burning bush. ³¹ And when^[ie] Moses saw it,^[if] he was astonished at the sight, and when^[ig] he approached to look at it,^[ih] the voice of the Lord came: ³² ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob!’^[ii] So Moses began trembling and^[ij] did not dare to look at it.^{[ik] 33} And the Lord said to him, ‘Untie the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴ I have certainly seen^[il] the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’^{[im] 35} This Moses whom they had repudiated, saying, ‘Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?’^[in]—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer with the help^[io] of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. ³⁶ This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.

³⁷ “This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’^{[ip] 38} This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and who with our fathers received living oracles to give to us, ³⁹ to whom our fathers were not willing to become obedient, but rejected him^[iq] and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, ⁴⁰ saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go on before us! For this Moses, who led us out from the land of Egypt—we do not know what has happened to him!’^{[ir] 41} And they manufactured a calf in those days, and offered up a sacrifice to the idol, and began rejoicing^[is] in the works of their hands. ⁴² But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, just as it is written in the book of the prophets:

⁴⁴ The tabernacle of the testimony belonged^[ix] to our fathers in the wilderness, just as the one who spoke to Moses directed him^[iy] to make it according to the design that he had seen, ⁴⁵ and which, after^[iz] receiving it^[ja] in turn, our fathers brought in with Joshua when they dispossessed the^[jb] nations that God drove out from the presence of our fathers, until the days of David, ⁴⁶ who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.^{[jc] 47} But Solomon built a house for him. ⁴⁸ But the Most High does not live in houses^[jd] made by human hands, just as the prophet says,

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked people and uncircumcised in hearts and in your^[jf] ears! You constantly resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so also do you! ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand about the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become, ⁵³ you who received the law by directions of angels and have not observed it!”

Stephen’s Martyrdom

⁵⁴ Now when they^[jg] heard these things, they were infuriated in their hearts and gnashed their^[jh] teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and^[ji] saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. ⁵⁶ And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” ⁵⁷ But crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears and rushed at him with one purpose. ⁵⁸ And after they^[jj] had driven him^[jk] out of the city, they began to stone^[jl] him,^[jm] and the witnesses laid aside their cloaks at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ And they kept on stoning Stephen as he^[jn] was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” ⁶⁰ And falling to his^[jo] knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after he^[jp] said this, he fell asleep.^[jq]

Saul Attempts to Destroy the Church

8 And Saul was agreeing with his murder. Now there happened on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. ² And devout men buried Stephen and made loud lamentation over him. ³ But Saul was attempting to destroy the church. Entering house after house,^[jr] he dragged off both men and women and^[js] delivered them^[jt] to prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

⁴ Now those who had been scattered went about proclaiming the good news of the word. ⁵ And Philip came down to the city of Samaria and^[ju] began proclaiming^[jv] the Christ^[jw] to them. ⁶ And the crowds with one mind were paying attention to what was being said by Philip, as they heard him^[jx] and saw the signs that he was performing. ⁷ For many of those who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them,^[jy] crying out with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. ⁸ And there was great joy in that city.

Simon the Magician

⁹ Now a certain man named^[jz] Simon had been in the city practicing magic and astonishing the people of Samaria, saying he was someone great. ¹⁰ They were all paying attention to him,^[ka] from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called ‘Great.’” ¹¹ And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had astonished them with his^[kb] magic. ¹² But when they believed Philip as he^[kc] was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being baptized. ¹³ And Simon himself also believed, and after he^[kd] was baptized he was keeping close company with^[ke] Philip. And when he^[kf] saw the signs and great miracles that were taking place, he was astonished.

¹⁴ Now when^[kg] the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ¹⁵ who went down and^[kh] prayed for them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ (For he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized^[ki] in the name of the Lord Jesus.) ¹⁷ Then they placed their^[kj] hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.

¹⁸ Now Simon, when he^[kk] saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, offered them money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give to me also this power, so that whomever I place my^[kl] hands on may receive the Holy Spirit!” ²⁰ But Peter said to him, “May your silver be destroyed along with you,^[km] because you thought you could acquire^[kn] the gift of God by means of money! ²¹ You have no^[ko] part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God. ²² Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and ask the Lord if perhaps the intent of your heart may be forgiven you!” ²³ For I see you are in a state of bitter envy^[kp] and bound by unrighteousness.”^{[kq] 24} But Simon answered and^[kr] said, “You pray to the Lord for me so that nothing of what you have said will come upon me.” ²⁵ So when^[ks] they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they turned back toward Jerusalem, and were proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

²⁶ Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get up and go toward the south^[kt] on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) ²⁷ And he got up and^[ku] went, and behold, there was a man, an Ethiopian eunuch (a court official of Candace,^[kv] queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasury) who had come to worship in Jerusalem ²⁸ and was returning and sitting in his chariot, and reading aloud the prophet Isaiah. ²⁹ And the Spirit said to Philip, “Approach and join this chariot.” ³⁰ So Philip ran up to it^[kw] and^[kx] heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet and said, “So then, do you understand what you are reading?” ³¹ And he said, “So how could I, unless someone will guide me?” And he invited Philip to come up and^[ky] sit with him. ³² Now the passage of scripture that he was reading aloud was this:

³⁴ And the eunuch answered and^[lc] said to Philip, “I ask you, about whom does the prophet say this—about himself or about someone else?” ³⁵ So Philip opened his mouth and beginning from this scripture, proclaimed the good news to him about Jesus. ³⁶ And as they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”^{[ld] 38} And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water—Philip and the eunuch—and he baptized him. ³⁹ And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer, for he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ But Philip found himself at Azotus, and as he^[le] passed through, he proclaimed the good news to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

Saul’s Conversion on the Damascus Road

9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest ² and^[lf] asked for letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, both men and women, he could bring them^[lg] tied up^[lh] to Jerusalem. ³ Now as he proceeded, it happened that when he approached Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. ⁴ And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” ⁵ So he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting! ⁶ But get up and enter into the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.”^{[li] 7} (Now the men who were traveling together with him stood speechless, because they^[lj] heard the voice but saw no one.) ⁸ So Saul got up from the ground, but although^[lk] his eyes were open he could see nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. ⁹ And he was unable to see^[ll] for three days, and he did not eat or drink.

Ananias Sent to Saul

¹⁰ Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus named^[lm] Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” And he said, “Behold, here I am, Lord!” ¹¹ And the Lord said to him, “Get up, go to the street called ‘Straight’ and in the house of Judas look for a man named Saul from Tarsus.^[ln] For behold, he is praying, ¹² and he has seen in a vision a man named^[lo] Ananias coming in and placing hands^[lp] on him so that he may regain his sight.” ¹³ But Ananias replied, “Lord, I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, ¹⁴ and here he has authority from the chief priests to tie up^[lq] all who call upon your name!” ¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, because this man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before Gentiles^[lr] and kings and the sons of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” ¹⁷ So Ananias departed and entered into the house, and placing his^[ls] hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he regained his sight and got up and^[lt] was baptized, ¹⁹ and after^[lu] taking food, he regained his strength. And he was with the disciples in Damascus several days.

Saul Proclaims Christ in Damascus

²⁰ And immediately he began proclaiming^[lv] Jesus in the synagogues: “This one is the Son of God!” ²¹ And all who heard him^[lw] were amazed, and were saying, “Is this not the one who was wreaking havoc in Jerusalem on those who call upon this name, and had come here for this reason, that he could bring them tied up^[lx] to the chief priests?” ²² But Saul was increasing in strength even more, and was confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by^[ly] proving that this one is the Christ.^[lz]

²³ And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted to do away with him. ²⁴ But their plot became known to Saul, and they were also watching the gates both day and night so that they could do away with him. ²⁵ But his disciples took him^[ma] at night and^[mb] let him down through the wall by^[mc] lowering him^[md] in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

²⁶ And when he^[me] arrived in Jerusalem, he was attempting to associate with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they^[mf] did not believe that he was a disciple. ²⁷ But Barnabas took him and^[mg] brought him^[mh] to the apostles and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. ²⁸ And he was going in and going out among them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ And he was speaking and debating with the Greek-speaking Jews,^[mi] but they were trying to do away with him. ³⁰ And when^[mj] the brothers found out, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

³¹ Then the church throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being strengthened. And living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it was increasing in numbers.^[mk]

Aeneas Healed

³² Now it happened that as^[ml] Peter was traveling through all the places,^[mm] he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda. ³³ And he found there a certain man named^[mn] Aeneas who was paralyzed, who had been lying on a mat^[mo] for eight years. ³⁴ And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed yourself!” And immediately he got up. ³⁵ And all those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, who all^[mp] indeed turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Raised

³⁶ Now in Joppa there was a certain female disciple named^[mq] Tabitha (which translated means “Dorcas”).^[mr] She was full of good deeds and charitable giving which she was constantly doing.^{[ms] 37} Now it happened that in those days after^[mt] becoming sick, she died. And after^[mu] washing her,^[mv] they placed her in an upstairs room. ³⁸ And because^[mw] Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, when they^[mx] heard that Peter was in Lydda,^[my] sent two men to him, urging, “Do not delay to come to us!” ³⁹ So Peter got up and^[mz] accompanied them. When he^[na] arrived, they brought him^[nb] up to the upstairs room, and all the widows came to him, weeping and showing him^[nc] tunics and other clothing that Dorcas used to make while she^[nd] was with them. ⁴⁰ But Peter sent them all outside, and, falling to his^[ne] knees, he prayed. And turning toward the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” And she opened her eyes, and when she^[nf] saw Peter, she sat up. ⁴¹ And he gave her his hand and^[ng] raised her up. And he called the saints and the widows and^[nh] presented her alive. ⁴² And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ And it happened that he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner.^[ni]

Cornelius Has a Vision

10 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named^[nj] Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Cohort, ² devout and fearing God together with all his household, doing many charitable deeds for the people and praying to God continually.^{[nk] 3} About the ninth hour of the day, he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius.” ⁴ And he stared at him and became terrified and^[nl] said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your charitable deeds have gone up for a memorial offering before God. ⁵ And now, send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon, who is also called Peter. ⁶ This man is staying as a guest with a certain Simon, a tanner,^[nm] whose house is by the sea.” ⁷ And when the angel who spoke to him departed, he summoned two of the household slaves and a devout soldier from those who attended him, ⁸ and after he^[nn] had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter Has a Vision

⁹ And the next day, as^[no] they were on their way and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about the sixth hour. ¹⁰ And he became hungry and wanted to eat. But while^[np] they were preparing the food,^[nq] a trance came over him. ¹¹ And he saw heaven opened and an object something like a large sheet coming down, being let down to the earth by its four corners, ¹² in which were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth and birds of the sky. ¹³ And a voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, slaughter and eat!” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “Certainly not, Lord! For I have never eaten anything common and unclean!” ¹⁵ And the voice came again to him for the second time: “The things which God has made clean, you must not consider unclean!” ¹⁶ And this happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven.

¹⁷ Now while Peter was greatly perplexed within himself as to what the vision that he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having found the house of Simon by asking around, stood at the gate. ¹⁸ And they called out and^[nr] asked if Simon who was also called Peter was staying there as a guest. ¹⁹ And while^[ns] Peter was reflecting about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, men^[nt] are looking for you. ²⁰ But get up, go down, and go with them—not hesitating at all, because I have sent them.” ²¹ So Peter went down to the men and^[nu] said, “Behold, I am he whom you are looking for! What is the reason for which you have come?” ²² And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man—and well spoken of by the whole nation of the Jews—was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear words from you.” ²³ So he invited them in and^[nv] entertained them as guests, and on the next day he got up and^[nw] went away with them. And some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ And on the next day he entered into Caesarea.

Peter Visits Cornelius

Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and^[nx] had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ So it happened that when Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his^[ny] feet, and^[nz] worshiped him.^{[oa] 26} But Peter helped him up, saying, “Get up! I myself am also a man!” ²⁷ And as he^[ob] conversed with him, he went in and found many people gathered. ²⁸ And he said to them, “You know that it is forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or to approach a foreigner. And to me God has shown that I should call no man common or unclean. ²⁹ Therefore—and without raising any objection—I came when I^[oc] was sent for. So I ask for what reason you sent for me.”

³⁰ And Cornelius said, “Four days ago at this hour,^[od] the ninth, I was praying in my house. And behold, a man in shining clothing stood before me ³¹ and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your charitable deeds have been remembered before God. ³² Therefore send to Joppa and summon Simon who is also called Peter. This man is staying as a guest in the house of Simon, a tanner,^[oe] by the sea. ³³ Therefore I sent for you at once, and you were kind enough to come.^[of] So now we all are present before God to hear all the things that have been commanded to you by the Lord.”

³⁴ So Peter opened his^[og] mouth and^[oh] said, “In truth I understand that God is not one who shows partiality, ³⁵ but in every nation the one who fears him and who does what is right is acceptable to him. ³⁶ As for^[oi] the message that he sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—this one is Lord of all— ³⁷ you know the thing that happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism that John proclaimed: ³⁸ Jesus of Nazareth—how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. ³⁹ And we are witnesses of all the things that he did both in the land of the Judeans and in Jerusalem, whom they also executed by^[oj] hanging him^[ok] on a tree. ⁴⁰ God raised this one up on the third day and granted that he should become visible, ⁴¹ not to all the people but to us who had been chosen beforehand by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify solemnly that this one is the one appointed^[ol] by God as judge of the living and of the dead. ⁴³ To this one all the prophets testify, that through his name everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins.”

The Holy Spirit Given to Gentiles

⁴⁴ While^[om] Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who were listening to the message. ⁴⁵ And those believers from the circumcision who had accompanied Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles, ⁴⁶ for they heard them speaking in tongues and glorifying God. Then Peter said, ⁴⁷ “Surely no one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as we also did!” ⁴⁸ So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for several days.

Peter’s Explanation to the Church in Jerusalem

11 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had accepted the word^[on] of God. ² So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision took issue with him, ³ saying, “You went to men who were uncircumcised^[oo] and ate with them!” ⁴ But Peter began and^[op] explained it^[oq] to them in an orderly sequence, saying, ⁵ “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision—an object something like a large sheet coming down, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came to me. ⁶ As I^[or] looked intently into it, I was considering it,^[os] and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild animals and the reptiles and the birds of the sky. ⁷ And I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter, slaughter and eat!’ ⁸ But I said, ‘Certainly not, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has ever entered into my mouth!’ ⁹ But the voice replied from heaven for the second time, ‘The things which God has made clean, you must not consider unclean!’ ¹⁰ And this happened three times, and everything was pulled up into heaven again. ¹¹ And behold, at once three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea approached the house in which we were staying.^{[ot] 12} And the Spirit told me to accompany them, not hesitating at all. So these six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the man’s house. ¹³ And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter, ¹⁴ who will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ ¹⁵ And as I was beginning to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as also on us at the beginning. ¹⁶ And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’^{[ou] 17} Therefore if God gave them the same gift as also to us when we^[ov] believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to hinder God?” ¹⁸ And when they^[ow] heard these things, they became silent^[ox] and praised God, saying, “Then God has granted the repentance leading to life to the Gentiles also!”

Developments in the Church in Antioch

¹⁹ Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, proclaiming the message to no one except Jews alone. ²⁰ But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they^[oy] came to Antioch, began to speak^[oz] to the Hellenists^[pa] also, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. ²¹ And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. ²² And the report came to the attention^[pb] of the church that was in Jerusalem about them, and they sent out Barnabas as far as^[pc] Antioch, ²³ who, when he^[pd] arrived and saw the grace of God, rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with devoted hearts,^{[pe] 24} because he was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a large number were added^[pf] to the Lord. ²⁵ So he departed for Tarsus to look for Saul. ²⁶ And when he^[pg] found him,^[ph] he brought him^[pi] to Antioch. And it happened to them also that they met together for a whole year with the church and taught a large number of people.^[pj] And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

²⁷ Now in those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. ²⁸ And one of them named^[pk] Agabus stood up and^[pl] indicated by the Spirit that a great famine was about to come over the whole inhabited earth (which took place in the time of Claudius). ²⁹ So from the disciples, according to their ability to give,^[pm] each one of them determined to send financial aid^[pn] for support to the brothers who lived in Judea, ³⁰ which they also did, sending the aid^[po] to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Herod Kills James and Imprisons Peter

12 Now at that time, Herod the king laid hands on some of those from the church to harm them.^{[pp] 2} So he executed James the brother of John with a sword. ³ And when he^[pq] saw that it was pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (Now this was during the feast^[pr] of Unleavened Bread.) ⁴ After he^[ps] had arrested him,^[pt] he also put him^[pu] in prison, handing him^[pv] over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out for public trial^[pw] after the Passover. ⁵ Thus Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently being made to God by the church for him.

Peter Rescued by an Angel

⁶ Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door were watching the prison. ⁷ And behold, an angel of the Lord stood near him,^[px] and a light shone in the prison cell. And striking Peter’s side, he woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly!”^[py] And his chains fell off of his^[pz] hands. ⁸ And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals!” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me!” ⁹ And he went out and^[qa] was following him.^[qb] And he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real, but was thinking he was seeing a vision. ¹⁰ And after they^[qc] had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened for them by itself, and they went out and^[qd] went forward along one narrow street, and at once the angel departed from him.

¹¹ And when^[qe] Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know truly that the Lord has sent out his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and all that the Jewish people expected!”^{[qf] 12} And when he^[qg] realized this,^[qh] he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John (who is also called Mark), where many people were gathered together and were praying. ¹³ And when^[qi] he knocked at the door of the gateway, a female slave named^[qj] Rhoda came up to answer. ¹⁴ And recognizing Peter’s voice, because of her^[qk] joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and^[ql] announced that Peter was standing at the gate. ¹⁵ But they said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting^[qm] it was so. And they kept saying,^[qn] “It is his angel!” ¹⁶ But Peter was continuing to knock, and when they^[qo] opened the door^[qp] they saw him and were astonished. ¹⁷ But motioning to them with his^[qq] hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and to the brothers,” and he departed and^[qr] went to another place.

¹⁸ Now when^[qs] day came, there was not a little commotion among the soldiers as to what then had become of Peter. ¹⁹ And when^[qt] Herod had searched for him and did not find him,^[qu] he questioned the guards and^[qv] ordered that they be led away to execution. And he came down from Judea to Caesarea and^[qw] stayed there.

Herod’s Gruesome Death

²⁰ Now he was very angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians. So they came to him with one purpose, and after^[qx] persuading Blastus, the king’s chamberlain,^[qy] they asked for peace, because their country was supported with food from the king’s country. ²¹ So on an appointed day Herod, after^[qz] putting on royal clothing and sitting down on the judgment seat, began to deliver a public address to them. ²² But the people began to call out loudly,^[ra] “The voice of a god and not of a man!” ²³ And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him down because^[rb] he did not give the glory to God. And he was eaten by worms and^[rc] died. ²⁴ But the word of God kept on increasing^[rd] and multiplying.

²⁵ So Barnabas and Saul returned to^[re] Jerusalem when they^[rf] had completed their^[rg] service, having taken along with them^[rh] John (who is also called Mark).

Barnabas and Saul Sent Out from Antioch

13 Now there were prophets and teachers in Antioch in the church that was there: Barnabas, and Simeon (who was called Niger), and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen (a close friend of Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. ² And while^[ri] they were serving the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart now for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then, after they^[rj] had fasted and prayed and placed their^[rk] hands on them, they sent them^[rl] away.

Confronting a Magician on Cyprus

⁴ Therefore, sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed away to Cyprus. ⁵ And when they^[rm] came to Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John as assistant. ⁶ And when they^[rn] had crossed over the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar-Jesus, ⁷ who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and^[ro] wished to hear the word of God. ⁸ But Elymas the magician (for his name is translated in this way) opposed them, attempting to turn the proconsul away from the faith. ⁹ But Saul (also called Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him ¹⁰ and^[rp] said, “O you who are full of all deceit and of all unscrupulousness, you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness! Will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord! ¹¹ And now behold, the hand of the Lord is against you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a while.^[rq] And immediately mist and darkness fell over him, and he was going around looking for people^[rr] to lead him^[rs] by the hand. ¹² Then when^[rt] the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, because he^[ru] was astounded at the teaching about^[rv] the Lord.

Preaching in the Synagogue at Pisidian Antioch

¹³ Now Paul and his companions^[rw] put out to sea from Paphos and^[rx] came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John departed from them and^[ry] returned to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And they went on from Perga and^[rz] arrived at Pisidian Antioch. And they entered into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbath and^[sa] sat down. ¹⁵ So after the reading from the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent word^[sb] to them, saying, “Men and brothers, if there is any message of exhortation by you for the people, say it.”^[sc]

¹⁶ So Paul stood up,^[sd] and motioning with his^[se] hand, he said, “Israelite men, and those who fear God, listen! ¹⁷ The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people during their^[sf] stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it. ¹⁸ And for a period of time of about forty years, he put up with them in the wilderness. ¹⁹ And after^[sg] destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave their land to his people^[sh] as an inheritance. ²⁰ This took^[si] about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things, he gave them^[sj] judges until Samuel the prophet. ²¹ And then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. ²² And after^[sk] removing him, he raised up David for their king, about whom he also said, testifying, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man in accordance with my heart, who will carry out all my will.’^{[sl] 23} From the descendants of this man, according to his promise, God brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus. ²⁴ Before his coming^[sm] John had publicly proclaimed^[sn] a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. ²⁵ But while John was completing his^[so] mission, he said, ‘What do you suppose me to be? I am not he! But behold, one is coming after me of whom I am not worthy to untie the sandals of his^[sp] feet!’

²⁶ “Men and brothers, sons of the family of Abraham and those among you who fear God—to us the message of this salvation has been sent! ²⁷ For those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they^[sq] did not recognize this one, and the voices of the prophets that are read on every Sabbath, fulfilled them^[sr] by^[ss] condemning him.^{[st] 28} And although they^[su] found no charge worthy of death, they asked Pilate that he be executed. ²⁹ And when they had carried out all the things that were written about him, they took him^[sv] down from the tree and^[sw] placed him^[sx] in a tomb. ³⁰ But God raised him from the dead, ³¹ who appeared for many days to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem—who are now his witnesses to the people. ³² And we proclaim the good news to you: that the promise that was made to the fathers, ³³ this promise^[sy] God has fulfilled to our children^[sz] by^[ta] raising Jesus, as it is also written in the second psalm,

³⁴ But that he has raised him from the dead, no more going to return to decay, he has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the reliable divine decrees of David.’^{[tc] 35} Therefore he also says in another psalm,^[td]

³⁶ For David, after^[tf] serving the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was buried with^[tg] his fathers, and experienced decay. ³⁷ But he whom God raised up did not experience decay.

³⁸ “Therefore let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and from all the things from which you were not able to be justified by the law of Moses, ³⁹ by this one everyone who believes is justified! ⁴⁰ Watch out, therefore, lest what is stated by the prophets come upon you:^[th]

Response to the Message in Pisidian Antioch

⁴² And as^[tk] they were going out, they began urging^[tl] that these things be spoken about to them on the next Sabbath. ⁴³ And after^[tm] the synagogue had broken up, many of the Jews and the devout^[tn] proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking to them and^[to] were persuading them to continue in the grace of God. ⁴⁴ And on the coming Sabbath, nearly the whole city came together to hear the word of the Lord. ⁴⁵ But when^[tp] the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and began contradicting what was being said by Paul by^[tq] reviling him.^{[tr] 46} Both Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly and^[ts] said, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken first to you, since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life! Behold, we are turning to the Gentiles! ⁴⁷ For so the Lord has commanded us:

⁴⁸ And when^[tw] the Gentiles heard this,^[tx] they began to rejoice^[ty] and to glorify the word of the Lord. And all those who were designated for eternal life believed. ⁴⁹ So the word of the Lord was carried through the whole region. ⁵⁰ But the Jews incited the devout women of high social standing and the most prominent men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their district. ⁵¹ So after^[tz] shaking off the dust from their feet against them, they went to Iconium. ⁵² And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Preaching in Iconium

14 Now it happened that in Iconium they entered together^[ua] into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke in such a way that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed. ² But the Jews who were disobedient stirred up and poisoned the minds^[ub] of the Gentiles against the brothers. ³ So they stayed there^[uc] for a considerable time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who testified to the message of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be performed through their hands. ⁴ But the population of the city was divided, and some^[ud] were with the Jews and some^[ue] with the apostles. ⁵ So when an inclination took place on the part of both the Gentiles and the Jews, together with their rulers, to mistreat them^[uf] and to stone them, ⁶ they became aware of it^[ug] and^[uh] fled to the Lycaonian cities—Lystra and Derbe and the surrounding region. ⁷ And there they were continuing to proclaim the good news.

Mistaken for Gods in Lystra

⁸ And in Lystra a certain man was sitting powerless in his feet, lame from birth,^[ui] who had never walked. ⁹ This man listened while^[uj] Paul was speaking. Paul,^[uk] looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be healed, ¹⁰ said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” And he leaped up and began walking.^[ul]