The Holy Bible

Part 64 out of 74





THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES



This Book, which, from the first ages, hath been called, THE ACTS OF
THE APOSTLES, is not to be considered as a history of what was done by
all the Apostles, who were dispersed into different nations; but only a
short view of the first establishment of the Christian Church. A part
of the preaching and action of St. Peter are related in the first
twelve chapters; and a particular account of St. Paul's apostolical
labours in the subsequent chapters. It was written by St. Luke the
Evangelist, and the original in Greek. Its history commences from the
Ascension of Christ our Lord and ends in the year sixty-three, being a
brief account of the Church for the space of about thirty years.



Acts Chapter 1


The ascension of Christ. Matthias is chosen in place of Judas.

1:1. The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all things which
Jesus began to do and to teach,

1:2. Until the day on which, giving commandments by the Holy Ghost to
the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken up.

1:3. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, by many
proofs, for forty days appearing to them, and speaking of the kingdom
of God.

1:4. And eating together with them, he commanded them, that they should
not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for the promise of the
Father, which you have heard (saith he) by my mouth.

1:5. For John indeed baptized with water: but you shall be baptized
with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.

1:6. They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord,
wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom of Israel?

1:7. But he said to them: It is not for you to know the time or
moments, which the Father hath put in his own power:

1:8. But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost coming upon you,
and you shall be witnesses unto me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and
Samaria, and even to the uttermost part of the earth.

1:9. And when he had said these things, while they looked on, he was
raised up: and a cloud received him out of their sight.

1:10. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven, behold two
men stood by them in white garments.

1:11. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you looking up to
heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come
as you have seen him going into heaven.

1:12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that is called
Olivet, which is nigh Jerusalem, within a sabbath day's journey.

1:13. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room,
where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas,
Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Jude
the brother of James.

1:14. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer with the
women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.

1:15. In those days Peter rising up in the midst of the brethren, said
(now the number of persons together was about an hundred and twenty):

1:16. Men, brethren, the scripture must needs be fulfilled, which the
Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was
the leader of them that apprehended Jesus:

1:17. Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

1:18. And he indeed hath possessed a field of the reward of iniquity,
and being hanged, burst asunder in the midst: and all his bowels gushed
out.

1:19. And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem: so that
the same field was called in their tongue, Haceldama, that is to say,
The field of blood.

1:20. For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their habitation
become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein. And his
bishopric let another take.

1:21. Wherefore of these men who have companied with us, all the time
that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us,

1:22. Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day wherein he was
taken up from us, one of these must be made a witness with us of his
resurrection.

1:23. And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who was surnamed
Justus, and Matthias.

1:24. And praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the heart of all
men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

1:25. To take the place of this ministry and apostleship, from which
Judas hath by transgression fallen, that he might go to his own place.

1:26. And they gave them lot, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he
was numbered with the eleven apostles.



Acts Chapter 2


The disciples receive the Holy Ghost. Peter's sermon to the people. The
piety of the first converts.

2:1. And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished, they were
all together in one place:

2:2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind
coming: and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

2:3. And there appeared to them parted tongues, as it were of fire: and
it sat upon every one of them.

2:4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they began to
speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy Ghost gave them to
speak.

2:5. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout men, out of
every nation under heaven.

2:6. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and
were confounded in mind, because that every man heard them speak in his
own tongue.

2:7. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying: Behold, are not
all these that speak Galilean?

2:8. And how have we heard, every man our own tongue wherein we were
born?

2:9. Parthians and Medes and Elamites and inhabitants of Mesopotamia,
Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

2:10. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene,
and strangers of Rome,

2:11. Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we have heard
them speak in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.

2:12. And they were all astonished, and wondered, saying one to
another: What meaneth this?

2:13. But others mocking, said: These men are full of new wine.

2:14. But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and
spoke to them: Ye men of Judea, and all you that dwell in Jerusalem, be
this known to you and with your ears receive my words.

2:15. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, seeing it is but the
third hour of the day:

2:16. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet Joel:

2:17. And it shall come to pass, in the last days, (saith the Lord), 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.

2:18. And upon my servants indeed and upon my handmaids will I pour out
in those days of my spirit: and they shall prophesy.

2:19. And I will shew wonders in the heaven above, and signs on the
earth beneath: blood and fire, and vapour of smoke.

2:20. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood,
before the great and manifest day of the Lord to come.

2:21. And it shalt come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the
name of the Lord shall be saved.

2:22. 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 you also know:

2:23. This same being delivered up, by the determinate counsel and
foreknowledge of God, you by the hands of wicked men have crucified and
slain.

By the determinate, etc. . .God delivered up his Son; and his Son
delivered up himself, for the love of us, and for the sake of our
salvation; and so Christ's being delivered up was holy, and was God's
own determination. But they who betrayed and crucified him, did
wickedly, following therein their own malice and the instigation of the
devil; not the will and determination of God, who was by no means the
author of their wickedness; though he permitted it; because he could,
and did draw out of it so great a good, viz., the salvation of man.

2:24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the sorrows of hell, as it
was impossible that he should be holden by it.

Having loosed the sorrow, etc. . .Having overcome the grievous pains of
death and all the power of hell.

2:25. For David saith concerning him: I foresaw the Lord before my
face: because he is at my right hand, that I may not be moved.

2:26. For this my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath rejoiced:
moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.

2:27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell: nor suffer thy Holy
One to see corruption.

2:28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life: thou shalt make me
full of joy with thy countenance.

2:29. Ye men, brethren, let me freely speak to you of the patriarch
David: that he died and was buried; and his sepulchre is with us to
this present say.

2:30. Whereas therefore he was a prophet and knew that God hath sworn
to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins one should sit upon
his throne.

2:31. Foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of Christ. For
neither was he left in hell: neither did his flesh see corruption.

2:32. This Jesus hath God raised again, whereof all we are witnesses.

2:33. Being exalted therefore by the right hand of God and having
received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath poured
forth this which you see and hear.

2:34. For David ascended not into heaven; but he himself said: The Lord
said to my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand,

2:35. Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.

2:36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know most certainly that
God hath made both Lord and Christ, this same Jesus, whom you have
crucified.

2:37. Now when they had heard these things, they had compunction in
their heart and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: What
shall we do, men and brethren?

2:38. But Peter said to them: Do penance: and be baptized every one of
you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. And
you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

2:39. For the promise is to you and to your children and to all that
are far off, whomsoever the Lord our God shall call.

2:40. And with very many other words did he testify and exhort them,
saying: Save yourselves from this perverse generation.

2:41. They therefore that received his word were baptized: and there
were added in that day about three thousand souls.

2:42. And they were persevering in the doctrine of the apostles and in
the communication of the breaking of bread and in prayers.

2:43. And fear came upon every soul. Many wonders also and signs were
done by the apostles in Jerusalem: and there was great fervor in all.

2:44. And all they that believed were together and had all things
common.

2:45. Their possessions and goods they sold and divided them to all,
according as every one had need.

2:46. And continuing daily with one accord in the temple and breaking
bread from house to house, they took their meat with gladness and
simplicity of heart:

2:47. Praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord
increased daily together such as should be saved.



Acts Chapter 3


The miracle upon the lame man, followed by the conversion of many.

3:1. Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the ninth hour of
prayer.

3:2. And a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried:
whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple, which is called
Beautiful, that he might ask alms of them that went into the temple.

3:3. He, when he had seen Peter and John, about to go into the temple,
asked to receive an alms.

3:4. But Peter with John, fastening his eyes upon him, said: Look upon
us.

3:5. But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he should receive
something of them.

3:6. But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I
give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, arise and walk.

3:7. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up: and forthwith
his feet and soles received strength.

3:8. And he leaping up, stood and walked and went in with them into the
temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

3:9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

3:10. And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging alms at the
Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and
amazement at that which had happened to him.

3:11. And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran to them, to the
porch which is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

3:12. But Peter seeing, made answer to the people: Ye men of Israel,
why wonder you at this? Or why look you upon us, as if by our strength
or power we had made this man to walk?

3:13. The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the
God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom you indeed
delivered up and denied before the face of Pilate, when he judged he
should be released.

3:14. But you denied the Holy One and the Just: and desired a murderer
to be granted unto you.

3:15. But the author of life you killed, whom God hath raised from the
dead: of which we are witnesses.

3:16. And in the faith of his name, this man, whom you have seen and
known, hath his name strengthened. And the faith which is by him hath
given this perfect soundness in the sight of you all.

3:17. And now, brethren, I know that you did it through ignorance: as
did also your rulers.

3:18. But those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all
the prophets, that his Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.

3:19. Be penitent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be
blotted out.

3:20. That when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence
of the Lord, and he shall send him who hath been preached unto you,
Jesus Christ.

3:21. Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of the
restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of his
holy prophets, from the beginning of the world.

3:22. For Moses said: A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto
you of your brethren, like unto me: him you shall hear according to all
things whatsoever he shall speak to you.

3:23. And it shall be, that every soul which will not hear that prophet
shall be destroyed from among the people.

3:24. And all the prophets, from Samuel and afterwards, who have
spoken, have told of these days.

3:25. You are the children of the prophets and of the testament which
God made to our fathers, saying to Abraham: And in thy seed shall all
the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

3:26. To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him to bless
you: that every one may convert himself from his wickedness.



Acts Chapter 4


Peter and John are apprehended. Their constancy. The church is
increased.

4:1. And as they were speaking to the people the priests and the
officer of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them,

4:2. Being grieved that they taught the people and preached in Jesus
the resurrection from the dead:

4:3. And they laid hands upon them and put them in hold till the next
day: for it was now evening.

4:4. But many of them who had heard the word believed: and the number
of the men was made five thousand.

4:5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their princes and ancients
and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.

4:6. And Annas the high priest and Caiphas and John and Alexander: and
as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

4:7. And setting them in the midst, they asked: By what power or by
what name, have you done this?

4:8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: Ye princes
of the people and ancients, hear.

4:9. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the
infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole:

4:10. Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom
God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here
before you, whole.

4:11. This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which
is become the head of the corner.

4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other
name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved.

4:13. Now seeing the constancy of Peter and of John, understanding that
they were illiterate and ignorant men, they wondered: and they knew
them that they had been with Jesus.

4:14. Seeing the man also who had been healed, standing with them, they
could say nothing against it.

4:15. But they commanded them to go aside out of the council: and they
conferred among themselves,

4:16. Saying: What shall we do to these men? For indeed a miracle hath
been done by them, known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is
manifest: and we cannot deny it.

4:17. But that it may be no farther spread among the people, let us
threaten them that they speak no more in this name to any man.

4:18. And calling them, they charged them not to speak at all, nor
teach in the name of Jesus.

4:19. But Peter and John answering, said to them: If it be just, in the
sight of God, to hear you rather than God, judge ye.

4:20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

4:21. But they, threatening, sent them away, not finding how they might
punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified what had been
done, in that which had come to pass.

4:22. For the man was above forty years old, in whom that miraculous
cure had been wrought.

4:23. And being let go, they came to their own company and related all
that the chief priests and ancients had said to them.

4:24. Who having heard it, with one accord lifted up their voice to God
and said: Lord, thou art he that didst make heaven and earth, the sea
and all things that are in them.

4:25. Who, by the Holy Ghost, by the mouth of our father David, thy
servant, hast said: Why did the Gentiles rage: and the people meditate
vain things?

4:26. The kings of the earth stood up: and the princes assembled
together against the Lord and his Christ.

4:27. For of a truth there assembled together in this city against thy
holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, Herod, and Pontius Pilate,
with the Gentiles and the people of Israel,

4:28. To do what thy hand and thy counsel decreed to be done.

4:29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy
servants that with all confidence they may speak thy word,

4:30. By stretching forth thy hand to cures and signs and wonders, to
be done by the name of thy holy Son, Jesus.

4:31. And when they had prayed, the place was moved wherein they were
assembled: and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they spoke
the word of God with confidence.

4:32. And the multitude of believers had but one heart and one soul.
Neither did any one say that aught of the things which he possessed was
his own: but all things were common unto them.

4:33. And with great power did the Apostles give testimony of the
resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord: and great grace was in them all.

4:34. For neither was there any one needy among them. For as many as
were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the price of the
things they sold,

4:35. And laid it down before the feet of the apostles. And
distribution was made to every one, according as he had need.

4:36. And Joseph, who, by the apostles, was surnamed Barnabas (which
is, by interpretation, The son of consolation), a Levite, a Cyprian
born,

4:37. Having land, sold it and brought the price and laid it at the
feet of the Apostles.



Acts Chapter 5


The judgment of God upon Ananias and Saphira. The apostles are cast
into prison.

5:1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his wife, sold a
piece of land,

5:2. And by fraud kept back part of the price of the land, his wife
being privy thereunto: and bringing a certain part of it, laid it at
the feet of the apostles.

5:3. But Peter said: Ananias, why hath Satan tempted thy heart, that
thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost and by fraud keep part of the price
of the land?

5:4. Whilst it remained, did it not remain to thee? And after it was
sold, was it not in thy power? Why hast thou conceived this thing in
thy heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to God.

5:5. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and gave up the ghost.
And there came great fear upon all that heard it.

5:6. And the young men rising up, removed him, and carrying him out,
buried him.

5:7. And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife,
not knowing what had happened, came in.

5:8. And Peter said to her: Tell me, woman, whether you sold the land
for so much? And she said: Yea, for so much.

5:9. And Peter said unto her: Why have you agreed together to tempt the
spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them who have buried thy husband
are at the door: and they shall carry thee out,

5:10. Immediately, she fell down before his feet and gave up the ghost.
And the young men coming in found her dead: and carried her out and
buried her by her husband.

5:11. And there came great fear upon the whole church and upon all that
heard these things.

5:12. 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.

5:13. But of the rest no man durst join himself unto them: but the
people magnified them.

5:14. And the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord was
more increased:

5:15. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets and
laid them on beds and couches, that, when Peter came, his shadow at the
least might overshadow any of them and they might be delivered from
their infirmities.

5:16. And there came also together to Jerusalem a multitude out of the
neighbouring cities, bringing sick persons and such as were troubled
with unclean spirits: who were all healed.

5:17. Then the high priest rising up, and all they that were with him
(which is the heresy of the Sadducees) were filled with envy.

5:18. And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in the common
prison.

5:19. But an angel of the Lord by night, opening the doors of the
prison and leading them out, said:

5:20. Go, and standing speak in the temple to the people all the words
of this life.

5:21. Who having heard this, early in the morning, entered into the
temple and taught. And the high priest coming, and they that were with
him, called together the council and all the ancients of the children
of Israel: and they sent to the prison to have them brought.

5:22. But when the ministers came and opening the prison found them not
there, they returned and told,

5:23. Saying: The prison indeed we found shut with all diligence, and
the keepers standing before the door: but opening it, we found no man
within.

5:24. Now when the officer of the temple and the chief priests heard
these words, they were in doubt concerning them, what would come to
pass.

5:25. But one came and told them: Behold, the men whom you put in
prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.

5:26. Then went the officer with the ministers and brought them without
violence: for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned.

5:27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the council.
And the high priest asked them,

5:28. Saying: Commanding, we commanded you that you should not teach in
this name. And behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine:
and you have a mind to bring the blood of this man upon us.

5:29. But Peter and the apostles answering, said: We ought to obey God
rather than men.

5:30. The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom you put to
death, hanging him upon a tree.

5:31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be Prince and
Saviour. to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins.

5:32. And we are witnesses of these things: and the Holy Ghost, whom
God hath given to all that obey him.

5:33. When they had heard these things, they were cut to the heart: and
they thought to put them to death.

5:34. But one in the council rising up, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a
doctor of the law, respected by all the people, commanded the men to be
put forth a little while.

5:35. And he said to them: Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves
what you intend to do, as touching these men.

5:36. For before these days rose up Theodas, affirming himself to be
somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined
themselves. Who was slain: and all that believed him were scattered and
brought to nothing.

5:37. After this man, rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days of the
enrolling, and drew away the people after him. He also perished: and
all, even as many as consented to him, were dispersed.

5:38. And now, therefore, I say to you: Refrain from these men and let
them alone. For if this council or this work be of men, it will come to
nought:

5:39. But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest perhaps you be
found even to fight against God. And they consented to him.

5:40. And calling in the apostles, after they had scourged them, they
charged them that they should not speak at all in the name of Jesus.
And they dismissed them.

5:41. And they indeed went from the presence of the council, rejoicing
that they were accounted worthy to suffer reproach for the name of
Jesus.

5:42. And every day they ceased not, in the temple and from house to
house, to teach and preach Christ Jesus.



Acts Chapter 6


The ordination of the seven deacons. The zeal of Stephen.

6:1. And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there
arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their
widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Greeks. . .So they called the Jews that were born and brought up in
Greece.

6:2. Then the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples,
said: It is not reason that we should leave the word of God and serve
tables.

6:3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of good
reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over
this business.

6:4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the
ministry of the word.

6:5. And the saying was liked by all the 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.

6:6. These they set before the apostles: and they praying, imposed
hands upon them.

6:7. And the word of the Lord increased: and the number of the
disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great multitude
also of the priests obeyed the faith.

6:8. And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great wonders and
signs among the people.

6:9. Now there arose some, of that which is called the synagogue of the
Libertines and of the Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians and of them
that were of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

6:10. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit that
spoke.

6:11. Then they suborned men to say they had heard him speak words of
blasphemy against Moses and against God.

6:12. And they stirred up the people and the ancients and the scribes.
And running together, they took him and brought him to the council.

6:13. And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man ceaseth not
to speak words against the holy place and the law.

6:14. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall
destroy this place and shall change the traditions which Moses
delivered unto us.

6:15. And all that sat in the council, looking on him, saw his face as
if it had been the face of an angel.



Acts Chapter 7


Stephen's speech before the council. His martyrdom.

7:1. Then the high priest said: Are these things so?

7:2. Who said: Ye men, brethren and fathers, hear. The God of glory
appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he
dwelt in Charan.

7:3. And said to him: Go forth out of thy country and from thy kindred:
and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

7:4. Then he went out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelt in Charan.
And from thence, after his father was dead, he removed him into this
land, wherein you now dwell.

7:5. And he gave him no inheritance in it: no, not the pace of a foot.
But he promised to give it him in possession, and to his seed after
him, when as yet he had no child.

7:6. And God said to him: That his seed should sojourn in a strange
country, and that they should bring them under bondage and treat them
evil four hundred years.

7:7. And the nation which they shall serve will I judge (said the
Lord): and after these things they shall go out and shall serve me in
this place.

7:8. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so he begot
Isaac and circumcised him the eighth day: and Isaac begot Jacob: and
Jacob, the twelve patriarchs.

7:9. And the patriarchs, through envy, sold Joseph into Egypt. And God
was with him,

7:10. And delivered him out of all his tribulations: and he gave him
favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao, the king of Egypt. And he
appointed him governor over Egypt and over all his house.

7:11. Now there came a famine upon all Egypt and Chanaan, and great
tribulation: and our fathers found no food.

7:12. But when Jacob had heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent
our fathers first.

7:13. And at the second time, Joseph was known by his brethren: and his
kindred was made known to Pharao.

7:14. And Joseph sending, called thither Jacob, his father, and all his
kindred, seventy-five souls.

7:15. So Jacob went down into Egypt. And he died, and our fathers.

7:16. And they were translated into Sichem and were laid in the
sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Hemor,
the son of Sichem.

7:17. And when the time of the promise drew near, which God had
promised to Abraham, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt.

7:18. Till another king arose in Egypt, who knew not Joseph.

7:19. This same, dealing craftily with our race, afflicted our fathers,
that they should expose their children, to the end they might not be
kept alive.

7:20. At the same time was Moses born: and he was acceptable to God.
Who was nourished three months in his father's house.

7:21. And when he was exposed, Pharao's daughter took him up and
nourished him for her own son.

7:22. And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians: and
he was mighty in his words and in his deeds.

7:23. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to
visit his brethren, the children of Israel.

7:24. And when he had seen one of them suffer wrong, he defended him:
and striking the Egyptian, he avenged him who suffered the injury.

7:25. And he thought that his brethren understood that God by his hand
would save them. But they understood it not.

7:26. And the day following, he shewed himself to them when they were
at strife and would have reconciled them in peace, saying: Men, ye are
brethren. Why hurt you one another?

7:27. But he that did the injury to his neighbour thrust him away,
saying: Who hath appointed thee prince and judge over us:

7:28. What! Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst yesterday kill the
Egyptian?

7:29. And Moses fled upon this word: and was a stranger in the land of
Madian, where he begot two sons.

7:30. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him, in the
desert of mount Sina, an angel in a flame of fire in a bush.

7:31. And Moses seeing it wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to
view it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:

7:32. I am the God of thy fathers: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac
and the God of Jacob. And Moses being terrified durst not behold.

7:33. And the Lord said to him: Loose the shoes from thy feet: for the
place wherein thou standest is holy ground.

7:34. Seeing, 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: and I will send thee into Egypt.

7:35. This Moses, whom they refused, saying: Who hath appointed thee
prince and judge? Him God sent to be prince and redeemer, by the hand
of the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush.

7:36. He brought them out, doing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt
and in the Red Sea and in the desert, forty years.

7:37. This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel: A prophet
shall God raise up to you of your own brethren, as myself. Him shall
you hear.

7:38. This is he that was in the church in the wilderness, with the
angel who spoke to him on Mount Sina and with our fathers. Who received
the words of life to give unto us.

7:39. Whom our fathers would not obey: but thrust him away and in their
hearts turned back into Egypt,

7:40. Saying to Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For as for this
Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is
become of him.

7:41. And they made a calf in those days and offered sacrifices to the
idol and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

7:42. And God turned and gave them up to serve the host of heaven, as
it is written in the books of the prophets: Did you offer victims and
sacrifices to me for forty years, in the desert, O house of Israel?

7:43. And you took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of
your god Rempham, figures which you made to adore them. And I will
carry you away beyond Babylon.

7:44. The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the
desert, as God ordained for them, speaking to Moses, that he should
make it according to the form which he had seen.

7:45. Which also our fathers receiving, brought in with Jesus, into the
possession of the Gentiles: whom God drove out before the face of our
fathers, unto the days of David,

Jesus. . .That is Josue, so called in Greek.

7:46. Who found grace before God and desired to find a tabernacle for
the God of Jacob.

7:47. But Solomon built him a house,

7:48. Yet the most High dwelleth not in houses made by hands, as the
prophet saith:

Dwelleth not in houses, etc. . .That is, so as to stand in need of
earthly dwellings, or to be contained, or circumscribed by them.
Though, otherwise by his immense divinity, he is in our houses; and
every where else; and Christ in his humanity dwelt in houses; and is
now on our altars.

7:49. Heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool. What house will
you build me (saith the Lord)? Or what is the place of my resting?

7:50. Hath not my hand made all these things?

7:51. You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always
resist the Holy Ghost. As your fathers did, so do you also.

7:52. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they
have slain them who foretold of the coming of the Just One: of whom you
have been now the betrayers and murderers.

7:53. Who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have
not kept it.

7:54. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart: and they
gnashed with their teeth at him.

7:55. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to
heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of
God. And he said: Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man
standing on the right hand of God.

7:56. And they, crying out with a loud voice, stopped their ears and
with one accord ran violently upon him.

7:57. And casting him forth without the city. they stoned him. And the
witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose
name was Saul.

7:58. And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: Lord Jesus, receive
my spirit.

7:59. And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying:
Lord, lay not his sin to their charge: And when he had said this, he
fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his death.



Acts Chapter 8


Philip converts the Samaritans and baptizes the eunuch.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Acts Chapter 9


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9:37. And it came to pass in those days that she was sick and died.
Whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

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



Acts Chapter 10


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Acts Chapter 11


Peter defends his having received the Gentiles into the church.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



Acts Chapter 12


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12:11. And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in very deed that
the Lord hath sent his angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of
Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

12:12. And considering, he came to the house of Mary the mother of
John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together and
praying.

12:13. And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to
hearken. whose name was Rhode.

12:14. And as soon as she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate
for joy: but running in she told that Peter stood before the gate.

12:15. But they said to her: Thou art mad. But she affirmed that it was
so. Then said they: It is his angel.

12:16. But Peter continued knocking. And when they had opened, they saw
him and were astonished.

12:17. But he, beckoning to them with his hand to hold their peace,
told how the Lord had brought him out of prison. And he said: Tell
these things to James and to the brethren. And going out, he went into
another place.

12:18. Now when day was come, there was no small stir among the
soldiers, what was become of Peter.

12:19. And when Herod had sought for him and found him not, having
examined the keepers, he commanded they should be put to death. And
going down from Judea to Caesarea, he abode there.

12:20. And he was angry with the Tyrians and the Sidonians. But they
with one accord came to him: and, having gained Blastus who was the
king's chamberlain, they desired peace, because their countries were
nourished by him.

12:21. And upon a day appointed, Herod being arrayed in kingly apparel,
sat in the judgment seat and made an oration to them.

12:22. And the people made acclamation, saying: It is the voice of a
god, and not of a man.

12:23. And forthwith an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had
not given the honour to God: and, being eaten up by worms, he gave up
the ghost.

12:24. But the word of the Lord increased and multiplied.

12:25. And Barnabas and Saul, returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled
their ministry, taking with them John who was surnamed Mark.



Acts Chapter 13


Saul and Barnabas are sent forth by the Holy Ghost. They preach in
Cyprus and in Antioch of Pisidia.

13:1. Now there were in the church which was at Antioch prophets and
doctors, among whom was Barnabas and Simon who was called Niger, and
Lucius of Cyrene and Manahen who was the foster brother of Herod the
tetrarch, and Saul.

13:2. And as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy
Ghost said to them: Separate me Saul and Barnabas, for the work
whereunto I have taken them.

13:3. Then they fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them,
sent them away.

13:4. So they, being sent by the Holy Ghost, went to Seleucia: and from
thence they sailed to Cyprus.

13:5. And when they were come to Salamina, they preached the word of
God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John also in the
ministry.

13:6. And when they had gone through the whole island, as far as
Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a false prophet, a Jew,
whose name was Bar-Jesu:

13:7. Who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a prudent man. He,
sending for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God.

13:8. But Elymas the magician (for so his name is interpreted)
withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.

13:9. Then Saul, otherwise Paul, filled with the Holy Ghost, looking
upon him,

13:10. Said: O full of all guile and of all deceit, child of the devil,
enemy of all justice, thou ceases not to pervert the right ways of the
Lord.

13:11. And now behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee: and thou
shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a time. And immediately there
fell a mist and darkness upon him: and going about, he sought some one
to lead him by the hand.

13:12. Then the proconsul, when he had seen what was done, believed,
admiring at the doctrine of the Lord.

13:13. Now when Paul and they that were with him had sailed from
Paphos, they came to Perge in Pamphylia. And John departing from them,
returned to Jerusalem.

13:14. But they, passing through Perge, came to Antioch in Pisidia:
and, entering into the Synagogue on the sabbath day, they sat down.

13:15. And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of
the synagogue sent to them, saying: Ye men, brethren, if you have any
word of exhortation to make to the people, speak.

13:16. Then Paul rising up and with his hand bespeaking silence, said:
Ye men of Israel and you that fear God, give ear.

13:17. The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers and exalted
the people when they were sojourners in the land of Egypt: And with an
high arm brought them out from thence:

13:18. And for the space of forty years endured their manners in the
desert:

13:19. And, destroying seven nations in the land of Chaanan, divided
their land among them by lot.

13:20. As it were, after four hundred and fifty years. And after these
things, he gave unto them judges, until Samuel the prophet.

13:21. And after that they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the
son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years.

13:22. And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king:
to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found David, the son of
Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who shall do all my wills.

13:23. Of this man's seed, God, according to his promise, hath raised
up to Israel a Saviour Jesus:

13:24. John first preaching, before his coming, the baptism of penance
to all the people of Israel.

13:25. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said: I am not he
whom you think me to be. But behold, there cometh one after me, whose
shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

13:26. Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever
among you fear God: to you the word of this salvation is sent.

13:27. For they that inhabited Jerusalem and the rulers thereof, not
knowing him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every
sabbath, judging him, have fulfilled them.

13:28. And finding no cause of death in him, they desired of Pilate
that they might kill him.

13:29. And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him,
taking him down from the tree, they laid him in a sepulchre.

13:30. But God raised him up from the dead the third day.

13:31. Who was seen for many days by them who came up with him from
Galilee to Jerusalem, who to this present are his witnesses to the
people.

13:32. And we declare unto you that the promise which was made to our
fathers,

13:33. This same God hath fulfilled to our children, raising up Jesus,
as in the second psalm also is written: Thou art my Son: this day have
I begotten thee.

13:34. And to shew that he raised him up from the dead, not to return
now any more to corruption, he said thus: I will give you the holy
things of David, faithful.

I will give you the holy, etc. . .These are the words of the prophet
Isaias, 55. 3. According to the Septuagint, the sense is: I will
faithfully fulfil the promises I made to David.

13:35. And therefore, in another place also, he saith: Thou shalt not
suffer thy holy one to see corruption.

13:36. For David, when he had served in his generation, according to
the will of God, slept: and was laid unto his fathers and saw
corruption.

13:37. But he whom God hath raised from the dead saw no corruption.

13:38. Be it known therefore to you, men, brethren, that through him
forgiveness of sins is preached to you: and from all the things from
which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

13:39. In him every one that believeth is justified.

13:40. Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you which is spoken in
the prophets:

13:41. Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and perish: for I work a work
in your days, a work which you will not believe, if any man shall tell
it you.

13:42. And as they went out, they desired them that on the next sabbath
they would speak unto them these words.

13:43. And when the synagogue was broken up, many of the Jews and of
the strangers who served God followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking
to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

13:44. But the next sabbath day, the whole city almost came together,
to hear the word of God.

13:45. And the Jews, seeing the multitudes, were filled with envy and
contradicted those things which were said by Paul, blaspheming.

13:46. Then Paul and Barnabas said boldly: To you it behoved us first
to speak the word of God: but because you reject it and judge
yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold we turn to the Gentiles.

13:47. For so the Lord hath commanded us: I have set thee to be the
light of the Gentiles: that thou mayest be for salvation unto the
utmost part of the earth.

13:48. And the Gentiles hearing it were glad and glorified the word of
the Lord: and as many as were ordained to life everlasting believed.

13:49. And the word of the Lord was published throughout the whole
country.

13:50. But the Jews stirred up religious and honourable women and the
chief men of the city: and raised persecution against Paul and
Barnabas: and cast them out of their coasts.

13:51. But they, shaking off the dust of their feet against them, came
to Iconium.

13:52. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost.



Acts Chapter 14


Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium and Lystra. Paul heals a cripple.
They are taken for gods. Paul is stoned. They preach in Derbe and
Perge.

14:1. And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered together into
the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a very great multitude both
of the Jews and of the Greeks did believe.

14:2. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and incensed the minds of the
Gentiles against the brethren.

14:3. A long time therefore they abode there, dealing confidently in
the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs
and wonders to be done by their hands.

14:4. And the multitude of the city was divided. And some of them
indeed held with the Jews, but some with the apostles.

14:5. And when there was an assault made by the Gentiles and the Jews
with their rulers, to use them contumeliously and to stone them:

14:6. They, understanding it, fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of
Lycaonia, and to the whole country round about: and were there
preaching the gospel.

14:7. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, a
cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked.

14:8. This same heard Paul speaking. Who looking upon him and seeing
that he had faith to be healed,

14:9. Said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped
up and walked.

14:10. And when the multitudes had seen what Paul had done, they lifted
up their voice in the Lycaonian tongue, saying: The gods are come down
to us in the likeness of men.

14:11. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury: because he
was chief speaker.

14:12. The priest also of Jupiter that was before the city, bringing
oxen and garlands before the gate, would have offered sacrifice with
the people.

14:13. Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul had heard, rending
their clothes, they leaped out among the people, crying,

14:14. And saying: Ye men, why do ye these things? We also are mortals,
men like unto you, preaching to you to be converted from these vain
things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea
and all things that are in them:

14:15. Who in times past, suffered all nations to walk in their own
ways.

14:16. Nevertheless he left not himself without testimony, doing good
from heaven, giving rains and fruitful Seasons, filling our hearts with
food and gladness.

14:17. And speaking these things, they scarce restrained the people
from sacrificing to them.

14:18. Now there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium:
and, persuading the multitude and stoning Paul, drew him out of the
city, thinking him to be dead.

14:19. But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up and
entered into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to
Derbe.

14:20. And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had
taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to
Antioch:

14:21. Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to
continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter
into the kingdom of God.

14:22. And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and
had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they
believed.

14:23. And passing through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia.

14:24. And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perge, they went down
into Attalia.

14:25. And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been
delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which they accomplished.

14:26. And when they were come and had assembled the church, they
related what great things God had done with them and how he had opened
the door of faith to the Gentiles.

14:27. And they abode no small time with the disciples.



Acts Chapter 15


A dissension about circumcision. The decision and letter of the council
of Jerusalem.

15:1. And some, coming down from Judea, taught the brethren: That,
except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be
saved.

15:2. And when Paul and Barnabas had no small contest with them, they
determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of the other side
should go up to the apostles and priests to Jerusalem, about this
question.

15:3. They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed
through Phenice and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles.
And they caused great joy to all the brethren.

15:4. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the
church and by the apostles and ancients, declaring how great things God
had done with them.

15:5. But there arose of the sect of the Pharisees some that believed,
saying: They must be circumcised and be commanded to observe the law of
Moses.

15:6. And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider of this
matter.

15:7. And when there had been much disputing, Peter, rising up, said to
them: Men, brethren, you know that in former days God made choice among
us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel
and believe.

15:8. And God, who knoweth the hearts, gave testimony, giving unto them
the Holy Ghost, as well as to us:

15:9. And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts
by faith.

15:10. Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of
the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

15:11. But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe to be
saved, in like manner as they also.

15:12. And all the multitude held their peace: and they heard Barnabas
and Paul telling what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the
Gentiles by them.

15:13. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying:
Men, brethren, hear me.

15:14. Simon hath related how God first visited to take to the
Gentiles, a people to his name.

15:15. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written:

15:16. After these things I will return and will rebuild the tabernacle
of David, which is fallen down: and the ruins thereof I will rebuild.
And I will set it up:

15:17. That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all nations
upon whom my name is invoked, saith the Lord, who doth these things.

15:18. To the Lord was his own work known from the beginning of the
world.

15:19. For which cause, judge that they who from among the Gentiles are
converted to God are not to be disquieted:

15:20. But that we write unto them, that they refrain themselves from
the pollutions of idols and from fornication and from things strangled
and from blood.

15:21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him in
the synagogues, where he is read every sabbath.

15:22. Then it pleased the apostles and ancients, with the whole
church, to choose men of their own company and to send to Antioch with
Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, who was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas,
chief men among the brethren.

15:23. Writing by their hands: The apostles and ancients, brethren, to
the brethren of the Gentiles that are at Antioch and in Syria and
Cilicia, greeting.

15:24. Forasmuch as we have heard that some going out from us have
troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no


 


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