The Project Gutenberg eBook ofThe Bible, Douay-Rheims, Book 51: ActsThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Book 51: ActsRelease date: June 1, 2005 [eBook #8351]Most recently updated: December 26, 2020Language: EnglishCredits: This eBook was produced by David Widger from etext #1581 prepared by Dennis McCarthy, Atlanta, Georgia and Tad Book, student, Pontifical North American College, Rome*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE, DOUAY-RHEIMS, BOOK 51: ACTS ***
This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
Title: The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Book 51: ActsRelease date: June 1, 2005 [eBook #8351]Most recently updated: December 26, 2020Language: EnglishCredits: This eBook was produced by David Widger from etext #1581 prepared by Dennis McCarthy, Atlanta, Georgia and Tad Book, student, Pontifical North American College, Rome
Title: The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Book 51: Acts
Release date: June 1, 2005 [eBook #8351]Most recently updated: December 26, 2020
Language: English
Credits: This eBook was produced by David Widger from etext #1581 prepared by Dennis McCarthy, Atlanta, Georgia and Tad Book, student, Pontifical North American College, Rome
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE BIBLE, DOUAY-RHEIMS, BOOK 51: ACTS ***
This eBook was produced by David Widger
from etext #1581 prepared by Dennis McCarthy, Atlanta, Georgia and Tad Book, student, Pontifical North American College, Rome.
Translated from the Latin Vulgate
Diligently Compared with the Hebrew, Greek, and Other Editions in Divers Languages
THE OLD TESTAMENTFirst Published by the English College at DouayA.D. 1609 & 1610
and
THE NEW TESTAMENTFirst Published by the English College at RheimsA.D. 1582
With Annotations
The Whole Revised and Diligently Compared with the Latin Vulgate by Bishop Richard Challoner A.D. 1749-1752
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 inGreece.
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.