They told him, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.21:4But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus.21:5Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?"
They answered him, "No."
21:6He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some."
They cast it therefore, and now they weren't able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.21:7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord!"
So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea.21:8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but abouttwo hundred cubitsaway), dragging the net full of fish.21:9So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.21:10Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."
21:11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn't torn.
21:12Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast."
None of the disciples dared inquire of him, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Lord.
21:13Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.21:14This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.21:15So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?"
He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you."
He said to him, "Feed my lambs."21:16He said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?"
He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you."
He said to him, "Tend my sheep."21:17He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?"
Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, "Do you have affection for me?" He said to him, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you."
Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.21:18Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."
21:19Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."
21:20Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' breast at the supper and asked, "Lord, who is going to betray You?"21:21Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, what about this man?"
21:22Jesus said to him, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me."21:23This saying therefore went out among thebrothers, that this disciple wouldn't die. Yet Jesus didn't say to him that he wouldn't die, but, "If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?"21:24This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true.21:25There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn't have room for the books that would be written.
Notes:
[1]back to 1:5The word translated "overcome" (katelaben) can also be translated "comprehended." It refers to getting a grip on an enemy to defeat him.
[2]back to 1:18NU reads "God"
[3]back to 1:23Isaiah 40:3
[4]back to 1:394:00 PM.
[5]back to 1:41"Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek) both mean "Anointed One".
[6]back to 2:62 to 3 metretes is about 20 to 30 U. S. Gallons, 16 to 25 imperial gallons, or 75 to 115 litres.
[7]back to 2:17Psalm 69:9
[8]back to 3:3The word translated "anew" here and in John 3:7 (anothen) also means "again" and "from above".
[9]back to 3:8The same Greek word (pneuma) means wind, breath, and spirit.
[10]back to 3:36The same word can be translated "disobeys" or "disbelieves" in this context.
[11]back to 4:6noon
[12]back to 4:521:00 P. M.
[13]back to 6:1925 to 30 stadia is about 5 to 6 kilometers or about 3 to 4 miles
[14]back to 6:19see Job 9:8
[15]back to 6:20or, I AM
[16]back to 6:31Greek and Hebrew use the same word for "heaven", "the heavens", "the sky", and "the air".
[17]back to 6:31Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15; Psalm 78:24-25
[18]back to 6:45Isaiah 54:13
[19]back to 7:422 Samuel 7:12
[20]back to 7:42Micah 5:2
[21]back to 7:52See Isaiah 9:1 and Matthew 4:13-16.
[22]back to 8:5Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22
[23]back to 8:12Isaiah 60:1
[24]back to 8:17Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15
[25]back to 8:24or, I AM
[26]back to 8:32Psalm 119:45
[27]back to 8:58or, I am
[28]back to 9:31Psalm 66:18, Proverbs 15:29; 28:9
[29]back to 10:11Isaiah 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-12,15,22
[30]back to 10:16Isaiah 56:8
[31]back to 10:17Isaiah 53:7-8
[32]back to 10:21Exodus 4:11
[33]back to 10:22The "Feast of the Dedication" is the Greek name for "Hanukkah," a celebration of the rededication of the Temple.
[34]back to 10:34Psalm 82:6
[35]back to 11:16"Didymus" means "Twin"
[36]back to 11:1815 stadia is about 2.8 kilometers or 1.7 miles
[37]back to 11:41NU omits "from the place where the dead man was lying."
[38]back to 12:3a Roman pound of 12 ounces, or about 340 grams
[39]back to 12:5300 denarii was about a year's wages for an agricultural laborer.
[40]back to 12:13"Hosanna" means "save us" or "help us, we pray."
[41]back to 12:13Psalm 118:25-26
[42]back to 12:15Zechariah 9:9
[43]back to 12:34Isaiah 9:7; Daniel 2:44 (but see also Isaiah 53:8)
[44]back to 12:38Isaiah 53:1
[45]back to 12:40Isaiah 6:10
[46]back to 12:41Isaiah 6:1
[47]back to 13:18Psalm 41:9
[48]back to 14:16Greek Parakleton: Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, and Comfortor.
[49]back to 15:20John 13:16
[50]back to 15:25Psalms 35:19; 69:4
[51]back to 15:26Greek Parakletos: Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, and Comfortor.
[52]back to 16:3TR adds "to you"
[53]back to 16:15TR reads "will take" instead of "takes"
[54]back to 17:17Psalm 119:142
[55]back to 18:9John 6:39
[56]back to 19:14noon
[57]back to 19:24Psalm 22:18
[58]back to 19:28NU, TR read "knowing" instead of "seeing"
[59]back to 19:36Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalm 34:20
[60]back to 19:37Zechariah 12:10
[61]back to 19:39100 Roman pounds of 12 ounces each, or about 72 pounds, or 33 Kilograms.
[62]back to 20:29TR adds " Thomas,"
[63]back to 21:8200 cubits is about 100 yards or about 91 meters
[64]back to 21:23The word for "brothers" here may be also correctly translated "brothers and sisters" or "siblings."
1:1The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,1:2until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen.1:3To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God's Kingdom.1:4Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me.1:5For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now."
1:6Therefore, when they had come together, they asked him, "Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"
1:7He said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority.1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."
1:9When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.1:10While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing,1:11who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky."
1:12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.1:13When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.1:14All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
1:15In these days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said,1:16"Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus.1:17For he was numbered with us, and received his portion in this ministry.1:18Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out.1:19It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called 'Akeldama,' that is, 'The field of blood.'1:20For it is written in the book of Psalms,
and,
1:21"Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,1:22beginning from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection."
1:23They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.1:24They prayed, and said, "You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen1:25to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place."1:26They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
2:1Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.2:2Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.2:3Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.2:4They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.2:5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky.2:6When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language.2:7They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Behold, aren't all these who speak Galileans?2:8How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?2:9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia,2:10Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,2:11Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!"2:12They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?"2:13Others, mocking, said, "They are filled with new wine."
2:14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, "You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.2:15For these aren't drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is onlythe third hour of the day.2:16But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:
2:22"Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,2:23him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;2:24whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.2:25For David says concerning him,
2:29"Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.2:30Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,2:31he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left inHades, nor did his flesh see decay.2:32This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.2:33Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.2:34For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself,
2:36"Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."
2:37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"
2:38Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.2:39For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself."2:40With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"
2:41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.2:42They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.2:43Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.2:44All who believed were together, and had all things in common.2:45They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.2:46Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,2:47praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.
3:1Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer,the ninth hour.3:2A certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple.3:3Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy.3:4Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, "Look at us."3:5He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.3:6But Peter said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"3:7He took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.3:8Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.3:9All the people saw him walking and praising God.3:10They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.3:11As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
3:12When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, "You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk?3:13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him.3:14But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,3:15and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses.3:16By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
3:17"Now,brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers.3:18But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled.
3:19"Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord,3:20and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before,3:21whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.3:22For Moses indeed said to the fathers, 'The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you.3:23It will be, that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.'*3:24Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.3:25You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'In your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.'*3:26God, having raised up his servant, Jesus, sent him to you first, to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from your wickedness."
4:1As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,4:2being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.4:3They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.4:4But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.
4:5It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.4:6Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest.4:7When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"
4:8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,4:9if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed,4:10be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole.4:11He is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.'*4:12There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"
4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.4:14Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.4:15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,4:16saying, "What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.4:17But so that this spreads no further among the people, let's threaten them, that from now on they don't speak to anyone in this name."4:18They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
4:19But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,4:20for we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard."
4:21When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.4:22For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.
4:23Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.4:24When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;4:25who by the mouth of your servant, David, said,
4:27"For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together4:28to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen.4:29Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,4:30while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."
4:31When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.4:32The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.4:33With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all.4:34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,4:35and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.4:36Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,4:37having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.
5:1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession,5:2and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.5:3But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?5:4While you kept it, didn't it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn't it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven't lied to men, but to God."
5:5Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.5:6The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him.5:7About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.5:8Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much."
She said, "Yes, for so much."
5:9But Peter asked her, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
5:10She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband.5:11Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.5:12By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.5:13None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them.5:14More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.5:15They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them.5:16Multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed.
5:17But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,5:18and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody.5:19But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said,5:20"Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."
5:21When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.5:22But the officers who came didn't find them in the prison. They returned and reported,5:23"We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"
5:24Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.5:25One came and told them, "Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people."5:26Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.
5:27When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them,5:28saying, "Didn't we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood on us."
5:29But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men.5:30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.5:31God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.5:32We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him."
5:33But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them.5:34But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.5:35He said to them, "You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do.5:36For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing.5:37After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.5:38Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.5:39But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!"
5:40They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.5:41They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus' name.
5:42Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.
6:1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from theHellenistsagainst the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.6:2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.6:3Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.6:4But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
6:5These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;6:6whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.6:7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
6:8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.6:9But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.6:10They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.6:11Then they secretly induced men to say, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."6:12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council,6:13and set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.6:14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us."6:15All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.
7:1The high priest said, "Are these things so?"
7:2He said, "Brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,7:3and said to him, 'Get out of your land, and from your relatives, and come into a land which I will show you.'*7:4Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and lived in Haran. From there, when his father was dead, God moved him into this land, where you are now living.7:5He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. He promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when he still had no child.7:6God spoke in this way: that his seed would live as aliens in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years.7:7'I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,' said God, 'and after that will they come out, and serve me in this place.'*7:8He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.
7:9"The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him,7:10and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He made him governor over Egypt and all his house.7:11Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction. Our fathers found no food.7:12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers the first time.7:13On the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's race was revealed to Pharaoh.7:14Joseph sent, and summoned Jacob, his father, and all his relatives, seventy-five souls.7:15Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, himself and our fathers,7:16and they were brought back to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem.
7:17"But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,7:18until there arose a different king, who didn't know Joseph.7:19The same took advantage of our race, and mistreated our fathers, and forced them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive.7:20At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was nourished three months in his father's house.7:21When he was thrown out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and reared him as her own son.7:22Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in his words and works.7:23But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit hisbrothers, the children of Israel.7:24Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian.7:25He supposed that his brothers understood that God, by his hand, was giving them deliverance; but they didn't understand.
7:26"The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, 'Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?'7:27But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?7:28Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'*7:29Moses fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
7:30"When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.7:31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he came close to see, a voice of the Lord came to him,7:32'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'*Moses trembled, and dared not look.7:33The Lord said to him, 'Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.7:34I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.'*
7:35"This Moses, whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'--God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.7:36This man led them out, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.7:37This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, 'The Lord our God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me.*'*7:38This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living oracles to give to us,7:39to whom our fathers wouldn't be obedient, but rejected him, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt,7:40saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods that will go before us, for as for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him.'*7:41They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands.7:42But God turned, and gave them up to serve thearmy of the sky,as it is written in the book of the prophets,
7:44"Our fathers had the tent of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen;7:45which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David,7:46who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob.7:47But Solomon built him a house.7:48However, the Most High doesn't dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says,
7:51"You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do.7:52Which of the prophets didn't your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.7:53You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn't keep it!"
7:54Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.7:55But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,7:56and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!"
7:57But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord.7:58They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.7:59They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"7:60He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them!" When he had said this, he fell asleep.
8:1Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.8:2Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him.8:3But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison.8:4Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.8:5Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.8:6The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did.8:7For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.8:8There was great joy in that city.
8:9But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one,8:10to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is that great power of God."8:11They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.8:12But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.8:13Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed.
8:14Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,8:15who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;8:16for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.8:17Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.8:18Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money,8:19saying, "Give me also this power, that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit."8:20But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!8:21You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn't right before God.8:22Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.8:23For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."
8:24Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me."
8:25They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.8:26But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert."
8:27He arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.8:28He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah.
8:29The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot."
8:30Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"
8:31He said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?" He begged Philip to come up and sit with him.8:32Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this,
8:34The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?"
8:35Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him Jesus.8:36As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?"
8:37*8:38He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
8:39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn't see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing.8:40But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.
9:1But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,9:2and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.9:3As he traveled, it happened that he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him.9:4He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
9:5He said, "Who are you, Lord?"
The Lord said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.*9:6Butrise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do."
9:7The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.9:8Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.9:9He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.
9:10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
He said, "Behold, it's me, Lord."
9:11The Lord said to him, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house ofJudahfor one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying,9:12and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight."
9:13But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem.9:14Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."
9:15But the Lord said to him, "Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel.9:16For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name's sake."
9:17Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."9:18Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized.9:19He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.9:20Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God.9:21All who heard him were amazed, and said, "Isn't this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!"
9:22But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.9:23When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him,9:24but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him,9:25but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.9:26When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.9:27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.9:28He was with thementering intoJerusalem,9:29preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. He spoke and disputed against theHellenists,but they were seeking to kill him.9:30When thebrothersknew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.9:31So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
9:32It happened, as Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.9:33There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed.9:34Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately he arose.9:35All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, meansDorcas.This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did.9:37It happened in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.9:38As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, senttwo mento him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them.9:39Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.9:40Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.9:41He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.9:42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.9:43It happened, that he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.