Stephen's martyrdom.

CHAP. VIII.

Revival in Sumara. 46 Who found favour before God, 2 And devout men carried Stephen and desired to find a tabernacle for to his burial, and made great lamentthe God of Jacob. ation over him.

47 But Solomon built him a house. 48 Howbeit the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,

3 As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering into every house, and baling men and women, committed them to prison.

49 Heaven is my throne, and earth| 4 Therefore they that were scattered is my footstool: what house will ye abroad went every where preaching build me? saith the Lord; or what is the word. the place of my rest?

50 Hath not my hand made all these things?

5 T Then Philip went down to the city of Sainaria, and preached Christ unto them.

51 ¶ Ye stiff necked and uncircum- 6 And the people with one accord cised in heart and ears, ye do always gave heed unto those things which resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them : and many taken with palsies, and that

52 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and mur-lame, were bealed. derers:

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

wers

8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 T But there was a certain man, called Sinon, which beforetime in the 54 When they heard these things, same city used sorcery, and bewitchthey were cut to the heart, and they fed the people of Samaria, giving out guashed on him with their teeth. that himself was some great one:

55 But he, being full of the Holy 10 To whom they all gave heed, Guost, looked up stedfastly into hea-from the east to the greatest, saying, ren, and saw the glory of God, and This man is the great power of God. Jesus standing on the right hand of 11 And to him they had regard, beGod. cause that of long time he had beAnd said, Behold, I see the hea-witched them with sorceries. vens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

58. And cast him out of the city, and stoned him and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

60 And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

CHAP. VII.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and woinen,

13 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.

14 T Now, when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and Job.

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

16 (For as yet he was fallen upon

AND Saul was consenting to his none of them; of the Lord's bap

death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem: and theywere all scattered abroad through out the regions of Judea and Samaria, fxcept the apostles.

tized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that throngh laying on of the apostles hands the

Holy Ghost was given, he offered them, 34 And the cunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speak eth the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest 22 Repent therefore of this thy wick-with all thy heart, thou mayest. And edness, and pray God, if perhaps the he answered and said, I believe that thought of thy heart may be forgiven Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, 10 But Philip was found at Azotus: returned to Jerusalem, and preached and passing through, he preached in the gospel in many villages of the all the cities, till he came to Cesarea. Samaritans. CHAP. IX.

26 If And the angel of the Lord spake A ND Saul, yet breathing out threatunto Philip, saying, Arise, and go to- enings and slaughter against die ward the south, unto the way that go-disciples of the Lord, went unto the eth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, high priest,

Conversion of Paul.

CHAP. IX.

Persecution of Paul. sight, and neither did eat nor drink. fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill 10 ¶ And there was a certain disciple him: at Damascus, named Ananias; and to 21 But their laying wait was known im said the Lord in a vision, Ana-of Saul; and they watched the gales nias. And he said, Behold, I am here, day and night to kill b'm, Lord.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street, which is called Straight, and inquire in the 26 And when Saul was come to Jchouse of Judas for one called Saul of rusalem, he assayed to join himself to Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, the disciples: but they were all afraid 12 And hath seen in a vision a man of him, and believed not that he was named Ananias coming in, and putting a disciple.

and

his hand on him, that he might re- 27 But Barnabas took him, ceive his sight. brought him to the apostles, and de13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, Iclared unto them how he had seen have heard by many of this man, how the Lord in the way, and that he had much evil he hath done to thy saints spoken to him, and how he had at Jerusalem: preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

14 And here be hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go] thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus,and disputed against the Grecians; but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, 16 For I will show him how great they brought him down to Cesarea, things he must suffer for my name's and sent him forth to Tarsus. Bake. 31 Then had the churches rest 17 And Ananias went his way, and throughout all Judea, and Galilee, entered into the house; and putting and Samaria, and were edified; and his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, walking in the fear of the Lord, aud the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, unto thee in the way as thou camest, were multiplied.

hath sent me, that thou mightest re- 32 ¶ And it came to pass, as Peter ceive thy sight, and be filled with the passed throughout all quarters, he Holy Ghost. came down also to the saints which

18 And immediately there fell from dwelt at Lydda.

uis eyes as it bad been scales; and he| 33 And there he found a certain man received sight forthwith, and arose, named Eneas, which had kept his bed and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

23 ¶ And after that many days were

eight years, and was sick of the palsy 34 And Peter said unto him, Eneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35 And all that dwelt in Lydda and Saron saw him,and turned to the Lord. 36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which, by interpretation, is called Dorcas. this woman was full of good works and alms-deeds which she did. 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.

33 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent

ACTS.

Revival in Joppa Peter's call to Cornelius. bnto him two mẹn, desiring him that 10 And he became very hungry, and be would not delay to come to them. would have eaten: but, while, they Then Peter arose, and went with made ready, he fell into a trance, them. When he was coine, they 11 And saw heaven opened, and a brought him into the upper chamber: certain vessel descending unto him, as and all the widows stood by him it had been a great sheet knit at the weeping, and showing the coats and four corners, and let down to the garments which Dorcas made while earth;

she was with them.

12 Wherem were all manner of four40 But Peter put them all forth, and footed beasts of the earth, and wild kneeled down, and prayed; and, turn-beasts, and creeping things, and fowls ing him to the body, said, Tabitha, of the air. arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she raw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted ber up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughont all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one

Simon a tanner.

T

CHAP. X.

13 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is coinmon or unclean.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hati cleansed, that call not thou common. 16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

17 Now, while Peter doubted m HERE was a certain man in Ce-himself what this vision which he had sarea, called Cornelius, a centu-seen should mean, behold, the men zion of the band called the Italian which were sent from Cornelius had band, made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate,

2 a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always:

3 He saw in a vision evidently, about the ninth bour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him. Cornelius.

18 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19 ¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

20 Arise therefore, and get thee And when he .ooked on him, be down, and go with them, doubting vas afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? nothing; for I have sent them. And he said unto him, Thy prayers 21 Then Peter went down to the aud thine alms are come up for a ine-men which were sent unto him from norial before God. Cornelius, and said, Behold, I am he 5 And now send men to Joppa, and whom ye seek: what is the cause call for one Simon, whose surname is wherefore ye are come ? Peter; 22 And they said, Cornelius the cen

6 He lodgeth with one Simon a tau-turion, a just man, and one that fearher, whose house is by the sea-side:eth God, and of good report among all he shall tell thee what thou oughtest the nation of the Jews, was warned to do. from God by a holy angel to send for thec into his house, and to hear words of thee,

7 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

8 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Juppa.

23 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the morrow after they enter 9 T Ou the morrow, as they went on ed into Cesarea. And Cornelius waite their journey and drew nugh unto the for them, and had called together his city, Peter went up upon the house-kinsmen and near friends. top to pray about the sixth hour:

25 And as Peter was coining in,Cor

Gentiles cangelized.

CHAP. XI. uelius met him, and fell down at his feet and worshipped him.

26 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man. 27 And as he talked with him, be went in, and found many that were come together.

Gentiles converted.

41 Not to all the people, but unta witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with bin after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

23 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a 43 To him give all the prophets witman that is a Jew to keep company,ness, that through his name, whosoor come unto one of another nation; ever believeth in him shall receive rebut God hath showed me that I should mission of sins. not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore came I unto you with out gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 Aud said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then auswered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as wel

48 And he commanded them to be

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call bither Simon, whose surname is Pe-as we? ter; he is lodged in the bouse of one Simon a tanner, by the sea-side; who, baptized in the name of the Lord when he cometh, shah speak unto thee. Then prayed they him to tarry certai 33 Immediately therefore 1 sent to days. thee; and thou hast well done that thou art cone. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

31 ¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

CHAP. XI.

ND the apostles and brethren that

tiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up ta Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men 35 But in every nation, he that fear-Juncircumcised, and didst eat with eth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ; (he is Lord of all ;) 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: 37 That word, I say, ye know, which and in a trance I saw a vision, A cerwas published throughout all Judea, tain vessel descending, as it had been and began from Galilee, after the bap-a great sheet, let down from heaven tism which John preached; by four corners; and it came even to

38 How God anointed Jesus of Naz-me: areth with the Holy Ghost, and with 6 Upon the which when I had fastpower; who went about doing good, jened mine eyes, I considered, and saw and healing all that were oppressed of four-footed beasts of the earth, and the devil; for God was with him. wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree.

40 Him God raised up the third day, and showed him openly;

7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

8 But I said, Not so, Loid; for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.