Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Court » Accused spoke in his own defense
Peter and the other apostles answered, and said, "We ought more to obey God than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on tree. Him hath God lift up with his right hand, to be a ruler and a saviour: for to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. read more.
And we are his records as concerning these things: and also the holy ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
And we are his records as concerning these things: and also the holy ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him."
And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered unto them and said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you more than God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have seen and heard."
Then spake the priests and the prophets unto the rulers and to all the people, these words, "This man is worthy to die, for he hath preached against this city, as ye yourselves have heard with your ears." Then said Jeremiah unto the rulers and to all the people, "The LORD hath sent me to preach against this house and against this city all the words that ye have heard. Therefore amend your ways, and your advisements, and be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God: so shall the LORD repent of the plague, that he had devised against you. read more.
Now as for me: I am in your hands. Do with me, as ye think expedient and good. But this shall ye know: if ye put me to death, ye shall make yourselves, this city and all the inhabiters thereof, guilty of innocent blood. For this is of a truth: that the LORD hath sent me unto you, to speak all these words in your ears." Then said the rulers and the people unto the priests and prophets, "This man may not be condemned to death, for he hath preached unto us in the name of the LORD our God."
Now as for me: I am in your hands. Do with me, as ye think expedient and good. But this shall ye know: if ye put me to death, ye shall make yourselves, this city and all the inhabiters thereof, guilty of innocent blood. For this is of a truth: that the LORD hath sent me unto you, to speak all these words in your ears." Then said the rulers and the people unto the priests and prophets, "This man may not be condemned to death, for he hath preached unto us in the name of the LORD our God."
And the high priests accused him of many things. Wherefore, Pilate asked him again, saying, "Answerest thou nothing? Behold how many things they lay unto thy charge." Jesus yet answered never a word, so that Pilate marveled.
Then Peter, full of the holy ghost, said unto them, "Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man by what means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, and whom God raised from death again, even by him doth this man stand here present before you whole. read more.
This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein we must be saved."
This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein we must be saved."
Then said the chief priest, "Is it even so?" And he said, "Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hearken to. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said unto him, 'Come out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show unto thee.' read more.
Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household. Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and at the second time, Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kin: three score and fifteen souls. And Jacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were translated into Shechem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Hamor, at Shechem. "When the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should save them: but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, 'Sirs, ye are brethren why hurt ye one another?' But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?' Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian; Where he begat two sons. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly 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.' This Moses whom they forsook, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' - the same God sent, both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, 'A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.' This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us. For we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O ye of the house of Israel: gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Joshua into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he would faine have made a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit, he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, 'Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? Or what place is it that I should rest in? Hath not my hand made all these things?' "Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it." When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the righthand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the righthand of God."
Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household. Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and at the second time, Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kin: three score and fifteen souls. And Jacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were translated into Shechem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Hamor, at Shechem. "When the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should save them: but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, 'Sirs, ye are brethren why hurt ye one another?' But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?' Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian; Where he begat two sons. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly 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.' This Moses whom they forsook, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' - the same God sent, both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, 'A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.' This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us. For we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O ye of the house of Israel: gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Joshua into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he would faine have made a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit, he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, 'Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? Or what place is it that I should rest in? Hath not my hand made all these things?' "Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it." When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the righthand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the righthand of God."
Paul beheld the council and said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day." The high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by, to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul to him, "God shall smite thee, thou painted wall. Sittest thou and judgest me after the law: and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?" read more.
And they that stood by said, "Revilest thou God's high priest?" Then said Paul, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written, 'Thou shalt not curse the ruler of thy people.'" When Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. Of hope, and of resurrection from death I am judged." And when he had so said, there arose a debate between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided.
And they that stood by said, "Revilest thou God's high priest?" Then said Paul, "I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written, 'Thou shalt not curse the ruler of thy people.'" When Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. Of hope, and of resurrection from death I am judged." And when he had so said, there arose a debate between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided.
Government » Mosaic » Constitutes, with priests and scribes, a court for the trial of both civil and ecclesiastical causes
And he began to teach them, how that the son of man must suffer many things, and should be reproved of the elders and of the high priests and scribes, and should be killed, and after three days arise again.
when the morning was come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people held a counsel against Jesus, to put him to death, and brought him bound and delivered him unto Pontius Pilate, the deputy.
And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this power?"
And anon in the dawning held the high priests a council with the elders and the scribes; And also the whole congregation, and bound Jesus and led him away, and delivered him to Pilate.
Then assembled together the chief priests and the scribes and the elders of the people into the palace of the high priest, called Caiaphas: and held a counsel, how they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him. But they said, "Not on the holy day, lest any uproar arise among the people."
And they took Jesus and led him to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. And Peter followed him afar off, unto the high priest's place: and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end. The chief priests, and the elders, and all the council, sought false witness against Jesus, for to put him to death, read more.
but found none: insomuch that when many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said, "This fellow said, I can destroy the temple of God, and build the it again in three days." And the chief priest arose, and said to him, "Answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee?" But Jesus held his peace. And the chief priest answered, and said to him, "I charge thee in the name of the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be Christ the son of God." Jesus said to him, "Thou hast said. Nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the righthand of power, and come in the clouds of the sky." Then the high priest rent his clothes saying, "He hath blasphemed: what need we of any more witnesses? Behold, now have ye heard his blasphemy: What think ye?" They answered and said, "He is worthy to die." Then spat they in his face, and buffeted him with their fists. And others smote him with the palm of their hands on the face, saying, "Tell us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?"
but found none: insomuch that when many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, and said, "This fellow said, I can destroy the temple of God, and build the it again in three days." And the chief priest arose, and said to him, "Answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee?" But Jesus held his peace. And the chief priest answered, and said to him, "I charge thee in the name of the living God, that thou tell us whether thou be Christ the son of God." Jesus said to him, "Thou hast said. Nevertheless I say unto you, hereafter shall ye see the son of man sitting on the righthand of power, and come in the clouds of the sky." Then the high priest rent his clothes saying, "He hath blasphemed: what need we of any more witnesses? Behold, now have ye heard his blasphemy: What think ye?" They answered and said, "He is worthy to die." Then spat they in his face, and buffeted him with their fists. And others smote him with the palm of their hands on the face, saying, "Tell us, thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?"
And immediately, while he yet spake, came Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great number of people with swords and staves from the high priests and scribes and elders. And he that betrayed him had given them a general token, saying, "Whosoever I do kiss, he it is, take him, and lead him away warily." And as soon as he was come, he went straightway to him, and said unto him, "Master, master," and kissed him. read more.
And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew out a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye be come out as unto a thief with swords and with staves for to take me? I was daily with you in the temple, teaching, and ye took me not: but that the scriptures should be fulfilled." And they all forsook him and ran away. And there was a certain young man that followed him clothed in linen upon the bare, and the young men caught him, and he left his linen and fled from them naked. And they led Jesus away to the highest priest of all, and to him came all the high priests and the elders, and the scribes. And Peter followed him a great way off, even into the palace of the high priest, and he was there and sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the high priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus, to put him to death; And they found none. Yet many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain and brought false witness against him, saying, "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another, made without hands.'" But their witness agreed not together. And the highest priest stood up amongst them all, and asked Jesus saying, "Answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee?" And he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the highest priest asked him, and said unto him, "Art thou the Christ, the son of the blessed?" And Jesus said, "I am. And ye shall see the son of man sit on the righthand of power, and come in the clouds of heaven." Then the highest priest rent his clothes and said, "What need we any further of witness? Ye have heard the blasphemy, what think ye?" And they all gave sentence that he was worthy of death. And some began to spit at him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with their fists, and to say unto him, "Aread unto us." And the servants buffeted him on the face.
And they laid their hands on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by drew out a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, "Ye be come out as unto a thief with swords and with staves for to take me? I was daily with you in the temple, teaching, and ye took me not: but that the scriptures should be fulfilled." And they all forsook him and ran away. And there was a certain young man that followed him clothed in linen upon the bare, and the young men caught him, and he left his linen and fled from them naked. And they led Jesus away to the highest priest of all, and to him came all the high priests and the elders, and the scribes. And Peter followed him a great way off, even into the palace of the high priest, and he was there and sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire. And the high priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus, to put him to death; And they found none. Yet many bare false witness against him, but their witness agreed not together. And there arose certain and brought false witness against him, saying, "We heard him say, 'I will destroy this temple made with hands, and within three days I will build another, made without hands.'" But their witness agreed not together. And the highest priest stood up amongst them all, and asked Jesus saying, "Answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee?" And he held his peace, and answered nothing. Again the highest priest asked him, and said unto him, "Art thou the Christ, the son of the blessed?" And Jesus said, "I am. And ye shall see the son of man sit on the righthand of power, and come in the clouds of heaven." Then the highest priest rent his clothes and said, "What need we any further of witness? Ye have heard the blasphemy, what think ye?" And they all gave sentence that he was worthy of death. And some began to spit at him, and to cover his face, and to beat him with their fists, and to say unto him, "Aread unto us." And the servants buffeted him on the face.
Then Jesus said unto the high priests and rulers of the temple and the elders which were come to him, "Be ye come out, as unto a thief: with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched not forth hands against me. But this is even your very hour, and the power of darkness." Then took they him, and led him, and brought him to the high priest's house. And Peter followed afar off. read more.
When they had kindled a fire in the midst of the palace, and were set down together, Peter also sat down among them. And one of the wenches, as he sat, beheld him by the fire and set good eyesight on him, and said, "This same was also with him." Then he denied him, saying, "Woman I know him not." And after a little while, another saw him and said, "Thou art also of them." And Peter said, "Man I am not." And about the space of a hour after, another affirmed, saying, "Verily even this fellow was with him, for he is of Galilee." And Peter said, "Man, I know not what thou sayest." And immediately while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned back and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the Lord, how he said unto him, "Before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice." And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. And the men that stood about Jesus, mocked him, and smote him, and blindfolded him, and smote his face. And asked him, saying, "Aread who it is that smote thee?" And many other things despitefully said they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and the high priests and scribes, came together, and led him into their council saying, "Art thou very Christ? Tell us." And he said unto them, "If I shall tell you, ye will not believe. And if also I ask you, ye will not answer me, or let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the righthand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art thou then the son of God?" He said to them, "Ye say that I am." Then said they, "What need we any further witness? We ourselves have heard of his own mouth."
When they had kindled a fire in the midst of the palace, and were set down together, Peter also sat down among them. And one of the wenches, as he sat, beheld him by the fire and set good eyesight on him, and said, "This same was also with him." Then he denied him, saying, "Woman I know him not." And after a little while, another saw him and said, "Thou art also of them." And Peter said, "Man I am not." And about the space of a hour after, another affirmed, saying, "Verily even this fellow was with him, for he is of Galilee." And Peter said, "Man, I know not what thou sayest." And immediately while he yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned back and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the words of the Lord, how he said unto him, "Before the cock crow thou shalt deny me thrice." And Peter went out, and wept bitterly. And the men that stood about Jesus, mocked him, and smote him, and blindfolded him, and smote his face. And asked him, saying, "Aread who it is that smote thee?" And many other things despitefully said they against him. And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people, and the high priests and scribes, came together, and led him into their council saying, "Art thou very Christ? Tell us." And he said unto them, "If I shall tell you, ye will not believe. And if also I ask you, ye will not answer me, or let me go. Hereafter shall the son of man sit on the righthand of the power of God." Then said they all, "Art thou then the son of God?" He said to them, "Ye say that I am." Then said they, "What need we any further witness? We ourselves have heard of his own mouth."
As they spake unto the people, the priests and the ruler of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, taking it grievously that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from death. And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold until the next day. For it was now eventide. read more.
Howbeit, many of them, which heard the words, believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it chanced on the morrow that their rulers, and elders, and scribes: as Annas the chief priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest: were gathered together at Jerusalem, and set the other before them, and asked, "By what power, or in what name, have ye done this, sirs?" Then Peter, full of the holy ghost, said unto them, "Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man by what means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, and whom God raised from death again, even by him doth this man stand here present before you whole. This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein we must be saved." When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and lay people, they marveled: and they knew them, that they were with Jesus. And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they could not say against it, but they commanded them to go aside out of the council; And counseled among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known to all them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it: But that it be noised no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them that they speak henceforth to no man in this name." And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered unto them and said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you more than God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have seen and heard." So threatened they them and let them go; And found nothing how to punish them, because of the people: For all men lauded God for the miracle which was done.
Howbeit, many of them, which heard the words, believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And it chanced on the morrow that their rulers, and elders, and scribes: as Annas the chief priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest: were gathered together at Jerusalem, and set the other before them, and asked, "By what power, or in what name, have ye done this, sirs?" Then Peter, full of the holy ghost, said unto them, "Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, if we this day are examined of the good deed done to the sick man by what means he is made whole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, and whom God raised from death again, even by him doth this man stand here present before you whole. This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is set in the chief place of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. Nor yet also is there any other name given to men wherein we must be saved." When they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were unlearned men and lay people, they marveled: and they knew them, that they were with Jesus. And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they could not say against it, but they commanded them to go aside out of the council; And counseled among themselves, saying, "What shall we do to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known to all them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it: But that it be noised no farther among the people, let us threaten and charge them that they speak henceforth to no man in this name." And they called them, and commanded them that in no wise they should speak or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered unto them and said, "Whether it be right in the sight of God to obey you more than God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak that which we have seen and heard." So threatened they them and let them go; And found nothing how to punish them, because of the people: For all men lauded God for the miracle which was done.
Then there arose certain of the Synagogue, which are called Libertines, and Cyrenians, and of Alexandria, and of Cilicia, and of Asia: and disputed with Stephen. And they could not resist the wisdom, and the spirit, with which he spake. Then sent they in men which said, "We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God," read more.
and they moved the people, and the elders, and the scribes: and they came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the council, and brought forth false witnesses which said, "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, for we heard him say, 'This Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave unto us.'" And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
and they moved the people, and the elders, and the scribes: and they came upon him and caught him, and brought him to the council, and brought forth false witnesses which said, "This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, for we heard him say, 'This Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave unto us.'" And all that sat in the council looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
Then said the chief priest, "Is it even so?" And he said, "Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hearken to. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said unto him, 'Come out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show unto thee.' read more.
Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household. Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and at the second time, Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kin: three score and fifteen souls. And Jacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were translated into Shechem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Hamor, at Shechem. "When the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should save them: but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, 'Sirs, ye are brethren why hurt ye one another?' But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?' Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian; Where he begat two sons. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly 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.' This Moses whom they forsook, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' - the same God sent, both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, 'A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.' This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us. For we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O ye of the house of Israel: gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Joshua into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he would faine have made a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit, he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, 'Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? Or what place is it that I should rest in? Hath not my hand made all these things?' "Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it." When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the righthand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the righthand of God." Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears and all ran upon him at once, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling on and saying, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit."
Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household. Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and at the second time, Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kin: three score and fifteen souls. And Jacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were translated into Shechem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Hamor, at Shechem. "When the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should save them: but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, 'Sirs, ye are brethren why hurt ye one another?' But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?' Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian; Where he begat two sons. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly 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.' This Moses whom they forsook, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' - the same God sent, both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, 'A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.' This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us. For we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O ye of the house of Israel: gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Joshua into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he would faine have made a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit, he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, 'Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? Or what place is it that I should rest in? Hath not my hand made all these things?' "Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it." When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the righthand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the righthand of God." Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears and all ran upon him at once, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling on and saying, "Lord Jesus receive my spirit."
Select readings » Stephen's defense
Then said the chief priest, "Is it even so?" And he said, "Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hearken to. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham while he was yet in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, and said unto him, 'Come out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show unto thee.' read more.
Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household. Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and at the second time, Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kin: three score and fifteen souls. And Jacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were translated into Shechem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Hamor, at Shechem. "When the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should save them: but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, 'Sirs, ye are brethren why hurt ye one another?' But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?' Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian; Where he begat two sons. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly 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.' This Moses whom they forsook, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' - the same God sent, both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, 'A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.' This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us. For we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O ye of the house of Israel: gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Joshua into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he would faine have made a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit, he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, 'Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? Or what place is it that I should rest in? Hath not my hand made all these things?' "Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it." When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the righthand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the righthand of God."
Then came he out of the land of Chaldea and dwelt in Haran. And after that, as soon as his father was dead, he brought him into this land, in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it - no, not the breadth of a foot - But promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. God verily spake on this wise, that this seed should be a dweller in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 'But the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge,' said God, 'and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household. Then came there a dearth over all the land of Egypt, and Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers first, and at the second time, Joseph was known of his brethren, and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent Joseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kin: three score and fifteen souls. And Jacob descended into Egypt, and died both he and our fathers, and were translated into Shechem, and were put in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Hamor, at Shechem. "When the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not of Joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, and made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain alive. The same time was Moses born, and was a proper child in the sight of God, which was nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should save them: but they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, 'Sirs, ye are brethren why hurt ye one another?' But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What, wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday?' Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Midian; Where he begat two sons. "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 'I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him, 'Put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly 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.' This Moses whom they forsook, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a judge?' - the same God sent, both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out showing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel, 'A prophet shall the Lord God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me: him shall ye hear.' This is he that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us. For we know not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt.' And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O ye of the house of Israel: gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Rephan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.' "Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen: which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Joshua into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he would faine have made a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Howbeit, he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet, 'Heaven is my seat, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build for me, saith the Lord? Or what place is it that I should rest in? Hath not my hand made all these things?' "Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have always resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which showed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it." When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the righthand of God, and said, "Behold, I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the righthand of God."
Servant » Instances of good » Joseph
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a lucky fellow and continued in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all that he did prosper in his hand. Wherefore he found grace in his master's sight, and served him. And his master made him ruler of his house, and put all that he had in his hand. read more.
And as soon as he had made him ruler over his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed this Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had: both in the house and also in the fields. And therefore he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and looked upon nothing that was with him, save only on the bread which he ate. And Joseph was a goodly person and a well favored. And it fortuned, after this, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, "Come lie with me." But he denied, and said to her, "Behold, my master knoweth not what he hath in the house with me, but hath committed all that he hath to my hand. He himself is not greater in the house than I, and hath kept nothing from me, but only thee because thou art his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, for to sin against God?" And after this manner spake she to Joseph day by day; but he hearkened not unto her, to sleep near her or to be in her company. And it fortuned about the same season, that Joseph entered into the house, to do his business: and there was none of the household by, in the house. And she caught him by the garment, saying, "Come, sleep with me." And he left his garment in her hand and fled and got him out. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled out, she called unto the men of the house, and told them, saying, "See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to do us shame: for he came in to me, for to have slept with me. But I cried with a loud voice. And when he heard that I lift up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled away and got him out." And she laid up his garment by her, until her lord came home. And she told him according to these words, saying, "This Hebrews' servant which thou hast brought unto us came in to me to do me shame. But as soon as I lift up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled out." When his master heard the words of his wife which she told him, saying, "after this manner did thy servant to me," he waxed wroth. And he took Joseph and put him in prison: even in the place where the king's prisoners lay bound. And there continued he in prison,
And as soon as he had made him ruler over his house and over all that he had, the LORD blessed this Egyptian's house for Joseph's sake, and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had: both in the house and also in the fields. And therefore he left all that he had in Joseph's hand, and looked upon nothing that was with him, save only on the bread which he ate. And Joseph was a goodly person and a well favored. And it fortuned, after this, that his master's wife cast her eyes upon Joseph and said, "Come lie with me." But he denied, and said to her, "Behold, my master knoweth not what he hath in the house with me, but hath committed all that he hath to my hand. He himself is not greater in the house than I, and hath kept nothing from me, but only thee because thou art his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, for to sin against God?" And after this manner spake she to Joseph day by day; but he hearkened not unto her, to sleep near her or to be in her company. And it fortuned about the same season, that Joseph entered into the house, to do his business: and there was none of the household by, in the house. And she caught him by the garment, saying, "Come, sleep with me." And he left his garment in her hand and fled and got him out. When she saw that he had left his garment in her hand, and was fled out, she called unto the men of the house, and told them, saying, "See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us to do us shame: for he came in to me, for to have slept with me. But I cried with a loud voice. And when he heard that I lift up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled away and got him out." And she laid up his garment by her, until her lord came home. And she told him according to these words, saying, "This Hebrews' servant which thou hast brought unto us came in to me to do me shame. But as soon as I lift up my voice and cried, he left his garment with me and fled out." When his master heard the words of his wife which she told him, saying, "after this manner did thy servant to me," he waxed wroth. And he took Joseph and put him in prison: even in the place where the king's prisoners lay bound. And there continued he in prison,
Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, "I do remember my fault this day. Pharaoh was angry with his servants, and put in ward in the chief marshal's house both me and the chief baker. And we dreamed both of us in one night and each man's dream of a sundry interpretation. read more.
And there was with us a young man, an Hebrew-born servant unto the chief marshal. And we told him, and he declared our dreams to us according to either of our dreams. And as he declared them unto us, even so it came to pass. I was restored to mine office again, and he was hanged." Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph. And they made him haste out of prison. And he shaved himself and changed his raiment, and went in to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "I have dreamed a dream and no man can interpret it, but I have heard say of thee that as soon as thou hearest a dream, thou dost interpret it." And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace without me." Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "In my dream, me thought I stood by a river's side, and there came out of the river seven fat fleshed and well favored cows, and fed in the meadow. And then seven other cows came up after them, poor and very evil favored and lean fleshed: so that I never saw their like, in all the land of Egypt, in evil favoredness. And the seven lean and evil favored cows ate up the first seven fat cows. And when they had eaten them up, a man could not perceive that they had eaten them: for they were still as evil favored as they were at the beginning. And I awoke. And I saw again in my dream seven ears spring out of one stalk, full and good, and seven other ears, withered, thin and blasted with wind, spring up after them. And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. And I have told it unto the soothsayers, but no man can tell me what it meaneth." Then Joseph said unto Pharaoh, "Both Pharaoh's dreams are one. And God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years: and the seven good ears are seven years also, and is but one dream. Likewise, the seven thin and evil favored cows that came out after them, are seven years: and the seven empty and blasted ears shall be seven years of hunger. This is that which I said unto Pharaoh, that God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. "Behold, there shall come seven years of great plenteousness throughout all the land of Egypt. And there shall arise after them seven years of hunger. So that all the plenteousness shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt. And the hunger shall consume the land: so that the plenteousness shall not be once a seen in the land, by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shall be exceeding great. And as concerning that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh the second time, it betokeneth that the thing is certainly prepared of God, and that God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore, let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt. And let Pharaoh make officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years and let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up corn under the power of Pharaoh: that there may be food in the cities, and there let them keep it: that there may be food in store in the land, against the seven years of hunger which shall come in the land of Egypt, and that the land perish not through hunger." And the saying pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. Then said Pharaoh unto his servants, "Where shall we find such a man as this is, that hath the spirit of God in him?" Wherefore Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is no man of understanding nor of wisdom like unto thee. Thou therefore shalt be over my house, and according to thy word shall all my people obey: only in the king's seat will I be above thee." And he said unto Joseph, "Behold, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt." And he took off his ring from his finger, and put it upon Joseph's finger, and he arrayed him in raiment of byss, and put a golden chain about his neck, and set him upon the best chariot that he had, save one. And they cried before him "Abrech!" And that Pharaoh had made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "I am Pharaoh; without thy will, shall no man lift up either his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." And he called Joseph's name Zaphenath-Paneah. And he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. Then went Joseph abroad in the land of Egypt. And he was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And then Joseph departed from Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years they made sheaves, and gathered up all the food of the seven plenteous years which were in the land of Egypt and put it into the cities. And he put the food of the fields that grew round about every city, even in the same. And Joseph laid up corn in store, like unto the sand of the sea in multitude out of measure, until he left numbering: For it was without number. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of hunger came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, bare unto him. And he called the name of the first son Manasseh, "For God," said he, "hath made me forget all my labour and all my father's household." The second called he Ephraim, "For God," said he, "hath caused me to grow in the land of my trouble." And when the seven years of plenteousness that was in the land of Egypt were ended, then came the seven years of dearth, according as Joseph had said. And the dearth was in all lands: but in the land of Egypt was there yet food. When now all the land of Egypt began to hunger, then cried the people to Pharaoh for bread. And Pharaoh said unto all Egypt, "Go unto Joseph, and what he saith to you, that do." And when the dearth was throughout all the land, Joseph opened all that was in the cities, and sold unto the Egyptians. And hunger waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came to Egypt, to Joseph, for to buy corn: because that the hunger was so sore in all lands.
And there was with us a young man, an Hebrew-born servant unto the chief marshal. And we told him, and he declared our dreams to us according to either of our dreams. And as he declared them unto us, even so it came to pass. I was restored to mine office again, and he was hanged." Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph. And they made him haste out of prison. And he shaved himself and changed his raiment, and went in to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "I have dreamed a dream and no man can interpret it, but I have heard say of thee that as soon as thou hearest a dream, thou dost interpret it." And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace without me." Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "In my dream, me thought I stood by a river's side, and there came out of the river seven fat fleshed and well favored cows, and fed in the meadow. And then seven other cows came up after them, poor and very evil favored and lean fleshed: so that I never saw their like, in all the land of Egypt, in evil favoredness. And the seven lean and evil favored cows ate up the first seven fat cows. And when they had eaten them up, a man could not perceive that they had eaten them: for they were still as evil favored as they were at the beginning. And I awoke. And I saw again in my dream seven ears spring out of one stalk, full and good, and seven other ears, withered, thin and blasted with wind, spring up after them. And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. And I have told it unto the soothsayers, but no man can tell me what it meaneth." Then Joseph said unto Pharaoh, "Both Pharaoh's dreams are one. And God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years: and the seven good ears are seven years also, and is but one dream. Likewise, the seven thin and evil favored cows that came out after them, are seven years: and the seven empty and blasted ears shall be seven years of hunger. This is that which I said unto Pharaoh, that God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. "Behold, there shall come seven years of great plenteousness throughout all the land of Egypt. And there shall arise after them seven years of hunger. So that all the plenteousness shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt. And the hunger shall consume the land: so that the plenteousness shall not be once a seen in the land, by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shall be exceeding great. And as concerning that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh the second time, it betokeneth that the thing is certainly prepared of God, and that God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore, let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt. And let Pharaoh make officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years and let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up corn under the power of Pharaoh: that there may be food in the cities, and there let them keep it: that there may be food in store in the land, against the seven years of hunger which shall come in the land of Egypt, and that the land perish not through hunger." And the saying pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. Then said Pharaoh unto his servants, "Where shall we find such a man as this is, that hath the spirit of God in him?" Wherefore Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is no man of understanding nor of wisdom like unto thee. Thou therefore shalt be over my house, and according to thy word shall all my people obey: only in the king's seat will I be above thee." And he said unto Joseph, "Behold, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt." And he took off his ring from his finger, and put it upon Joseph's finger, and he arrayed him in raiment of byss, and put a golden chain about his neck, and set him upon the best chariot that he had, save one. And they cried before him "Abrech!" And that Pharaoh had made him ruler over all the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "I am Pharaoh; without thy will, shall no man lift up either his hand or foot in all the land of Egypt." And he called Joseph's name Zaphenath-Paneah. And he gave him to wife Asenath the daughter of Poti-Pherah priest of On. Then went Joseph abroad in the land of Egypt. And he was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And then Joseph departed from Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. And in the seven plenteous years they made sheaves, and gathered up all the food of the seven plenteous years which were in the land of Egypt and put it into the cities. And he put the food of the fields that grew round about every city, even in the same. And Joseph laid up corn in store, like unto the sand of the sea in multitude out of measure, until he left numbering: For it was without number. And unto Joseph were born two sons before the years of hunger came, which Asenath the daughter of Poti-Pherah, priest of On, bare unto him. And he called the name of the first son Manasseh, "For God," said he, "hath made me forget all my labour and all my father's household." The second called he Ephraim, "For God," said he, "hath caused me to grow in the land of my trouble." And when the seven years of plenteousness that was in the land of Egypt were ended, then came the seven years of dearth, according as Joseph had said. And the dearth was in all lands: but in the land of Egypt was there yet food. When now all the land of Egypt began to hunger, then cried the people to Pharaoh for bread. And Pharaoh said unto all Egypt, "Go unto Joseph, and what he saith to you, that do." And when the dearth was throughout all the land, Joseph opened all that was in the cities, and sold unto the Egyptians. And hunger waxed sore in the land of Egypt. And all countries came to Egypt, to Joseph, for to buy corn: because that the hunger was so sore in all lands.
and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
Servants » When good » Have God with them
but the LORD was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and got him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison;
And except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the God whom Isaac feareth, had been with me: surely thou hadst sent me away now all empty. But God beheld my tribulation, and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesterday."
And the patriarchs, having indignation, sold Joseph into Egypt, and God was with him, and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
Servants » Good--exemplified
Then died Debora, Rebekah's nurse, and was buried beneath Bethel under an oak. And the name of it was called the oak of lamentation.
Then they brought Rebekah their sister on the way, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and the men that were with him.
and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all that he did prosper in his hand.
Wisdom » Of joseph
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, "God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace without me."
and delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; which made him governor over Egypt, and over all his household.
Then Joseph said unto Pharaoh, "Both Pharaoh's dreams are one. And God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good cows are seven years: and the seven good ears are seven years also, and is but one dream. Likewise, the seven thin and evil favored cows that came out after them, are seven years: and the seven empty and blasted ears shall be seven years of hunger. read more.
This is that which I said unto Pharaoh, that God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. "Behold, there shall come seven years of great plenteousness throughout all the land of Egypt. And there shall arise after them seven years of hunger. So that all the plenteousness shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt. And the hunger shall consume the land: so that the plenteousness shall not be once a seen in the land, by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shall be exceeding great. And as concerning that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh the second time, it betokeneth that the thing is certainly prepared of God, and that God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore, let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt. And let Pharaoh make officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years and let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up corn under the power of Pharaoh: that there may be food in the cities, and there let them keep it: that there may be food in store in the land, against the seven years of hunger which shall come in the land of Egypt, and that the land perish not through hunger." And the saying pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. Then said Pharaoh unto his servants, "Where shall we find such a man as this is, that hath the spirit of God in him?" Wherefore Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is no man of understanding nor of wisdom like unto thee.
This is that which I said unto Pharaoh, that God doth show Pharaoh what he is about to do. "Behold, there shall come seven years of great plenteousness throughout all the land of Egypt. And there shall arise after them seven years of hunger. So that all the plenteousness shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt. And the hunger shall consume the land: so that the plenteousness shall not be once a seen in the land, by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shall be exceeding great. And as concerning that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh the second time, it betokeneth that the thing is certainly prepared of God, and that God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore, let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding and wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypt. And let Pharaoh make officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years and let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up corn under the power of Pharaoh: that there may be food in the cities, and there let them keep it: that there may be food in store in the land, against the seven years of hunger which shall come in the land of Egypt, and that the land perish not through hunger." And the saying pleased Pharaoh and all his servants. Then said Pharaoh unto his servants, "Where shall we find such a man as this is, that hath the spirit of God in him?" Wherefore Pharaoh said unto Joseph, "Forasmuch as God hath showed thee all this, there is no man of understanding nor of wisdom like unto thee.