but ye shall receive the influence of the holy spirit, which will descend upon you: and ye shall be witnesses for me, in Jerusalem, in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the remotest part of the earth.

Peter replied, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit.

they continued stedfastly in the apostolical doctrine of a community, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved.

When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord.

be therefore upon your guard to secure your selves, and the whole flock over which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood.

the Jews there were of a more generous temper than those of Thessalonica: for they very readily embrac'd their doctrine, and daily examin'd, whether it was conformable to the scriptures.

and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.

believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family.

then they that embraced his doctrine, were baptized: and there were about three thousand converts made that very day.

After this discourse, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

on the first day of the week we assembled to break bread, when Paul, who was to depart on the morrow, gave them a sermon, which lasted till midnight.

"ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up to heaven? this same Jesus who is taken up from you into heaven, shall descend in the same manner as ye have seen him ascend thither."

repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ,

God has been pleas'd to over-look this state of ignorance: but now he enjoins all men every where to repent:

At that time, as the number of the disciples was multiplied, the Hellenists murmured against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the distribution that was made daily.

then Peter thus began, now I plainly perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Immediately the brethren sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, where being arriv'd, they went into the synagogue.

In my former treatise, I gave an account, O Theophilus, of all the actions and doctrine of Jesus, to the time of his assumption,

he he has deduced all mankind from one parent, to inhabit the surface of the whole earth, having pre-establish'd the appointed periods, and the boundarys of their dominions:

Saul still breathing out nothing but threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord,

ye men of Israel attend to what I say; Jesus of Nazareth was a man whom God distinguished among you, by miracles, by prodigies, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you your selves also know:

upon which Peter said, Ananias, how could satan inspire thine heart to lye to the holy ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

Now when they heard this, their hearts were struck with remorse, and they said to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do?

"it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams:

being with them when they were assembled, he order'd they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for what the father had promis'd, which, said he, I mention'd.

how Jesus of Nazareth divinely inspired by the holy spirit, and with miraculous power, went about doing good, and healing all that were under the oppression of the devil: because God was with him.

Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, arise, and go toward the south, by the way that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, in the desart.

then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men.

Now the whole body of believers were but one heart, and one soul: no one look'd upon what he possessed, as his own, but every thing was held in common.

Being therefore in his presence, they asked him, saying, Lord, is this the time when you will restore again the kingdom to Israel?

therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

Now there was a certain man named Ananias who with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

are moved, and do exist: even as some of your own poets have said, WE ARE EVEN HIS OFFSPRING.

and some young men came and wound him up, then carried him out, and buried him.

Whilst Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having pass'd through the upper provinces of Asia, arrived at Ephesus, where finding some disciples, he said to them,

and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved?

where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians.

However some that arrived from Judea, told the Gentile converts, unless you are circumcised agreeably to the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.

why should you now delay? arise, be baptized, and cleansed from your sins, by invoking the name of the Lord.

the GOD who made the world and every thing therein, and is the Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples erected by men:

as she followed Paul and the rest of us, she cried out, these men are the servants of the most high God, who show you the way to salvation.

to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion, of which they had many proofs, during the forty days he appear'd to them, and inform'd them about the reign of the Messias:

praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.

All that believed were united together, and had all things in common,

my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."

But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say.

" for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the holy ghost, not many days hence."

and then whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved."

and unanimously persevere in prayer with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brethren being present.

him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by means of the wicked, have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up,

things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour.

One day as we went to the oratory, we happen'd to meet a slave, who had the spirit Python, and was very gainful to her masters by telling of fortunes.

At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:

Peter was yet speaking, when the holy spirit descended on all that heard him.

and continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meals with gladness, and simplicity of heart,

as they pursued their journey, they came to a place of water: and the eunuch said, see, here is water; what should hinder my being baptized?

encouraging the disciples, exhorting them to persevere in the faith, representing that it is thro' much tribulation that we must enter into the kingdom of God.

and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me."

One day as Peter and John were going together to the temple, at the ninth hour, which was the hour of prayer,

In Cesarea there was a centurion of a cohort in the Italic legion, whose name was Cornelius, a religious man,

and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

because he has fix'd the day, when he will judge in equity, by that man, whom he has appointed thereto: of which he has given full proof to all the world, by having raised him from the dead."

and he said to them, it is not for you, to know the times or the seasons, which the father hath reserv'd in his own disposal.

but when they had embraced the doctrine of Philip, concerning the kingdom of the Messias, and the authority of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles,

remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing

and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd.

as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy spirit said to them, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have destin'd them.

Then Paul being plac'd in the middle of the Areopagus, said thus, "I observe, O Athenians, that you are in a manner too devout.

he was of our number, and shared in the functions of this ministry.

that they all followed him, both old and young. this man, said they, is the plenipotentiary of God.

but after they had travers'd Phrygia and Galatia, they were order'd by the holy spirit not to preach the gospel in Asia:

When they were arrived there, they went up into an upper room, where Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zelot, and Judas the brother of James used to resort,

so we took our places, and convers'd with the women, that came there. one of them was nam'd Lydia of Thyatira, a trader in purple, and a Jewish proselyte. she heard us: and the Lord inclin'd her heart to attend to what Paul said.

when the Gentiles heard this, they received the word with joy, glorifying the Lord: and as many as were dispos'd to eternal life, believed.

he is the person to whom all the prophets give this attestation, that all who believe in him, shall receive remission of sins, by his authority.

At that time the disciples being assembled, to the number of about an hundred and twenty, Peter rose up in the midst of them,

for I know when I am gone, you will be oppress'd by wolves, that will not spare the flock.

One day they conducted him to the Areopagus, and said to him, may we know what this new doctrine is, which you publish?

While Paul was expecting them at Athens, he was grieved to the soul to see the whole city o'er-spread with idols.

at which he look'd very attentively, expecting to receive something of them.

Having heard this, they were appeas'd, and glorified God, saying, God has then granted salvation likewise to the gentiles, on the terms of their repentance.

about the space of three hours after, his wife, not knowing what had happen'd, came in.

for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them,

in it were all sorts of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds.

therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the father the promise of the holy spirit, he has diffused that spirit, the effects of which ye now see and hear.

At Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, that is in Greek, Dorcas: this woman was very active in all the offices of benevolence and charity.

stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye.

Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John,

and the spirit bid me make no difficulty of going with them. these six brethren accompany'd me, and we went together to the man's house.

After this Paul left Athens and arriv'd at Corinth:

About that time, king Herod Agrippa began to persecute some of the church.

Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples,

but must reside in heaven, till the time of the restitution of all things, of which God has spoken from the beginning by the mouth of his holy prophets.

At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard:

I will repair its ruins, and raise it up: that the rest of mankind, even all the nations, that profess my name, may seek the Lord.

I have the same expectations from the DEITY, which they themselves entertain, that of the resurrection both of the just and of the unjust.

thus the christian doctrine flourish'd and prevail'd.

[and Philip said, if you believe with all your heart, you may. and he answered, I do believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God.]

after he had given the apostles he had chosen, the orders they were to execute by the holy spirit.

Having pass'd thro' Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arriv'd at Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue.

thus the word of God was spread; and the number of disciples encreased very much at Jerusalem; and a numerous body of priests embrac'd the faith.

then they returned to Jerusalem, from the mountain of olives, which is a sabbath-day's journey from it.

and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd.

but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

Paul, as was his custom, us'd to go there, and for three sabbath-days discours'd to the Jews from the scriptures,

Thus were many signs and wonders wrought among the people, by the apostles, who us'd to meet in Solomon's porch with great unanimity:

One Simon was then resident in that place, who pretended to be something extra-ordinary, and by his magical practices had so enchanted the people of Samaria,

In the mean time they who were dispers'd upon the persecution that arose after Stephen's time, had travell'd as far as Phenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, without preaching the gospel to any, but Jews only.

When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled, trembled; they were all filled with the holy spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

Paul arrived then at Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish convert, but his father a Greek.

then Peter said, can we refuse the water of baptism to such as have received the holy spirit as well as we?

he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold.

In the mean time, the apostles, and the brethren, who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles had likewise receiv'd the word of God.

him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

having delivered him from the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be overpower'd by it.

for I have acquainted you with the whole dispensation of God without reserve.

go, said the Lord to him: for he is the instrument I have chosen, to bear my name to the Gentiles, to kings, and to the children of Israel.

but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God.

for by the holy spirit it seemed good to us, to lay no greater burthen upon you, than these necessary injunctions;

and having caused Peter and John to appear, they asked, by what influence, or by what authority have you done this?

In the mean time a Jew, nam'd Apollos, born at Alexandria, a man of letters, and vers'd in the scriptures, arriv'd at Ephesus.

wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair:

Now Stephen full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

for Moses said to the fathers, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; observe whatever he shall say to you.

but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel,

when Peter addressing himself to her, tell me, said he, have you sold the land for such a price? yes, said she, for so much.

but they that were dispers'd, preach'd the gospel wherever they went.

From Perga they went to Antioch in Pisidia, and going to the synagogue on the sabbath-day, they took their places,

'tis this Jesus whom God hath raised up, of which we all are witnesses.

Thus they stoned Stephen, while he was calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

there Paul had a vision in the night. a Macedonian appear'd to him, and thus address'd him, "pass on to Macedonia, and come to our relief."

men and brethren, let me with assurance tell you of the patriarch David, who died and was buried here, his sepulchre being with us to this day:

a fact so generally known to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that they called the field in their tongue, Aceldema, that is to say, the field of blood.

know then, my brethren, it is by him, that the remission of sins is offer'd to you:

On the morrow as they were on their journey, and drew nigh the city, Peter went upon the leads to pray, about the sixth hour.

for what you say sounds so very strange, we should be glad to know what it means.

by him, every one who believes, is purged from all that guilt, for which the law of Moses had made no such provision.

and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:

and said, men and brethren, the prediction which the holy ghost made, by the mouth of David, concerning Judas, who was guide to those that seiz'd Jesus, must have been accomplished.

Some time after, Paul said to Barnabas, let us return to visit all those cities, where we have preach'd the word of the Lord, to see what condition the brethren are in.

and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.

Simon has related how God began to visit the Gentiles, to chuse from among them a people consecrated to his name.

at the relation of which they unanimously lift up their voice to God, and said, Lord, thou art the God who hast made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is therein:

and as they were looking stedfastly toward heaven, as he mounted up, on a sudden, two men appear'd before them robed in white, who said,

by which they might enquire, and by due reflection investigate the supreme being, although he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live,

this proposition pleased the whole assembly: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the holy spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.

Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them.

for it was truly against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, that Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, united themselves in this city,

but Peter said, not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

then Peter said, silver and gold have I none; but such as I have I give thee: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk.

Then the apostles, the presbyters, and the whole church thought it proper to select some out of their own body to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch: such as Judas surnam'd Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use.

God removed Saul, and rais'd up David to be their king, to whom he gave this testimonial, " I have found David the son of Jesse: he is a man most acceptable to me, and he will execute all my orders."

when he had knock'd at the door of the gate, a servant named Rhoda came to ask who was there.

As soon as they were discharg'd, they went to their brethren, and reported all that the chief priests and senators had said to them:

Then the churches in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, were unmolested and establish'd, and by their religious conduct, and the assistance of the holy spirit, grew more extensive.

because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave, nor wilt thou give thine holy one a prey to corruption.

that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, from fornication, from animals that are strangled, and from their blood.

and all the people were allarm'd at the many prodigies and miracles which were done by the apostles.

but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there.

Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation,

so he order'd the charioteer to stop: and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

that I have conceal'd nothing that might be useful to you, but have inform'd you of it, and instructed you therein, both in publick and in private:

but after he had purchased a field with the reward of his iniquity, he fell down, his belly burst, and all his bowels gushed out:

but not finding them, they dragg'd Jason and some of the brethren to the magistrates, crying out, these that have been every where the disturbers of the publick peace, are come hither also, and have been entertain'd by Jason.

no wonder they were so attach'd to one, who had for a long time infatuated them with his arts.

As he was on his journey, and near Damascus, on a sudden, a light from heaven surrounded him,

then he said, I am a Jew, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, but had my education in this city: at the feet of Gamaliel I was instructed in the law, and in the exact decisions of our fathers, and was as religiously zealous as you are at this time.

Stephen answer'd, my brethren, and you my fathers, lend your attention. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were.

and with many other discourses did he conjure and exhort them, to save themselves from that depraved generation.

and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

and he commanded us to publish, and to testify to the people, that he was the person whom God had constituted to be the judge of the living, and of the dead.

struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans?

then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel,

he told us how he had seen an angel, who had presented himself to him, and had said, send to Joppa, to fetch Simon, surnam'd Peter:

wherefore of those who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus convers'd among us,

since then we are the offspring of God, we should not imagine that the Deity bears any resemblance to the form which Gold, or Silver, or Stone has receiv'd from human art and industry.

now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world.

that, as he was a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him, to place the fruit of his loins upon his throne: foreseeing this,

he receives no service from their officiousness: he is self-sufficient: it is he that gives to all their life and breath and every thing they have.

this was what he communicated to the children of Israel, proclaiming salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all mankind.

the miracles which God wrought by the ministry of Paul being of such an extraordinary nature, that by applying the handkerchiefs,

whilst we shall continue our applications to prayer, and to preaching.

now the Athenians, and the foreigners residing at Athens generally amus'd themselves about nothing, but hearing and spreading of news.

the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree.

then Philip enter'd upon the subject, and show'd how the whole passage was applicable to Jesus.

cry'd out, "sirs, what are you going to do? we are but men as well as you, and we exhort you to renounce these vanities, and turn to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth and the sea, and all that they contain:

thus they roar'd, and threw off their cloaks, and scatter'd dust in the air:

(at that very instant Saul saw in a vision the said Ananias come in, and put his hand on him, to restore his sight.)

for considering, as I pass'd along, the deitys, which you adore, I met with an altar that had this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. now that GOD whom you worship without knowing him, is the same that I denounce to you.

he spoke of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, "that his soul was not lest in the grave, neither did his body undergo corruption."'

nevertheless he sufficiently display'd himself by his beneficence to mankind, in giving us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, replenishing our hearts with food and gladness."

this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle.

that he may be admitted to this apostolick ministry which Judas abandoned, to go to his own place."

Then said the high priest, are these things so?

first I warn'd the people of Damascus, of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and then the Gentiles, to repent, and turn to God, by acting suitably to their repentance.

king Agrippa, don't you give credit to the prophetic writings? I know you do.

then Peter said to her, how comes it that you have conspir'd together, to tempt the spirit of the Lord? see there at the door the men that are come from burying thy husband, and they shall carry thee out likewise.

at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh.

but we believe that it is by the favour of the Lord Jesus Christ, that we are to be sav'd, as well as they.

Paul still continued a considerable time at Corinth, and then taking his leave of the brethren, he set sail for Syria, with Priscilla and Aquila, who had his head shav'd in Cenchrea upon account of a vow.

Now there was a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! and he said, Lord, here I am.

the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his family, as well as many of the Corinthians, who heard Paul, and were baptized.

among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus,

where having found a Jew nam'd Aquila, a native of Pontus, who lately came from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had order'd all the Jews to quit Rome; he went to them:

and now, Lord, behold their threatnings: and enable thy servants to deliver thy word with freedom,

Ananias therefore departed, and being arrived at the house, he put his hands on Saul, and said, brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus that appeared to you on your journey hither, hath sent me, that you might obtain your sight, and be filled with the holy spirit.

upon hearing Peter tell his name, instead of opening the gate, she ran, out of joy, to tell them, that Peter was there.

then recollecting where he was, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnam'd Mark, where many were assembled at prayers.

the twelve therefore assembled all the disciples, and said, it is not fit that we should leave the word of God, to mind what relates to your meals.

But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead."

the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and renounced in opposition to Pilate, who was determined to let him go.

in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions.

for David is not ascended to heaven: yet he saith himself, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand,

for forty years he maintain'd them in the wilderness.

About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch:

and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith.

I do indeed own, that I serve the God of our nation according to the discipline they call sect: and believe whatever is written in the law and in the prophets.

for there was no poor among them, because as many as bad lands or houses, sold them, and brought the value,

the God of Israel made choice of our fathers, and exalted the people when they sojourn'd in Egypt, from whence he conducted them by the terror of his arm.

when they were arrived, and had assembled the Church, they related what great things God had wrought by them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles:

and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:

and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice which said to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

who desired him to stay longer with them, but he would not consent to it: for,

and a voice said to him, rise, Peter; kill and eat.

but as they were not able to withstand the force of that sublime knowledge which appeared in his discourse,

he that does all these things, is the Lord himself that has said it." for the works of God are all known to him from the beginning of the world.

which affected the whole assembly, and all that heard of it with great dread.

then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many that this man has done a world of mischief to thy saints at Jerusalem: he is now here,

what then is to be done? they will necessarily be all assembled, for they can't but hear, you are come.

save what the holy spirit in every city declares, "that bonds and afflictions wait for me."

in the instant she fell down dead at his feet: and the young men came in, found her dead, carried her out, and buried her by her husband.

after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons.

since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all,

they suborned men, who said, we have heard him speak irreverently of Moses, and of God.

let them take care to see Paul mounted, and convoy him safe to governour Felix.

While Peter was perplexed about the signification of this vision, the messengers from Cornelius having enquir'd out Simon's house, arriv'd at the gate,

and taking him by the right hand, he lift him up; and immediately his feet and ancle-bones received strength.

but he made a sign to them with his hand, to be silent: and related to them, how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. go, said he, and acquaint James and the other brethren with this affair. after which he departed and went to another place.

so that he fell a leaping, and walking, and entred with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

and they stirred up the people, the senators, and the doctors of law, who came and seiz'd him, and brought him to the council,

and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be?

this was done thrice: and then the sheet was taken up into heaven.

yield then to our advice: there are four men here, who have made a vow:

who upon their arrival, prayed for them that they might receive the holy spirit.

then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.

having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims,

he sent therefore Timothy and Erastus, two of his assistants in the ministry, before to Macedonia; but stay'd himself in Asia for some time.

and is impower'd by the chief priests, to imprison all that make profession of thy name.

all the people saw him walking and praising God.

[ having said this, the Jews went out, warmly debating it among themselves.]

as Peter still continued knocking, they let him in, and seeing it was he, they were extremely surpriz'd:

as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise.

when the commanding officer order'd him to be brought into the castle, and put to the question by the lash, in order to find out the reason of their exclamations against him.

are you mad? said they. but she persisting that it was even so, they reply'd, it is then his angel.

for I will make him see how much he must suffer for my name.

said he, in taking his leave, I must necessarily keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: after which I will return to you if God permit.

when having demanded a king, God gave them Saul the son of Cis, of the tribe of Benjamin: the government of both having lasted forty years,

if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will?

and knowing it was he who us'd to sit begging at the Beauty-gate of the temple, they were filled with wonder and amazement at such an event.

this he frequently did, and convers'd with him upon the presumption that Paul would have

but whatever they could say, it was with difficulty that they restrain'd the people from sacrificing to them.

after these transactions, which lasted about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges to the time of the prophet Samuel:

and calling somebody, ask'd, whether Simon Peter lodg'd there.

and as the divine assistance accompany'd them, a great number of persons believed and became converts.

some of them were of Cyprus and Cyrene, and upon their arrival at Antioch they address'd themselves to the Greeks, and preach'd to them the Lord Jesus.

after that he distributed to them by lot the territorys of seven nations, which he destroyed in Canaan.

where they produc'd false witnesses, who said, this man is continually inveighing against the holy place, and against the law.

but the people who reverenc'd them,

rise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, without hesitating: for I have sent them.

as I have no certain account to communicate to the emperor my master, I caus'd him to appear before this assembly, and before you, king Agrippa, in particular, that after he is examin'd, I may know how to represent the affair;

Herod was then making warlike preparations against the Tyrians, and Sidonians: but they unanimously sent a deputation to court: where having gain'd Blastus the king's chamberlain, they brought matters to an accommodation: for their country was subsisted by the king's territorys.

whom they charg'd with this letter. The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren, to the Gentile brethren at Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting.

As soon as it was day, the soldiers were in a world of confusion to know what was become of Peter.

Herod having caus'd diligent search to be made, without being able to find him, after examining the guards, he order'd them to execution. after which he departed from Judea, and went to Cesarea, where he resided.

at the same time he writ a letter to Felix to this purport.

Of this the church at Jerusalem being appriz'd, they order'd Barnabas to go to Antioch;

and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy:

in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

one court-day, Herod array'd in his robes of state, and seated upon the throne, made a publick oration:

I pray God, said Paul, that not only you, but all that now hear me, were both almost and altogether such as I am, the circumstance of my bonds excepted.

after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe.

and I will shew prodigies in the heavens, and signs on the earth; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke.

so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers,

and when he had taken some food, he was refresh'd. after which Saul staid some time with the disciples at Damascus.

and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

offer'd him mony in order to obtain his discharge. but two years after he was succeeded by Porcius Festus, who to oblige the Jews left Paul under confinement.

multitudes came likewise from the neighbouring cities to Jerusalem, bringing their sick, and those who were tormented with impure spirits: who were all cured.

yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply.

and all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw an air of majesty in his aspect.

for one Demetrius, a silver-smith, who made little models of Diana's temple, and so furnish'd a deal of employment to the workmen in that trade,

it is of his posterity that God, pursuant to his promise, has rais'd up Jesus to be the saviour of Israel.

word of God made continual progress. and after Barnabas

at which the people gave a shout, saying, it is the voice of a God, and not of a man.

then for fear of striking upon the rocks, they dropt four anchors astern, and lay impatient for the day.

for we have heard him say, that Jesus the Nazarene shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses delivered us.

and in the discharge of his mission, he said, "who do you think I am? I am not the Messias. but there comes another after me, whose shoes I am not worthy to untie."

therefore did my heart rejoice, my tongue was glad: and my body shall rest in hope.

having therefore order'd them to withdraw from the council, they conferred among themselves,

men that have exposed their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

for he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: so that many converts were added to the church.

having sail'd from Ephesus, he went ashore at Cesarea, where he saluted the church, and then proceeded to Antioch.

and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son.

now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt,

As Peter was still pondering upon the vision, the spirit said to him, there are people below, who enquire for you.

When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made it a matter of ridicule: others said, we will hear you again upon this subject;

saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

the audience were all amazed, and said, is not this he that persecuted the professors of this doctrine at Jerusalem, and came here on purpose to carry them prisoners to the chief priests?

however, there were some who adher'd to him, as Denis the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

these take, and perform the rites of purification with them, contributing to the expence of having their heads shav'd: this will convince them, what has been reported of you, is all groundless, and that you stick to the observances of the law.

but to prevent its spreading any further among the people, let us charge them with threats not to speak for the future to any man in that name.

they were carrying a man who had been lame from his birth, one whom they daily laid at the gate of the temple called, Beauty-gate, to ask alms of those that pass'd into the temple.

being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus.

they answered, Cornelius the centurion, a man of probity and piety, one that has an universal good character among the Jews, was divinely admonish'd by an holy angel to send for you to his house, to hear what you had to say to him.

in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months:

Whereas we have been appriz'd, that some who went from us, have embarass'd you with their discourse, and unsettled your minds, maintaining, that you ought to be circumcised, and to observe the law, though we gave them no such injunction: after having been assembled,

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

but was prevented by his disciples, and by the primates of Asia, who were his friends, and sent to desire he would not venture to the theatre:

till another king arose who knew not Joseph.

from thence they sailed to Antioch, where they had been recommended to the favour of God, for the commission, which they had now discharg'd.

as he was resolv'd to know for certain, the next day, what the Jews laid to his charge, he took off his chains, and summon'd the chief priests, and the council to appear, when Paul was brought, and presented before them.

as they were tying him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion, does the law allow to scourge a Roman citizen, and without any trial?

bawling out, "men of Israel, help: this is the man that every where inveighs upon all occasions against the people, against the law, and against this place, where they have brought Greeks too to profane this holy place."

A good while after, the Jews conspir'd to kill him:

then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.

then Peter went down to the messengers; and said, I am the person you look for: what occasion brought you hither?

for he strenuously disputed with the Jews in publick, proving from the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them,

as for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and their senators, by their not knowing who he was, and by condemning him, they have accomplished the declarations of the prophets, which are read every sabbath-day:

but was now upon his return, and sat in his chariot, reading the prophet Esaias.

they declar'd to one another, "this man has done nothing that deserves either death or imprisonment:"

this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race.

before his appearance, John had preach'd the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

give me too this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands he may receive the holy spirit.

upon hearing that, the centurion went to acquaint the head officer, take care, said he, what you do; for this man is a Roman.

when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

for the impure spirits, with great outcries, came out of many that were possessed: many paralytic, and lame people were cured.

for the man who was so miraculously cured, was above forty years old.

and kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought the rest which he laid at the apostles feet.

went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.

for I perceive you are upon the brink of misery, led captive by your sin.

CLAUDIUS LYSIAS to the most excellent governour FELIX wishes health.

and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening.

but the disciples being gather'd about him, he rose up and went into the city, from whence he departed the next day with Barnabas to go to Derbe.

by displaying thine hand in miraculous cures, and prodigies, which by the name of thy holy child Jesus shall be done.

when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them.

the people attended with great unanimity, hearing his discourses, and observing the miracles he wrought.

thou hast no manner of share in this gift: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life.

and some devout men who carried Stephen to his burial, making great lamentation over him.

and being seiz'd with hunger, he would have had something to eat: but while they were making it ready, he fell into a trance,

when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.

at these words, they were fir'd with indignation, and cry'd out, "great is Diana of the Ephesians."

then he invited them in, and they lodged there. On the morrow, Peter departed with them, and some of his brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

so when they had further threatned them, they let them go, not finding it practicable to punish them, because of the people, who all glorified God for that which was done.

when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners.

but Saul was appriz'd of their plot. and as they were night and day upon the watch at the gates, in order to kill him,

the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within.

so that not only our profession runs the risk of being vilified; but the temple of the great goddess Diana will be depreciated, and her majesty, so rever'd thro' all Asia, and the whole world, will be discarded."

as they were busy upon his execution, news came to the commander of the cohort, that the whole city was in an uproar.

at these words Ananias fell down dead upon the spot: which struck the minds of all that heard of it with great dread.

Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be.

accordingly Paul went to the men, and the next day was purified with them; then entring into the temple, he declar'd how long the time of the purification was to last, and when the offering was to be made for each of them.

Paul replied, I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of that famous city: and I beg you would give me leave to speak to the people: which being granted,

and the rest to get upon the planks, or other pieces of the wreck: and by this means it happen'd that they all came safe to land.

as for the believing Gentiles, we have given them by letter this decision, "they need only take care to abstain from meats offered to idols, from blood, from the flesh of animals strangled, and from fornication."

which caused great joy in that city.

upon this Paul was bent upon going. to the populace,

to effect what thy power and thy wisdom pre-determined to be done.

and perceiving that the Jews were pleas'd with this, he proceeded to secure Peter during the feast of unleavened bread:

the kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ."

at length the town-clerk appeased the people, and thus began, "who is there, O Ephesians, that does not know, that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Diana, and of her statue, which fell from heaven:

said he, I know for certain, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has deliver'd me from the hands of Herod, and from what the Jews were in expectation of.

but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report,

and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons.

and when Peter was return'd to Jerusalem, the Jewish converts objected to his conduct,

when they had pass'd the first and second guard, they came to the iron-gate that leads to the city, which open'd to them of itself: so they went out and pass'd together thro' one street: when all of a sudden the angel quitted Peter. Then coming to himself; now,

after this the apostles having certified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel by the way in many villages of the Samaritans.

thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell.

but when they knew he was a Jew, they cry'd out one and all for the space of two hours, "great is Diana of the Ephesians."

there the mob were in the utmost riot, some bawling out in one cry, some in another, and the greatest part at a loss to know why they were met.

then Cornelius said, it is now four days ago that I was fasting, and while I was at prayers in my house, about the ninth hour, a man in bright attire presented himself before me,

Simon answered, do you pray to the Lord for me, that nothing like what you mention may befall me.

for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it.

he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child.

how can I, answer'd he, without some expositor? and he desired Philip to mount, and sit with him.

and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian:

and they resided there a considerable time with the disciples.

at length they pass'd thro' Pisidia, and came to Pamphilia:

now the very night preceding the day which Herod design'd for his execution, Peter bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the other guards secured the prison door; when an angel of

and immediately the soldiers chopt the cable, and set the boat adrift.

and said, "Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and God has approved thine alms.

are not you the Egyptian, who lately made an insurrection at the head of four thousand banditti in the desart?

God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years.

and 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."

he seeing Peter and John going into the temple, asked alms of them.

The seven days being almost expir'd, the Asiatic Jews seeing him in the temple, rais'd a tumult, and fell upon him,

just as he was entring into the castle, Paul said to the officer, may I be favour'd with a word? you can speak Greek then, said he?

and ask'd him, why did you go to eat with the uncircumcised?

then melted into tears, they fell upon his neck and kissed him,

Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, Gaius of Derby and Timothy, Tychicus and Trophimus both Asiatics, all accompanied him to Asia,

then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family.

thereupon Barnabas took him with him to the apostles, and related to them how the Lord had appear'd to him on his journey, and had spoken to him, and how publickly Saul had preach'd at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

upon which Paul left the assembly.

while they were waiting for day, Paul advis'd the whole company to take some refreshment: "these fourteen days, said he, you have been very abstemious, and not made a meal:

the whole city was in an uproar, the people crouded together: they seized Paul, dragg'd him out of the temple, and then shut the gates.

this was done three times, and then the whole scene was mounted to heaven.

Paul then standing upon the stairs made a sign with his hand to the people, who being very silent, he rais'd his voice, and thus address'd them in the Hebrew tongue:

afterwards Samuel and all that prophesied after him, have likewise foretold these times.

as I was considering it very attentively, I saw several quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds.

and said to him, quit your country, and your kindred, to go to the land which I shall shew thee.

we therefore send Judas and Silas to inform you in person of this affair.

at last Alexander was disengag'd from the croud, and accus'd by the Jews. then he waved his hand, desiring to make his defence before them all.

where Paul and Barnabas continued, teaching and preaching the doctrine of the Lord, with many others.

on the morrow they march'd back to the castle, having left him to the custody of the horse:

the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another?

put on your girdle, continu'd the angel, and bind on your sandals: which he did. throw your cloak over you, said the angel, and follow me.

and the whole city was fill'd with confusion: all crouded in a body to the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, both of Macedonia, who had travell'd with Paul.

but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

yet your own eyes and ears have inform'd you, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul by his persuasions has turn'd the heads of a world of people, asserting, that these are Gods of our own making, and not really such.

as he was mounting the stairs, the soldiers bore him up thro' the violence of the people, who were all pressing after,

The Jews having seiz'd this man, were just upon the point to dispatch him, when I march'd with a body to his rescue;

having been informed he was a Roman, I had him brought before their Sanhedrim, to hear what crime they laid to his charge.

saying, as I was at prayers in Joppa, I saw something like a great sheet, tied at the four corners, which descended from heaven, and came just to me.

after which Paul and his company set out from Paphos to Perga in Pamphilia, where John quitted them in order to return to Jerusalem.

but Peter represented the whole affair to them,

but Paul and Barnabas told them boldly, you indeed were the first, to whom the word of God was to be preach'd: but since you reject it, and judge your own selves unworthy of eternal life, be assur'd, we shall make the same offer to the Gentiles:

immediately he headed a detachment, with his centurions, and march'd briskly to them; who, upon seeing the officer and his men, left off beating Paul.

After this discourse, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

and after they had stay'd there some time, with the good wishes of the brethren, they had leave to go to the apostles.

upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people.

at that very instant three men, dispatch'd from Cesarea to me, were just arrived at the house, where I was.

but if the contest be about other matters, it may be decided in a regular assembly.

but the crew under pretext of dropping their anchors to moor, had hoisted out the boat; designing to make off:

When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a general insurrection against Paul, and carry'd him to his tribunal.

for which reason I came without demur, as soon as I knew your message: I ask therefore upon what account you sent for me?

when they were arrived at Salamis, they preach'd the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and had John for their assistant.

accordingly he departed: and met a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, and was her high-treasurer: he had been at Jerusalem, to perform the duties of a proselyte,

where he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink.

then he convers'd freely with the apostles at Jerusalem:

there certain Epicurean and Stoick philosophers encountred him: "what does this mountebank mean?" said some: "he seems to proclaim some strange deitys," said others: because he talk'd to them of Jesus and the resurrection.

then I heard a voice, which said, rise, Peter; kill and eat.

accordingly, having heaved in their anchors, they drove with the sea, then loos'd the helm, bois'd the mizen-sail to wind, and made to shore:

I have not desir'd to get from any one either silver, or gold, or apparel.

explaining them, and setting it to view, that the Messiah was to suffer and rise again from the dead: and that Jesus, whom he denounc'd to them, was that very Messiah.

agreeable to what is written in the first psalm, "thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee."

and on his knees he cried with a loud voice, "Lord, lay not this sin to their charge." and having said this, he expired.

since this is incontestible, it behoves you to be easy, and free from any rash conduct:

when they had eat enough, they threw the wheat over board to ease the ship:

at length Saul rose from the ground; and when he opened his eyes, he could not see: so that they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus,

after having visited the faithful in those parts, and given them many exhortations, he went to Greece.

then the head officer came to him, and said, tell me, are you a Roman?

having talk'd with great freedom in the synagogue, Aquila and Priscilla, who had heard him, invited him home, and gave him a more distinct view of the gospel.

but I said, Lord, by no means: for I never did eat any thing impure, and defiled.

at which they all took heart and fell a eating likewise,