But you shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit shall have descended upon you, and shall be witnesses for me not only in Jerusalem, but throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

"Repent," answered Peter, "and be baptized every one of you in the Faith of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

They devoted themselves to the teaching of the Apostles and to the Common Life of the Church, to the Breaking of the Bread and to the Prayers.

And Salvation is in him alone; for there is no other Name in the whole world, given to men, to which we must look for our Salvation."

In the course of the Festival at the close of the Harvest the disciples had all met together,

Be watchful over yourselves, and over the whole flock, of which the Holy Spirit has placed you in charge, to shepherd the Church of God, which he won for himself at the cost of his life.

These Jews of Beroea were better disposed than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the Message with great readiness, and daily examined the Scriptures to see if what was said was true.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with strange 'tongues' as the Spirit prompted their utterances.

"Believe in Jesus, our Lord," they replied, "and you shall be saved, you and your household too."

So those who accepted his teaching were baptized, and about three thousand people joined the disciples on that day alone.

No sooner had Jesus said this than he was caught up before their eyes, and a cloud received him from their sight.

On the first day of the week, when we had met for the Breaking of Bread, Paul, who was intending to leave the next day, began to address those who were present, and prolonged his address till midnight.

And said: "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the heavens? This very Jesus, who has been taken from you into the heavens, will come in the very way in which you have seen him go into the heavens."

Therefore, repent and turn, that your sins may be wiped away; so that happier times may come from the Lord himself,

True, God looked with indulgence on the days of men's ignorance, but now he is announcing to every one everywhere the need for repentance,

About this time, when the number of the disciples was constantly increasing, complaints were made by the Jews of foreign birth against the native Jews, that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.

Then Peter began. "I see, beyond all doubt," he said, "that 'God does not show partiality,'

That very night the Brethren sent Paul and Silas off to Beroea; and on reaching that place, they went to the Jewish Synagogue.

The first account which I drew up, Theophilus, dealt with all that Jesus did and taught from the very first,

He made all races of the earth's surface--fixing a time for their rise and fall, and the limits of their settlements--

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord, went to the High Priest,

Men of Israel, listen to what I am saying. Jesus of Nazareth, a man whose mission from God to you was proved by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God showed among you through him, as you know full well--

"Ananias," Peter exclaimed, "how is it that Satan has so taken possession of your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit, and kept back a part of the money paid for the land?

When the people heard this, they were conscience-smitten, and said to Peter and the rest of the Apostles: "Brothers, what can we do?"

'It shall come about in the last days,' God says, 'That I will pour out my Spirit on all mankind; your sons and your daughters shall become Prophets, your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams;

And once, when he had gathered them together, he charged them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there for the fulfillment of the Father's promise-- "that promise," he said, "of which you have heard me speak;

The story, I mean, of Jesus of Nazareth, and how God consecrated him his Christ by enduing him with the Holy Spirit and with power; and how he went about doing good and curing all who were under the power of the Devil, because God was with him.

Among the members of the Church at Antioch there were several Prophets and Teachers--Barnabas, Simeon who was known by the name of 'Black', Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, foster-brother of Prince Herod, and Saul.

Meanwhile an angel of the Lord had said to Philip: "Set out on a journey southwards, along the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (It is now deserted).

To this Peter and the Apostles replied: "We must obey God rather than men.

The whole body of those who had become believers in Christ were of one heart and mind. Not one of them claimed any of his goods as his own, but everything was held for the common use.

So, when the Apostles had met together, they asked Jesus this question--"Master, is this the time when you intend to re-establish the Kingdom for Israel?"

So let the whole nation of Israel know beyond all doubt, that God has made him both Lord and Christ--this very Jesus whom you crucified."

There was, however, a man named Ananias, who, with his wife Sapphira, sold some property,

For in him we live and move and are. To use the words of some of your own poets--'His offspring, too, are we.'

The young men got up, and, winding the body in a sheet, carried it out and buried it.

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the inland districts of Roman Asia, and went to Ephesus. There he found some disciples, of whom he asked:

Then he led them out, and said: "What must I do to be saved?"

And, when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And so it came about that, for a whole year, they attended the meetings of the Church there, and taught a large number of people; and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christians.'

But certain persons came down from Judea, and began to teach the Brethren that, unless they were circumcised, in accordance with the custom enjoined by Moses, they could not be saved.

And now why wait any longer: Be baptized at once, wash away your sins, and invoke his Name.

The God who made the world and all things that are in it-- he, Lord as he is of Heaven and Earth, does not dwell in temples made by hands,

This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, calling: "These men are servants of the most high God, and they are bringing you news of a way to Salvation."

With abundant proofs, he showed himself to them, still living, after his death; appearing to them from time to time during forty days, and speaking of all that related to the Kingdom of God.

And the Lord daily added to their company those who were in the path of Salvation.

All who became believers in Christ held everything for the common use;

I left nothing undone to show you that, laboring as I labored, you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said himself-- 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

Then Peter, surrounded by the eleven other Apostles, stood up, and, raising his voice, addressed the crowd. "Men of Judea," he began, "and all you who are staying in Jerusalem, let me tell you what this means. Mark well my words.

For, while John baptized with water, you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit before many days have passed."

Then shall every one who invokes the Name of the Lord be saved.'

They all united in devoting themselves to Prayer, and so did some women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.

He, I say, in accordance with God's definite plan and with his previous knowledge, was betrayed, and you, by the hands of lawless men, nailed him to a cross and put him to death.

But I count my life of no value to myself, if only I may complete the course marked out for me, and the task that was allotted me by the Lord Jesus--which was to declare the Good News of the Love of God.

One day, as we were on our way to the Place of Prayer, we were met by a girl possessed by a divining spirit, who made large profits for her masters by fortune-telling.

From Miletus, however, he sent to Ephesus and invited the Officers of the Church to meet him;

Before Peter had finished saying these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who were listening to the Message.

Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the Temple Courts, and to the Breaking of Bread at their homes, while they partook of their food in simple-hearted gladness, praising God, and winning the good-will of all the people.

Presently, as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the Treasurer exclaimed: "Look! here is water; what is to prevent my being baptized?"

Reassuring the minds of the disciples, urging them to remain true to the Faith, and showing that it is only through many troubles that we can enter the Kingdom of God.

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; so that they may receive pardon for their sins, and a place among those who have become God's People, by faith in me.'

One day, as Peter and John were going up into the Temple Courts for the three o'clock Prayers, a man, who had been lame from his birth, was being carried by.

There was then in Caesarea a man named Cornelius, a Captain in the regiment known as the 'Italian Regiment,'

They also appointed Officers for them in every Church, and, after prayer and fasting, commended them to the Lord in whom they had learned to believe.

Because he has fixed a day on which he intends to 'judge the world with justice,' by a man whom he has appointed--and of this he has given all men a pledge by raising this man from the dead."

His answer was: "It is not for you to know times or hours, for the Father has reserved these for his own decision;

However, when they came to believe Philip, as he told them the Good News about the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Saul approved of his being put to death. On that very day a great persecution broke out against the Church which was in Jerusalem; and its members, with the exception of the Apostles, were all scattered over the districts of Judea and Samaria.

I earnestly pointed both Jews and Greeks to the repentance that leads to God, and to faith in Jesus, our Lord.

And now I commend you to the Lord and to the Message of his Love--a Message which has the power to build up your characters, and to give you your place among all those who have become Christ's People.

While they were engaged in the worship of the Lord and were fasting, the Holy Spirit said: "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them."

So Paul took his stand in the middle of the Court, and said- -"Men of Athens, on every hand I see signs of your being very devout.

For he was one of our number and had his part allotted him in this work of ours."

Every one, high and low, paid attention to him. 'This man,' they used to say, 'must be that Power of God which men call "The Great Power."'

They next went through the Phrygian district of Galatia, but were restrained by the Holy Spirit from delivering the Message in Roman Asia.

When they reached Jerusalem, they went to the upstairs room, where they were staying. There were there Peter, John, James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

Among them was a woman, named Lydia, belonging to Thyatira, a dealer in purple cloth, who was accustomed to join in the worship of God. The Lord touched this woman's heart, so that she gave attention to the Message delivered by Paul,

On hearing this, the Gentiles were glad and extolled God's Message; and all those who had been enrolled for Immortal Life became believers in Christ;

To him it is that all the Prophets bear witness, when they say that every one who believes in him receives through his Name forgiveness of sins."

About this time, at a meeting of the Brethren, when there were about a hundred and twenty present, Peter rose to speak.

I know that, after my departure, merciless wolves will get in among you, who will not spare the flock;

So they laid hold of him and took him to the Court of Areopagus. "May we hear," they asked, "what new teaching this is which you are giving?

While Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his heart was stirred at seeing the whole city full of idols.

The man was all attention, expecting to get something from them;

On hearing this statement, they said no more, but broke out into praise of God. "So even to the Gentiles," they exclaimed, "God has granted the repentance which leads to Life!"

After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

For the promise is for you and for your children, and also for all those now far away, who may be called by the Lord our God."

While Peter and John were still speaking to the people, the Chief Priest, with the Officer in charge at the Temple and the Sadducees, came up to them,

In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds.

And now that he has been exalted to the right hand of God, and has received from the Father the promised gift of the Holy Spirit, he has begun to pour out that gift, as you yourselves now see and hear.

At Jaffa there lived a disciple whose name was Tabitha, which is in Greek 'Dorcas'--a Gazelle. Her life was spent in doing kind and charitable actions.

O! stubborn race, heathen in heart and ears, you are for ever resisting the Holy Spirit; your ancestors did it, and you are doing it still.

When the Apostles at Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had welcomed God's Message, they sent Peter and John to them;

The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six Brothers also went with me. And, when we came into the man's house,

On leaving Athens, Paul next went to Corinth.

It was at that time that King Herod began to ill-treat some of the members of the Church.

When the Council saw how boldly Peter and John spoke, and found that they were uneducated men of humble station, they were surprised, and realized that they had been companions of Jesus.

But Heaven must be his home, until the days of the Universal Restoration, of which God has spoken by the lips of his holy Prophets from the very first.

About midnight, while Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and while the prisoners were listening to them,

That so the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord--even all the Gentiles on whom my Name has been bestowed."

And I have a hope that rests in God--a hope which they also cherish--that there will one day be a resurrection of good and bad alike.

So irresistibly did the Lord's Message spread and prevail.

OMITTED TEXT

Down to that day on which he was taken up to Heaven, after he had, by the help of the Holy Spirit, given instructions to the Apostles whom he had chosen.

After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas came to Thessalonica. Here the Jews had a Synagogue;

So God's Message spread, and the number of the disciples continued to increase rapidly in Jerusalem, and a large body of the priests accepted the Faith.

Then the Apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called Olivet, which is about three quarters of a mile from the city.

Let me tell you all and all the people of Israel, that it is by the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead--it is, I say, by his Name that this man stands here before you lame no longer.

He, filled as he was with the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes intently on the heavens, and saw the Glory of God and Jesus standing at God's right hand.

And, following his usual custom, Paul joined them, and for three Sabbaths addressed them, drawing his arguments from the Scriptures.

Many signs and wonders continued to occur among the people, through the instrumentality of the Apostles, whose custom it was to meet all together in the Colonnade of Solomon;

There was staying in the city a man named Simon, who had been practicing magic there and mystifying the Samaritan people, giving himself out to be some great Being.

Now those who had been scattered in different directions, in consequence of the persecution that followed upon the death of Stephen, went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the Message--but only to Jews.

When their prayer was ended, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to tell God's Message fearlessly.

Among other places Paul went to Derbe and Lystra. At the latter place they found a disciple, named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewess who had become a believer in Christ, while his father was a Greek,

"Can any one refuse the water for the baptism of these people, now that they have received the Holy Spirit as we did ourselves?"

And delivered him out of all his troubles, and enabled him to win favor and show wisdom before Pharaoh, King of Egypt, who appointed him Governor of Egypt and of his whole household.

The Apostles and the Brethren throughout Judea heard that even the Gentiles had welcomed God's Message.

It is this Jesus whom God has exalted to his right hand, to be a Guide and a Savior, to give Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins.

But God released him from the pangs of death and raised him to life, it being impossible for death to retain its hold upon him.

For I have not shrunk from announcing the whole purpose of God regarding you.

But the Lord said to him: "Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to uphold my Name before the Gentiles and their kings, and the people of Israel.

But Peter and John replied: "Whether it is right, in the sight of God, to listen to you rather than to him--

We have, therefore, decided, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to lay no further burden upon you beyond these necessary conditions--

They had Peter and John brought before them, and questioned them. "By what power," they asked, "Or in whose name have men like you done this thing?"

Meanwhile there had come to Ephesus an Alexandrian Jew, named Apollos, an eloquent man, who was well-versed in the Scriptures.

Therefore, Brothers, look for seven men of reputation among yourselves, wise and spiritually-minded men, and we will appoint them to attend to this matter;

Meanwhile Stephen, divinely helped and strengthened, was showing great wonders and signs among the people.

Moses himself said--'The Lord your God will raise up from among your brothers a Prophet, as he raised me. To him you will listen whenever he speaks to you.

This is what is spoken of in the prophet Joel--

"Is it true," Peter asked, addressing her, "that you sold your land for such a sum?" "Yes," she answered, "we did."

Now those who were scattered in different directions went from place to place proclaiming the Good News.

The others went on from Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. There they went into the Synagogue on the Sabbath and took their seats.

It was this Jesus, whom God raised to life; and of that we are ourselves all witnesses.

And they stoned Stephen, while he cried to the Lord: "Lord Jesus! receive my spirit!"

And there one night Paul saw a vision. A Macedonian was standing and appealing to him--'Come over to Macedonia and help us.'

Brothers, I can speak to you the more confidently about the Patriarch David, because he is dead and buried, and his tomb is here among us to this very day.

This became known to every one living in Jerusalem, so that the field came to be called, in their language, 'Akeldama,' which means the 'Field of Blood.')

I would, therefore, have you know, brothers, that through Jesus forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you,

On the next day, while these men were on their way, just as they were nearing the town, Peter went up on the housetop about mid-day to pray.

For you are bringing some strange things to our notice, and we should like to know what they mean."

And that, in union with him, every one who believes in him is absolved from every sin from which under the Law of Moses you could not be absolved.

Then there appeared tongues of what seemed to be flame, separating, so that one settled on each of them;

"Brothers," he said, "it was necessary that the prediction of Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit made by the lips of David about Judas, who acted as guide to the men that arrested Jesus,

Some time after this, Paul said to Barnabas: "Let us go back and visit the Brethren in every town in which we have told the Lord's Message, and see how they are prospering."

And we are witness to the truth of this, and so is the Holy Spirit--the gift of God to those who obey him."

Simon has described the manner in which God first visited the Gentiles, in order to take from among them a people to bear his Name.

All who heard their story, moved by a common impulse, raised their voices to God in prayer: "O Sovereign Lord, it is you who has 'made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them,'

While they were still gazing up into the heavens, as he went, suddenly two men, clothed in white, stood beside them,

That they might search for God, if by any means they might feel their way to him and find him. And yet he is not really far from any one of us;

This proposal was unanimously agreed to; and the disciples chose Stephen--a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit--and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a former convert to Judaism;

Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and there began to preach the Christ.

There have indeed gathered together in this city against your holy Servant Jesus, whom you has consecrated the Christ, not Herod and Pontius Pilate only, but the nations and the people of Israel besides--

"No, Lord, I cannot," answered Peter, "for I have never eaten anything 'defiled' and 'unclean'."

But Peter added: "I have no gold or silver, but I give you what I have. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth I bid you walk."

It was then decided by the Apostles and the Officers, with the assent of the whole Church, to choose some of their number, and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. Those chosen were Judas (called Barsabas) and Silas, who were leading men among the Brethren.

He, too, it was who was present at the assembly in the Desert, with the angel who talked to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors, and who received living truths to impart to you.

After removing him, he raised David to the throne, and bore this testimony to him--'In David, the son of Jesse, I have found a man after my own heart, who will carry out all my purposes.'

On his knocking at the door in the gate, a maidservant, named Rhoda, came to answer it.

After they had been set at liberty, the Apostles went to their friends and told them what the Chief Priests and the Councillors had said to them.

And so it came about that the Church, throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, enjoyed peace and became firmly established; and, ordering its life by reverence for the Lord and the help of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

For you wilt not abandon my soul to the Place of Death, nor surrender me, your holy one, to undergo corruption.

But we should write to them to abstain from food that has been polluted by being sacrificed to idols, from impurity, from eating the flesh of strangled animals, and from blood.

A deep impression was made upon every one, and many wonders and signs were done at the hands of the Apostles.

Hearing, however, that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob sent our ancestors there on their first visit.

At this the High Priest was roused to action, and he and all his supporters (who formed the party of the Sadducees), moved by jealousy,

So he ordered the carriage to stop, and they went down into the water--both Philip and the Treasurer--and Philip baptized him.

I never shrank from telling you anything that could be helpful to you, or from teaching you both in public and in private.

(This man had bought a piece of land with the price of his treachery; and, falling heavily, his body had burst open, and all his bowels protruded.

And, not finding them there, they proceeded to drag Jason and some of the Brethren before the City Magistrates, shouting out: "These men, who have turned the world upside down, have now come here,

And they paid attention to him because they had for a long time been mystified by his magic arts.

While on his journey, as he was nearing Damascus, suddenly a light from the heavens flashed around him.

"I am a Jew, a native of Tarsus in Cilicia, but I was brought up in this city under the teaching of Gamaliel, and educated in accordance with the strict system of our ancestral Law. I was as zealous in God's service as any of you who are here to-day.

And, upon that, Stephen spoke as follows: "Brothers and Fathers, hear what I have to say. God, who manifests himself in the Glory, appeared to our ancestor Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, and before he settled in Haran, and said to him--

When suddenly there came from the heavens a noise like that of a strong wind rushing by; it filled the whole house in which they were sitting.

With many other words Peter enforced his teaching, while the burden of his exhortations was--"Save yourselves from the perverse spirit of this age."

And never for a single day, either in the Temple Courts or in private houses, did they cease to teach, or to tell the Good News of Jesus, the Christ.

Further, God charged us to proclaim to the people, and solemnly affirm, that it is Jesus who has been appointed by God Judge of the living and the dead.

They were utterly amazed, and kept asking in astonishment: "What! Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?

On this, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke as follows: "Leaders of the people and Councillors,

He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and how the angel had said to him--'Send to Jaffa and fetch the Simon, who is also known as Peter;

Therefore, from among the men who have been with us all the time that Jesus, our Master, went in and out among us--

Therefore, as the offspring of God, we must not think that the Deity has any resemblance to anything made of gold, or silver, or stone--a work of human art and imagination.

Now there were then staying in Jerusalem religious Jews from every country in the world;

David, then, Prophet as he was, knowing that God 'had solemnly sworn to him to set one of his descendants upon his throne,' looked into the future,

Nor yet do human hands minister to his wants, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives, to all, life, and breath, and all things.

God has sent his Message to the Israelites and told them, through Jesus Christ, the Good News of peace--and Jesus is Lord of all!

God did miracles of no ordinary kind by Paul's hands;

While we, for our part, will devote ourselves to Prayer, and to the delivery of the Message."

(All Athenians and the foreigners staying in the city found no time for anything else but telling, or listening to, the last new thing.)

The God of our ancestors raised Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging him on a cross.

Then Philip began, and, taking this passage as his text, told him the Good News about Jesus.

"We are only men like yourselves, and we have come with the Good News that you should turn away from these follies to a living God, 'who made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything that is in them.'

As they were shouting, tearing off their clothes, and throwing dust in the air,

And he has seen, in a vision, a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him, so that he may recover his sight."

For as I was going about, looking at your sacred shrines, I came upon an altar with this inscription--'To an Unknown God.' What, therefore, you worship in ignorance, that I am now proclaiming to you.

And referred to the resurrection of the Christ when he said that 'he had not been abandoned to the Place of Death, nor had his body undergone corruption.'

Yet he has not failed to give you, in the good he does, some revelation of himself--sending you from heaven rain and fruitful seasons, and gladdening your hearts with plenty and good cheer."

Jesus is 'the stone which, scorned by you the builders, has yet become the corner stone.'

To take the place in this apostolic work, which Judas has abandoned, to go to his proper place."

Then the High Priest asked: "Is this true?"

On the contrary, first to those at Damascus and Jerusalem, and then through the whole of Judea, and to the Gentiles as well, I began to preach repentance and conversion to God, and a life befitting that repentance.

King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know you do."

Then Peter said: "How did you come to agree to provoke the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The foot-steps of those who have buried your husband are at the door; and they will carry you out too."

In the course of their second visit, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and his family became known to Pharaoh.

No, it is through the loving-kindness of the Lord Jesus that we, just as they do, believe that we have been saved."

Paul remained there some time after this, and then took leave of the Brethren, and sailed to Syria with Priscilla and Aquila, but not before his head had been shaved at Cenchreae, because he was under a vow.

Now there was at Damascus a disciple named Ananias, to whom, in a vision, the Lord said: "Ananias." "Yes, Lord," he answered.

Crispus, the President of the Synagogue, came to believe in the Lord, and so did all his household; and many of the Corinthians, as they listened to Paul, became believers in Christ and were baptized.

A Levite of Cyprian birth, named Joseph, (who had received from the Apostles the additional name of 'Barnabas'--which means 'The Consoler,')

There he met a Jew of the name of Aquila, a native of Pontus, who, with his wife Priscilla, had lately come from Italy, in consequence of the order which had been issued by the Emperor Claudius for all Jews to leave Rome. Paul paid them a visit,

Now, therefore, O Lord, mark their threats, and enable thy servants, with all fearlessness, to tell thy Message,

So Ananias went, entered the house, and, placing his hands on Saul, said: "Saul, my Brother, I have been sent by the Lord--by Jesus, who appeared to you on your way here--so that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

She recognized Peter's voice, but in her joy left the gate unopened, and ran in, and told them that Peter was standing outside.

As soon as he realized what had happened, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was also known as Mark, where a number of people were gathered together, praying.

The Twelve, therefore, called together the general body of the disciples and said to them: "It is not well for us to see to the distribution at the tables and neglect God's Message.

Noticing that some of those present were Sadducees and others Pharisees, Paul called out in the Council: "Brothers, I am a Pharisee and a son of Pharisees. It is on the question of hope for the dead and of their resurrection that I am on my trial."

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has done honor to his Servant Jesus--him whom you gave up and disowned before Pilate, when he had decided to set him free.

Then a famine spread over the whole of Egypt and Canaan, causing great distress, and our ancestors could find no food.

It was not David who went up into Heaven; for he himself says- -'The Lord said to my master: "Sit on my right hand,

For about forty years 'he bore with them in the Desert';

During this time, some Prophets came to Antioch from Jerusalem.

After much discussion, Peter rose and said: "You, my Brothers, know well that long ago God singled me out--that through my lips the Gentiles should hear the Message of the Good News, and become believers in Christ.

This, however, I do acknowledge to you, that it is as a believer in the Cause which they call heretical, that I worship the God of my ancestors. At the same time, I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the prophets;

Nor was there any one in need among them, for all who were owners of land or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the sales

The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors, and during their stay in Egypt increased the prosperity of the people, and then 'with uplifted arm brought them out from that land.'

After their arrival, they gathered the Church together, and gave an account of all that God had helped them to do, and especially how he had opened to the Gentiles the door of faith;

And, after Paul had placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit descended upon them, and they began to speak with 'tongues' and to preach.

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him-- "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

When they asked him to prolong his stay, he declined, saying however,

Then he was aware of a voice which said-- "Stand up, Peter, kill something, and eat."

Yet they were quite unable to withstand the wisdom and the inspiration with which he spoke.

Says the Lord, as he does these things, foreknown from of old.'

The whole Church and all who heard of these events were appalled.

"Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I have heard from many people about this man--how much harm he has done at Jerusalem to your People there.

Well now, as they are certain to hear of your arrival, do what we are going to suggest.

Except that in town after town the Holy Spirit plainly declares to me that imprisonment and troubles await me.

Instantly Sapphira fell down at Peter's feet and expired. On coming in, the young men found her dead; so they carried her out and buried her by her husband's side.

Then Joseph sent an urgent invitation to his father Jacob and to his relations, seventy-five persons in all;

Since we are on our trial to-day for a kind act done to a helpless man, and are asked in what way the man here before you has been cured,

Then they induced some men to assert that they had heard Stephen saying blasphemous things against Moses, and against God;

And to have horses ready for Paul to ride, so that they might take him safely to Felix, the Governor.

While Peter was still perplexed as to the meaning of the vision that he had seen, the men sent by Cornelius, having enquired the way to Simon's house, came up to the gate,

Grasping the lame man by the right hand, Peter lifted him up. Instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong,

Peter signed to them with his hand to be silent, and then told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, adding: "Tell James and the Brethren all this." Then he left the house, and went away to another place.

And, leaping up, he stood and began to walk about, and then went with them into the Temple Courts, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

And they stirred up the people, as well as the Councillors and the Teachers of the Law, and set upon Stephen, and arrested him, and brought him before the High Council.

They were all utterly amazed and bewildered. "What does it mean?" they asked one another.

This happened three times, and then suddenly it was all taken up into the heavens.

We have four men here, who have of their own accord put themselves under a vow.

And they, on their arrival, prayed that the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit.

Afterwards he took them up to his house and set before them something to eat, rejoicing that he, with all his household, had come to believe in God.

And took them before the Magistrates. "These men are causing a great disturbance in our town," they complained;

So he sent to Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, while he himself stayed for some time longer in Roman Asia.

And, here, too, he holds authority from the Chief Priests to put in chains all those who invoke your Name."

All the people saw him walking about and praising God;

OMITTED TEXT

Meanwhile Peter went on knocking, and, when they opened the gate and saw him, they were amazed.

"They are Jews, and they are teaching customs which it is not right for us, as Romans, to sanction or adopt."

The Commanding Officer ordered Paul to be taken into the Fort, and directed that he should be examined under the lash, that he might find out the reason for their outcry against him.

"You are mad!" they exclaimed. But, when she persisted that it was so, they said: "It must be his spirit!"

I will myself show him all that he has to suffer for my Name."

As he took his leave, "I will come back again to you, please God," and then set sail from Ephesus.

And, when they demanded a king, God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, who reigned for forty years.

Since then, God had given them the very same gift as he gave us when we became believers in Jesus Christ the Master--who was I that I could thwart God?"

And, when they recognized him as the man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, they were utterly astonished and amazed at what had happened to him.

He was hoping, too, for a bribe from Paul, and so he used to send for him frequently and talk with him.

Even with this appeal they could hardly restrain the people from offering sacrifice to them.

For about four hundred and fifty years. In later times he gave them Judges, of whom the Prophet Samuel was the last.

And called out and asked if the Simon, who was also known as Peter, was lodging there.

The power of the Lord was with them, so that a great number who had learned to believe came over to the Lord's side.

Some of them, however, who were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, on coming to Antioch, addressed themselves also to the Jews of foreign birth, telling them the Good News about that Lord Jesus.

Then, after destroying seven heathen nations in Canaan, he allotted their land to this people--

There they produced witnesses who gave false evidence. "This man," they said, "is incessantly saying things against this Holy Place and the Law;

But of the rest no one ventured to join them. On the other hand, the people were full of their praise,

Go down at once and do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."

But I have nothing definite to write about him to my Imperial Master; and for that reason I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that, after examining him, I may have something to write.

It happened that Herod was deeply offended with the people of Tyre and Sidon, but they went in a body to him, and, having succeeded in winning over Blastus, the Chamberlain, they begged Herod for a reconciliation, because their country was dependent on the King's for its food-supply.

They were bearers of the following letter--'The Apostles, and the Brothers who are the Officers of the Church, send their greetings to the Brethren of Gentile birth in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia.

In the morning there was a great stir among the soldiers-- what could have become of Peter!

And, when Herod had made further search for him and failed to find him, he closely questioned the Guard, and ordered them away to execution. Then he went down from Judea to stay at Caesarea.

To him he wrote a letter, somewhat as follows--

The news about them reached the ears of the Church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Yes, even on the slaves--for they are mine--both men and women, I will in those days pour out my Spirit,

On receiving so strict an order, the Governor put them into the inner cell, and secured their feet in the stocks.

On an appointed day Herod, wearing his state-robes, seated himself on his throne, and delivered an oration.

"Whether it is soon or late," answered Paul, "I would to God that not only you, but all who are listening to me, might to-day become just what I am myself--except for these chains!"

After beating them severely, the Magistrates put them in prison, with orders to the Governor of the Jail to keep them in safe custody.

And I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs on the earth below--Blood and fire and mist of smoke;

And so Jacob went down into Egypt. There he died, and our ancestors also,

And, after he had taken food, he felt his strength return. Saul stayed for some days with the disciples who were at Damascus,

And their bodies were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

But, after the lapse of two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and, wishing to gain popularity with the Jews, he left Paul a prisoner.

Besides this, the inhabitants of the towns round Jerusalem flocked into the city, bringing with them their sick and those who were troubled by foul spirits; and they were cured every one.

But, when they looked at the man who had been healed, standing there with them, they had nothing to say.

The eyes of all the members of the Council were riveted upon Stephen, and they saw his face looking like the face of an angel.

A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver models of the shrine of Artemis, and so gave a great deal of work to the artisans,

It was from this man's descendants that God, in accordance with his promise, gave Israel a Savior--Jesus;

Meanwhile the Lord's Message kept extending, and spreading far and wide.

The people kept shouting: "It is the voice of God, and not of a man!"

Then, as they were afraid of our being driven upon some rocky coast, they let go four anchors from the stern, and longed for daylight.

Indeed, we have heard him declare that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this Place, and change the customs handed down to us by Moses."

As John was drawing towards the end of his career, he said what do you suppose that I am? I am not the Christ. But there is "One Coming" after me, whose very sandal I am not worthy to untie.'

Therefore my heart was cheered, and my tongue told its delight; Yes, even my body, too, will rest in hope;

So they ordered them out of court, and then began consulting together.

Who have sacrificed themselves for the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

For Barnabas was a good man and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith--and a large number of people took their stand on the Lord's side.

On reaching Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and exchanged greetings with the Church, and then went down to Antioch.

And, when he was abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh found him and brought him up as her own son.

As the time drew near for the fulfillment of the promise which God had made to Abraham, the people increased largely in numbers in Egypt,

Peter was still pondering over the vision, when the Spirit said to him: "There are two men looking for you at this moment.

On hearing of a resurrection of the dead, some began jeering, but others said that they would hear what he had to say about that another time.

"What are we to do to these men?" they asked one another. "That a remarkable sign has been given through them is obvious to every one living in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

All who heard him were amazed. "Is not this," they asked, "the man who worked havoc in Jerusalem among those that invoke this Name, and who had also come here for the express purpose of having such persons put in chains and taken before the Chief Priests?"

There were, however, some men who joined him, and became believers in Christ. Among them were Dionysius, a member of the Court of Areopagus, a woman named Damaris, and several others.

Join these men, share their purification, and bear their expenses, so that they may shave their heads; and then all will see that there is no truth in what they have been told about you, but that, on the contrary, you yourself rule your life in obedience to the Jewish Law.

But, to prevent this thing from spreading further among the people, let us warn them not to speak in this Name any more to any one whatever."

This man used to be set down every day at the gate of the Temple called 'the Beautiful Gate,' to beg of those who went in.

Much annoyed because they were teaching the people, and because, through Jesus, they were preaching the resurrection from the dead.

The men replied: "Our captain, Cornelius, a pious man who reverences God and is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, has been instructed by a holy angel to send for you to his house, and to listen to what you have to say."

It was just at this time that Moses was born. He was an exceedingly beautiful child, and for three months was brought up in his own father's house;

As we had heard that some of our number had upset you by their assertions, and unsettled your minds--without instructions from us--

But his disciples let him down by night through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a basket.

While some of the chief religious officials of the province, who were friendly to him, sent repeated entreaties to him not to trust himself inside.

Until a new king, who knew nothing of Joseph, came to the throne.

From there they sailed to Antioch--the place where they had been committed to the gracious care of God for the work which they had now finished.

On the next day the Commanding Officer, wishing to find out the real reason why Paul was denounced by the Jews, had his chains taken off, and directed the Chief Priests and the whole of the High Council to assemble, and then took Paul down and brought him before them.

But just as they had tied him up to be scourged, Paul said to the Captain standing near: "Is it legal for you to scourge a Roman citizen, unconvicted?"

"Men of Israel! help! This is the man who teaches every one everywhere against our People, our Law, and this Place; and, what is more, he has actually brought Greeks into the Temple and defiled this sacred place."

After some time the Jews laid a plot to kill Saul,

When Paul and Silas left the prison, they went to Lydia's house, and, after they had seen the Brethren, and encouraged them, they left the place.

Peter went down to the men and said: "I am the man for whom you are looking. What is your reason for coming?"

For he vigorously confuted the Jews, publicly proving by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

An angel of the Lord, however, opened the prison doors at night and led them out.

The people of Jerusalem and their leading men, failing to recognize Jesus, and not understanding the utterances of the Prophets that are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning him.

And was now on his way home, sitting in his carriage and reading the Prophet Isaiah.

And, after retiring, discussed the case among themselves. "There is nothing," they said, "deserving death or imprisonment in this man's conduct";

This king acted deceitfully towards our race and ill-treated our ancestors, making them abandon their own infants, so that they should not be reared.

John having first proclaimed, before the appearance of Jesus, a baptism upon repentance for all the people of Israel.

"Give me also this power of yours, so that, if I place my hands upon any one, he may receive the Holy Spirit."

On hearing this, the Captain went and reported it to the Commanding Officer. "Do you know what you are doing?" he said. "This man is a Roman citizen."

When he was in his fortieth year, he resolved to visit his brother Israelites;

For there were many instances of people with foul spirits, where the spirits, with loud screams, came out of them;

For the man who was the subject of this miraculous cure was more than forty years old.

And, with her connivance, kept back some of the proceeds. He brought only a part and laid it at the Apostles' feet.

Arrested the Apostles, and had them placed in custody.

And this they did, sending it to the Officers of the Church by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

For I see that you have fallen into the 'bitterness of envy' and the 'fetters of sin.'"

'Claudius Lysias sends his compliments to His Excellency Felix the Governor.

They arrested the Apostles and, as it was already evening, had them placed in custody till the next day.

But, when the disciples had gathered round him, he got up and went back into the town; the next day he went with Barnabas to Derbe.

While thou stretchest out thy hand to heal, and causest signs and wonders to take place through the Name of thy holy Servant Jesus."

When they heard this, they went at daybreak into the Temple Courts, and began to teach. The High Priest and his party, on their arrival, summoned the High Council, including all the leading men among the Israelites, and sent to the jail to fetch the Apostles.

The people, one and all, listened attentively to what Philip told them, when they heard of, and saw, the miracles which he was working.

You have no share or part in our Message, for your 'heart is not right with God.'

"Go," he said, "and stand in the Temple Courts, and tell the people the whole Message of this new Life."

Some religious men buried Stephen, with loud lamentations for him.

He became hungry and wanted something to eat; but while it was being prepared, he fell into a trance,

Presently, however, some one came and told them, that the men whom they had put in prison were actually standing in the Temple Courts, teaching the people.

When they heard this, the men were greatly enraged, and began shouting--"Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

Upon this Peter invited them in and entertained them. The next day he lost no time in setting out with them, accompanied by some of the Brethren from Jaffa;

However, after further warnings, the Council set them at liberty, not seeing any safe way of punishing them, because of the people, for they were all praising God for what had occurred;

Suddenly there was an earthquake of such violence that the Jail was shaken to its foundations; all the doors flew open, and all the prisoners' chains were loosened.

But it became known to him. They even watched the gates day and night, to kill him;

While they had found the goal barred securely and the guards posted at the doors, yet, on opening them, they had not found any one inside.

So that not only is this business of ours likely to fall into discredit, but there is the further danger that the Temple of the great Goddess Artemis will be thought nothing of, and that she herself will be deprived of her splendor--though all Roman Asia and the whole world worship her."

They were bent upon killing him, when it was reported to the Officer commanding the garrison, that all Jerusalem was in commotion.

As Ananias heard these words, he fell down and expired; and every one who heard of it was appalled.

When the Officer in charge at the Temple and the Chief Priests heard their story, they were perplexed about the Apostles and as to what all this would lead to.

On this, Paul joined the men, and the next day shared their purification, and went into the Temple, and gave notice of the expiration of the period of purification when the usual offering should have been made on behalf of each of them.

"No," said Paul, "I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of a city of some note; and I beg you to give me permission to speak to the people."

And that the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on different pieces of the ship. In these various ways every one managed to get safely ashore.

As to the Gentiles who have become believers in Christ, we have sent our decision that they should avoid food offered to idols, and blood, and the flesh of strangled animals, and impurity."

And many who were paralyzed or lame were cured, so that there was great rejoicing throughout that city.

Paul wished to go into the amphitheater and face the people, but the disciples would not let him,

Yet only to do what thou, by thy power and of thy own will, didst long ago destine to be done.

And, when he saw that the Jews were pleased with this, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. (This was during the Festival of the Unleavened Bread.)

The kings of the earth set their array, and its rulers gathered together, against the Lord and against his Christ.'

When the Recorder had succeeded in quieting the crowd, he said: "Men of Ephesus, who is there, I ask you, who needs to be told that this city of Ephesus is the Warden of the Temple of the great Artemis, and of the statue which fell down from Zeus?

Then Peter came to himself and said: "Now I know beyond all doubt that the Lord has sent his angel, and has rescued me from Herod's hands and from all that the Jewish people have been expecting."

But, when the officers got there, they did not find them in the prison; so they returned and reported that,

At these words Moses took to flight, and became an exile in Midian; and there he had two sons born to him.

But, when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who were converts from Judaism began to attack him,

Passing the first Guard, and then the second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them of itself; and, when they had passed through that, and had walked along one street, all at once the angel left him.

Peter and John, having borne their testimony and delivered the Lord's Message, returned to Jerusalem, telling the Good News, as they went, in many Samaritan villages.

On this, Abraham left the country of the Chaldaeans and settled in Haran; and from there, after his father's death, God caused him to migrate into this very country, in which you are now living.

However, when they recognized him as a Jew, one cry broke from them all, and they continued shouting for two hours--"Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

Meanwhile some were shouting one thing and some another, for the Assembly was all in confusion, most of those present not even knowing why they had met.

"Just three days ago this very hour," Cornelius said, "I was in my house, saying the Afternoon Prayers, when a man in dazzling clothing suddenly stood before me.

"Pray to the Lord for me, all of you," Simon answered, "so that none of the things you have spoken of may befall me."

He thought his brothers would understand that God was using him to save them; but they failed to do so.

God did not at that time give him any part of it, not even a foot of ground. But he promised to 'give him possession of it and his descendants after him, though at that time he had no child.

"How can I," the other answered, "unless some one will explain it to me?" and he invited Philip to get up and sit by his side.

And, seeing an Israelite ill-treated, he defended him, and avenged the man, who was being wronged, by striking down the Egyptian.

And at Antioch they stayed with the disciples for a considerable time.

Paul and Barnabas then went through Pisidia, and came into Pamphylia,

Just when Herod was intending to bring him before the people, on that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, chained to them both, while there were sentries in front of the door, guarding the prison.

Upon that the soldiers cut the ropes which held the boat, and let her drift away.

'Cornelius,' he said, 'your prayer has been heard, and your charities have been accepted, by God.

"Are not you, then, the Egyptian who some time ago raised an insurrection and led the four thousand Bandits out into the Wilderness?"

God's words were these--'Abraham's descendants shall live in a foreign country, where they will be enslaved and ill-treated for four hundred years.

But I myself will judge the nation, to which they will be enslaved,' God said, 'and after that they shall leave the country and worship me in this place.'

Seeing Peter and John on the point of entering, he asked them to give him something.

But, just as the seven days were drawing to a close, the Jews from Roman Asia caught sight of Paul in the Temple, and caused great excitement among all the people present, by seizing Paul and shouting:

Just as he was about to be taken into the Fort, Paul said to the Commanding Officer: "May I speak to you?" "Do you know Greek?" asked the Commanding Officer.

On the ground that he had visited people who were not circumcised, and had taken meals with them.

All were in tears; and throwing their arms round Paul's neck, they kissed him again and again,

He was accompanied by Sopater the son of Pyrrhus, of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, as well as by Tychicus and Trophimus of Roman Asia.

Then they spoke to him of God's Message, and to all his household as well.

Barnabas, however, taking him by the hand, brought him to the Apostles, and told them the whole story of how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord, and how the Lord had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out fearlessly in the Name of Jesus.

And so Paul left the Court.

In the interval before daybreak Paul kept urging them all to take something to eat. "It is a fortnight to-day," he said, "that, owing to your anxiety, you have gone without food, taking nothing.

The whole city was stirred, and the people quickly collected, seized Paul, and dragged him out of the Temple, when the doors were immediately shut.

This happened three times, and then all was drawn up again into the heavens.

The Commanding Officer gave his permission, and Paul, standing on the steps, made signs with his hand to the people, and, when comparative silence had been obtained, he spoke to them in Hebrew, as follows:

Yes, and all the Prophets from Samuel onwards, and all their successors who had a message to deliver, told of these days.

Looking intently at it, I began to distinguish quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds;

'Leave your country and your kindred, and come into the country that I will show you.'

We are accordingly sending Judas and Silas, and they will tell you by word of mouth what we are now writing.

But some of the crowd prompted Alexander, whom the Jews had pushed to the front, and he waved his hand to show that he wanted to speak in their defense to the people.

Paul and Barnabas, however, remained in Antioch, where they taught and, with the help of many others, told the Good News of the Lord's Message.

And on the next day, leaving the troopers to go on with him, they returned to the Fort.

The next day he again appeared upon the scene, when some of them were fighting, and tried to make peace between them. 'Men,' he said, 'you are brothers; how is it that you are ill-treating one another?'

The chains dropped from his wrists, and then the angel said: "Put on your girdle and sandals." When Peter had done so, the angel added: "Throw your cloak round you and follow me."

The commotion spread through the whole city, and the people rushed together into the amphitheater, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, two Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions.

But the man who was ill-treating his fellow workman pushed Moses aside saying--'Who made you a ruler and judge over us?

And you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but in almost the whole of Roman Asia, this Paul has convinced and won over great numbers of people, by his assertion that those Gods which are made by hands are not Gods at all.

When Paul reached the steps, he was actually being carried by the soldiers, owing to the violence of the mob;

The man whom I send with this had been seized by the Jews, and was on the point of being killed by them, when I came upon them with the force under my command, and rescued him, as I learned that he was a Roman citizen.

Wishing to ascertain exactly the ground of the charges they made against him, I brought him before their Council,

"I was in the town of Jaffa," he said, "and was praying; and, while in a trance, I saw a vision. There was something like a great sail descending, let down by its four corners out of the heavens; and it came right down to me.

After this, Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and went to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them and returned to Jerusalem.

So Peter began to relate the facts to them as they had occurred.

Then Paul and Barnabas spoke out fearlessly, and said: "It was necessary that the Message of God should be told to you first; but, since you reject it and reckon yourselves not worthy of the Immortal Life--we turn to the Gentiles!

He instantly got together some officers and men, and charged down upon the crowd, who, when they saw the Commanding Officer and his men, stopped beating Paul.

When Paul had finished speaking, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

After some stay, they were dismissed with kind farewells from the Brethren, and returned to those who had sent them.

On this, the Officer went with his men and fetched the Apostles--without using violence, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people--

At that moment three men, who had been sent from Caesarea to see me, came up to the house in which we were.

But if you want anything more, it will have to be settled in the regular Assembly.

The sailors wanted to leave the ship, and had lowered the boat, on pretense of running out anchors from the bows,

While Gallio was governor of Greece, the Jews made a combined attack on Paul, and brought him before the Governor's Bench,

That was why I came, when I was sent for, without raising any objection. And now I ask your reason for sending for me."

On reaching Salamis, they began to tell the Message of God in the Jewish Synagogues; and they had John with them as an assistant.

So Philip set out on a journey; and on his way he came upon an official of high rank, in the service of Candace, Queen of the Abyssinians. He was her treasurer, and had been to Jerusalem to worship,

And for three days he was unable to see, and took nothing either to eat or to drink.

After that, Saul remained in Jerusalem, in close intercourse with the Apostles; and he spoke fearlessly in the Name of the Lord,

Among others, some Epicurean and Stoic Philosophers joined issue with him. Some would ask "What is this prater wanting to make out?", while others would say "He seems to be a Preacher of foreign Deities." (This was because he was telling the Good News about Jesus and the Resurrection).

And I also heard a voice saying to me-- 'Stand up, Peter, kill something and eat.'

Then they cast off, and abandoned the anchors, and at the same time unlashed the gear of the steering oars, hoisted the foresail to the wind, and made for the beach.

I have never coveted any one's gold or silver or clothing.

He laid before them and explained that the Christ must undergo suffering and rise from the dead; and "It is this man," he declared, "who is the Christ--this Jesus about whom I am telling you."

That our children have had this promise completely fulfilled to them by God, by his raising Jesus. That is just what is said in the second Psalm--'Thou art my Son; this day I have become thy Father.'

Falling on his knees, he called out loudly: "Lord! do not charge them with this sin;" and with these words he fell asleep.

As these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and do nothing rash;

After satisfying their hunger, they further lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

When Saul got up from the ground, though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So his men led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus;

After going through those districts and speaking many encouraging words to the disciples, he went into Greece, where he stayed three months.

So the Commanding Officer went up to Paul and said: "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" "Yes," replied Paul.

This man began to speak out fearlessly in the Synagogue; and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the Cause of God to him more carefully still.

'No, Lord, I cannot,' I answered, 'for nothing 'defiled' or 'unclean' has ever passed my lips.'

And the men all felt cheered and had something to eat themselves.