Reference: Acts of the Apostles
American
A canonical book of the New Testament, written by Luke as a sequel to his gospel, and a history in part of the early church. It is not, however, a record of the acts of all the apostles, but chiefly of those of Peter and Paul. In his gospel, Luke described the founding of Christianity in what Christ did, taught, and suffered; in the Acts he illustrates its diffusion, selecting what was best fitted to show how the first followers of Christ in building up his church. Beginning were his gospel indeed, he narrates the ascension of the Savior and the conduct of the disciples thereupon; the outpouring of the Holy Spirit according to Christ's promise; the miraculous preaching of the apostles, their amazing success, and the persecutions raised against them; with other events of moment to the church at Jerusalem, till they were scattered abroad. He then shows how Judaism was superseded, and how Peter was led to receive to Christian fellowship converts from the Gentiles. The remainder of the narrative is devoted to the conversion and calling of the apostle Paul, his missionary zeal, labors, and sufferings, and the ends with his two years' imprisonment at Rome.
Luke himself witnessed, to a great extent, the events he narrates. His Greek is the most classical in the New Testament; and the view he gives of the spirit of the early church so many of whose members had "been with the Lord," is invaluable. The book was probably written about A. D. 64, that is, soon after the time at which the narration terminates. The place where it was written is not known.
In order to read the Acts of the Apostles with intelligence and profit, it is necessary to have a sufficient acquaintance with geography, with the manners of the times and people referred to, and with the leading historical events. The power of the Romans, with the nature and names of the public offices they established, and the distinctions among them, must be understood, as well as the disposition and political opinions of the unconverted Jewish nation, which were to prevalent among the Christianized Hebrews.
Easton
the title now given to the fifth and last of the historical books of the New Testament. The author styles it a "treatise" (Ac 1:1). It was early called "The Acts," "The Gospel of the Holy Ghost," and "The Gospel of the Resurrection." It contains properly no account of any of the apostles except Peter and Paul. John is noticed only three times; and all that is recorded of James, the son of Zebedee, is his execution by Herod. It is properly therefore not the history of the "Acts of the Apostles," a title which was given to the book at a later date, but of "Acts of Apostles," or more correctly, of "Some Acts of Certain Apostles."
As regards its authorship, it was certainly the work of Luke, the "beloved physician" (comp. Lu 1:1-4; Ac 1:1). This is the uniform tradition of antiquity, although the writer nowhere makes mention of himself by name. The style and idiom of the Gospel of Luke and of the Acts, and the usage of words and phrases common to both, strengthen this opinion. The writer first appears in the narrative in Ac 16:11, and then disappears till Paul's return to Philippi two years afterwards, when he and Paul left that place together (Ac 20:6), and the two seem henceforth to have been constant companions to the end. He was certainly with Paul at Rome (28; Col 4:14). Thus he wrote a great portion of that history from personal observation. For what lay beyond his own experience he had the instruction of Paul. If, as is very probable, 2 Tim. was written during Paul's second imprisonment at Rome, Luke was with him then as his faithful companion to the last (2Ti 4:11). Of his subsequent history we have no certain information.
The design of Luke's Gospel was to give an exhibition of the character and work of Christ as seen in his history till he was taken up from his disciples into heaven; and of the Acts, as its sequel, to give an illustration of the power and working of the gospel when preached among all nations, "beginning at Jerusalem." The opening sentences of the Acts are just an expansion and an explanation of the closing words of the Gospel. In this book we have just a continuation of the history of the church after Christ's ascension. Luke here carries on the history in the same spirit in which he had commenced it. It is only a book of beginnings, a history of the founding of churches, the initial steps in the formation of the Christian society in the different places visited by the apostles. It records a cycle of "representative events."
All through the narrative we see the ever-present, all-controlling power of the ever-living Saviour. He worketh all and in all in spreading abroad his truth among men by his Spirit and through the instrumentality of his apostles.
The time of the writing of this history may be gathered from the fact that the narrative extends down to the close of the second year of Paul's first imprisonment at Rome. It could not therefore have been written earlier than A.D. 61 or 62, nor later than about the end of A.D. 63. Paul was probably put to death during his second imprisonment, about A.D. 64, or, as some think, 66.
The place where the book was written was probably Rome, to which Luke accompanied Paul.
The key to the contents of the book is in Ac 1:8, "Ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." After referring to what had been recorded in a "former treatise" of the sayings and doings of Jesus Christ before his ascension, the author proceeds to give an account of the circumstances connected with that event, and then records the leading facts with reference to the spread and triumphs of Christianity over the world during a period of about thirty years. The record begins with Pentecost (A.D. 33) and ends with Paul's first imprisonment (A.D. 63 or 64). The whole contents of the book may be divided into these three parts:
(1.) Chaps. 1-12, describing the first twelve years of the Christian church. This section has been entitled "From Jerusalem to Antioch." It contains the history of the planting and extension of the church among the Jews by the ministry of Peter.
(2.) Chaps. 13-21, Paul's missionary journeys, giving the history of the extension and planting of the church among the Gentiles.
(3.) Chaps. 21-28, Paul at Rome, and the events which led to this. Chaps. 13-28 have been entitled "From Antioch to Rome."
In this book it is worthy of note that no mention is made of the writing by Paul of any of his epistles. This may be accounted for by the fact that the writer confined himself to a history of the planting of the church, and not to that of its training or edification. The relation, however, between this history and the epistles of Paul is of such a kind, i.e., brings to light so many undesigned coincidences, as to prove the genuineness and authenticity of both, as is so ably shown by Paley in his Horae Paulinae. "No ancient work affords so many tests of veracity; for no other has such numerous points of contact in all directions with contemporary history, politics, and topography, whether Jewish, or Greek, or Roman." Lightfoot. (See Paul.)
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Since many have undertaken to arrange the narration concerning things rendered perfectly certain among us, As they delivered to us, who from the beginning being eyewitnesses, and servants of the word; read more. It seemed fitting to me also, having comprehended all things thoroughly from above, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of the words concerning which thou hast been instructed.
Truly the first word had I made of all things, O Theophilus, of which Jesus began to do and also to teach,
Truly the first word had I made of all things, O Theophilus, of which Jesus began to do and also to teach,
But ye shall receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses to me also in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the last of the earth.
Therefore having been conveyed from Troas, we ran straight forward to Samothracia, and the following day to Neapolis;
And we sailed forth after the days of unleavened from Philippi, and came to them in Troas up to five days; where we tarried seven days.
Luke, the dearly beloved physician, greets you, and Demas.
Luke alone is with me. Having taken Mark, bring with thyself: for he is useful for the service.
Fausets
The second treatise, in continuation of the Gospel as recorded by Luke. The style confirms the identity of authorship; also the address to the same person, Theophilus, probably a man of rank, judging from the title "most excellent." The Gospel was the life of Jesus in the flesh, the Acts record His life in the Spirit; Chrysostom calls it "The Gospel of the Holy Spirit." Hence Luke says: "The former treatise I made of all that Jesus began to do and teach;" therefore the Acts give a summary of what Jesus continued to do and teach by His Spirit in His disciples after He was taken up. The book breaks off at the close of Paul's imprisonment, A.D. 63, without recording his release; hence it is likely Luke completed it at this date, just before tidings of the apostle's release reached him.
There is a progressive development and unity of plan throughout. The key is Ac 1:8; "Ye shall be witnesses unto Me in (1) Jerusalem, and (2) in all Judaea, and (3) in Samaria, and (4) unto the uttermost part of the earth." It begins with Jerusalem, the metropolis of the Jewish dispensation, and ends with Rome, the metropolis of the whole Gentile world. It is divisible into three portions:
I. From the ascension to the close of Acts 11, which describes the rise of the first purely Gentile church, at Antioch, where the disciples consequently were first called See CHRISTIANS (see);
II. Thence down to the special vision at Troas (Acts 16), which carried the gospel, through Paul, to Europe;
III. Thence onward, until it reached Rome. In each of the three periods the church has a distinct aspect: in the first, Jewish; in the second, Gentile with a strong Jewish admixture; in the third, after the council at Jerusalem (Acts 15), Gentile in a preponderating degree. At first the gospel was preached to the Jews only; then to the Samaritans (Ac 8:1-5); then to the Ethiopian eunuch, a proselyte of righteousness (Ac 8:27); then, after a special revelation as Peter's warrant, to Cornelius, a proselyte of the gate; then to Gentile Greeks (not Grecians, i.e. Greek speaking Jews, but pagan Greeks, on the whole the best supported reading, Ac 11:20); then Peter, who, as "the apostle of the circumcision," had been in the first period the foremost preacher, gives place from Acts 13 to Paul, "the apostle of the uncircumcision," who successively proclaimed the word in Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece, and Rome. Luke joined Paul at Troas (about A.D. 53), as appears from the "we" taking the place of "they" at that point in his history (Ac 16:8-10). The repetition of the account of the ascension in Acts 1 shows that an interval of some time had elapsed since writing the more summary account of it at the end of Luke 24; for repetition would have been superfluous unless some time had intervened.
Matthew's Gospel, as adapted to Jewish readers, answers to the first period ending about A.D. 40, and was written probably in and for Jerusalem and Judaea; Mark answers to the second or Judaeo-Gentile period, A.D. 40-50, as his Gospel abounds in Latinisms, and is suited to Gentile converts, such as were the Roman soldiers concentrated at Caesarea, their head quarters in Palestine, the second great center of gospel preaching, the scene of Cornelius' conversion by Mark's father in the faith, Peter. Luke's Gospel has a Greek tinge, and answers to the third period, A.D. 50-63, being suited to Greeks unfamiliar with Palestinian geography; written perhaps at Antioch, the third great center of gospel diffusion.
Antioch is assigned by tradition as his residence (A.D. 52) before joining Paul when entering Europe. Beginning it there, he probably completed it under Paul's guidance, and circulated it from Philippi, where he was left behind, among the Greek churches. Probably Paul (A.D. 57) alludes to his Gospel in 2Co 8:18; "the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches." Certainly he quotes his Gospel as Scripture, and by inspiration stamps it as such in 1Ti 5:18. His having been chosen by the Macedonian churches joint trustee with Paul of their contributions to Jerusalem implies a long residence, during which he completed and circulated his work. As Acts was the fruit of his second connection with Paul, whose labors down to his imprisonment in Rome form the chief part of the book, so he wrote the Gospel through the help he got in his first connection with him, from Troas down to Philippi. (See Birks' Horse Evarig., 192, etc., for the probability that Theophilus lived at Antioch.) Jerome says Luke published his Gospel "in the parts of Achaia and Baeotia."
The Book of Acts links itself with the Gospels, by describing the foundation and extension of the church, which Christ in the Gospels promised; and with the Pauline epistles by undesigned, because not obvious, coincidences. It forms with the Gospels a historical Pentateuch, on which the Epistles are the inspired commentary, as the Psalms and Prophets are on the Old Testament historical books. Tertullian De Bapt., 17, and Jerome, Vir. Illustr., Luc., 7, mention that John pronounced spurious the Acts of Paul and Thecla, published at Ephesus. As Luke's Acts of the Apostles was then current, John's condemnation of the spurious Acts is a virtual sanction of ours as genuine; especially as Re 3:2 assigns this office of testing the true and the false to John's own church' of Ephesus. The epistle of the churches of Lyons and Vienna to those of Asia and Phrygia (A.D. 177) quotes it. Irenseus, Adv.
Hser., 1:31, Clemens Alexandrinus, Strom., 5, and Origen, in Euseb. H. E., 6:23, attest the book. Eusebius, H.E., 3:25, ranks it among "the universally recognized Scriptures." Its rejection by the Manicheans on purely doctrinal grounds implies its acceptance by the early church catholic. Luke never names himself. But the identity of the writer with the writer of the Gospel (Lu 1:3) is plain, and that the first person plural (Ac 16:10,17; 21:1,18; 27:1; 28:16) includes the writer in the first person singular (Ac 1:1). Paul's other companions are distinguished from the writer (Ac 20:4-6,15). The sacred writers keep themselves in the background, so as to put forward their grand subject. The first person gives place to the third at Ac 17:1, as Paul and Silas left Luke behind at Philippi. The nonmention of Luke in Paul's epistles is due to his not having been with him at Corinth (Acts 18), whence the two epistles to the Thessalonians were written; nor at Ephesus (Acts 19), whence he wrote to the Romans; nor at Corinth again, whence he wrote to the Galatians.
The first person is not resumed until Ac 20:5-6, at Philippi, the very place where the first person implies he was with Paul two years before (Acts 16); in this interval Luke probably made Philippi his head quarters. Thenceforward to the close, which leaves Paul at Rome, the first person shows Luke was his companion. Col 4:14; Phm 1:24, written there and then, declare his presence with Paul in Rome. The undesigned coincidence remarkably confirms the truth of his authorship and of the history. Just in those epistles written from places where in Acts the first person is dropped, Luke is not mentioned, but Silas and Timothy are; 1Th 1:1; 2Th 1:1; 2Co 1:19 compared with Ac 18:5.
But in the epistles written where we know, from Acts 28, the writer was with Paul we find Luke mentioned. Alford conjectures that as, just before Luke's joining Paul at Troas (Ac 16:10), Paul had passed through Galatia, where he was detained by sickness (Ga 4:13, Greek "Ye know that because of an infirmity of my flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first"), and Phrygia, and as the epistle to Colossae in Phrygia terms Luke "the beloved physician," Luke became Paul's companion owing to the weak state of the apostle's health, and left him at Philippi when he was recovered, which would account for the warm epithet "beloved."
In Ac 21:10 Agabus is introduced as if he had never been mentioned before, which he was in Ac 11:28. Probably Luke used different written sources of information, guided in the selection by the Holy spirit. This view accounts for the Hebraistic style of the earlier parts (drawn from Hebrew sources), and the Grecian style of the
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens: and whatever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in the heavens: and whatever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in the heavens.
And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens: and whatever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in the heavens: and whatever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in the heavens.
It seemed fitting to me also, having comprehended all things thoroughly from above, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
It seemed fitting to me also, having comprehended all things thoroughly from above, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Truly the first word had I made of all things, O Theophilus, of which Jesus began to do and also to teach,
Truly the first word had I made of all things, O Theophilus, of which Jesus began to do and also to teach,
But ye shall receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses to me also in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the last of the earth.
But ye shall receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses to me also in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the last of the earth.
This one, surrendered by the fixed counsel and foreknowledge of God, having taken by lawless hands, having fastened, ye slew:
This one, surrendered by the fixed counsel and foreknowledge of God, having taken by lawless hands, having fastened, ye slew:
This is the stone set at nought by you building, he having been for the head of the corner.
This is the stone set at nought by you building, he having been for the head of the corner.
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent.
And Saul was assenting to his murder. And in that day was a great expulsion upon the church in Jerusalem; and all were scattered up and down in the countries of Judea and Samaria, except the sent. And circumspect men interred Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.
And circumspect men interred Stephen, and made great lamentation over him. And Saul abused the church, going into houses, and drawing out men and women, delivered to prison.
And Saul abused the church, going into houses, and drawing out men and women, delivered to prison. Truly therefore the dispersed passed through announcing good news the word.
Truly therefore the dispersed passed through announcing good news the word. And Philip having come down to the city of Samaria, proclaimed Christ to them.
And Philip having come down to the city of Samaria, proclaimed Christ to them.
And having risen, he went: and, behold, an Ethiopian man, an eunuch of great power of Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come going to worship in Jerusalem,
And having risen, he went: and, behold, an Ethiopian man, an eunuch of great power of Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come going to worship in Jerusalem,
And Philip said, If thou believest from the whole heart, it is lawful. And having answered, he said, I believe the Son of God to be Jesus Christ.
And Philip said, If thou believest from the whole heart, it is lawful. And having answered, he said, I believe the Son of God to be Jesus Christ.
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou drivest out: hard for thee to kick against goads.
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom thou drivest out: hard for thee to kick against goads. And he trembling and amazed said, Lord, What wilt thou me to do? And the Lord to him, Arise, and come into the city, and it shall be spoken to thee what thou must do.
And he trembling and amazed said, Lord, What wilt thou me to do? And the Lord to him, Arise, and come into the city, and it shall be spoken to thee what thou must do.
And the brethren having known, brought him down to Cesarea, and they sent him forth to Tarsus.
And the brethren having known, brought him down to Cesarea, and they sent him forth to Tarsus.
And Peter having opened the month; said, Of a truth I comprehend that God is no respecter of faces!
And Peter having opened the month; said, Of a truth I comprehend that God is no respecter of faces!
And certain of them were Cyprian and Cyrenian men, who having come to Antioch, spake to the Greeks announcing good news, the Lord Jesus.
And certain of them were Cyprian and Cyrenian men, who having come to Antioch, spake to the Greeks announcing good news, the Lord Jesus.
And one of them having risen, Agabus by name, signified by the Holy Spirit a great famine was about to be upon the whole habitable globe: which was during Claudius Caesar.
And one of them having risen, Agabus by name, signified by the Holy Spirit a great famine was about to be upon the whole habitable globe: which was during Claudius Caesar.
And one of them having risen, Agabus by name, signified by the Holy Spirit a great famine was about to be upon the whole habitable globe: which was during Claudius Caesar.
And one of them having risen, Agabus by name, signified by the Holy Spirit a great famine was about to be upon the whole habitable globe: which was during Claudius Caesar.
Which also they did, having sent to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Which also they did, having sent to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
And at that time Herod the king laid hands upon to injure certain of the church.
And at that time Herod the king laid hands upon to injure certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he added also to take Peter. (They were the days of unleavened bread.)
And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he added also to take Peter. (They were the days of unleavened bread.) And having seized, he put him in prison, having delivered to four quaternions of soldiers to watch him; wishing after the pascha to bring him to the people.
And having seized, he put him in prison, having delivered to four quaternions of soldiers to watch him; wishing after the pascha to bring him to the people. Truly therefore was Peter kept in prison: and prayer was made continually by the church to God for him.
Truly therefore was Peter kept in prison: and prayer was made continually by the church to God for him. And when Herod was about to bring him before, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the watch before the door kept the prison.
And when Herod was about to bring him before, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the watch before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the messenger of the Lord stood before, and a light shone in the dwelling: and having struck Peter's side, he raised him up, saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell off from the hands.
And, behold, the messenger of the Lord stood before, and a light shone in the dwelling: and having struck Peter's side, he raised him up, saying, Arise quickly. And his chains fell off from the hands. And the messenger said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy small sandals. And he did so. And he said to him, Put round thy garment, and follow me.
And the messenger said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy small sandals. And he did so. And he said to him, Put round thy garment, and follow me. And having come out, he followed him; and knew not that it is true that being done by the messenger; and seemed to see a vision.
And having come out, he followed him; and knew not that it is true that being done by the messenger; and seemed to see a vision. And having passed by the first and second watch, they came to the iron gate leading to the city; which of its free will was opened to them: and having come out, they advanced one street; and quickly the messenger departed from him.
And having passed by the first and second watch, they came to the iron gate leading to the city; which of its free will was opened to them: and having come out, they advanced one street; and quickly the messenger departed from him. And Peter being as himself, said, Now know I truly that the Lord sent his messenger, and took me out of the hands of Herod, and all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
And Peter being as himself, said, Now know I truly that the Lord sent his messenger, and took me out of the hands of Herod, and all the expectation of the people of the Jews. And being conscious, he came to the house of Mary mother of John, surnamed Mark; where were sufficient assembled, and praying.
And being conscious, he came to the house of Mary mother of John, surnamed Mark; where were sufficient assembled, and praying. And Peter having knocked at the door of the gate, a young girl came near to listen, by name Rhoda.
And Peter having knocked at the door of the gate, a young girl came near to listen, by name Rhoda. And having known Peter's voice, from joy she opened not the gate, and running, announced Peter to stand before the gate.
And having known Peter's voice, from joy she opened not the gate, and running, announced Peter to stand before the gate. And they said to her, Thou art mad. And she was strengthened to have it so. And they said, It is his messenger.
And they said to her, Thou art mad. And she was strengthened to have it so. And they said, It is his messenger. And Peter continued knocking: and having opened, they saw him, and were moved.
And Peter continued knocking: and having opened, they saw him, and were moved. And having shaken with the hand at them to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of prison. And he said, Announce these things to James, and the brethren. And having come out, he went to another place.
And having shaken with the hand at them to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of prison. And he said, Announce these things to James, and the brethren. And having come out, he went to another place. And it being day, not a little trouble was among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
And it being day, not a little trouble was among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And Herod having sought him, and not found, having examined the watch, commanded them to be removed. And having come down from Judea to Cesarea, he tarried.
And Herod having sought him, and not found, having examined the watch, commanded them to be removed. And having come down from Judea to Cesarea, he tarried.
From the seed of this has God according to promise raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
From the seed of this has God according to promise raised up to Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
And saying, Men, why do ye these things? We also are men of similar passions with you, announcing good news to turn you back from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and sea, and all in them:
And saying, Men, why do ye these things? We also are men of similar passions with you, announcing good news to turn you back from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and sea, and all in them: Who in past generations suffered all nations to go in their ways.
Who in past generations suffered all nations to go in their ways. And surely indeed he left not himself without witness, doing good, having given us rain from heaven, and fruitful times, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
And surely indeed he left not himself without witness, doing good, having given us rain from heaven, and fruitful times, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
And having passed by Mysia they came down to Troas. And a vision was seen to Paul by night; A certain man, a Macedonian, was standing, beseeching him, and saying, Having passed to Macedonia, help us.
And a vision was seen to Paul by night; A certain man, a Macedonian, was standing, beseeching him, and saying, Having passed to Macedonia, help us. And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
She having followed Paul and us, cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who announce to us the way of salvation.
She having followed Paul and us, cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who announce to us the way of salvation.
And having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
And having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
And the unbelieving Jews, having been jealous, and having taken certain evil men of the vulgar, and excited to tumult, they disturbed the city by loud noise, and having stood against the house of Jason, they sought to bring them to the populace.
And the unbelieving Jews, having been jealous, and having taken certain evil men of the vulgar, and excited to tumult, they disturbed the city by loud noise, and having stood against the house of Jason, they sought to bring them to the populace.
And they conveying Paul brought him even to Athens: and having taken a command to Silas and Timothy that now they might come to him most speedily, they departed.
And they conveying Paul brought him even to Athens: and having taken a command to Silas and Timothy that now they might come to him most speedily, they departed. And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship.
And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship.
And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship.
And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship. Therefore truly he discussed in the synagogue with Jews, and those worshipping, and in the assembly in every day with those being present.
Therefore truly he discussed in the synagogue with Jews, and those worshipping, and in the assembly in every day with those being present.
Therefore truly he discussed in the synagogue with Jews, and those worshipping, and in the assembly in every day with those being present.
Therefore truly he discussed in the synagogue with Jews, and those worshipping, and in the assembly in every day with those being present. And certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers deliberated with him. And certain said, What may this idle, talkative man wish to say? and others, He seems to be a declarer of strange demons: because he announced to them good news, and the rising up.
And certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers deliberated with him. And certain said, What may this idle, talkative man wish to say? and others, He seems to be a declarer of strange demons: because he announced to them good news, and the rising up.
And certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers deliberated with him. And certain said, What may this idle, talkative man wish to say? and others, He seems to be a declarer of strange demons: because he announced to them good news, and the rising up.
And certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers deliberated with him. And certain said, What may this idle, talkative man wish to say? and others, He seems to be a declarer of strange demons: because he announced to them good news, and the rising up. And having taken him, they brought upon Mars' hill, saying, Can we know what this new teaching is, spoken by thee?
And having taken him, they brought upon Mars' hill, saying, Can we know what this new teaching is, spoken by thee? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we wish therefore to know what these things may be.
For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we wish therefore to know what these things may be. (And all the Athenians and strangers being present, passed time in nothing else but to say or hear some thing new.)
(And all the Athenians and strangers being present, passed time in nothing else but to say or hear some thing new.)
For having passed by, and beholding your venerations, I found also an altar upon which was inscribed, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom not knowing therefore ye reverence, him I announce to you.
For having passed by, and beholding your venerations, I found also an altar upon which was inscribed, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom not knowing therefore ye reverence, him I announce to you. God having made the world and all things in it, he being Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made by hands;
God having made the world and all things in it, he being Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made by hands; Nor is served by men's hands, standing in need of anything, he giving to all life, and breath, and all things.
Nor is served by men's hands, standing in need of anything, he giving to all life, and breath, and all things. And he made of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having limited the times before arranged, and the bounds of their habitation;
And he made of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having limited the times before arranged, and the bounds of their habitation; To seek the Lord, if perchance indeed they have felt for him, and found, although not being far from each one of us:
To seek the Lord, if perchance indeed they have felt for him, and found, although not being far from each one of us: For in him we live, and move, and are; as certain of the composers among you have said, For we also are his race.
For in him we live, and move, and are; as certain of the composers among you have said, For we also are his race.
For in him we live, and move, and are; as certain of the composers among you have said, For we also are his race.
For in him we live, and move, and are; as certain of the composers among you have said, For we also are his race. Being therefore the posterity of God, we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone, an engraving of art, or meditation of man, the divinity to be like.
Being therefore the posterity of God, we ought not to think gold, or silver, or stone, an engraving of art, or meditation of man, the divinity to be like. Therefore truly, God having overlooked the times of ignorance, now announces to all men everywhere to repent:
Therefore truly, God having overlooked the times of ignorance, now announces to all men everywhere to repent: Wherefore he set a day, in which he is about to judge the habitable globe in justice by the man whom he appointed; having offered faith to all, having raised him from the dead.
Wherefore he set a day, in which he is about to judge the habitable globe in justice by the man whom he appointed; having offered faith to all, having raised him from the dead.
And having found a certain Jew by name Aquila, a Pontian by birth, having recently come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife; (for Claudius had ordered all Jews to be separated from Rome:) came to them.
And having found a certain Jew by name Aquila, a Pontian by birth, having recently come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife; (for Claudius had ordered all Jews to be separated from Rome:) came to them.
And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was oppressed in spirit, testifying to the Jews Jesus Christ.
And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was oppressed in spirit, testifying to the Jews Jesus Christ.
And there agreed with him as far as Asia Sopater a Berean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus: and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
And there agreed with him as far as Asia Sopater a Berean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus: and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. These having come before awaited us in Troas.
These having come before awaited us in Troas.
These having come before awaited us in Troas.
These having come before awaited us in Troas. And we sailed forth after the days of unleavened from Philippi, and came to them in Troas up to five days; where we tarried seven days.
And we sailed forth after the days of unleavened from Philippi, and came to them in Troas up to five days; where we tarried seven days.
And we sailed forth after the days of unleavened from Philippi, and came to them in Troas up to five days; where we tarried seven days.
And we sailed forth after the days of unleavened from Philippi, and came to them in Troas up to five days; where we tarried seven days.
And from thence having sailed away, the following day we arrived over against Chios; and the other day we approached to Samos, and having remained in Trogyllium, the following day we came to Miletus.
And from thence having sailed away, the following day we arrived over against Chios; and the other day we approached to Samos, and having remained in Trogyllium, the following day we came to Miletus.
Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and temptations, having happened to me by the insidious plots of the Jews:
Serving the Lord with all humility, and many tears, and temptations, having happened to me by the insidious plots of the Jews:
But the word of none do I make mine own, neither have I my soul highly prized to myself, in order to finish my course with joy, and the service which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.
But the word of none do I make mine own, neither have I my soul highly prized to myself, in order to finish my course with joy, and the service which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.
Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears.
Wherefore watch ye, remembering that the space of three years night and day I ceased not reminding each one with tears. And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated.
And now I commit you, brethren, to God, and to the word of his grace, being able to build up, and give you inheritance among all the consecrated.
And it was, as we were conducted forth, torn asunder from them, having run straight forward, we came to Coos, and in continuation to Rhodes, and thence to Patara:
And it was, as we were conducted forth, torn asunder from them, having run straight forward, we came to Coos, and in continuation to Rhodes, and thence to Patara:
And the morrow, they about Paul having come out, came to Cesarea: and having come to Philip's house, bearer of good news, being of the seven, we remained with him.
And the morrow, they about Paul having come out, came to Cesarea: and having come to Philip's house, bearer of good news, being of the seven, we remained with him.
And we remaining many days, a certain prophet came down from Judea, by name Agabus.
And we remaining many days, a certain prophet came down from Judea, by name Agabus.
And the following day Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
And the following day Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present.
And who attempted to profane the temple: whom we also seized, and wished to judge according to our law.
And who attempted to profane the temple: whom we also seized, and wished to judge according to our law. And Lysias the captain of a thousand, having come with much force, carried away out of our hands,
And Lysias the captain of a thousand, having come with much force, carried away out of our hands, Having commanded his accusers to come to thee: by which thou thyself shalt be able, having examined, to know of all these of which we accuse him.
Having commanded his accusers to come to thee: by which thou thyself shalt be able, having examined, to know of all these of which we accuse him.
And when it was determined for us to sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain others bound to a centurion named Julius, of Augustus' band.
And when it was determined for us to sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain others bound to a centurion named Julius, of Augustus' band.
Saying, Fear not, Paul; Thou must stand before Caesar: and, behold, God has bestowed on thee as a gift all these sailing with thee.
Saying, Fear not, Paul; Thou must stand before Caesar: and, behold, God has bestowed on thee as a gift all these sailing with thee.
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the camp: but to Paul it was permitted to remain by himself with a soldier watching him.
And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander of the camp: but to Paul it was permitted to remain by himself with a soldier watching him.
And he having said these things, the Jews departed, having much discussion in themselves.
And he having said these things, the Jews departed, having much discussion in themselves.
Wherefore that known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested to them.
Wherefore that known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested to them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world, being understood by things made, are inspected, truly both his eternal power and divinity; so that they are inexcusable:
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world, being understood by things made, are inspected, truly both his eternal power and divinity; so that they are inexcusable: Wherefore having known God, not as God did they honour or return thanks; but were rendered vain in their conversations, and their heart without understanding was darkened.
Wherefore having known God, not as God did they honour or return thanks; but were rendered vain in their conversations, and their heart without understanding was darkened. Declaring themselves to be wise, they were fools,
Declaring themselves to be wise, they were fools, And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of flying things, and of creeping things, and of quadrupeds.
And they changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of flying things, and of creeping things, and of quadrupeds. Wherefore God delivered them in the eager desire of their hearts to uncleanness, to dishonour their bodies in themselves:
Wherefore God delivered them in the eager desire of their hearts to uncleanness, to dishonour their bodies in themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a falsehood, and reverenced and served the creation above him creating, who is praised forever. Amen.
Who changed the truth of God into a falsehood, and reverenced and served the creation above him creating, who is praised forever. Amen.
And according to thy hardness and impenitent heart thou treasurest up to thyself anger in the day of anger and revelation of the just judgment of God;
And according to thy hardness and impenitent heart thou treasurest up to thyself anger in the day of anger and revelation of the just judgment of God;
Whom God had set before a propitiatory by faith in his blood, for a manifestation of his justice by passing over of sins before existing, in the sufferance of God;
Whom God had set before a propitiatory by faith in his blood, for a manifestation of his justice by passing over of sins before existing, in the sufferance of God;
For not by the law, the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, for him to be heir of the world, but by the justice of faith.
For not by the law, the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, for him to be heir of the world, but by the justice of faith.
Be not deceived: evil intercourses corrupt good habits.
Be not deceived: evil intercourses corrupt good habits.
And we sent with him the brother whose approbation in the good news through all the churches;
And we sent with him the brother whose approbation in the good news through all the churches;
In Damascus king Aretas' governor watched the city of the Damascenes, wishing to seize me
In Damascus king Aretas' governor watched the city of the Damascenes, wishing to seize me
I knew a man in Christ before fourteen years, (whether in the body, I know not; whether out of the body, I know not: God knows;) such a one having been carried off even to the third heaven.
I knew a man in Christ before fourteen years, (whether in the body, I know not; whether out of the body, I know not: God knows;) such a one having been carried off even to the third heaven.
Then after fourteen years, again went I up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, having taken together Titus.
Then after fourteen years, again went I up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, having taken together Titus.
And to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He says not, And to seeds, as to many; but as to one: And to thy seed, who is Christ.
And to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He says not, And to seeds, as to many; but as to one: And to thy seed, who is Christ.
And ye know that through weakness of the flesh I announced the good news to you before.
And ye know that through weakness of the flesh I announced the good news to you before.
Built upon the foundation of the sent, and of the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone;
Built upon the foundation of the sent, and of the prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the corner stone;
(For many walk, of whom I said to you often, and now also say weeping, the enemies of the cross of Christ:
(For many walk, of whom I said to you often, and now also say weeping, the enemies of the cross of Christ:
And he is before all, and all things have been established by him.
And he is before all, and all things have been established by him.
For in him was he pleased that all fulness should dwell:
For in him was he pleased that all fulness should dwell:
Luke, the dearly beloved physician, greets you, and Demas.
Luke, the dearly beloved physician, greets you, and Demas.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
For the writing says, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox grinding. And, The laborer worthy of his hire.
For the writing says, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox grinding. And, The laborer worthy of his hire.
I have contended earnestly the good contest, I have completed the course, I have kept the faith:
I have contended earnestly the good contest, I have completed the course, I have kept the faith:
A certain of them said, their own prophet, The Cretians always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.
A certain of them said, their own prophet, The Cretians always liars, evil beasts, lazy bellies.
And if ye call upon the Father, judging without distinction of persons according to the work of each, in fear be occupied in the time of your sojourning:
And if ye call upon the Father, judging without distinction of persons according to the work of each, in fear be occupied in the time of your sojourning:
But with precious blood, as of a lamb blameless and spotless, of Christ:
But with precious blood, as of a lamb blameless and spotless, of Christ:
Therefore honour to you believing: and to the unbelieving, the stone which the builders disapproved of has become the head of the corner,
Therefore honour to you believing: and to the unbelieving, the stone which the builders disapproved of has become the head of the corner,
Be watching, and make firm the remaining things, which are about to die: For I have not found thy works perfected before God.
Be watching, and make firm the remaining things, which are about to die: For I have not found thy works perfected before God.
Hastings
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES
1. Summary of contents.
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Since many have undertaken to arrange the narration concerning things rendered perfectly certain among us,
It seemed fitting to me also, having comprehended all things thoroughly from above, to write to thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Now in the fifteenth year of the supremacy of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being leader of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother being tetrarch of Iturea and the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,
And when ye see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its devastation has drawn near.
And this he said, signifying by what death he shall honour God. And having said this, he says to him, Follow me.
Truly the first word had I made of all things, O Theophilus, of which Jesus began to do and also to teach,
Truly the first word had I made of all things, O Theophilus, of which Jesus began to do and also to teach,
All these were persevering unanimously in prayer and supplication, with women, and Mary mother of Jesus, with his brethren.
And it was known to all dwelling in Jerusalem; so that that place was called in their own dialect, Aceldama, that is, The place of blood.
Then truly they having gladly received his word were immersed: and in that day were added about three thousand souls.
And they having prayed, the place was shaken in which they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spake the word of God with freedom of speech.
And in those days, the disciples multiplying, there was a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily service.
And Saul abused the church, going into houses, and drawing out men and women, delivered to prison.
And Philip having come down to the city of Samaria, proclaimed Christ to them.
And when they believed Philip announcing the good news of the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were immersed, both men and women.
He asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, so that if he find certain men being of the way, and also women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
And the brethren having known, brought him down to Cesarea, and they sent him forth to Tarsus.
And one of them having risen, Agabus by name, signified by the Holy Spirit a great famine was about to be upon the whole habitable globe: which was during Claudius Caesar.
And one of them having risen, Agabus by name, signified by the Holy Spirit a great famine was about to be upon the whole habitable globe: which was during Claudius Caesar.
And at that time Herod the king laid hands upon to injure certain of the church.
And certain prophets and teachers were in the church being in Antioch; as Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
And being in Salamis, they announced the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John a servant. And having passed through the island to Paphos, they found a certain magician, a false prophet, a Jew, the name to him Barjesus: read more. Who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paul, an intelligent man; he having called Barnabas and Saul, sought anxiously to hear the word of God. And Elymas the magician withstood them, (for so was his name interpreted,) seeking to turn the proconsul from the faith.
And having been brought from Paphos, they about Paul came to Perga of Pamphylia: and John, having departed from them, returned to Jerusalem.
And having been brought from Paphos, they about Paul came to Perga of Pamphylia: and John, having departed from them, returned to Jerusalem. And they having passed from Perga, approached Antioch of Pisidia, and having come into the synagogue on the day of the sabbaths, they sat down.
And having removed him, he raised up to them David for king; to whom also having testified, he said, I found David of Jesse, a man according to my heart, who shall do all my desires.
And the Jews urged on the worshipping and distinguished women, and the first men of the city, and they raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and they cast them out of their bounds,
And the Jews urged on the worshipping and distinguished women, and the first men of the city, and they raised up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and they cast them out of their bounds,
And it was in Iconium according to the same, went they into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude of the Jews and also of Greeks believed.
And there they were announcing the good news.
And the crowds having seen what Paul did, lifted up their voices, saying in Lycaonian, Gods likened to men came down to us.
And Barnabas and Paul, the sent, having heard, having rent their garments, rushed in among the crowd, crying out,
And having announced that city the good news, and made disciples sufficient, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,
Therefore dissension and no small discussion having been to Paul and Barnabas with them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas to go up, and certain others of them, to the sent and elders in Jerusalem about this question.
To keep off from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and strangulation, and harlotry: from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
And having passed through Phrygia and the Galatian country, hindered by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in Asia, Having come to Mysia, they tried to go to Bithynia: and the Spirit suffered them not. read more. And having passed by Mysia they came down to Troas. And a vision was seen to Paul by night; A certain man, a Macedonian, was standing, beseeching him, and saying, Having passed to Macedonia, help us. And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And when he saw the vision, we quickly sought to come out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord called us to announce good news to them.
And thence to Philippi, which is the first city of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in that city passing certain days. And the day of the sabbaths we came out of the city by the river, where prayer was customary to be; and having sat down, we spake to the women come together.
And the day of the sabbaths we came out of the city by the river, where prayer was customary to be; and having sat down, we spake to the women come together. And a certain woman, by name Lydia, a dealer in purple garments, of the city of Thyatira, worshipping God, heard: whose heart the Lord opened to attend to things spoken by Paul. read more. And when she was immersed, and her house, she besought, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having come into my house, remain. And she forced us.
And it being day, the generals sent the bearers of the rod, saying, Loose these men.
But Paul said to them, Having stripped us publicly not condemned, being Roman men, they cast into prison and now do they cast us out secretly? not so; but having come themselves, let them bring us out.
And having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
And having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
And certain of them were persuaded, and were assigned by lot to Paul and Silas; and of worshipping Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the first women.
And not having found them, they drew Jason and certain brethren to the rulers of the city, crying, That those having subverted the habitable globe, these also are present here;
And the brethren quickly sent out both Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who arriving went away to the synagogue of the Jews.
Therefore truly many of them believed; and of the distinguished Grecian women, and of men, not few.
And they conveying Paul brought him even to Athens: and having taken a command to Silas and Timothy that now they might come to him most speedily, they departed. And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship.
And Paul waiting for them among the Athenians, his spirit was excited in him, seeing the city being addicted to idol worship.
And having taken him, they brought upon Mars' hill, saying, Can we know what this new teaching is, spoken by thee?
And certain men having joined him, believed: among whom also Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman by name Damaris, and others with them.
And he discussed in the synagogue on every sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks. And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was oppressed in spirit, testifying to the Jews Jesus Christ.
And Crispus, ruler of the synagogue, believed the Lord with his whole house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptised.
And Gallio being proconsul of Achaia, the Jews arose unanimously against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
And Paul arrived at Ephesus, and left those of his: and he having come into the synagogue, discussed with the Jews.
And it was in Apollos' being in Corinth, Paul having passed through the higher parts, caine to Ephesus: and having found certain disciples,
And having come into the synagogue, he spake freely, discoursing for three months, and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
And certain also of the chief of Asia, being friends to him, having sent to him, besought not to give himself into the theatre.
These having come before awaited us in Troas.
For Paul determined to sail to Ephesus, as it might not be to him to spend the time in Asia: for he hastened, if it were possible to him, to be in Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
I shewed you all things, that so being wearied ye must support the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that himself said, It is happy to give rather than receive.
Grieving chiefly for the word which he spake, that they are about to see his face no more. And they sent him forward to the ship.
And having been shown Cyprus, and left it at the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and were conveyed to Tyre: for thither was the ship discharging the lading.
And it was when we accomplished the days, having come out we went; all sending us forward, with wives and children, even to without the city: and having placed the knees upon the seashore, we prayed.
And to him were four daughters, virgins, prophesying.
Who drove out this way even to death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women.
And as he held him before with thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by, Is it lawful to scourge a man a Roman, and uncondemned?
And two years completed, Felix took Porcius Festus, a successor: and wishing to render a favor to the Jews, Felix left Paul bound.
And when it was determined for us to sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain others bound to a centurion named Julius, of Augustus' band. And having embarked in a ship of Adramyttium, being about to navigate places in Asia, we were conveyed; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
And conveyed from thence, we sailed to Cyprus, for the winds were contrary.
And when it was the fourteenth night, we being carried up and down in Adria, at midnight the sailors supposed some country brought near them;
But the centurion wishing to save Paul, hindered from the resolution; and he commanded those being able to swim, having cast off first, to come to land:
And the foreigners bestowed upon us no ordinary kindness: for having lighted a pile of wood, they received us all on account of the impending rain, and for the cold.
And with them about that place was landed property to the first of the island, by name Publius; who having received us, lodged us with friendship three days.
And it was after three days Paul called together them being first of the Jews: and they having come together, he said to them, Men, brethren, I having done nothing against the people, or customs of the fathers, I was delivered in bonds from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
And Paul remained two whole years in his own wages, and received all going to him,
And now remains faith, hope, love, these three; and the greater of these, love.
Wherefore then are ye no more foreigners and sojourners, but fellow-citizens of the holy, and the household of God;
Only live as citizens worthy of the good news of Christ: that whether coming and seeing you, whether being absent, I shall bear the things concerning you, that ye stand in one spirit, one soul, fighting together in faith of the good news;
Aristarchus my fellowcaptive greets you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas, (for whom ye received commands: if he come to you, receive him;)
Luke, the dearly beloved physician, greets you, and Demas.
Luke, the dearly beloved physician, greets you, and Demas.
Wherefore no more concealing, we were content to be left among the Athenians alone:
For Demas has forsaken me, having loved the time now, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, where the throne of Satan: and thou holdest my name, and hast not denied my faith, and in the days in which Antipas my faithful witness, who was slain with you, where Satan dwells.
And it was given him to give spirit to the image of the wild beast, that the image of the wild beast might speak, and might make as many as should not worship the image of the wild beast that they be killed.
Morish
The introduction to this book compared with the introduction to the gospel by Luke makes it plain that the two were written by the same person. The Acts ends with the two years' imprisonment of the apostle Paul at Rome: it could not therefore have been written before the end of that time, and was probably written very soon afterwards or it would have given the issue of Paul's trial. This would place the date about A.D. 63.
The 'Acts' forms a link between the Gospels and the Epistles, as the ascension of Christ formed a link between the Gospels and the Acts. It occupies a sort of transition time, for though the church was soon formed, the doctrine of the church was not made known until Paul's epistles. The title, 'Acts of the Apostles,' might have led us to expect a more general account of the labours of all the Twelve; but their mission in the ways of God is superseded by that of Paul, both as minister of the gospel of the glory of Christ, and of the church. A wise selection of the fruits of apostolic energy has been made, verifying some things stated in the Gospels, and forming an indispensable introduction to the Epistles.
After the ascension of the Lord, and the choosing an apostle to fill the place of Judas, the first great event recorded is the day of Pentecost. The Lord had said, "I will build my church," Mt 16:18 ; and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost is the answer to the question, when did the incorporation of the church begin? 1Co 12:13 proves that it was by the gift of the Holy Spirit, though, as it has been said, the doctrine of the church was not revealed till afterwards.
Ananias was charged with lying to the Holy Spirit, by whom God was then dwelling in the church. Our Lord had promised that on His departure He would send them another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to abide with and be in them. This also was fulfilled at Pentecost. Peter, Stephen, etc. were full of the Holy Spirit: cf. Ac 4:31.
After this another call was made to Israel to receive Jesus as the Christ. They had killed the Prince of life, but God had raised Him from the dead, and now in mercy and on the ground of their ignorance one more appeal was made to them to repent and be converted that their sins might be blotted out, and that God might send again Jesus Christ who was then in heaven. The rulers however were grieved that they preached by Jesus the resurrection from among the dead, and commanded Peter and John not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus. Stephen, being accused before the Sanhedrim, rehearsed the history of Israel from the beginning, and charged them with resisting the Holy Spirit, as their fathers had done. The indictment of Israel as man in the flesh, and the exposure of his enmity to God led to the final sin of rejecting the glorified Christ, expressed by the stoning of Stephen who calling upon the Lord not to lay the sin to their charge, exemplified the life of Christ in his body.
This ends the first phase of the acts of the Holy Spirit, and clears the way for the going out of the gospel and the revelation of the truth of the church. The persecution that followed led to the spread of the gospel. Philip preached Christ to the Samaritans and many believed. Peter went from Jerusalem, laid his hands upon them and they received the Holy Spirit. Peter was then used at Caesarea in opening the door to the Gentiles (answering to his having the keys of the kingdom committed to him, Mt 16:19), and they also received the Holy Spirit.
In the meantime Saul had been converted, and immediately preached that Jesus was the Son of God. The churches had rest, and walking in the fear of the Lord and comfort of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied. Ac 9:31. Herod Agrippa however soon began to persecute the church; he killed James the brother of John, and put Peter into prison, who was however miraculously delivered. Herod died a miserable death; and the word of God grew and multiplied. Acts 12. This ends the phase of the church's history in connection with the remnant of Israel.
Antioch, instead of Jerusalem, now became a centre of evangelisation, independent of apostolic authority, yet without breaking the unity of the Spirit by forming a separate church. Barnabas and Saul are separated to the work by the Holy Spirit, and with John Mark take a missionary journey.
Certain persons from Judaea insisting at Antioch that the Gentile converts must be circumcised or they could not be saved, the question was referred to the church at Jerusalem. In their decision they could say, "It seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves ye shall do well. Fare ye well." Ac 15:28-29.
Paul with Silas took a second missionary journey, extending to Europe and returned to Antioch. Ac 18:22. From thence Paul went a third journey. (For the particulars of these journeys and from whence Paul wrote some of his epistles, see the article PAUL.) It may be noted that while at Ephesus, because of the opposition of the Jews in the synagogues, Paul separated the disciples and they met in a building distinct from the synagogue, commencing a further development of the church's history. Ac 19:9.
At the close of the third missionary journey Paul, led by deep spiritual affection for his nation, but forbidden by the Spirit in whose energy the ministry entrusted to him had hitherto been carried out, went up to Jerusalem, where he was arrested. The rest of the book details his trials and danger from the Jews; his journey to Rome, where he calls together the chief of the Jews, to whom he preaches Jesus. We read no more of any of his labours, and the Acts leaves him a prisoner.
The book embraces a period of about thirty years: the mystery of the church, and the gospel of the glory committed to Paul, as well as the state of the assemblies must be gathered from the Epistles. During the above period Paul wrote the two epistles to the Thessalonians, the two to the Corinthians, to the Galatians, Romans, Colossians, Philemon, Ephesians, and Philippians.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And I say to thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my church; and the gates of hell shall not overcome her. And I will give thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens: and whatever thou shalt bind upon earth shall be bound in the heavens: and whatever thou shalt loose upon earth shall be loosed in the heavens.
And they having prayed, the place was shaken in which they were gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and spake the word of God with freedom of speech.
Then truly the churches through the Whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up; and going in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.
For it seemed fitting to the Holy Spirit, and to us, for no more burden to be put upon you but the necessities of these; To keep off from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and strangulation, and harlotry: from which keeping yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
And having come down to Cesarea having gone up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.
And when certain were hardened, and believed not, speaking evil of the way before the multitude, having departed from them, he separated the disciples, discoursing in the day in the school of a certain Tyrannus.
For also in one Spirit were we all immersed into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether servants or free; and we have all been given to drink into one Spirit.
Smith
Acts of the Apostles,
the fifth book in the New testament and the second treatise by the author of the third Gospel, traditionally known as Luke. The book commences with an inscription to one Theophilus, who was probably a man of birth and station. The readers were evidently intended to be the members of the Christian Church, whether Jews or Gentiles; for its contents are such as are of the utmost consequence to the whole Church. They are the fulfillment of the promise of the Father by the descent of the Holy Spirit, and the results of that outpouring by the dispersion of the gospel among the Jews and Gentiles. Under these leading heads all the personal and subordinate details may be arranged. First St. Peter becomes the prime actor under God int he founding of the Church. He is the centre of the first group of sayings and doings. The opening of the door to Jews, ch. 2, and Gentiles, ch. 10, is his office, and by him, in good time, is accomplished. Then the preparation of Saul of Tarsus for the work to be done, the progress, in his hand, of that work, his journeyings, preachings and perils, his stripes and imprisonments, his testifying in Jerusalem and being brought to testify in Rome, --these are the subjects of the latter half of the book, of which the great central figure is the apostle Paul. The history given in the Acts occupies about 33 years, and the reigns of the Roman emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero. It seems most probable that the place of writing was Roma, and the time about two years from the date of St. Paul's arrival there, as related in
This would give us fro the publication about 63 A.D.
Watsons
ACTS OF THE APOSTLES. This book, in the very beginning, professes itself to be a continuation of the Gospel of St. Luke; and its style bespeaks it to be written by the same person. The external evidence is also very satisfactory; for besides allusions in earlier authors, and particularly in Clement of Rome, Polycarp, and Justin Martyr, the Acts of the Apostles are not only quoted by Irenaeus, as written by Luke the evangelist, but there are few things recorded in this book which are not mentioned by that ancient father. This strong testimony in favour of the genuineness of the Acts of the Apostles is supported by Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Jerome, Eusebius, Theodoret, and most of the later fathers. It may be added, that the name of St. Luke is prefixed to this book in several ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament, and also in the old Syriac version.
2. This is the only inspired work which gives us any historical account of the progress of Christianity after our Saviour's ascension. It comprehends a period of about thirty years, but it by no means contains a general history of the church during that time. The principal facts recorded in it are, the choice of Matthias to be an Apostle in the room of the traitor Judas; the descent of the Holy Ghost on the day of pentecost; the preaching, miracles, and sufferings of the Apostles at Jerusalem; the death of Stephen, the first martyr; the persecution and dispersion of the Christians; the preaching of the Gospel in different parts of Palestine, especially in Samaria; the conversion of St. Paul; the call of Cornelius, the first Gentile convert; the persecution of the Christians by Herod Agrippa; the preaching of Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles, by the express command of the Holy Ghost; the decree made at Jerusalem, declaring that circumcision, and a conformity to other Jewish rites and ceremonies, were not necessary in Gentile converts; and the latter part of the book is confined to the history of St. Paul, of whom St. Luke was the constant companion for several years.
3. As this account of St. Paul is not continued beyond his two years' imprisonment at Rome, it is probable that this book was written soon after his release, which happened in the year 63; we may therefore consider the Acts of the Apostles as written about the year 64.
4. The place of its publication is more doubtful. The probability appears to be in favour of Greece, though some contend for Alexandria in Egypt. This latter opinion rests upon the subscriptions at the end of some Greek manuscripts, and of the copies of the Syriac version; but the best critics think, that these subscriptions, which are also affixed to other books of the New Testament, deserve but little weight; and in this case they are not supported by any ancient authority.
5. It must have been of the utmost importance in the early times of the Gospel, and certainly not of less importance to every subsequent age, to have an authentic account of the promised descent of the Holy Ghost, and of the success which attended the first preachers of the Gospel both among the Jews and Gentiles. These great events completed the evidence of the divine mission of Christ, established the truth of the religion which he taught, and pointed out in the clearest manner the comprehensive nature of the redemption which he purchased by his death.
OEcumenius calls the Acts, the "Gospel of the Holy Ghost; and St. Chrysostom, the "Gospel of our Saviour's resurrection," or the Gospel of Jesus Christ risen from the dead. Here, in the lives and preaching of the Apostles, we have the most miraculous instances of the power of the Holy Ghost; and in the account of those who were the first believers, we have received the most excellent pattern of the true Christian life.