Thematic Bible
Thematic Bible
Angels » Called » Angel of the lord
now there had been a great earthquake; for an angel of the lord descending from heaven, was come, and had rolled away the stone from the door, and was sitting upon it.
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Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, arise, and go toward the south, by the way that leads from Jerusalem to Gaza, in the desart.
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but while he was revolving this in his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the off-spring of David, don't make any difficulty of taking Mary for thy wife: for her pregnancy is from the holy Spirit.
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When they were gone, an angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, take the infant and his mother, flee into Egypt, and don't stir thence till I order you, for Herod will endeavour to have the child destroy'd. Joseph therefore arose,
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But after the death of Herod, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
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but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them,
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but at the instant an angel of the Lord smote him, because he did not glorify God: so that he became a prey to worms and died. In the mean time, the
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Then Joseph being awak'd out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord directed, and took his wife home,
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when there appear'd to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the incense-altar.
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when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush.
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this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.
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the Lord suddenly appear'd and fill'd the room with light, and touching Peter on the side, awak'd him, saying, rise, be quick. and immediately his chains fell from his hands.
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Court » Accused spoke in his own defense
then Peter and the other apostles made answer, we ought to obey God rather than men. the God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, and hanged on a tree. him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins. read more.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.
and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him.
so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus. but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God. for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard.
the chief priests continuing to accuse him with much clamour, Pilate spake to him again, and said, will you make no defence for your self? don't you hear what they urge against you? but Jesus still made no answer; so that Pilate was much amaz'd.
then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. read more.
this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved.
this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved.
Then said the high priest, are these things so? Stephen answer'd, my brethren, and you my fathers, lend your attention. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, quit your country, and your kindred, to go to the land which I shall shew thee. read more.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Then Paul directing himself to the council, thus said, "hitherto I have liv'd strictly conscientious, as God knows." at which the high priest Ananias order'd those that were near him to strike him on the face: which made Paul say, "may God strike thee, thou plaister'd wall: you sit to judge me according to law, and in defiance of the law you order me to be struck!" read more.
what, said the standers-by, do you revile the high priest of God? Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest. it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead." at these words the Pharisees and the Sadducees were all in confusion, the whole assembly being divided:
what, said the standers-by, do you revile the high priest of God? Paul replied, I did not consider, brethren, that he was the high priest. it is indeed written, "thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." But as Paul knew that one part of the Sanhedrim were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out, my brethren, "I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee, and I am now prosecuted for believing the resurrection of the dead." at these words the Pharisees and the Sadducees were all in confusion, the whole assembly being divided:
Fire » As a symbol of the divine presence and power
when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush.
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and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:
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for "our God is a consuming fire."
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God » Fire, a consuming » As a symbol of the divine presence and power
when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush.
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and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them:
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for "our God is a consuming fire."
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Government » Mosaic » Constitutes, with priests and scribes, a court for the trial of both civil and ecclesiastical causes
At length he began to inform them, that the son of man should suffer many indignities, be rejected by the chief priests, Scribes, and senators, be even put to death, and after three days should rise again.
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As soon as it was day, all the chief priests and senators of the people consulted measures against Jesus how they might put him to death. and when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor of Judea.
When he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the magistrates came to him as he was teaching, and said, by what authority dost thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?
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Early in the morning the chief priests, the rulers, and Scribes, even the whole council, after having deliberated together, caus'd Jesus to be bound, then led him away and deliver'd him to Pilate.
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About this time the chief priests, and the elders of the people, assembled in the palace of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, and consulted how to seize Jesus by surprize, and take away his life. but they said, this must not be done on the feastday, for fear the people rise.
And they that had apprehended Jesus, led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the senators were assembled. but Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and going in, he sat with the officers to see the event. Now the chief priests, the senators and the whole council, endeavour'd to get false evidence against Jesus, that he might be condemn'd to die. read more.
but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient. at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying, "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you? but Jesus made no reply. and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God? Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks, crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you?
but they found none: and though many false witnesses came, it was not found sufficient. at last there came two false witnesses, who charg'd him with saying, "I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days." and the high priest arose, and said to him, have you nothing in answer to that charge they bring against you? but Jesus made no reply. and the high priest said to him, I conjure thee by the living God, to tell us, are you the Christ the son of God? Jesus reply'd, I am: moreover I declare to you, within a while ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of God, and coming on the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his clothes, saying, he has spoke blasphemy; what further need have we of witnesses? you yourselves have now heard his blasphemy. what is your opinion? they reply'd, he deserves to die. then they spit in his face, some beat him on the head, others slapt him on the cheeks, crying now Christ divine, who 't is that struck you?
All of a sudden, while he was yet speaking, appear'd Judas, one of the twelve, attended by a great number of people with swords and clubs, who were sent by the chief priests, the Scribes, and rulers. now he that betrayed him, had given them this signal, you will see me salute one with a kiss, that's he: seize him, and don't let him escape. then advancing, he went directly up to him, saying, master, master, and kissed him. read more.
and they violently laid hands on him and secured him. but one of those that stood by, drew his sword against a servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. but Jesus addressing himself to them, said, why do you come with swords and clubs against me, as if you were to apprehend some robber? I was daily among you, teaching in the temple, and you did not then seize upon me. but the scriptures are thereby accomplished. then all his disciples abandon'd him and fled. But a certain youth, that was stript to his inmost vest, followed him, and was seized by the soldiers. but he slipt from his vest, and fled away naked. Jesus they led away to the high priest's, where all the chief priests, the rulers and Scribes, were assembled. Peter followed at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: where he sat down among the servants to warm himself at the fire. Now the chief priests, and the whole council endeavour'd to get evidence against Jesus, to condemn him to die; but they found none. there were indeed several, who depos'd what was false against him: besides, what they deposed was insufficient. at last there appear'd some, who gave in false evidence against him, saying, we heard him say, "I will pull down this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." but neither did this evidence appear sufficient. then the high priest rising up in the midst of the assembly, ask'd Jesus, saying, have you nothing to plead for your self? what say you to the evidence they give against you? but Jesus remain'd silent, and gave no answer. then the high priest asked him again, and said to him, art thou the Christ, the son of the most High? and Jesus answered, I AM. and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his robes, and said to the council, what occasion is there for any more witnesses? you have heard the blasphemy, what is your opinion? and they all pronounc'd, that he deserved to die. then some began to spit on him, others cover'd his face and struck him on the head, crying out, divine, who it is. and the domestics slapt him on the cheeks.
and they violently laid hands on him and secured him. but one of those that stood by, drew his sword against a servant of the high priest, and struck off his ear. but Jesus addressing himself to them, said, why do you come with swords and clubs against me, as if you were to apprehend some robber? I was daily among you, teaching in the temple, and you did not then seize upon me. but the scriptures are thereby accomplished. then all his disciples abandon'd him and fled. But a certain youth, that was stript to his inmost vest, followed him, and was seized by the soldiers. but he slipt from his vest, and fled away naked. Jesus they led away to the high priest's, where all the chief priests, the rulers and Scribes, were assembled. Peter followed at a distance, even into the palace of the high priest: where he sat down among the servants to warm himself at the fire. Now the chief priests, and the whole council endeavour'd to get evidence against Jesus, to condemn him to die; but they found none. there were indeed several, who depos'd what was false against him: besides, what they deposed was insufficient. at last there appear'd some, who gave in false evidence against him, saying, we heard him say, "I will pull down this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands." but neither did this evidence appear sufficient. then the high priest rising up in the midst of the assembly, ask'd Jesus, saying, have you nothing to plead for your self? what say you to the evidence they give against you? but Jesus remain'd silent, and gave no answer. then the high priest asked him again, and said to him, art thou the Christ, the son of the most High? and Jesus answered, I AM. and ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. then the high priest rent his robes, and said to the council, what occasion is there for any more witnesses? you have heard the blasphemy, what is your opinion? and they all pronounc'd, that he deserved to die. then some began to spit on him, others cover'd his face and struck him on the head, crying out, divine, who it is. and the domestics slapt him on the cheeks.
then said Jesus to the chief priests, the officers of the temple, and the rulers, who were come to take him, are you come here with swords and staves as in pursuit of a robber? I was daily with you in the temple, and you never offer'd to seize me: but now you have your hour, and the prince of darkness his day. Then they seized him and carried him away to the high priest's house, and Peter followed at a distance. read more.
now as they had made a fire in the middle of the hall, and people were sitting all round it, Peter too sat down among them. but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too. but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him. a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not. about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean. Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice." and Peter went out, and wept bitterly. In the mean time, they who held Jesus, treated him with insults and buffoonry. they made him blind-fold, they slapt him on the face, and cry'd out, divine who it was that smote thee. and besides all this, they loaded him with the most impious invectives. As soon as it was day, the rulers of the people, the chief priests and the Scribes being assembled, they order'd him to be brought before their council, and said to him, if you are the Christ, say so. but he answer'd, if I should tell you so, you will not believe it. and if I should argue it with you, you will neither answer me, nor let me go. but in a little time the son of man shall be seated on the powerful right hand of God. then said they all, art thou then the son of God? you are in the right, answer'd he, for I am so. upon this they cry'd, what occasion have we for further evidence? for we ourselves have heard enough from his own mouth.
now as they had made a fire in the middle of the hall, and people were sitting all round it, Peter too sat down among them. but one of the servants seeing him by the fire, star'd him in the face, and said, this man was with him too. but he renounc'd Jesus, saying, woman, I don't know him. a little while after another seeing him, said, you are even one of them. but Peter said to him, man, I am not. about an hour after another confidently affirm'd, saying, this fellow was certainly with him; for he too is a Galilean. Peter reply'd, man, I don't know what you would say, and immediately while he was yet speaking, the cock crew. whereupon the Lord turned about, and look'd upon Peter. then Peter remembred what the Lord had said to him, "before the cock-crowing you shall deny me thrice." and Peter went out, and wept bitterly. In the mean time, they who held Jesus, treated him with insults and buffoonry. they made him blind-fold, they slapt him on the face, and cry'd out, divine who it was that smote thee. and besides all this, they loaded him with the most impious invectives. As soon as it was day, the rulers of the people, the chief priests and the Scribes being assembled, they order'd him to be brought before their council, and said to him, if you are the Christ, say so. but he answer'd, if I should tell you so, you will not believe it. and if I should argue it with you, you will neither answer me, nor let me go. but in a little time the son of man shall be seated on the powerful right hand of God. then said they all, art thou then the son of God? you are in the right, answer'd he, for I am so. upon this they cry'd, what occasion have we for further evidence? for we ourselves have heard enough from his own mouth.
While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadduces came upon them, being displeas'd that they taught the people, and maintain'd the resurrection from the dead in the person of Jesus. and they laid hands on them, and put them in prison, till the next day: for it was now evening. read more.
however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people. On the morrow, the rulers, senators, and doctors of the law, then at Jerusalem, assembled, with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family. and having caused Peter and John to appear, they asked, by what influence, or by what authority have you done this? then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples, yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply. having therefore order'd them to withdraw from the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. but to prevent its spreading any further among the people, let us charge them with threats not to speak for the future to any man in that name. so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus. but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God. for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard. so when they had further threatned them, they let them go, not finding it practicable to punish them, because of the people, who all glorified God for that which was done.
however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people. On the morrow, the rulers, senators, and doctors of the law, then at Jerusalem, assembled, with Annas the high priest, Caiphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the pontifical family. and having caused Peter and John to appear, they asked, by what influence, or by what authority have you done this? then Peter filled with the holy spirit, said to them, Rulers of the people, and senators of Israel, since we are this day to be examined about the cure of a cripple, and by what means he was recovered; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you entirely recover'd. this is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but is become the chief of the angle. salvation is not to be had by any other: for there is no other name under heaven given to men whereby we can be saved. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were illiterate, and of the lower rank of men, they were surpriz'd; but tho' they knew that they had been Jesus's disciples, yet seeing the man who was cured standing with them, they could not tell what to reply. having therefore order'd them to withdraw from the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, what shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. but to prevent its spreading any further among the people, let us charge them with threats not to speak for the future to any man in that name. so they called them in, and commanded them not to speak or teach upon any account, in the name of Jesus. but Peter and John made answer, do you yourselves judge, whether it be right in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God. for we cannot avoid publishing what we have seen and heard. so when they had further threatned them, they let them go, not finding it practicable to punish them, because of the people, who all glorified God for that which was done.
when some out of the several synagogues, belonging to the freed men, to the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and to those of Cilicia, and of Asia, came to dispute with Stephen. but as they were not able to withstand the force of that sublime knowledge which appeared in his discourse, they suborned men, who said, we have heard him speak irreverently of Moses, and of God. read more.
and they stirred up the people, the senators, and the doctors of law, who came and seiz'd him, and brought him to the council, where they produc'd false witnesses, who said, this man is continually inveighing against the holy place, and against the law. for we have heard him say, that Jesus the Nazarene shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses delivered us. and all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw an air of majesty in his aspect.
and they stirred up the people, the senators, and the doctors of law, who came and seiz'd him, and brought him to the council, where they produc'd false witnesses, who said, this man is continually inveighing against the holy place, and against the law. for we have heard him say, that Jesus the Nazarene shall destroy this place, and change the customs which Moses delivered us. and all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw an air of majesty in his aspect.
Show 1 more verse
Then said the high priest, are these things so? Stephen answer'd, my brethren, and you my fathers, lend your attention. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, quit your country, and your kindred, to go to the land which I shall shew thee. read more.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God. then they broke out into a loud cry, and stopping their ears, fell upon him all at once. then they dragg'd him out of the city, and stoned him: the false witnesses having laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. Thus they stoned Stephen, while he was calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God. then they broke out into a loud cry, and stopping their ears, fell upon him all at once. then they dragg'd him out of the city, and stoned him: the false witnesses having laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. Thus they stoned Stephen, while he was calling upon God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."
Select readings » Stephen's defense
Then said the high priest, are these things so? Stephen answer'd, my brethren, and you my fathers, lend your attention. The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, quit your country, and your kindred, to go to the land which I shall shew thee. read more.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.
thereupon he went out of Chaldea, and dwelt in Charran: from thence, after his father's death, he removed him to this very country where you now dwell. he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of land: yet he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his posterity after him, tho' he had then no child. God declar'd likewise, "that his posterity should sojourn in a strange land, where they should be enslaved and abused four hundred years. and the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place." at length he gave him the covenant of circumcision: accordingly Abraham circumcised his son Isaac eight days after he was born, Isaac was father of Jacob, who was father of the twelve patriarchs. the patriarchs being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt: but God was with him, he delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him wisdom to become acceptable to Pharaoh king of Egypt; who made him governor of Egypt, and all his houshold. in the mean time a famine spread over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, so that our fathers did not know where to get provisions. but when Jacob heard there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers there. at the second voyage Joseph discover'd himself to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred were made known to Pharaoh. after this, Joseph sent to invite his father Jacob to come with all his kindred, being threescore and fifteen persons. so Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, and were transported to Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. now while the time was approaching to accomplish what God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew numerous in Egypt, till another king arose who knew not Joseph. this prince employ'd all his arts against our nation, and persecuted our fathers, by obliging them to expose their young children, in order to extirpate the race. in which time Moses was born, who was exceeding fair, and nourished in his father's house three months: and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter caused him to be taken up, and maintain'd for her adopted son. at length Moses was instructed in all the sciences of the Egyptians, and had great influence by his counsels and actions. when he was full forty years old, he took the resolution to visit his brethren the children of Israel. and seeing one of them abus'd, he defended him, and avenged the injury by killing the Egyptian: for he supposed his brethren would have perceiv'd by this, that God design'd to make him the instrument of their deliverance; but they did not perceive it. the next day seeing some that were fighting, he would have persuaded them to agree, saying, sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye injure one another? but he that did his neighbour the injury repelled Moses, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? will you kill me as you kill'd the Egyptian yesterday? at these words Moses fled, and went to reside in the land of Madian, where he became the father of two sons. when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush. Moses was astonished at this vision: and as he drew near to observe it, he heard the voice of the Lord, which said to him, "I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." and Moses trembled so, he durst not observe any longer. then said the Lord to him, "put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt; I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. come immediately, and I will send you into Egypt." this Moses whom they refused, saying, who made thee a ruler and a judge? the very same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hands of the angel that appeared to him in the bush. he it was, who delivered them by doing prodigies and miracles in the land of Egypt, in the red sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. this is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear." 'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use. him our fathers would not obey, but rejected him, and they return'd to their Egyptian disposition. "make us gods, said they to Aaron, to be our guides: for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him." 'twas then they made a calf, and offered sacrifice to the idol, triumphing in the works of their own hands. then God left them, and abandon'd them to the worship of the celestial army; as it is written in the book of the prophets, "O ye house of Israel, is it to me that ye have offered victims, and sacrifices, for the space of forty years in the wilderness? on the contrary, ye carried the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: wherefore I will transport you beyond Babylon." our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, ordering Moses to make it according to the model that he had seen. which our fathers and Joshua having receiv'd, they carry'd it into the territory of those nations whom God drove out upon their arrival: where it staid to the time of David, who was favoured by God, and desired to have a settled tabernacle for the God of Jacob. it was Solomon however that built him a temple. altho' the most high does not dwell in temples made with hands; as the prophet said, "heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? hath not my hand made all these things?" stubborn people, whose hearts and ears like the uncircumcised, are always averse to the holy spirit: as your fathers did, so do ye. was there ever any prophet whom your fathers did not persecute? have they not slain those who predicted the coming of that just person whom you have so lately betrayed and murder'd? you, I say, who received the law by the administration of angels, but have not however observ'd it. When they heard these things, they were transported with rage, and gnashed their teeth against him. but he, full of the holy spirit, fix'd his eyes towards heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. and he said, there I see the heavens open, and the son of man standing on the right hand of God.
Sinai » A mountain in the peninsula east of the red sea » The law delivered to moses upon
when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina, an angel of the Lord in a flaming bush.
Verse Concepts
'twas he that was in the assembly with our fathers in the wilderness, and with the angel that spoke to him on mount Sina: and delivered the oracles to him by word of mouth for our use.
Verse Concepts