Thematic Bible: Apostles


Thematic Bible



go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost: teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.

then he chose twelve of them to be near his person, and afterwards to be gospel-missionaries. with full power to heal diseases, and dispossess demons.

Now having called the twelve, he sent them out by two and two, giving them power to exorcize spirits: he order'd them to take nothing for their journey, but a single staff, no scrip, no bread, nor money in their purse: to have but one pair of shoes, and but one coat. read more.
whatever house you enter into, said he, there abide, till you leave the place. wherever they shall refuse to entertain you, or to hear you, at your departure shake off the dust of your feet, as a testimonial against them. I assure you, the people of Sodom and Gomorrha shall be treated with less severity in the day of judgment, than that city.


After this he assembled the twelve apostles, and gave them authority over all sorts of demons, and the power of curing all diseases: then sent them to proclaim the reign of the Messiah, and to heal the sick. and he said to them make no provision for your journey: take neither staff, nor sack, nor bread, nor money; and but one coat for each. read more.
when you are lodg'd in any house, there stay, till you leave the place. if any refuse to entertain you, when you leave that city, shake off the dust from your feet, as a sign of their being abandon'd.

but since you did not abandon me in my trials, I commit the kingdom to you, as my father committed it to me; that you may eat and drink at my table, in my kingdom, and seated on thrones may judge the twelve tribes of Israel.

whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye leave unpardoned, they are lest unpardoned."

So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me more than these do? yes, Lord, said he, you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my lambs. then he ask'd him the second time, Simon son of Jonas do you love me? yes, Lord, said he; you know that I love you. Jesus reply'd, feed my sheep. Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep. read more.
I tell you for certain, tho' when you was a youth you girded your self, and rambled where you had a mind: yet when you are old, your hands shall be stretch'd out, and another shall gird thee, and lead thee where you will be unwilling to go. this he said to signify to Peter by what death he should glorify God. and when he had spoken this, he said to him, follow me.






wherefore of those who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus convers'd among us, from his baptism by John, to the day of his assumption, we should chuse one to be a witness with us of his resurrection.





we are witnesses of all his transactions, both in Judea, and at Jerusalem. however, they put him to death, even that of the cross. but God raised him up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people, but to those witnesses, which God had before chosen: to us, I say, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

and for many days he was seen by those, who had accompany'd him from Galilee to Jerusalem: and they are now his witnesses to the people.

for, the information we gave you of the powerful advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, did not proceed from any artfully contriv'd fables, we our selves having been spectators of his majesty.

we our selves heard this voice, that came from heaven, when we were with him upon the holy mountain.

Concerning the Logos, the author of Life, we declare what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have consider'd, and what has been the object of our touch. for the life was manifested, we have seen it, we testify of it, and denounce unto you, that eternal life which was with the father, and was manifested unto us. what we have seen and heard, we declare unto you, that ye also may be of the same society with us: and truly associated with the father, and with his son Jesus Christ.







After this he assembled the twelve apostles, and gave them authority over all sorts of demons, and the power of curing all diseases: then sent them to proclaim the reign of the Messiah, and to heal the sick.




Thus were many signs and wonders wrought among the people, by the apostles, who us'd to meet in Solomon's porch with great unanimity: but the people who reverenc'd them, did not venture to approach near them. the number of those who believed in the Lord, both men and women, increas'd more and more. read more.
insomuch that they brought the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least, the shadow of Peter might cover some of them, as he pass'd by. multitudes came likewise from the neighbouring cities to Jerusalem, bringing their sick, and those who were tormented with impure spirits: who were all cured.


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

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

Peter said to him, Eneas, Jesus, who is the Messiah, gives thee health: rise, and make your bed your self: upon which he immediately rose.

he said to him aloud, rise and stand right upon your feet: upon which he leap'd up and walk'd.

this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out.

or aprons that had touch'd his skin, to the distemper'd, they were cured, and the evil spirits came out of the possessed.

Publius's father happening then to lie sick of a fever, and a dysentery, Paul made him a visit, pray'd by him, gave him imposition of hands, and cur'd him.




and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the people he had hired, and went after him.

when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,

The day following Jesus having a mind to go into Galilee, met with Philip, and said to him, follow me.



The day following Jesus having a mind to go into Galilee, met with Philip, and said to him, follow me.

Now as Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting their net into the sea: for they were fishermen. and he said to them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men: so they immediately left their nets, and followed him. read more.
Going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were in a bark with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and Jesus having called them, they immediately left the bark with their father, and followed him.

As Jesus left that place, he saw one Matthew by name, sitting at the customhouse: and said to him, follow me. and he rose and followed him. and while Jesus was at table in Matthew's house, several publicans and loose people happen'd to come in, who sat down with him and his disciples.

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first is Simon, who is called Peter, then Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the publican, James the son of Alpheus, and Labbeus, whose sirname was Thaddeus, Simon the zelot, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

At length he went up a mountain, and having appointed a select company to attend him, they came to him. then he chose twelve of them to be near his person, and afterwards to be gospel-missionaries. with full power to heal diseases, and dispossess demons. read more.
these were Simon, whom he sirnam'd Peter, James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, (whom he had named Boanerges, that is to say, sons of thunder.) Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon, (to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon surnamed the Zelot, read more.
Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who prov'd the traitor.


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

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first is Simon, who is called Peter, then Andrew his brother,

(to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first is Simon, who is called Peter, then Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the publican, James the son of Alpheus, and Labbeus, whose sirname was Thaddeus, Simon the zelot, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon, (to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon surnamed the Zelot, read more.
Jude the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who prov'd the traitor.

these were Simon, whom he sirnam'd Peter, James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, (whom he had named Boanerges, that is to say, sons of thunder.) Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Canaanite, read more.
and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

and having drawn lots; the lot fell upon Matthias, who was added to the eleven apostles.

these were Simon, whom he sirnam'd Peter, James the son of Zebedee,


what I tell you in private, declare it in publick: and what is whisper'd in the ear, proclaim from the battlements of the house.

to whom Jesus reply'd, blessed art thou Simon, son of Jona: for 'tis not man that hath revealed this unto thee, but my father who is in heaven. and I tell thee likewise, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will hereafter build my church: and death shall not prevail against it. and I will give you the keys of the gospel-kingdom: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.


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





but Jesus answered them, ye know not what ye ask. can ye bear to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with? they said to him, we can.

his disciples James and John observing this, said, Lord, shall we command fire to descend from heaven, as Elias did, in order to consume them? but Jesus turn'd, and rebuked them, saying, you don't know by what spirit you are moved.


and I will give you the keys of the gospel-kingdom: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.

I declare unto you, "whatever things ye disallow on earth, are disallow'd by heaven: and whatever ye authorize on earth, are authoriz'd by heaven."









then they that were in the ship, came and worshipped him, saying, of a truth thou art the son of God.






Paul an apostle (not from men, nor by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the father who raised him from the dead) and all the brethren,

but when it pleased God, who ordained me from my birth, and called me by his especial favour, to reveal his son to me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not thereupon apply my self to any man;


according as they were delivered to us by persons, who were all along eye-witnesses, and had a share in the transactions themselves:

from his baptism by John, to the day of his assumption, we should chuse one to be a witness with us of his resurrection.

Am I not free? am I not an apostle? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not you become christians by my labour?

Concerning the Logos, the author of Life, we declare what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have consider'd, and what has been the object of our touch.


and I will give you the keys of the gospel-kingdom: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven.

I declare unto you, "whatever things ye disallow on earth, are disallow'd by heaven: and whatever ye authorize on earth, are authoriz'd by heaven."

for I think I am not at all inferior to the chiefest of the apostles.



At length he went up a mountain, and having appointed a select company to attend him, they came to him.













When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.

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


By your mission you will be expos'd like sheep in the midst of wolves: be then as circumspect as serpents, and as inoffensive as doves:

and ye shall be brought before governors and kings upon my account, to bear testimony of me to them and the rest of the Gentiles.





and immediately they set out, and return'd to Jerusalem, where they found the eleven, and the rest of their company, all assembled, who said, the Lord is actually risen, and hath appeared to Simon. Thereupon the two disciples related what had hapned on the road, and how they first discover'd who Jesus was at his breaking of bread. read more.
While they were thus talking, Jesus himself appear'd in the midst of them, and said to them, peace be with you. but they were in a consternation and fright, imagining, that they saw a spirit. upon which he said to them, why are you in this confusion? what is it, that your minds are so perplex'd? behold my hands, and my feet. for I am bodily present, touch me and consider me; for a spirit has not flesh and bones, as you see me have: all the while holding out his hands and his feet, as he was speaking. but as they were diffident of so joyful an event, and still in amaze, he said to them, have you any thing here to eat?













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


but when they take you. into custody, be not sollicitous, how or what ye shall speak, for at the very instant you shall be inspir'd what to say. for it is not properly you that speak, but the spirit of your father that speaketh by you.


what I tell you in private, declare it in publick: and what is whisper'd in the ear, proclaim from the battlements of the house. fear not those who can only kill the body, but cannot hurt the soul: rather fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? yet not one of them shall lose its life independently of your father, read more.
by whom the very hairs of your head are all numbred: lay aside then your fears, ye are of a superior rank to those animals. Whosoever therefore shall own me before men, him will I own likewise before my father who is in heaven. but whosoever shall renounce me before men, him will I also renounce before my father who is in heaven.


go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost: teaching them to observe every thing which I have enjoin'd you: and be assured I shall be always with you to the end of the world.


he that loveth father or mother more than me, is unworthy of me: he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is unworthy of me. and he that does not take his cross, and so follow after me, is unworthy of me. he that would preserve his life, shall lose it: and he that exposeth his life for my sake, shall save it.


but it must not be so among you: on the contrary, whoever would rise among you, let him be your minister. and whoever would be chief among you, let him be your servant.


Jesus made these twelve his missionaries, and gave them these instructions, don't go any where among the Gentiles, nor enter into any city of the Samaritans. but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.




Now as Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting their net into the sea: for they were fishermen.






when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,






Now as Jesus was walking by the sea of Galilee, he saw two brethren, Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting their net into the sea: for they were fishermen. and he said to them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men: so they immediately left their nets, and followed him. read more.
Going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were in a bark with Zebedee their father, mending their nets: and Jesus having called them, they immediately left the bark with their father, and followed him.

At length he went up a mountain, and having appointed a select company to attend him, they came to him. then he chose twelve of them to be near his person, and afterwards to be gospel-missionaries. with full power to heal diseases, and dispossess demons. read more.
these were Simon, whom he sirnam'd Peter, James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, (whom he had named Boanerges, that is to say, sons of thunder.) Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.


Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon, and Andrew his brother, casting their net into the sea: (for they were fishers) and Jesus said to them, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

After this Jesus left the place, and seeing a publican named Levi, sitting at the custom-house, he said to him, follow me.

when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon, (to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alpheus, and Simon surnamed the Zelot,



which Peter observing, thus addressed them, ye men of Israel, why are ye so surprized at this event? or why do you look so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or piety, we had caus'd this man to walk? the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and renounced in opposition to Pilate, who was determined to let him go. but ye renounced him that was holy and just; you interceeded for the life of a murderer, read more.
but killed the prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. it is the faith which we have in him, that has procured strength to this man whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. and now, brethren, I know it was through ignorance, that both you and your rulers, have acted thus. but thus it is that God has accomplished what he had foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer. repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ, who has been beforehand prepar'd thereto, but must reside in heaven, till the time of the restitution of all things, of which God has spoken from the beginning by the mouth of his holy prophets. for Moses said to the fathers, "a prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, of your brethren, like unto me; observe whatever he shall say to you. and whoever he be that will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people." afterwards Samuel and all that prophesied after him, have likewise foretold these times. ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, when he said to Abraham, "all the families of the earth shall be blessed in your posterity." it is to you that God first of all sent his son Jesus, having raised him up to bless you, provided you all renounce your iniquities.

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. read more.
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,

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.

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

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.


when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,

O heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets, triumph at her ruin, since God hath avenged you on her.



When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance.


Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. 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. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.





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.


went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them,






others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day.


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




and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the people he had hired, and went after him.

when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,

The day following Jesus having a mind to go into Galilee, met with Philip, and said to him, follow me.



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

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first is Simon, who is called Peter, then Andrew his brother,

(to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

these were Simon, whom he sirnam'd Peter, James the son of Zebedee,


When the day of pentecost was come, they all met together with one accord. when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: read more.
and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be? others in derision said, these men are full of sweet wine. But Peter standing up with the eleven, and raising his voice, said to them, ye men of Judea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known to you, and observe what I say. these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is but the third hour of the day. but this is the accomplishment of what was said by the prophet Joel, "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams: and on my servants, and on my handmaidens I will pour out of my spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy: and I will shew prodigies in the heavens, and signs on the earth; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke. the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord shall come. and then whoever shall call on the name of the Lord, shall be saved." ye men of Israel attend to what I say; Jesus of Nazareth was a man whom God distinguished among you, by miracles, by prodigies, and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you your selves also know: him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by means of the wicked, have crucified and slain: whom God hath raised up, having delivered him from the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be overpower'd by it. for David says concerning him, "I had the Lord always present before me, he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. therefore did my heart rejoice, my tongue was glad: and my body shall rest in hope. because thou wilt not leave my soul in the grave, nor wilt thou give thine holy one a prey to corruption. thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy by thy presence." men and brethren, let me with assurance tell you of the patriarch David, who died and was buried here, his sepulchre being with us to this day: that, as he was a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him, to place the fruit of his loins upon his throne: foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of Christ, when he said, "that his soul was not lest in the grave, neither did his body undergo corruption."' 'tis this Jesus whom God hath raised up, of which we all are witnesses. therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the father the promise of the holy spirit, he has diffused that spirit, the effects of which ye now see and hear. for David is not ascended to heaven: yet he saith himself, "the Lord said to my Lord, sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy footstool." therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Now when they heard this, their hearts were struck with remorse, and they said to Peter, and to the rest of the apostles, men and brethren, what shall we do? Peter replied, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy spirit. for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. and with many other discourses did he conjure and exhort them, to save themselves from that depraved generation. then they that embraced his doctrine, were baptized: and there were about three thousand converts made that very day.




Then said Peter, but we, who have left every thing to follow thee; what advantage shall we get by it?


where they daily praised and blessed God in the temple.


and now, Lord, behold their threatnings: and enable thy servants to deliver thy word with freedom, by displaying thine hand in miraculous cures, and prodigies, which by the name of thy holy child Jesus shall be done. When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled, trembled; they were all filled with the holy spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.





Then the high priest, and all that accompanied him, who were of the sect of the Sadducees, being filled with indignation, went and seized on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. but an angel of the Lord opened the prison-doors by night, and having brought them out, said to them, read more.
go, stand in the temple, and declare to the people, the whole doctrine of life. when they heard that, they entred into the temple early in the morning, and taught. in the mean time, the high priest, and those of his party, being arrived at the council-chamber, summon'd all the Jewish senate to meet, and sent to the prison to bring the apostles before them. but the officers who went there not finding them in the prison, returned, and made this report, the prison we found shut very secure, and the keepers posted before the doors: but when we had opened it, we found no body within. Upon hearing this, the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests wonder'd bow this could be. when somebody came and told them, the men whom ye order'd to prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. upon which the captain went with his officers, and brought them, without offering any violence, for fear of being stoned, he and his men by the people. when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, saying, did not we strictly command you, not to teach in this name? and yet you have spread your doctrine through Jerusalem, and you endeavour to make us responsible for this man's blood. 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. and we are his witnesses in what we say, and so is the holy spirit, whom God hath given to those that obey him. When they heard that, they were so enraged, they consulted to take away their lives. when a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of law, who was respected by all the people, rose up in the council, and moved the apostles might withdraw for some time. and then he said, "ye men of Israel, be cautious how you proceed with regard to these men. for some time ago one Theudas started up, pretending to be something extraordinary, who was join'd indeed by about four hundred men: but he was no sooner put to death, than his followers all dispers'd, and were reduc'd to nothing. after this man, Judas of Galilee appear'd, at the time of the registry, and seduc'd many people: he also perished, and all his followers were dispersed. my opinion therefore is, not to meddle with these men, but to let them go on: for if the design be a human project, it will fall of it self. but if it be from God, you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and after the apostles were called in, and scourged, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and then releas'd them. out they went from the council, full of joy, that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus. and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.




and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the people he had hired, and went after him.

when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,

The day following Jesus having a mind to go into Galilee, met with Philip, and said to him, follow me.



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

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; the first is Simon, who is called Peter, then Andrew his brother,

(to whom he gave the name of Peter) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

these were Simon, whom he sirnam'd Peter, James the son of Zebedee,


which however appear'd to them such a delirious tale, they could not give credit to any of them.

but they were in a consternation and fright, imagining, that they saw a spirit. upon which he said to them, why are you in this confusion? what is it, that your minds are so perplex'd?

and they went and acquainted the rest: but neither did they believe them.

and upon their return from the sepulchre, they related the whole matter to the eleven, and all the other disciples.





from his baptism by John, to the day of his assumption, we should chuse one to be a witness with us of his resurrection.



after that he was seen by James; then by all the apostles.



The same day at evening, being the first day of the week, the doors of the house where the disciples were, being shut, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, peace be with you.

But Thomas, that is, Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came.



so Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples, that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.


for as yet they did not understand from the scripture, that he was to rise again from the dead.

an expression which they dwelt upon, asking one another the meaning of "till he was raised from the dead."


after that, he was seen by above five hundred brethren at once: of whom the greater part remain alive to this day, but some are now dead.


after that he was seen by James; then by all the apostles.


and last of all, he was seen by me too, who am as it were an abortive;


In the mean time the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. and when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.


The same day two of them went to a village named Emmaus, which was distant about threescore furlongs from Jerusalem: and their conversation ran upon all that had lately happened. now while they were conferring and debating together, Jesus himself join'd them and walk'd along with them. read more.
but their eyes were affected so as not to discern who he was. and he said to them, what is the subject of your debate in the way, and why do you look so sad? one of them, Cleopas by name, reply'd, are you such a stranger in Jerusalem as not to know what has so lately happen'd there? what about? said he. why, about Jesus the Nazarean, said they, who was a prophet, eminently recommended, by his doctrine and his works, to the approbation of God and of all the people; and of his being deliver'd up by our chief priests and magistrates to be condemn'd to die, whom they actually crucified: though we expected he would have been the Messiah, that was to deliver Israel: and besides all this, it is now three days since these things were done. 'tis true, some women of our company threw us into a surprize: for going to the sepulchre early in the morning, and not finding his body there, they came to tell us, that they had seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. whereupon some of us went to the sepulchre, and found matters just as the women had related; but him they did not see. then Jesus said to them, how stupidly incredulous are you not to believe things that have been all predicted by the prophets! was not the Messiah to have suffer'd thus, and after that enter into his glory? then beginning at Moses he explain'd all the passages there, and in all the prophets, which related to himself. and they drew nigh the village where they were going: and he seemed as if he would have pass'd on further. but they press'd him, saying, stay with us, for it is late and begins to be dark. so he went in to tarry with them. and as he was at table with them, he took bread, and gave thanks, then brake it and gave it to them; when looking upon him more intently, they perceiv'd that it was Jesus. but he vanish'd out of sight.


as they were making the way to his disciples, Jesus himself met them, and said, I salute you. and they came, and embraced his feet, and worshipped him.


Eight days after, when his disciples were again in private, and Thomas with them: Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, peace be with you.


afterwards he appear'd to the eleven, as they were all sitting at table, and he reproved them for their incredulity and obstinacy in not giving credit to those, who had seen him after his resurrection.


the Lord is actually risen, and hath appeared to Simon.


At length Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples upon the sea-coast of Tiberias; and the manner of his appearance was thus.


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



to observe these precepts, to lead an unspotted life without reproof until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ,


when it was day, he called his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he stiled missionarys: Simon,


O heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets, triumph at her ruin, since God hath avenged you on her.



As to the eating therefore of what is offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that the heathen deities have no real existence, and that there is but one God.