44:005:004 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
44:005:005 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things.
44:005:006 And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
44:005:007 And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
44:005:008 And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much.
44:005:009 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out.
44:005:010 Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
44:005:011 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
44:005:012 And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.
44:005:013 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.
44:005:014 And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
44:005:015 Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.
44:005:016 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
44:005:017 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
44:005:018 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison.
44:005:019 But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
44:005:020 Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.
44:005:021 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
44:005:022 But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned and told,
44:005:023 Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
44:005:024 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow.
44:005:025 Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
44:005:026 Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
44:005:027 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
44:005:028 Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.
44:005:029 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
44:005:030 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
44:005:031 Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
44:005:032 And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
44:005:033 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
44:005:034 Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
44:005:035 And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men.
44:005:036 For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
44:005:037 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
44:005:038 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
44:005:039 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
44:005:040 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
44:005:041 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
44:005:042 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
44:006:001 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
44:006:002 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.
44:006:003 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
44:006:004 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.
44:006:005 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
44:006:006 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
44:006:007 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.
44:006:008 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
44:006:009 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
44:006:010 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
44:006:011 Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.
44:006:012 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council,
44:006:013 And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
44:006:014 For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us.
44:006:015 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
44:007:001 Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
44:007:002 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
44:007:003 And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.
44:007:004 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
44:007:005 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
44:007:006 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
44:007:007 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.
44:007:008 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
44:007:009 And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
44:007:010 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
44:007:011 Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
44:007:012 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.
44:007:013 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
44:007:014 Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
44:007:015 So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
44:007:016 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.
44:007:017 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,
44:007:018 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph.
44:007:019 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
44:007:020 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months:
44:007:021 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.
44:007:022 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
44:007:023 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.
44:007:024 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
44:007:025 For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.
44:007:026 And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?
44:007:027 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
44:007:028 Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
44:007:029 Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons.
44:007:030 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
44:007:031 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the LORD came unto him,
44:007:032 Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.
44:007:033 Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
44:007:034 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
44:007:035 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
44:007:036 He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
44:007:037 This is that Moses, which said unto 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.
44:007:038 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
44:007:039 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
44:007:040 Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.
44:007:041 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
44:007:042 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
44:007:043 Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
44:007:044 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
44:007:045 Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
44:007:046 Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
44:007:047 But Solomon built him an house.
44:007:048 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet,
44:007:049 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?
44:007:050 Hath not my hand made all these things?
44:007:051 Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
44:007:052 Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers:
44:007:053 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
44:007:054 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.
44:007:055 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
44:007:056 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.
44:007:057 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
44:007:058 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul.
44:007:059 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
44:007:060 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
44:008:001 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
44:008:002 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
44:008:003 As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
44:008:004 Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.
44:008:005 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
44:008:006 And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
44:008:007 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.
44:008:008 And there was great joy in that city.
44:008:009 But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
44:008:010 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.
44:008:011 And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
44:008:012 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
44:008:013 Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
44:008:014 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
44:008:015 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:
44:008:016 (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)
44:008:017 Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
44:008:018 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
44:008:019 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
44:008:020 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
44:008:021 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.
44:008:022 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
44:008:023 For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
44:008:024 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the LORD for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
44:008:025 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.
44:008:026 And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
44:008:027 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
44:008:028 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.
44:008:029 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
44:008:030 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
44:008:031 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
44:008:032 The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
44:008:033 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
44:008:034 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?
44:008:035 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
44:008:036 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?
44:008:037 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
44:008:038 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
44:008:039 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
44:008:040 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
44:009:001 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
44:009:002 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
44:009:003 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
44:009:004 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
44:009:005 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
44:009:006 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
44:009:007 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
44:009:008 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
44:009:009 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
44:009:010 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.
44:009:011 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
44:009:012 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
44:009:013 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
44:009:014 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name.
44:009:015 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
44:009:016 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
44:009:017 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
44:009:018 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
44:009:019 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
44:009:020 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
44:009:021 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?
44:009:022 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
44:009:023 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
44:009:024 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
44:009:025 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
44:009:026 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
44:009:027 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
44:009:028 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
44:009:029 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
44:009:030 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
44:009:031 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
44:009:032 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
44:009:033 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
44:009:034 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.
44:009:035 And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
44:009:036 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
44:009:037 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
44:009:038 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
44:009:039 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
44:009:040 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
44:009:041 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
44:009:042 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
44:009:043 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
44:010:001 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,
44:010:002 A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
44:010:003 He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
44:010:004 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
44:010:005 And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
44:010:006 He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
44:010:007 And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;
44:010:008 And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
44:010:009 On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
44:010:010 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,
44:010:011 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
44:010:012 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
44:010:013 And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
44:010:014 But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
44:010:015 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
44:010:016 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
44:010:017 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,
44:010:018 And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
44:010:019 While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
44:010:020 Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
44:010:021 Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
44:010:022 And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
44:010:023 Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
44:010:024 And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and he had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
44:010:025 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.
44:010:026 But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
44:010:027 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
44:010:028 And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
44:010:029 Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
44:010:030 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
44:010:031 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
44:010:032 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
44:010:033 Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
44:010:034 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
44:010:035 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
44:010:036 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
44:010:037 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
44:010:038 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
44:010:039 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
44:010:040 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
44:010:041 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
44:010:042 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
44:010:043 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44:010:044 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
44:010:045 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
44:010:046 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
44:010:047 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
44:010:048 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
44:011:001 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
44:011:002 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,
44:011:003 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
44:011:004 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,
44:011:005 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:
44:011:006 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
44:011:007 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
44:011:008 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.
44:011:009 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
44:011:010 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
44:011:011 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
44:011:012 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:
44:011:013 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
44:011:014 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
44:011:015 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.
44:011:016 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
44:011:017 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
44:011:018 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
44:011:019 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
44:011:020 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the LORD Jesus.
44:011:021 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
44:011:022 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
44:011:023 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
44:011:024 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
44:011:025 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
44:011:026 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
44:011:027 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
44:011:028 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
44:011:029 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
44:011:030 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
44:012:001 Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
44:012:002 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
44:012:003 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
44:012:004 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
44:012:005 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
44:012:006 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
44:012:007 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
44:012:008 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
44:012:009 And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
44:012:010 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
44:012:011 And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
44:012:012 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
44:012:013 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
44:012:014 And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
44:012:015 And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
44:012:016 But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
44:012:017 But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
44:012:018 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
44:012:019 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
44:012:020 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king’s country.
44:012:021 And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
44:012:022 And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.
44:012:023 And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
44:012:024 But the word of God grew and multiplied.
44:012:025 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
44:013:001 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
44:013:002 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
44:013:003 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
44:013:004 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
44:013:005 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
44:013:006 And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Barjesus:
44:013:007 Which was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
44:013:008 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
44:013:009 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him.
44:013:010 And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
44:013:011 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
44:013:012 Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
44:013:013 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
44:013:014 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
44:013:015 And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
44:013:016 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
44:013:017 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an high arm brought he them out of it.
44:013:018 And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness.
44:013:019 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
44:013:020 And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
44:013:021 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
44:013:022 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave their testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
44:013:023 Of this man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
44:013:024 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
44:013:025 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
44:013:026 Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
44:013:027 For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
44:013:028 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain.
44:013:029 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a sepulchre.
44:013:030 But God raised him from the dead:
44:013:031 And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.
44:013:032 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
44:013:033 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
44:013:034 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.
44:013:035 Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
44:013:036 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
44:013:037 But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
44:013:038 Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
44:013:039 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
44:013:040 Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
44:013:041 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.
44:013:042 And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
44:013:043 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44:013:044 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.
44:013:045 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
44:013:046 Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
44:013:047 For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth.
44:013:048 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
44:013:049 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
44:013:050 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
44:013:051 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
44:013:052 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
44:014:001 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
44:014:002 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
44:014:003 Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
44:014:004 But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
44:014:005 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully, and to stone them,
44:014:006 They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
44:014:007 And there they preached the gospel.
44:014:008 And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:
44:014:009 The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
44:014:010 Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
44:014:011 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
44:014:012 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
44:014:013 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
44:014:014 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
44:014:015 And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
44:014:016 Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
44:014:017 Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.
44:014:018 And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them.
44:014:019 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
44:014:020 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
44:014:021 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
44:014:022 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
44:014:023 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
44:014:024 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
44:014:025 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia:
44:014:026 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
44:014:027 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
44:014:028 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
44:015:001 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
44:015:002 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
44:015:003 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
44:015:004 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.
44:015:005 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
44:015:006 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
44:015:007 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
44:015:008 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
44:015:009 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
44:015:010 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
44:015:011 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
44:015:012 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
44:015:013 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
44:015:014 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
44:015:015 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,
44:015:016 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
44:015:017 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.
44:015:018 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
44:015:019 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
44:015:020 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.
44:015:021 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
44:015:022 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
44:015:023 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
44:015:024 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
44:015:025 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
44:015:026 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
44:015:027 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
44:015:028 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
44:015:029 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
44:015:030 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
44:015:031 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
44:015:032 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
44:015:033 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
44:015:034 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
44:015:035 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
44:015:036 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they do.
44:015:037 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
44:015:038 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
44:015:039 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
44:015:040 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.
44:015:041 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
44:016:001 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
44:016:002 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
44:016:003 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
44:016:004 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
44:016:005 And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
44:016:006 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
44:016:007 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
44:016:008 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
44:016:009 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
44:016:010 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
44:016:011 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
44:016:012 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days.
44:016:013 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
44:016:014 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
44:016:015 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
44:016:016 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
44:016:017 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
44:016:018 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
44:016:019 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers,
44:016:020 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
44:016:021 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
44:016:022 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
44:016:023 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
44:016:024 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
44:016:025 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
44:016:026 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were loosed.
44:016:027 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
44:016:028 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
44:016:029 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
44:016:030 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
44:016:031 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
44:016:032 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
44:016:033 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
44:016:034 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
44:016:035 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
44:016:036 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace.
44:016:037 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
44:016:038 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
44:016:039 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the city.
44:016:040 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
44:017:001 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
44:017:002 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
44:017:003 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
44:017:004 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.
44:017:005 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
44:017:006 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also;
44:017:007 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
44:017:008 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.
44:017:009 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
44:017:010 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
44:017:011 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
44:017:012 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
44:017:013 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
44:017:014 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
44:017:015 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
44:017:016 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
44:017:017 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.
44:017:018 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
44:017:019 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
44:017:020 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
44:017:021 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
44:017:022 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
44:017:023 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
44:017:024 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
44:017:025 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
44:017:026 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
44:017:027 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
44:017:028 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
44:017:029 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
44:017:030 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
44:017:031 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
44:017:032 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
44:017:033 So Paul departed from among them.
44:017:034 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
44:018:001 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
44:018:002 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
44:018:003 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
44:018:004 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
44:018:005 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
44:018:006 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
44:018:007 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
44:018:008 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.
44:018:009 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
44:018:010 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city.
44:018:011 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
44:018:012 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
44:018:013 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.
44:018:014 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
44:018:015 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
44:018:016 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
44:018:017 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
44:018:018 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
44:018:019 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
44:018:020 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
44:018:021 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
44:018:022 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
44:018:023 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
44:018:024 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
44:018:025 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
44:018:026 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
44:018:027 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace:
44:018:028 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
44:019:001 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
44:019:002 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
44:019:003 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism.
44:019:004 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
44:019:005 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
44:019:006 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
44:019:007 And all the men were about twelve.
44:019:008 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
44:019:009 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
44:019:010 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
44:019:011 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
44:019:012 So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
44:019:013 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
44:019:014 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
44:019:015 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?
44:019:016 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
44:019:017 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
44:019:018 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.
44:019:019 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
44:019:020 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
44:019:021 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
44:019:022 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
44:019:023 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
44:019:024 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
44:019:025 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
44:019:026 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
44:019:027 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
44:019:028 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
44:019:029 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
44:019:030 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
44:019:031 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
44:019:032 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
44:019:033 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.
44:019:034 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
44:019:035 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
44:019:036 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
44:019:037 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
44:019:038 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.
44:019:039 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
44:019:040 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.