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Previous Story - INDEX - Next Story The Early Church 1. Jesus Is Taken Up To Heaven 2. They Returned To Jerusalem And Devoted Themselves To Prayer 3. Peter Leads Out In Selecting A Replacement For Judas Iscariot 4. Pentecost 5. Peter Preaches Christ 6. The People Were Pierced To The Heart 7. Peter And John Heal The Lame Man 8. Peter And John Arrested 9. They Spoke The Word Of God With Boldness 10. Everyone Was Of One Heart 11. Land Was Sold And The Money Given For The Work Of God 12. Ananias And Sapphira 13. Many Were Healed And The Apostles Held In High Esteem 14. We Must Obey God Rather Than Man 15. Deacons Appointed 16. Stephen Was Full Of Grace And Power 17. Stephen Gives And Account Of What He Believes 18. The Stoning Of Stephen 19. Saul Persecutes The Church 20. Philip Proclaims Christ In Samaria 21. Simon The Magician 22. Philip Baptizes The Ethiopian 23. Saul Goes To Damascus 24. Saul Is Converted 25. The Jews Plot To Kill Saul 26. Barnabas Believes In Saul 27. Peter Goes Down To Lydda 28. Peter Is Called To Joppa To Raise Tabitha From The Dead 29. An Angel Appears To Cornelius 30. Peter's Vision Of The Sheet 31. Cornelius' Men Arrive 32. Peter Tells Cornelius About Jesus 33. Peter Explains Things To The Brethren In Jerusalem 34. Persecution Scatters The Believers 35. A Great Famine Is Predicted 36. Herod Puts James To Death And Peter In Prison 37. Herod Dies 38. Barnabas And Saul Are Set Apart And Go To Cypress 39. Paul Preaches In Perga 40. The Next Sabbath Nearly The Whole City Came To Listen 41. But The Jews Made Trouble 42. Nearly Stones In Iconium 43. Paul Heals A Lame Man In Lystra 44. The Jews From Antioch And Iconium Cause Paul To Be Stoned 45. Circumcision And Salvation 46. Paul, Barnabas And Silas Sent To Antioch 47. Paul And Barnabas Serve In Separate Fields 48. Timothy Joins Paul 49. Paul Is Told To Go To Macedonia 50. In Philippi Paul Meets Lydia 51. Paul And Silas Praying And Singing In Jail 52. Trouble In Thessolonica 53. Those In Berea Were More Noble 54. Paul Talks About The Alter To The Unknown God 55. Paul Makes Tents With Aquila In Corinth 56. Paul Leaves Tent Making To Preach In Corinth 57. After Being Brought Before The Proconsul, Paul Leaves 58. Apollos Taught Accurately What He Understood 59. Paul Lays Hands On Apollos Who Then Receives The Holy Spirit 60. Jewish Exorcists 61. Paul Proposes To Go To Jerusalem 62. Trouble With A Silversmith 63. Three Months In Greece 64. A Young Man Falls From A Window 65. Paul Recounts His Ministry To Those In Ephesus 66. Paul Is Warned Not To Go To Jerusalem 67. Agabus Solemnly Warns Paul To Not Go To Jerusalem 68. Paul Participates In The Ritual Of Purification 69. Jews From Asia Stir Up Trouble 70. Paul Addresses His Accusers 71. Paul Makes His Case Before The Council 72. The Plot To Kill Paul 73. The Jews Come To Felix To Make Their Case Against Paul 74. Paul Makes His Defense 75. Felix Does Not Make Any Decision About Paul 76. Felix And His Wife, A Jewess, Listen To Paul 77. Festus Succeeds Felix And Reopens The Trial 78. Festus Tells King Agrippa About Paul 79. Paul Explains His Conversion To Agrippa 80. Paul's Faith During The Storm At Sea 81. Bitten By A Viper But Coming To No Harm 82. After Three Months They Start Again For Rome 83. In Rome Paul Is Once Again Accused 84. For Two Years Paul Continues To Preach The Kingdom Of God 1. Jesus Is Taken Up To Heaven - Back to Page Index Acts 1:1-11 In my first account I told of everything Jesus did and taught, O Theophilus. This included Him being taken up to heaven, after He had by the Holy Spirit given orders to His chosen apostles. He presented Himself alive to them after His suffering and death, using many infallible proofs of Who He was. He did this for forty days, teaching those things pertaining to the kingdom of God. Having gathered them together, He told them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promise, which He had already told them about. He had explained that John baptized with water but that in a few days they would be baptized with the Holy Spirit. So when they were all together they asked Him, "Lord, is the kingdom of Israel being restored at this time?" He said to them, "It is not for you to know the time for the things the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem, then Judea and Samaria, and even to the ends of the earth." And after He had said these things. He was lifted up from them. As they watched a cloud receive Him out of their sight. As they continued gazing intently into the sky, having watched Him rise, two men in white clothing stood next to them. They said, "Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into the sky? This same Jesus, whom you have watched go up, shall come back in the same manner."
2. They Returned To Jerusalem And Devoted Themselves To Prayer - Back to Page Index Acts 1:12-14 They returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which was a Sabbath day's journey away. Entering the city they repaired to the upper room where Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot and Judas the brother of James, were staying. They all with one mind were continually praying. Some women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers were with them.
3. Peter Leads Out In Selecting A Replacement For Judas Iscariot - Back to Page Index Acts 1:15-26 At this time Peter stood up in their midst. There were about one hundred and twenty gathered together there. And he said, "Men and brethren, the scripture foretold through the Holy Spirit by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. He was counted among us and had his share in this ministry. He purchased a field with the reward of his iniquity, and falling headlong, his middle burst open and his insides gushed out. Everyone living in Jerusalem has heard of this and the field is called the Field of Blood. For so it is written in the Psalms, 'Let his habitation be made desolate so that no one will dwell in it and let another man take his office.' Because of this it is necessary that one who has been with us since Jesus became known to us, beginning with the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us, is to become a witness with us to His resurrection." So they selected two men, Joseph called Barsabas, also known as Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, saying, "Lord, you know the hearts of all men. Show us which one of these two You have chosen, to take part in this ministry and apostleship, to take the place of Judas, who fell by his transgression." Then they drew lots to choose between the two and the lot fell to Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles. 4. Pentecost - Back to Page Index Acts 2:1-13 On the day of Pentecost they had come together in one place. Suddenly there came from heaven the sound of a rushing wind that filled the house where they were sitting. Tongues of fire appeared sitting on each of them. And they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking with other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. There were devout Jews from every nation under heaven living in Jerusalem. A crowd gathered because of the sound. They were surprised as each person heard the apostles speaking in their own language. In amazement they said, "Are not these who are speaking from Galilee? How can we be hearing them in our own language, the place where we were born?" Parthians, Medes, Elamites, those from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the districts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs."We hear them in our own language, speaking of the mighty deeds of God." They all wondered in perplexed amazement, saying, "What does this mean?" But others mocked them, saying, "They are full of sweet wine." 5. Peter Preaches Christ - Back to Page Index Acts 2:14-36 But Peter stood up with the eleven and said to those who had gathered to them, "Men of Jerusalem and Judea, listen to what I have to say. These men are not drunk, as you may have thought. It is only nine o'clock. The prophet Joel spoke of what you are seeing. And it shall come to pass in the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams, I will pour out My Spirit on My servants, both men and women, and they shall prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heavens above, and signs in the earth, blood and fire, vapor and smoke. The sun shall be darkened and the moon turned to blood, before that great and glorious day of the LORD. And it shall come to pass that whosoever shall call upon the name of the LORD shall be saved. Men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a Man approved of God, Who did by Him signs and wonders in your midst." this Man was delivered with God's foreknowledge to be crucified by the hands of godless men. "But God raised Him up and put an end to the agony of death because it was not possible for Him to be held by its power. David spoke concerning Him: 'I saw the LORD always before my face, for He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved..' Therefore my heart rejoiced, my tongue exulted and my flesh shall rest in hope: because You will not leave My soul in the grave, nor allow Your Holy One to see corruption. You have made known to Me the ways of life and You will make Me full of joy with Your countenance. Men and brethren, I can say to you with confidence, the patriarch David died and was buried. His tomb is with us Today. Because he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath that one of his descendants would be the Christ who would sit on his throne. He looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He would not be abandoned to the grave, nor would His flesh suffer decay. God raised this Jesus up from the grave and we are witnesses to this fact. And now that He has been exalted to the right hand of God, having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has poured on us what you have seen and heard. For it was not David who ascended to heaven, but he himself said, the LORD said, sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool. Therefore let all Israel know for certain that God has made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ." 6. The People Were Pierced To The Heart - Back to Page Index Acts 2:37-47 Now when they heard this they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter, and the rest of the apostles, "What shall we do?" Peter said to them, "Repent and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and those who are far off, as many as the LORD shall call to Himself." And with many other words Peter solemnly testified, exhorting them, saying, "Save yourself from this wicked generation." So about three thousand received his words and were baptized. And they continually devoted themselves to what the apostles taught and were in fellowship with them, breaking bread and praying. Everyone felt a sense of awe as many signs and wonders were performed through the apostles. Those who believed continued together having all things in common. They sold what they had so that it might be distributed to any in need. Day by day they continued with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house. They ate together with gladness and singleness of purpose, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved. 7. Peter And John Heal The Lame Man - Back to Page Index Acts 3:1-26 Peter and John went up to the temple at three o'clock, the hour of prayer. There was a man who had been lame since he was born and each day he was laid by the temple gate Beautiful, where he could ask for alms from those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John as they came to the temple, he asked them for alms. But Peter, along with John, said, "Look at us!" He gave them his full attention, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, "I do not have silver or gold. But what I have I will give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!" And taking him by his right hand, he lifted him up. Immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. Leaping up, he began walking. As he entered the temple with them, he was walking, leaping and praising God. And all the people saw this. They recognized him as the one who used to sit at the gate Beautiful and beg for alms. They were amazed to see him as he now was. While he clung to Peter and John, all the people crowded around them at the portico of Solomon. Seeing their reaction Peter said to them, "Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? You are looking at us as though we made him walk by our own power. The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and of our fathers, has glorified His Son Jesus, whom you denied and delivered to Pilate when he had decided to release Him. You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked instead for the release of a murderer. You put to death the Prince of Life, the One whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses to this fact. This man was made strong through faith in His name. I realize that you acted in ignorance, as did your rulers. Scripture was fulfilled because God announced all this beforehand by His prophets, saying that Christ would suffer. Knowing this, you must repent and be converted, so that your sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing comes from the presence of the LORD. Then He will send Jesus Christ who has been preached to you. In the meantime, heaven has received Him until the time of restoration of all things spoken of by God's holy prophets of old. Moses himself said to our fathers, the LORD shall raise up for you a prophet like me. You must listen to whatever He says. And it shall be that everyone who does not listen to Him shall be destroyed from among the people. From Samuel on the prophets have spoken of these things. You are the children of these prophets, and of the covenant which God made with your fathers, when He said to Abraham, in your seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. God sent His Son Jesus Christ to you first, to bless you and turn you from your sinful ways." 8. Peter And John Arrested - Back to Page Index Acts 4:1-22 As they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came up to them, being very disturbed by what was being said to the people because they were proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection from the dead. So they placed Peter and John in jail until the next day. Many who heard their words believed. There were about five thousand men. The next day the rulers, elders and scribes, and Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander and many of the high priests family gathered together in Jerusalem. Placing Peter and John in their midst they asked them, "By what power and in whose name have you done this?" Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers and elders of the people, if we are on trial for the good deed done to the lame man who was made whole, Let it be known to everyone that it was done by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, and whom God raised from the dead. He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the chief corner stone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which men may be saved." They marveled at the confidence of Peter and John, as they realized that they had no formal education. It was clear that they had been with Jesus. And as the man who had been healed stood before them, there was nothing they could say. So they put them outside the Council room and conferred together. "What can we do with these men? We cannot deny that a noteworthy miracle has taken place. And all Jerusalem has witnessed it. We do not want this to spread any further among the people. Let's warn them not to speak of this name any more." Summoning them they commanded them not to speak or teach any more in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, saying, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you or to God, you be the judge. We cannot stop speaking of the things we have seen and heard." Finding no reason to punish them, the Council threatened them and let them go, because all the people were glorifying God for the healing of the lame man, who was more than forty years old. 9. They Spoke The Word Of God With Boldness - Back to Page Index Acts 4:23-31 When they had been released they returned to their companions and reported everything the chief priests and elders had said to them. And hearing this, they lifted their praise to God, saying, "O LORD, it is You who made the heaven and earth and sea, and all, who by the mouth of David Your servant said, 'Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine vain things?' The kings of the earth stood up and the rulers gathered against the LORD and His Christ. In truth they gathered against the Holy Child Jesus whom You anointed. This was true of both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles as well as the people of Israel. They did this according to Your predestined purpose. And now Lord, notice their threats and grant Your servants boldness to speak Your word. Stretch forth Your hand to heal, so that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Jesus." When they had prayed, the place where they had gathered shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak the word of God with boldness. 10. Everyone Was Of One Heart - Back to Page Index Acts 4:32-35 All of those who believed were of one heart, and not one of them claimed anything as his own because they shared all things in common. The apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of Jesus with great power. And abundant grace was on them all. None of them lacked for anything. Those owning land sold it and brought the proceeds of what had been sold, and laid it at the apostles feet who then distributed to each according to his need. 11. Land Was Sold And The Money Given For The Work Of God - Back to Page Index Acts 4:36-37 A Levite by the name of Joseph, also known as Barnabas, which is translated as Son of Encouragement, owned a tract of land, sold it, and laid the money at the apostles feet. 12. Ananias And Sapphira - Back to Page Index Acts 5:1-11 But a man named Ananias, and his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. Instead of giving it all, as they had pledged, they kept back some of the value for themselves and brought the rest to the apostles. Peter said to Ananias, "Why have you let Satan inspire you to lie to the Holy Spirit by keeping back a part of the price of the land? Before it was sold it was your own, wasn't it? And after you sold it the value was still under your control. Why have you lied about its value? You have not lied to men, but to God." Hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. Great fear came over all who heard of it. The young men came and covered him, and carried him out and buried him. About three hours later his wife came in. She had not heard about what had happened to her husband. Peter asked her, "Did you sell the land for such and such a price?" She answered, "Yes. That was the price." Then Peter said to her, "Why did you and your husband agree to test the Spirit of the LORD? Those who just finished burying your husband are at the door and they will carry you out, as well." Immediately she fell down and died. The young men came and finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear came over the church and everyone who heard of this.
13. Many Were Healed And The Apostles Held In High Esteem - Back to Page Index Acts 5:12-16 The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people and they were all in one accord in Solomon's portico. No one else dared to associate with them, and they were held in high esteem. More and more became believers in the LORD causing their numbers to increase. It got so that the sick were laid out in the streets on cots and pallets so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on them. People from other cities near Jerusalem were also bringing their sick and those with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
14. We Must Obey God Rather Than Man - Back to Page Index Acts 5:17-42 The high priest rose up with his associates who were Sadducees, for they were filled with jealousy. They put the apostles in jail, but during the night the angel of the LORD opened the prison gates and led them out, saying to them, "go, stand in the temple and tell the people everything about this good news." So they entered the temple early the next morning and taught the people. When the high priest had called the Council together, he sent to the prison to have the apostles brought out to them. But the officers did not find them in the prison and came back to the Council with the news. They said, "We found the prison gates locked securely and the guards standing at the doors, but no one was inside." The high priest and the Council questioned how this could be true. If it was true, they wondered what would be the outcome for them. Then someone came and reported that the men they had placed in prison were in the temple teaching. So the captain along with the officers went to the temple to bring them to the Council without violence, for they were afraid the people might stone them. When they were once more before the Council, the high priest questioned them. He said, "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name any more. And yet, you have filled Jerusalem with this teaching, as though you intend to bring this man's blood upon us." But Peter and the apostles answered, saying, "We must obey God rather than man. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had crucified. God has exalted Him to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, in order to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him." When the Council heard these words they were so angry they planned to kill the apostles. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, and respected by everyone, stood up in the Council and asked that the men be put outside while they discussed this. Then he said to them, "Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do to these men. Remember some time ago when Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody important. About four hundred men followed him but when he was killed, they scattered and it all came to nothing. Then there was Judas of Galilee who rose up in the days of the census, drawing many people after him. When he perished, his followers were scattered. So in this present situation, I recommend that you leave these men alone. If what they are doing is of men, it will come to nothing. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might find yourself fighting against God." The Council took his advice. However, they called the apostles in and had them flogged and ordered them not to speak of the name of Jesus. Then they were released. So the apostles left the Council rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer for His name. And every day in the temple, and from house to house, they preached and taught continually about Jesus being the Christ. 15. Deacons Appointed - Back to Page Index Acts 6:1-7 As the disciples increased in number, a complaint arose from some of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews. They felt their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation and said, "It is not our desire to neglect the word of God while serving tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among yourselves seven good and wise men who are full of the Holy Spirit, whom we may place in charge of this activity. And we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." The congregation approved of this idea. They choose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Porchorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. These were brought before the apostles, and after they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. The word of God continued to increase as the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem. And many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 16. Stephen Was Full Of Grace And Power - Back to Page Index Acts 6:8-15 Stephen, being full of faith and power, performed great signs and wonders among the people. But there were some from the synagogue, known as Libertines, and Cyrenians, Alexandrians, others of Cilicia of Asia, who disagreed with Stephen. But they could not resist his wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. So they induced false witnesses to say that they had heard him blaspheme against Moses and God. They stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and brought Stephen before the Council. They then produced their false witnesses who claimed that Stephen was continually speaking against this holy place and the law. They said that they had heard him say that Jesus the Nazarene would destroy this place and change the customs handed down from Moses. As they fixed their gaze on him, they saw his face light up like the face of an angel. 17. Stephen Gives And Account Of What He Believes - Back to Page Index Acts 7:1-53 The high priest said to Stephen, "Are these things true?" And he said in reply, "Men, brethren, and fathers, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, leave your country and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died Abram came to this country where you now dwell. But God gave him no inheritance, not even a foot of ground. Yet while he had no children he was promised the land as a possession for his descendants. God said that his seed would sojourn in a foreign land and become slaves. They would be mistreated for four hundred years. And God said, 'I will judge the nation that holds them in bondage, and after that your seed will come out and serve Me in this place..' And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; And Isaac became the father of Jacob and the twelve patriarchs. The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him to be taken to Egypt. But God was with him, and rescued him from all his afflictions. He granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him governor over all of Egypt. A severe famine came over Egypt and Canaan so that our fathers ran out of food. Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, so he sent our fathers to buy some. On the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers and Pharaoh learned of Joseph's family. Joseph invited his father Jacob and all his family to come to Egypt. All together there were seventy five people. So Jacob went down to Egypt and he and our fathers died there. Jacob was carried to Shechem and buried in the tomb Abraham purchased from the sons of Hamor. As the time of the promise approached, which God had made to Abraham, our people increased greatly in Egypt. There arose a king over Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph. He took advantage of our people mistreating them and causing their children to be destroyed. It was at this time that Moses was born. God blessed him and saw that he came to no harm for three months in his father's house. When he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter took him as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds. But when he was nearly forty, he decided to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. When he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he avenged him by smiting the Egyptian. He thought his brethren would understand that God was giving them deliverance through him, but they did not. The following day he saw two of them fighting together and tried to reconcile them, encouraging them to not hurt one another. But the one who was hurting his neighbor pushed Moses away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us?' Will you kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday? Hearing this remark, Moses fled from Egypt to Midian. Here he became the father of two sons. After forty years had passed, an angel of the LORD appeared to him in a burning bush in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. Moses marveled and as he came closer to it. He heard the voice of the LORD, saying. I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses trembled with fear and would not look at the burning bush. The LORD said to him, take off your shoes, for you are standing on holy ground. I have seen the oppression of my people in Egypt and I have heard their groaning. I am coming down to rescue them. Come, I will send you to Egypt. God sent the one they had disowned, when they said, 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us?' God sent him as both ruler and deliverer with the help of the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush. Moses led them out of Egypt, having performed signs and wonders in Egypt, again at the Red Sea as well as in the wilderness for forty years. And it was this Moses who said to the children of Israel, God will raise up for you a Prophet like me. You are to listen to Him. Moses spoke with the Angel on Mount Sinai. He was with our fathers in the wilderness and received living oracles to pass on to you. Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him. They were ready to turn back to Egypt, saying to Aaron, 'Make gods to go before us. As for Moses, we don't know what has become of him.' At that time they made a golden calf and sacrificed to it, rejoicing in the work of their hands. Then God turned away from them and delivered them up to worship the host of heaven. As it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O house of Israel, it was not to Me that you offered your sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness?' In fact, you worshiped Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, idols you made to worship. Therefore I will carry you away beyond Babylon. Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, which God appointed through Moses who made it according to the pattern God showed him. Our fathers brought this tabernacle into the promised land with Joshua as God drove the nations out before them, up until the time of David. David found favor in God's sight, and wanted to build a permanent dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built the house for Him. However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says, heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me? Or what place is there for My repose? Was it not My hand that made all these thing?" "You men are stiff necked and your hearts have not been circumcised. Your ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit. You are doing just as your fathers did. Which prophet did your fathers not persecute? They kill those who announced the coming of the Righteous One whom you betrayed and murdered. You have received the law as ordained by angels but you have not kept it."
18. The Stoning Of Stephen - Back to Page Index Acts 7:54-60 Now when they heard these words spoken by Stephen, they were cut to the heart and began grinding their teeth. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked intently into heaven, seeing the glory of God, and Jesus standing at His right hand. And he said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God." His accusers covered their ears as they cried out with a loud voice and rushing to him, they drove him out of the city where they began stoning him. And the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. As they were stoning Stephen, he called upon God, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then, falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" After saying this, he fell asleep. 19. Saul Persecutes The Church - Back to Page Index Acts 8:1-3 Saul was very willing to have Stephen put to death. And at that time a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, causing Christians to scatter throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen and made a loud lamentation over him. And Saul began to make havoc of the church, entering every house and dragging men and women off to prison. 20. Philip Proclaims Christ In Samaria - Back to Page Index Acts 8:4-8 Those who were scattered abroad went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ there. The crowds were listening carefully to what Philip said, as they saw the miracles he did. Many unclean spirits cried out with a loud voice as they were cast out and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. As a result there was much rejoicing in that city.
21. Simon The Magician - Back to Page Index Acts 8:9-25 There was a man named Simon who had practiced magic in the city and had turned the heads of many people, claiming to be someone great. Everyone took him seriously and said that he had great power from God. He had bewitched them for a long time with his magic arts. But when Philip preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, men and women believed and were baptized. Even Simon was baptized and afterwards followed Philip watching with wonder the miracles and signs he did. When the apostles who were in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John, who came down and prayed for them to receive the Holy Spirit. For He had not yet fallen on them. They had only been baptized in the name of the LORD Jesus. When they laid their hands on them they received the Holy Spirit. When Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles hands, he offered money to them, Saying, "Give this authority to me so that I may be able to lay my hands on someone that they may receive the Holy Spirit." Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could purchase this gift of God with money. Your heart is not right and you can have no part in this. You must repent of this wickedness and pray to the LORD that the intention of your heart may be forgiven. I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and a slave to iniquity." Then Simon said, "Pray to the LORD for me, that none of what you have said comes upon me." So when the apostles had testified and preached the word of the LORD, they started back to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.
22. Philip Baptizes The Ethiopian - Back to Page Index Acts 8:26-40 An angel of the LORD spoke to Philip saying, "Get up and head south to the road that leaves Jerusalem for the Gaza." This is a road through the desert. So he got up and went, and found an Ethiopian eunuch who was a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was in charge of all her treasure. He had come to Jerusalem to worship. When Philip found him he was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah as he traveled. The Spirit said to Philip, "Go up and join him in his chariot." Philip ran up to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet. He said to him, "Do you understand what you are reading?" And he said, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to ride with him. The passage he was reading was this: "He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so that He does not open His mouth. In humiliation His judgment was taken away. Who shall declare his generation? For His life was taken from the earth." The eunuch said, "Please tell me, is the prophet speaking of himself or someone else?" Then Philip explained this scripture, and preached Jesus Christ to him. As they continued along the road they came to some water."Look," the eunuch said, "Here is water! Is there a reason I cannot be baptized?" And Philip replied, "If you believe with all your heart, you may be baptized." And the eunuch said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." And stopping the chariot, they then both went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they had come up out of the water, the spirit of the LORD caught Philip away and the eunuch saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing. Philip found himself in Azotus. As he passed through all the cities, he preached the gospel until he came to Caesarea. 23. Saul Goes To Damascus - Back to Page Index Acts 9:1-9 Saul continued breathing threats against the LORD's disciples. Going to the high priest, he asked for letters authorizing him to go to Damascus and look in the synagogues for men and women belonging to the Way. These he would bring bound to Jerusalem. As he approached Damascus a light from heaven suddenly enveloped him. As he fell to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Saul said, "Who are You, Lord?" And He answered, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the pricks." Trembling and astonished, he said, "Lord, what do You want me to do?" The LORD said, "Get up and go into the city and you will be told what you must do." The men traveling with him stood speechless, having heard a voice but seeing no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could not see. Leading him by the hand they brought him into Damascus. For three days he could not see and he neither ate nor drank.
24. Saul Is Converted - Back to Page Index Acts 9:10-22 Now there was a disciple in Damascus by the name of Ananias. The LORD spoke to him in a vision, saying to him, "Get up and go to the street called Straight. Inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. He has seen you in a vision laying your hands on him so that he may regain his sight." Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard of this man and the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. He has come here with authority from the chief priests to bind everyone who calls on Your name." But the LORD said, "Go, for I have chosen him to take My name to the Gentiles, to kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for My name's sake." So Ananias went to the house of Judas and after laying his hands on Saul, said, "Brother Saul, the LORD Jesus, Who appeared to you on the road as you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Immediately something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and he regained his sight. He got up and was baptized. He took food and was strengthened. Then he remained with the disciples at Damascus. Right away he began proclaiming Jesus to be the Son of God in the synagogues. All who heard him were amazed. They said, "Isn't this the man from Jerusalem who destroyed all those calling on the name of Jesus? Didn't he come here for the express purpose to bring them bound to Jerusalem?" But Saul kept increasing in strength as he confounded the Jews of Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ. 25. The Jews Plot To Kill Saul - Back to Page Index Acts 9:23-25 After many days the Jews made a plot to kill him. But their plot became known to Saul. They were watching the gates day and night planning to put him to death. But during the night the believers let him down over the wall in a basket. 26. Barnabas Believes In Saul - Back to Page Index Acts 9:26-30 When he arrived at Jerusalem he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were afraid of him and would have nothing to do with him. But Barnabas brought him to the apostles and told how Saul had seen the LORD on the way to Damascus. The LORD had spoken to him and he had preached the name of Jesus boldly in Damascus. Saul then was able to moved among them freely at Jerusalem. As he spoke boldly in the name of the LORD Jesus, he disputed with the Hellenistic Jews. So they planned to put him to death. When the brethren learned of this, they took Saul to Caesarea and from there sent him to Tarsus. 27. Peter Goes Down To Lydda - Back to Page Index Acts 9:31-35 After this the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace and continued to grow, as they walked in the fear of the LORD, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. As Peter traveled throughout the region, he visited the saints at Lydda. It was there that he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years. Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole. Get up and make your bed." Immediately he got up. Those living at Lydda and Sharon saw this and turn to the LORD.
28. Peter Is Called To Joppa To Raise Tabitha From The Dead - Back to Page Index Acts 9:36-43 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which in Greek translates as Dorcas. This woman was full of good works of kindness. It was at this time that she became sick and died. They washed her and laid her in an upper room. Lydda was not far from Joppa and the disciples in Joppa heard that Peter was at Lydda. So two men went to him imploring him to come right away. Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived they took him to the upper room where they had placed Dorcas. All the widows stood by, weeping and showing him the coats and other things she had made for them. After sending them out, Peter knelt down and prayed. Then turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up." And she opened her eyes and seeing Peter, she sat up. Giving her his hand, he helped her up. And calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive to them. This became known all over Joppa and many believed in the LORD. And Peter stayed many days in Joppa living with a tanner named Simon. 29. An Angel Appears To Cornelius - Back to Page Index Acts 10:1-8 There was a man named Cornelius who was a centurion of an Roman cohort in Caesarea. He was a devout man and he and his entire household feared God. He gave liberally to the Jewish people and prayed continually. At about three o'clock he had a vision of an angel of God who came to him and said, "Cornelius!" He looked at the angel with fear and said, "What, Lord?" The angel replied, "Your prayers and offerings have ascended to God as a memorial. Send some men to Joppa and find a man named Simon, also called Peter. He is staying with a tanner named Simon, who lives by the sea." After the angel left, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devoted soldier from among his personal attendants. He explained everything to them and sent them to Joppa. 30. Peter's Vision Of The Sheet - Back to Page Index Acts 10:9-16 The next day, as they were approaching Joppa, Peter had gone up on the housetop at about noon to pray. He was hungry and while dinner was being prepared he fell into a trance. He saw heaven open and something like a great sheet coming down from heaven held up by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four footed animals as well as creeping things and birds of the air. He heard a voice say, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat!" But Peter said, "O no Lord, for I have never eaten any unclean thing." The voice then said, "What God has cleansed should not be called unclean." This happened three times before the sheet was taken up into heaven. 31. Cornelius' Men Arrive - Back to Page Index Acts 10:17-23 This perplexed Peter. He didn't understand what the vision could mean. It was at this moment that the men sent to Simon's house appeared at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon, also called Peter, was staying here. While Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Three men are looking for you. Go downstairs and go with them for I have sent them." Peter went down to the men sent by Cornelius and asked the reason they had come. They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, and a righteous God fearing man, was directed by God to send for Peter and listen to what he has to say." So Peter invited them in and gave them a place to stay for the night. The next day he, with some of the brethren from Joppa, went with the men who had come to get him. 32. Peter Tells Cornelius About Jesus - Back to Page Index Acts 10:24-48 The following day they arrived at Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and friends. When Peter had come, Cornelius fell at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, "Stand up, for I am only a man." As they talked, Peter entered the room and found many people had come together. Peter said, "You know that Jews consider it unlawful to keep company with foreigners. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone unclean. This is why I came as soon as you sent for me. So why did you send for me?" Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was praying at about three o'clock and a man in shining garments stood before me." He said, "Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your offerings have been seen by God. Therefore, send to Joppa and invite Simon, who is called Peter, to come to you. He is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea. So I immediately sent for you, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here before God to hear whatever you have been commanded by the LORD." Peter then said, "I now understand that God is not partial. For there are men in every nation who fear Him and do what is right. He sent the good news of peace through Jesus Christ to the children of Israel, for He is Lord of all. You have heard of the things which took place throughout all Judea, beginning at Galilee after the baptism of John was preached. You know of Jesus of Nazareth and how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. We are witnesses to all the things He did in Jerusalem and throughout the land of the Jews. And you knew that they crucified Him. Then God raised Him up on the third day and granted that He be seen. This was not by everyone but by those whom God chose beforehand, including those of us who ate and drank with Him after He rose up from the dead. And we have been order to preach to the people that He is the one appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins." While Peter spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone listening to him. All the circumcised believers who had come with Peter were amazed as they saw the gift of the Holy Spirit being poured out on the Gentiles. They heard them speak with tongues exalting God. Then Peter said, "Can anyone object to these being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit, just as we did?" And he ordered that they be baptized in the name of the LORD. Then they invited Peter to stay with them for a few more days. 33. Peter Explains Things To The Brethren In Jerusalem - Back to Page Index Acts 11:1-18 |