1   
The former treatise haue I made, O Theophilus, of al that Iesus began both to doe and teach,

2   
Untill the day in which hee was taken vp, after that he through the holy Ghost had giuen commaundements vnto the Apostles, whom he had chosen.

3   
To whom also he shewed himselfe aliue after his passion, by many infallible proofes, being seene of them fourty dayes, and speaking of the things perteining to the kingdome of God:

4   
And ^note being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Hierusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, ^note which, saith he, ye haue heard of me.

5   
^noteFor Iohn truely baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost, not many dayes hence.

6   
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore againe the kingdome to Israel?

7   
And he said vnto them, It is not for you to knowe the times or the seasons, The Ascension of Christ. which the Father hath put in his owne power.

8   
^noteBut ye shall receiue ^note power after that the holy Ghost is come vpon you, and ye shall be witnesses vnto me, both in Hierusalem, and in all Iudea, and in Samaria, and vnto the vttermost part of the earth.

9   
^noteAnd when hee had spoken these things, while they beheld, hee was taken vp, and a cloud receiued him out of their sight.

10   
And while they looked stedfastly toward heauen, as he went vp, behold, two men stood by them in white apparell,

11   
Which also said, Yee men of Galililee, why stand yee gazing vp into heauen? This same Iesus, which is taken vp from you into heauen, shall so come, in like maner as yee haue seene him goe into heauen.

12   
Then returned they vnto Hierusalem, from the mount called Oliuet, which is from Hierusalem a Sabbath dayes iourney.

13   
And when they were come in, they went vp into an vpper roome, where abode both Peter ∧ Iames, ∧ Iohn, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, Iames the sonne of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and Iudas the brother of Iames.

14   
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Iesus, and with his brethen.

15   
¶ And in those dayes Peter stood vp in the mids of the disciples, and said, (The number of names together were about an hundred and twentie)

16   
Men and brethren, This Scripture must needs haue beene fulfilled, ^note which the holy Ghost by the mouth of Dauid spake before concerning Iudas, which was guide to them þt; took Iesus.

Matthias chosen.

17   
For hee was numbred with vs, and had obtained part of this ministerie.

18   
^noteNow this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the mids, and all his bowels gushed out.

19   
And it was knowen vnto all the dwellers at Hierusalem, insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.

20   
^noteFor it is written in the booke of Psalmes, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: ^note And his ^note Bishopricke let another take.

21   
Wherefore of these men which haue companied with vs all the time that the Lord Iesus went in and out among vs,

22   
Beginning from the baptisme of Iohn, vnto that same day that he was taken vp from vs, must one be ordained to be a witnesse with vs of his resurrection.

23   
And they appointed two, Ioseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Iustus, and Matthias.

24   
And they prayed, and said, Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

25   
That hee may take part of this ministerie and Apostleship, from which Iudas by transgression fell, that hee might goe to his owne place.

26   
And they gaue foorth their lots, and the lot fell vpon Matthias, and hee was numbred with the eleuen Apostles. 1193 CHAP. II. 1 The Apostles filled with the holy Ghost, and speaking diuers languages, are admired by some, and derided by others. 14 Whom Peter disprouing, and shewing that the Apostles spake by the power of the holy Ghost, that Iesus was risen from the dead, ascended into heauen, had powred downe the same holy Ghost, and was the Messias, a man knowen to them to be approued of God by his miracles, wonders, and signes, and not crucified without his determinate counsell, and fore knowledge: 37 He baptizeth a great number that were conuerted. 41 Who afterwards deuoutly, and charitably conuerse together: the Apostles working many miracles, and God daily increasing his Church. The fiery tongues.

1   
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2   
And suddenly there came a sound from heauen as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3   
And there appeared vnto them clouen tongues, like as of fire, and it sate vpon each of them.

4   
And they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and began to speake with other tongues, as the spirit gaue them vtterance.

5   
And there were dwelling at Hierusalem Iewes, deuout men, out of euery nation vnder heauen.

6   
Now ^note when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were ^note confounded, because that euery man heard them speake in his owne language.

7   
And they were all amazed, and marueiled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speake, Galileans?

8   
And how heare we euery man in our owne tongue, wherein we were borne?

9   
Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Iudea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10   
Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya, about Cyrene, ∧ strangers of Rome, Iewes and Proselites,

11   
Cretes, and Arabians, we doe heare them speake in our tongues the wonderfull workes of God.

12   
And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?

13   
Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine.

14   
¶ But Peter standing vp with the eleuen, lift vp his voyce, and said vnto them, Ye men of Iudea, ∧ all ye that dwell at Hierusalem, be this knowen vnto you, and hearken to my words:

15   
For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third houre of the day.

16   
^noteBut this is that which was spoken by the Prophet Ioel,

17   
And it shall come to passe in the last dayes (saith God) I will powre out of my Spirit vpon all flesh: and

The day of the Lord. your sonnes and your daughters shall prophesie, and your yong men shall see visions, and your old men shall dreame dreames:

18   
And on my seruants, and on my handmaidens, I will powre out in those daies of my Spirit, and they shall prophesie:

19   
And I wil shew wonders in heauen aboue, and signes in the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke.

20   
^noteThe Sunne shall be turned into darkenesse, and the Moone into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.

21   
^noteAnd it shall come to passe, that whosoeuer shall call on the Name of the Lord, shalbe saued.

22   
Yee men of Israel, heare these words, Iesus of Nazareth, a man approued of God among you, by miracles, wonders, and signes, which God did by him in the midst of you, as yee your selues also know:

23   
Him, being deliuered by the determinate counsell and foreknowledge of God, yee haue taken, and by wicked hands, haue crucified, and slaine:

24   
Whom God hath raised vp, hauing loosed the paines of death: because it was not possible that hee should be holden of it.

25   
For Dauid speaketh concerning him, ^note I foresaw the Lord alwayes before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moued.

26   
Therefore did my heart reioyce, and my tongue was glad: Moreouer also, my flesh shall rest in hope,

27   
Because thou wilt not leaue my soule in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy one to see corruption.

28   
Thou hast made knowen to mee the wayes of life, thou shalt make mee full of ioy with thy countenance.

29   
Men and brethren, ^note let me freely speake vnto you ^note of the Patriarch Dauid, that he is both dead ∧ buried, and his sepulchre is with vs vnto this day:

30   
Therefore being a Prophet, ^note and knowing that God had sworne with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loines, according to the flesh, hee would raise vp Christ, to sit on his throne:

31   
He seeing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, ^note that his soule was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. The heart pricked.

32   
This Iesus hath God raised vp, whereof we all are witnesses.

33   
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and hauing receiued of the Father the promise of the holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and heare.

34   
For Dauid is not ascended into the heauens, but he saith himselfe, ^note The Lord said vnto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand,

35   
Untill I make thy foes thy footstoole.

36   
Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Iesus, whom ye haue crucified, both Lord and Christ.

37   
¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said vnto Peter, and to the rest of the Apostles, Men and brethren, What shall we doe?

38   
Then Peter said vnto them, Repent, and be baptized euery one of you in the Name of Iesus Christ, for the remission of sinnes, and ye shal receiue the gift of the holy Ghost.

39   
For the promise is vnto you, and to your children, and to all that are afarre off, euen as many as the Lord our God shall call.

40   
And with many other words did hee testifie and exhort, saying, Saue your selues from this vntoward generation.

41   
¶ Then they that gladly receiued his word, were baptized: and the same day there were added vnto them about three thousand soules.

42   
And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in praiers.

43   
And feare came vpon euery soule: and many wonders and signes were done by the Apostles.

44   
And all that beleeued were together, and had all things common,

45   
And solde their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as euery man had need.

46   
And they continuing daily with one accord in the Temple, and breaking bread ^note from house to house, did eat their meat with gladnesse and singlenesse of heart,

47   
Praising God, and hauing fauour with all the people. And the Lord added to the Church dayly such as should be saued.

The lame healed. 1194 CHAP. III. Peter preaching to the people that came to see a lame man restored to his feete, 12 professeth the cure not to haue beene wrought by his, or Iohns owne power, or holinesse, but by God, and his sonne Iesus, and through faith in his Name: 13 Withall reprehending them for crucifying Iesus. 17 Which because they did it through ignorance, and that thereby were fulfilled Gods determinate counsell, and the Scriptures: 19 He exhorteth them by repentance and faith to seeke remission of their sinnes, and saluation in the same Iesus.

1   
Nowe Peter and Iohn went vp together into the Temple at the houre of prayer, beeing the ninth houre.

2   
And a certaine man lame from his mothers womb was caried, whom they laide daily at the gate of the Temple which is called Beautifull, to aske almes of them that entred into the Temple.

3   
Who seeing Peter ∧ Iohn about to go into the Temple, asked an almes.

4   
And Peter fastening his eyes vpon him, with Iohn, said, Looke on vs.

5   
And he gaue heede vnto them, expecting to receiue something of them.

6   
Then Peter said, Siluer and gold haue I none, but such as I haue, giue I thee: In the Name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, rise vp and walke.

7   
And hee tooke him by the right hand, ∧ lift him vp: aud immediatly his feete and ancle bones receiued strength.

8   
And hee leaping vp, stood, and walked, and entred with them into the Temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9   
And all the people saw him walking, and praising God.

10   
And they knew that it was hee which sate for almes at the beautifull gate of the Temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened vnto him.

11   
And as the lame man which was healed, helde Peter and Iohn, all the people ranne together vnto them in the porch, that is called Solomons, greatly wondring.

12   
¶ And when Peter sawe it, hee answered vnto the people, Yee men of Israel, why marueile ye at this? or why looke yee so earnestly on vs, as though by our owne power or holinesse we had Peter preacheth. made this man to walke?

13   
The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Iacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his sonne Iesus, whom ye deliuered vp, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when hee was determined to let him goe.

14   
^noteBut ye denied the Holy one, and the Iust, and desired a murderer to be granted vnto you,

15   
And killed ^note the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses.

16   
And his Name through faith in his Name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him, hath giuen him this perfect soundnesse in the presence of you all.

17   
And now brethren, I wote that through ignorance yee did it, as did also your rulers.

18   
But those things which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his Prophets, that Christ should suffer, hee hath so fulfilled.

19   
¶ Repent yee therefore, and bee conuerted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shal come from the presence of the Lord.

20   
And hee shall send Iesus Christ, which before was preached vnto you.

21   
Whom the heauen must receiue, vntill the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began.

22   
^noteFor Moses truely said vnto the fathers, A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise vp vnto you of your brethren, like vnto me; him shall yee heare in all things whatsoeuer he shal say vnto you.

23   
And it shall come to passe, that euery soule which will not heare that Prophet, shalbe destroyed from among the people.

24   
Yea and all the Prophets from Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as haue spoken, haue likewise foretold of these dayes.

25   
Yee are the children of the Prophets, and of the couenant which God made with our fathers, ^note saying vnto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kinreds of the earth be blessed.

26   
Unto you first, God hauing raised vp his Sonne Iesus, sent him to blesse you, in turning away euery one of you from his iniquities.

The examination of the Apostles. 1195 CHAP. IIII. 1 The rulers of the Iewes offended with Peters Sermon, 4 (though thousands of the people were conuerted that heard the word) imprison him, and Iohn. 5 After, vpon examination Peter boldly auouching the lame man to be healed by the Name of Iesus, and that by the same Iesus onely we must bee eternally saued, 13 They command him and Iohn to preach no more in that Name, adding also threatning, 23 Whereupon the Church fleeeth to prayer. 31 And God by mouing the place where they were assembled, testified that he heard their prayer: confirming the Church with the gift of the holy Ghost, and with mutuall loue and charitie.

1   
And as they spake vnto the people, the Priests and the ^note captaine of the Temple, and the Sadduces came vpon them,

2   
Being grieued that they taught the people, and preached through Iesus the resurrection from the dead.

3   
And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold vnto the next day: for it was now euentide.

4   
Howbeit, many of them which heard the word, beleeued, and the number of the men was about fiue thousand.

5   
¶ And it came to passe on the morow, that their rulers, and Elders, and Scribes,

6   
And Annas the high Priest, and Caiphas, and Iohn, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kinred of the high Priest, were gathered together at Hierusalem.

7   
And when they had set them in the middest, they asked, By what power, or by what name haue ye done this?

8   
Then Peter filled with the holy Ghost, said vnto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel,

9   
If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what meanes he is made whole,

10   
Be it knowen vnto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the Name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whome God raised from the dead, euen by him, doeth this man stand here before you, whole.

11   
^noteThis is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.

12   
Neither is there saluation in any The examination of the Apostles. other: for there is none other name vnder heauen giuen among men whereby we must be saued.

13   
¶ Now when they sawe the boldnesse of Peter and Iohn, and perceiued that they were vnlearned and ignorant men, they marueiled, and they tooke knowledge of them, that they had bene with Iesus.

14   
And beholding the man which was healed, standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15   
But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the Council, they conferred among themselues,

16   
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath bene done by them, is manifest to all them that dwell in Hierusalem, and we cannot denie it.

17   
But that it spread no farther among the people, let vs straitly threaten them, that they speake henceforth to no man in this Name.

18   
And they called them, and commanded them, not to speake at all, nor teach in the Name of Iesus.

19   
But Peter and Iohn answered, and said vnto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God, to hearken vnto you more then vnto God, iudge ye.

20   
For wee cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard.

21   
So when they had further threatned them, they let them goe, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done.

22   
For the man was aboue fourtie yeeres olde, on whome this miracle of healing was shewed.

23   
¶ And being let goe, they went to their owne company, and reported all that the chiefe Priests and Elders had said vnto them.

24   
And when they heard that, they lift vp their voyce to God with one accord, ∧ said, Lord, thou art God which hast made heauen and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is,

25   
^noteWho by the mouth of thy seruant Dauid hast saide, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vaine things?

26   
The Kings of the earth stood vp, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, ∧ against his Christ.

27   
For of a trueth against thy holy child Iesus, whom thou hast anointed,

All things common. both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel were gathered together,

28   
For to doe whatsoeuer thy hand and thy counsell determined before to be done.

29   
And now Lord, behold their threatnings, and graunt vnto thy seruants, that with all boldnesse they may speake thy word,

30   
By stretching foorth thine hand to heale: and that signes and wonders may be done by the Name of thy holy child Iesus.

31   
¶ And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldnesse.

32   
And the multitude of them that beleeued, were of one heart, and of one soule: Neither said any of them, that ought of the things which he possessed, was his owne, but they had all things common.

33   
And with great power gaue the Apostles witnesse of the resurrection of the Lord Iesus, and great grace was vpon them all.

34   
Neither was there any among them that lacked: For as many as were possessors of lands, or houses, sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were solde,

35   
And laide them downe at the Apostles feete: And distribution was made vnto euery man according as hee had neede.

36   
And Ioses, who by the Apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, The sonne of consolation) a Leuite, and of the Countrey of Cyprus,

37   
Hauing land, sold it, and brought the money, ∧ laid it at the Apostles feet. 1196 CHAP. V. After that Ananias and Sapphira his wife for their hypocrisie at Peters rebuke had fallen downe dead, 12 and that the rest of the Apostles had wrought many miracles, 14 to the increase of the faith: 17 The Apostles are againe imprisoned, 19 But deliuered by an Angel bidding them to preach openly to all: 21 When, after their teaching accordingly in the temple, 29 and before the Councill, 33 they are in danger to be killed, through the aduise of Gamaliel, a great councellour among the Iewes, they be kept aliue, 40 and are but beaten: for which they glorifie God, and cease no day from preaching. Lying to God.

1   
But a certaine man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, solde a possession,

2   
And kept backe part of the price, his wife also being priuy to it, and brought a certaine part, and layd it at the Apostles feete.

3   
But Peter said, Ananias, Why hath Satan filled thine heart ^note to lie to the holy Ghost, and to keepe backe part of the price of the land?

4   
Whiles it remained, was it not thine owne? and after it was sold, was it not in thine owne power? why hast thou conceiued this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied vnto men, but vnto God.

5   
And Ananias hearing these words, fell downe, and gaue vp the ghost: and great feare came on all them that heard these things.

6   
And the yong men arose, wound him vp, and caried him out, and buried him.

7   
And it was about the space of three houres after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.

8   
And Peter answered vnto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much. And she saide, Yea, for so much.

9   
Then Peter saide vnto her, How is it that ye haue agreed together, to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feete of them which haue buried thy husband, are at the doore, and shall cary thee out.

10   
Then fell she downe straightway at his feete, and yeelded vp the ghost: And the yong men came in, and found her dead, and carying her forth, buried her by her husband.

11   
And great feare came vpon all the Church, and vpon as many as heard these things.

12   
¶ And by the hands of the Apostles, were many signes and wonders wrought among the people. (And they were all with one accord in Solomons porch.

13   
And of the rest durst no man ioyne himselfe to them: But the people magnified them.

14   
And beleeuers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

15   
Insomuch þt; they brought foorth the sicke ^note into the streetes, and layed

To obey God, rather then men. them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by, might ouershadow some of them.

16   
There came also a multitude out of the cities round about vnto Hierusalem, bringing sicke folkes, and them which were vexed with vncleane spirits: and they were healed euery one.

17   
¶ Then the high Priest rose vp, and al they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadduces) and were filled with ^note indignation,

18   
And laid their hands on the Apostles, ∧ put them in the common prison.

19   
But the Angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doores, and brought them foorth, and said,

20   
Goe, stand and speake in the Temple to the people all the words of this life.

21   
And when they heard that, they entred into the Temple early in the morning, ∧ taught: but the high Priest came, and they that were with him, and called the Councill together, and all the Senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to haue them brought.

22   
But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told,

23   
Saying, The prison truely found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doores, but when we had opened, we found no man within.

24   
Now when the high Priest, and the captaine of the Temple, and the chiefe Priests heard these things, they doubted of them wherunto this would grow.

25   
Then came one, and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison, are standing in the Temple, and teaching the people.

26   
Then went the captaine with the officers, and brought them without violence: (For they feared the people, lest they should haue bene stoned.)

27   
And when they had brought them, they set them before the Councill, and the high Priest asked them,

28   
Saying, ^note Did not wee straitly command you, that you should not teach in this Name? And behold, yee haue filled Hierusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this mans blood vpon vs.

29   
¶ Then Peter, and the other Apostles answered, and saide, Wee To obey God, rather then men. ought to obey God rather then men.

30   
The God of our fathers raised vp Iesus, whom yee slew and hanged on a tree.

31   
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to bee a Prince and a Sauiour, for to giue repentance to Israel, and forgiuenesse of sinnes.

32   
And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the holy Ghost, whom God hath giuen to them that obey him.

33   
¶ When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and tooke counsell to slay them.

34   
Then stood there vp one in the Councill, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctour of Law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the Apostles forth a litle space,

35   
And said vnto them, Yee men of Israel, take heed to your selues, what ye intend to doe as touching these men.

36   
For before these dayes rose vp Theudas, boasting himselfe to be some body, to whom a number of men, about foure hundred, ioyned themselues: who was slaine, and all, as many as ^note obeied him, were scattered, ∧ brought to nought.

37   
After this man rose vp Iudas of Galilee, in the dayes of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: hee also perished, and all, euen as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.

38   
And now I say vnto you, refraine from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsell or this worke be of men, it will come to nought.

39   
But if it be of God, ye cannot ouerthrow it, lest haply yee be found euen to fight against God.

40   
And to him they agreed: and when they had called the Apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speake in the Name of Iesus, and let them goe.

41   
¶ And they departed from the presence of the Councill, reioycing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his Name.

42   
And dayly in the Temple, and in euery house, they ceased not to teach and preach Iesus Christ. 1197 CHAP. VI. 1 The Apostles desirous to haue the poore regarded for their bodily sustenance, as also carefull themselues to dispense the word of God, the foode of the soule: 3 Appoint the office of Deaconship to seuen chosen men. 5 Of whom, Steuen a man full of faith, & of the holy Ghost, is one. 12 Who is taken of those, whom he confounded in disputing, 13 and after falsely accused of blasphemie against the law and the temple.

Seuen Deacons.

1   
And in those dayes when the number of the Disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrewes, because their widowes were neglected in the daily ministration.

2   
Then the twelue called the multitude of the disciples vnto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leaue the word of God, and serue tables.

3   
Wherefore brethren, looke ye out among you seuen men of honest report, full of the holy Ghost, and wisedome, whom we may appoint ouer this businesse.

4   
But we will giue our selues continually to prayer, and to the ministerie of the word.

5   
¶ And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Steuen, a man full of faith and of the holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Permenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.

6   
Whom they set before the Apostles: and when they had praied, they layd their hands on them.

7   
And the word of God encreased, and the number of the Disciples multiplied in Hierusalem greatly, and a great company of the Priests were obedient to the faith.

8   
And Steuen full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9   
¶ Then there arose certaine 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 Steuen.

10   
And they were not able to resist the wisedome and the spirit by which he spake.

11   
Then they suborned men which said, We haue heard him speake blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.

12   
And they stirred vp the people, and the Elders, and the Scribes, and Steuen accused. came vpon him, and caught him, and brought him to the Councell,

13   
And set vp false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speake blasphemous words against this holy place, and the Law.

14   
For we haue heard him say, that this Iesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, ∧ shall change the ^note Customes which Moses deliuered vs.

15   
And all that sate in the Councell, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had bene the face of an Angel. 1198 CHAP. VII. 1 Steuen permitted to answere to the accusation of blasphemie, 2 Sheweth that Abraham worshipped God rightly, and how God chose the Fathers 20 before Moses was borne, and before the Tabernacle and Temple were built: 37 that Moses himselfe witnessed of Christ: 44 and that all outward Ceremonies were ordeined according to the heauenly paterne, to last but for a time: 51 reprehending their rebellion, and murthering of Christ, the Iust One, whome the Prophets foretold should come into the world. 54 Whereupon they stone him to death, who commendeth his soule to Iesus, and humbly prayeth for them.

1   
Then said the high Priest, Are these things so?

2   
And hee said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared vnto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,

3   
And said vnto him, ^note Get thee out of thy countrey, and from thy kinred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee.

4   
Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he remoued him into this lande wherein ye now dwell.

5   
And he gaue him none inheritance in it, no not so much as to set his foote on: yet he promised that he would giue it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

6   
And God spake on this wise, that his seede should soiourne in a strange land, and that they should bring them into bondage, and intreate them euill foure hundreth yeeres.

7   
And the nation to whom they shal bee in bondage, will I iudge, saide

Steuen repeateth the historie of Israel, reproueth them, and is stoned to death. God: And after that shall they come forth, and serue me in this place.

8   
^noteAnd he gaue him the couenant of Circumcision: ^note and so Abraham begate Isaac, and circumcised him the eight day: ^note and Isaac begate Iacob, ^note and Iacob begate the twelue Patriarchs.

9   
^noteAnd the Patriarchs moued with enuie, sold Ioseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

10   
And deliuered him out of all his afflictions, ^note and gaue him fauour and wisedome in the sight of Pharao king of Egypt: and he made him gouernour ouer Egypt and all his house.

11   
Now there came a dearth ouer all the land of Egypt, and Chanaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no sustenance.

12   
^noteBut when Iacob heard that there was corne in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

13   
^noteAnd at the second time Ioseph was made knowen to his brethren, and Iosephs kinred was made knowen vnto Pharao.

14   
Then sent Ioseph, and called his father Iacob to him, and all his kinred, threescore and fifteeene soules.

15   
^noteSo Iacob went downe into Egypt, ^note and died, he and our fathers,

16   
And were caried ouer into Sichem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a summe of money of the sonnes of Emor the father of Sichem.

17   
But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworne to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18   
Till another king arose, which knew not Ioseph.

19   
The same dealt subtilly with our kinred, and euill intreated our fathers, so that they cast out their yong children, to the end they might not liue.

20   
^noteIn which time Moses was borne, and ^note was ^note exceeding faire, and nourished vp in his fathers house three moneths:

21   
And when he was cast out, Pharaohs daughter tooke him vp, and nourished him for her owne sonne.

22   
And Moses was learned in all the wisedome of the Egyptians, and was mightie in words and in deeds.

23   
And when he was full forty yeres old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel.

24   
^noteAnd seeing one of them suffer Steuen repeateth the historie of Israel, reproueth them, and is stoned to death. wrong, he defended him, and auenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:

25   
For he supposed his brethren would haue vnderstood, how that God by his hand would deliuer them, but they vnderstood not.

26   
^noteAnd the next day he shewed himselfe vnto them as they stroue, and would haue set them at one againe, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren, Why doe yee wrong one to another?

27   
But hee that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a Iudge ouer vs?

28   
Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?

29   
Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begate two sonnes.

30   
^noteAnd when fourtie yeeres were expired, there appeared to him in the wildernes of mount Sina, an Angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

31   
When Moses saw it, he wondred at the sight: and as he drew neere to behold it, the voyce of the Lord came vnto him,

32   
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

33   
Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shooes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest, is holy ground.

34   
I haue seene, I haue seene the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I haue heard their groning, ∧ am come downe to deliuer them: And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.

35   
This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a Iudge? the same did God send to bee a ruler and a deliuerer, by the handes of the Angel which appeared to him in the bush.

36   
^noteHe brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signes in the land of Egypt, and in the red Sea, ^note and in the wildernesse fortie yeeres.

37   
¶ This is that Moses which said vnto the children of Israel, ^note A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise vp vnto you of your brethren, ^note like vnto mee: him shall ye heare.

38   
^noteThis is he that was in þe; Church in the wildernesse with the Angel, which spake to him in the mount Sina,

Steuen repeateth the historie of Israel, reproueth them, and is stoned to death. and with our fathers: who receiued the liuely oracles, to giue vnto vs.

39   
To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned backe againe into Egypt,

40   
^noteSaying vnto Aaron, Make vs gods to goe before vs. For as for this Moses, which brought vs out of the land of Egypt, we wote not what is become of him.

41   
And they made a calfe in those dayes, and offered sacrifice vnto the idole, and reioyced in the workes of their owne hands.

42   
Then God turned, and gaue them vp to worship the hoste of heauen, ^note as it is written in the booke of the Prophets, O ye house of Israel, haue ye offered to me slaine beasts, and sacrifices, by the space of fourty yeeres in the wildernesse?

43   
Yea, ye tooke vp the Tabernacle of Moloch, and the starre of your God Remphan, figures which ye made, to worship them: and I will carie you away beyond Babylon.

44   
Our fathers had the Tabernacle of witnesse in the wildernesse, as hee had appointed, speaking vnto Moses, ^note that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seene.

45   
Which also our fathers that came after, brought in with Iesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God draue out before the face of our fathers, vnto the dayes of Dauid,

46   
Who found fauour before God, and desired to find a Tabernacle for the God of Iacob.

47   
^noteBut Solomon built him an house.

48   
^noteHowbeit the most high dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the Prophet,

49   
Heauen is my throne, and earth is my footestoole: What house will ye build me, saith the Lord? Or what is the place of my rest?

50   
Hath not my hand made all these things?

51   
¶ Ye stifnecked and vncircumcised in heart, and eares, ye doe alwayes resist the holy Ghost? as your fathers did, so doe ye.

52   
Which of the Prophets haue not your fathers persecuted? And they haue slaine them which shewed before of the comming of the Iust one, of Steuen repeateth the historie of Israel, reproueth them, and is stoned to death. whom ye haue bene now the betrayers and murderers:

53   
Who haue receiued the Lawe by the disposition of Angels, and haue not kept it.

54   
¶ When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55   
But hee being full of the holy Ghost, looked vp stedfastly into heauen, and saw the glory of God, and Iesus standing on the right hand of God,

56   
And said, Behold, I see the heauens opened, and the Sonne of man standing on the right hand of God.

57   
Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their eares, and ran vpon him with one accord,

58   
And cast him out of the citie, and stoned him: and the witnesses layd downe their clothes at a yong mans feete, whose name was Saul.

59   
And they stoned Steuen, calling vpon God, and saying, Lord Iesus receiue my spirit.

60   
And he kneeled downe, and cried with a loud voice, Lord lay not this sinne to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleepe. 1199 CHAP. VIII. By occasion of the persecution in Hierusalem, the Church being planted in Samaria, 5 By Philip the Deacon who preached, did miraracles, and baptized many, among the rest Simon the sorcerer a great seducer of the people: 14 Peter and Iohn come to confirme, and inlarge the Church: where by prayer, and imposition of hands giuing the holy Ghost, 18 When Simon would haue bought the like power of them, 20 Peter sharpely reprouing his hypocrisie, and couetousnesse, and exhorting him to repentance: together with Iohn preaching the word of the Lord, returne to Hierusalem. 26 But the Angel sendeth Philip to teach, & baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch.

1   
And Saul was consenting vnto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the Church which was at Hierusalem, and they were all scattered abroad through out the regions of Iudea, and Samaria, except the Apostles.

2   
And deuout men carried Steuen to his buriall, and made great lamentation ouer him.

3   
As for Saul, he made hauocke of

Simon the sorcerer. the Church, entring into euery house, and hailing men and women, committed them to prison.

4   
Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went euery where preaching the word.

5   
Then Philip went downe to the citie of Samaria, and preached Christ vnto them.

6   
And the people with one accord gaue heed vnto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.

7   
For vncleane spirits, crying with lowd voyce, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed.

8   
And there was great ioy in that citie.

9   
But there was a certaine man called Simon, which before time in the same citie vsed sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giuing out that himselfe was some great one.

10   
To whom they all gaue heed from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

11   
And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12   
But when they beleeued Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdome of God, and the Name of Iesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13   
Then Simon himselfe beleeued also: and when hee was baptized, hee continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signes which were done.

14   
Now when the Apostles which were at Hierusalem, heard that Samaria had receiued the word of God, they sent vnto them Peter and Iohn.

15   
Who when they were come downe, praied for them that they might receiue the holy Ghost.

16   
(For as yet hee was fallen vpon none of them: onely they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Iesus.)

17   
Then layde they their hands on them, and they receiued the holy Ghost.

18   
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the Apostles hands, the holy Ghost was giuen, hee offered them money,

19   
Saying, Giue me also this power, that on whomsoeuer I lay handes, Of the Eunuch. hee may receiue the holy Ghost.

20   
But Peter said vnto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21   
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter, for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

22   
Repent therefore of this thy wickednesse, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiuen thee.

23   
For I perceiue that thou art in the gall of bitternesse, and in the bond of iniquitie.

24   
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for mee, that none of these things which ye haue spoken, come vpon me.

25   
And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Hierusalem, and preached the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritanes.

26   
And the Angel of the Lord spake vnto Philip, saying, Arise, and goe toward the South, vnto the way that goeth downe from Hierusalem vnto Gaza, which is desert.

27   
And hee arose, and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, an Eunuch of great authority vnder Candace queene of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Hierusalem for to worship,

28   
Was returning, and sitting in his charet, read Esaias the Prophet.

29   
Then the Spirit saide vnto Philip, Goe neere, and ioyne thy selfe to this charet.

30   
And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him reade the Prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31   
And hee said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip, that hee would come vp, and sit with him.

32   
The place of the Scripture, which hee read, was this, ^note Hee was led as a sheepe to the slaughter, ∧ like a Lambe dumbe before the shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33   
In his humiliation, his Iudgement was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.

34   
And the Eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh

The conuersion of Saul. the Prophet this? of himselfe, or of some other man?

35   
Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached vnto him Iesus.

36   
And as they went on their way, they came vnto a certaine water: and the Eunuch said, See, here is water, what doeth hinder me to be baptized?

37   
And Philip said, If thou beleeuest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered, and said, I beleeue that Iesus Christ is the Sonne of God.

38   
And he commanded the charet to stand still: and they went downe both into the water, both Philip, and the Eunuch, and he baptized him.

39   
And when they were come vp out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the Eunuch saw him no more: and hee went on his way reioycing.

40   
But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing thorow he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea. 1200 CHAP. IX. 1 Saul going towards Damascus, 4 is striken downe to the earth, 10 is called to the Apostleship, 18 and is baptized by Ananias, 20 He preacheth Christ boldly. 23 The Iewes lay wait to kil him: 29 So doe the Grecians, but hee escapeth both. 31 The Church hauing rest, Peter healeth Æneas of the palsie, 36 and restoreth Tabitha to life.

1   
And Saul yet breathing out threatnings ∧ slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went vnto the high Priest,

2   
And desired of him letters to Damascus, to the Synagogues, that if hee found any of this way, whether they were men or women, hee might bring them bound vnto Hierusalem.

3   
And as he iourneyed he came neere Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heauen.

4   
And he fel to the earth, and heard a voice saying vnto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5   
And he said, Who art thou Lord? And the Lord said, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest: It is hard for thee to kicke against the prickes.

6   
And he trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what wilt thou haue mee to doe? And the Lord said vnto him, Arise, and goe into the citie, and it shall The conuersion of Saul. be told thee what thou must doe.

7   
And the men which iourneyed with him, stood speechlesse, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8   
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.

9   
And he was three dayes without sight, and neither did eate, nor drinke.

10   
¶ And there was a certaine disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11   
And the Lord said vnto him, Arise, and goe into the street, which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Iudas, for one called Saul of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth,

12   
And hath seene in a vision a man named Ananias, comming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receiue his sight.

13   
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I haue heard by many of this man, how much euill hee hath done to thy Saints at Hierusalem:

14   
And here he hath authoritic from the chiefe Priests, to binde all that call on thy Name.

15   
But the Lord said vnto him, Goe thy way: for hee is a chosen vessell vnto me, to beare my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.

16   
For I will shew him how great things hee must suffer for my Names sake.

17   
And Ananias went his way, and entred into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord (euen Iesus that appeared vnto thee in the way as thou camest) hath sent me, that thou mightest receiue thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost.

18   
And immediatly there fell from his eyes as it had bene scales, and he receiued sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19   
And when hee had receiued meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certaine dayes with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20   
And straightway hee preached Christ in the Synagogues, that hee is the Sonne of God.

21   
But all that heard him, were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed

Aeneas healed. them which called on this Name in Hierusalem, and came hither for that intent that he might bring them bound vnto the chiefe Priests?

22   
But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Iewes which dwelt at Damascus, proouing that this is very Christ.

23   
¶ And after that many dayes were fulfilled, the Iewes tooke counsel to kill him.

24   
^noteBut their laying awaite was knowen of Saul: and they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25   
Then the disciples tooke him by night, and let him downe by the wall in a basket.

26   
And when Saul was come to Hierusalem, he assayed to ioyne himselfe to the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and beleeued not that he was a disciple.

27   
But Barnabas tooke him, and brought him to the Apostles, and declared vnto them how hee had seene the Lord in the way, and that hee had spoken to him, and how hee had preached boldly at Damascus in the Name of Iesus.

28   
And he was with them comming in, and going out at Hierusalem.

29   
And he spake boldly in the Name of the Lord Iesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him.

30   
Which when the brethren knewe, they brought him downe to Cesarea, and sent him foorth to Tarsus.

31   
Then had the Churches rest thorowout all Iudea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified, and walking in the feare of the Lord, and in the comfort of the holy Ghost, were multiplied.

32   
¶ And it came to passe, as Peter passed thorowout all quarters, he came downe also to the Saints, which dwelt at Lydda.

33   
And there he found a certaine man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight yeeres, and was sicke of the palsie.

34   
And Peter said vnto him, Aeneas, Iesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

35   
And all that dwelt at Lydda, and Saron, saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36   
¶ Now there was at Ioppa a Tabitha raised. certain disciple, named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: This woman was full of good works, and almes deeds, which she did.

37   
And it came to passe in those dayes that she was sicke, and died: whome when they had washed, they laid her in an vpper chamber.

38   
And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent vnto him two men, desiring him that he would not ^note delay to come to them.

39   
Then Peter arose and went with them: when he was come, they brought him into the vpper chamber: And all the widowes stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while shee was with them.

40   
But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled downe, and prayed, and turning him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sate vp.

41   
And he gaue her his hand, and lift her vp: and when hee had called the Saints ∧ widowes, presented her aliue.

42   
And it was knowen thorowout all Ioppa, and many beleeued in the Lord.

43   
And it came to passe, that he taried many dayes in Ioppa, with one Simon a Tanner. 1201 CHAP. X. 1 Cornelius a deuout man, 5 being commaunded by an Angel, sendeth for Peter: 11 Who by a vision, 15. 20 is taught not to despise the Gentiles. 34 As he preacheth Christ to Cornelius and his companie, 44 The holy Ghost falleth on them, 48 and they are baptized.

1   
There was a certaine man in Cesarea, called Cornelius, a Centurion of þe; band called the Italian band,

2   
A deuout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gaue much almes to the people, and prayed to God alway.

3   
He saw in a vision euidently, about the ninth houre of the day, an Angel of God comming in to him, and saying vnto him Cornelius.

4   
And when he looked on him, hee was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said vnto him, Thy praiers and thine almes are come vp for a memorial before God.

Peters vision. He goeth to Cornelius.

5   
And now send men to Ioppa, and call for one Simon, whose sirname is Peter.

6   
Hee lodgeth with one Simon a Tanner, whose house is by the Sea side; he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to doe.

7   
And when the Angel which spake vnto Cornelius, was departed, he called two of his houshold seruants, and a deuout souldier of them that waited on him continually.

8   
And when he had declared all these things vnto them, he sent them to Ioppa.

9   
¶ On the morrow as they went on their iourney, and drew nigh vnto the citie, Peter went vp vpon the house to pray, about the sixth houre.

10   
And he became very hungry, and would haue eaten: But while they made ready, he fell into a traunce,

11   
And saw heauen opened, and a certaine vessell descending vnto him, as it had beene a great sheete, knit at the foure corners, and let downe to the earth:

12   
Wherein were all maner of foure footed beasts of the earth, and wilde beasts, and creeping things, and foules of the ayre.

13   
And there came a voyce to him, Rise, Peter: kill, and eate.

14   
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I haue neuer eaten any thing that is common or vncleane.

15   
And the voice spake vnto him againe the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

16   
This was done thrise: ∧ the vessel was receiued vp againe into heauen.

17   
Now while Peter doubted in himselfe what this vision which he had seene, should meane: behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made inquirie for Simons house, and stood before the gate,

18   
And called, and asked whether Simon, which was sirnamed Peter, were lodged there.

19   
¶ While Peter thought on the vision, the spirit said vnto him, Behold, three men seeke thee.

20   
Arise therefore, and get thee downe, and goe with them, doubting nothing: for I haue sent them.

21   
Then Peter went downe to the men, which were sent vnto him from Cornelius, and said, Behold, I am hee, He goeth to Cornelius. whom ye seeke: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

22   
And they saide, Cornelius the Centurion, a iust man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Iewes, was warned from God by an holy Angel, to send for thee into his house, and to heare words of thee.

23   
Then called he them in, and lodged them: And on the morrowe Peter went away with them, and certaine brethren from Ioppa acc&obar;panied him.

24   
And the morrow after they entred into Cesarea: and Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and neere friends.

25   
And as Peter was comming in, Cornelius met him, and fell downe at his feete, and worshipped him.

26   
But Peter tooke him vp, saying, Stand vp, I my selfe also am a man.

27   
And as he talked with him, hee went in, and found many that were come together.

28   
And he said vnto them, Ye know how that it is an vnlawfull thing for a man that is a Iewe, to keepe company or come vnto one of another nation: but God hath shewed me, that I should not call any man common or vncleane.

29   
Therfore came I vnto you without gainesaying, as soone as I was sent for. I aske therefore, for what intent ye haue sent for me.

30   
And Cornelius said, Foure daies agoe I was fasting vntill this houre, and at the ninth houre I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31   
And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine almes are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32   
Send therfore to Ioppa, and call hither Simon, whose sirname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a Tanner, by the Sea side, who when he c&obar;meth, shall speake vnto thee.

33   
Immediately therefore I sent to thee, and thou hast well done, that thou art come. Now therefore are we all heere present before God, to heare all things that are c&obar;manded thee of God.

34   
¶ Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, ^note Of a trueth I perceiue þt; God is no respecter of persons:

35   
But in euery nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousnesse, is accepted with him.

Peters Sermon.

36   
The word which God sent vnto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Iesus Christ (he is Lord of all.)

37   
That word (I say) you knowe which was published thorowout all Iudea, and began from Galilee, after the baptisme which Iohn preached:

38   
How God anointed Iesus of Nazareth with the holy Ghost, and with power, who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the deuill: for God was with him.

39   
And we are witnesses of all things which hee did both in the land of the Iewes, and in Hierusalem, whom they slew and hanged on a tree,

40   
Him God raised vp the third day, and shewed him openly,

41   
Not to all the people, but vnto witnesses, chosen before of God, euen to vs who did eate and drinke with him after he rose from the dead.

42   
And he commanded vs to preach vnto the people, and to testifie that it is he which was ordeined of God to be the Iudge of quicke and dead.

43   
^noteTo him giue all the Prophets witnesse, that through his Name whosoeuer beleeueth in him, shall receiue remission of sinnes.

44   
¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

45   
And they of the circumcision which beleeued, were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was powred out the gift of the holy Ghost.

46   
For they heard them speake with tongues, and magnifie God. Then answered Peter,

47   
Can any man forbid water, that these should not bee baptized, which haue receiued the holy Ghost, as well as wee?

48   
And hee commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarie certaine dayes. 1202 CHAP. XI. 1 Peter, being accused for going in to the Gentiles, 5 maketh his defence, 18 which is accepted. 19 The Gospel being spread into Phenice and Cyprus, and Antioch, Barnabas is sent to confirme them. 26 The disciples there are first called Christians. 27 They send reliefe to the brethren in Iudea in time of famine. Peters vision.

1   
And the Apostles, and brethren that were in Iudea, heard that the Gentiles had also receiued the word of God.

2   
And when Peter was come vp to Hierusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

3   
Saying, Thou wentest in to men vncircumcised, ∧ didst eate with them.

4   
But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order vnto them, saying,

5   
I was in the citie of Ioppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certaine vessell descend, as it had beene a great sheete, let downe from heauen by foure corners, and it came euen to me.

6   
Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw foure footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and foules of the aire.

7   
And I heard a voyce, saying vnto me, Arise Peter, slay, and eate.

8   
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or vncleane hath at any time entred into my mouth.

9   
But the voyce answered me againe from heauen, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

10   
And this was done three times: and all were drawen vp againe into heauen.

11   
And behold, immediately there were three men already come vnto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea vnto me.

12   
And the spirit bad me goe with them, nothing doubting: Moreouer, these sixe brethren accompanied me, and we entred into the mans house:

13   
And he shewed vs how hee had seene an Angell in his house, which stood and said vnto him, Send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, whose sirname is Peter:

14   
Who shall tell thee words, wherby thou, and all thy house shal be saued.

15   
And as I began to speake, the holy Ghost fell on them, ^note as on vs at the beginning.

16   
Then remembred I the word of the Lord, how that he said, ^note Iohn indeede baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost.

17   
Forasmuch then as God gaue them the like gift as hee did vnto vs, who beleeued on the Lord Iesus

Dearth prophecied. Christ: what was I that I could withstand God?

18   
When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance vnto life.

19   
¶ ^note Now they which were scattered abroad vpon the persecution that arose about Steuen, trauailed as farre as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none, but vnto the Iewes onely.

20   
And some of them were men of Cyprus, and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spake vnto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Iesus.

21   
And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number beleeued, and turned vnto the Lord.

22   
¶ Then tidings of these things came vnto the eares of the Church, which was in Hierusalem: and they sent foorth Barnabas, that hee should goe as farre as Antioch.

23   
Who when hee came, and had seene the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleaue vnto the Lord.

24   
For he was a good man, and full of the holy Ghost, and of faith: and much people was added vnto the Lord.

25   
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seeke Saul.

26   
And when he had found him, he brought him vnto Antioch. And it came to passe, that a whole yeere they assembled themselues ^note with the Church, and taught much people, and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

27   
¶ And in these dayes, came Prophets from Hierusalem vnto Antioch.

28   
And there stood vp one of them, named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to passe in the dayes of Claudius Cesar.

29   
Then the disciples, euery man according to his abilitie, determined to send reliefe vnto the brethren which dwelt in Iudea.

30   
Which also they did, and sent it to the Elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. 1203 CHAP. XII. 1 King Herode persecuteth the Christians, killeth Iames, and imprisoneth Peter; whome an Angel deliuereth vpon the prayers of the Church. 20 In his pride taking to himselfe the honour due to God, he is stricken by an Angel, and dieth miserably. 24 After his death, the word of God prospereth. Peter imprisoned.

1   
Now about that time, Herode the King ^note stretched foorth his hands, to vexe certaine of the Church.

2   
And he killed Iames the brother of Iohn with the sword.

3   
And because he saw it pleased the Iewes, hee proceeded further, to take Peter also. (Then were the dayes of vnleauened bread.)

4   
And when hee had apprehended him, hee put him in prison, and deliuered him to foure quaternions of souldiers to keepe him, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

5   
Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made ^note without ceasing of the Church vnto God for him.

6   
And when Herode would haue brought him foorth, the same night Peter was sleeping betweene two Souldiers, bound with two chaines, and the Keepers before the doore kept the prison.

7   
And beholde, the Angel of the Lord came vpon him, and a light shined in the prison: and hee smote Peter on the side, and raised him vp, saying, Arise vp quickely. And his chaines fell off from his hands.

8   
And the Angel said vnto him, Girde thy selfe, and binde on thy sandales: And so he did. And he sayth vnto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

9   
And hee went out, and followed him, and wist not that it was true which was done by the Angel: but thought he saw a vision.

10   
When they were past the first and the second ward, they came vnto the yron gate that leadeth vnto the citie, which opened to them of his owne accord: and they went out and passed on thorow one streete, and foorthwith the Angel departed from him.

11   
And when Peter was come to himselfe, hee said, Now I know of a suretie, that the Lord hath sent his Angel, and hath deliuered mee out of the hand of Herode, and from all the expectation of the people of the Iewes.

Herodes death.

12   
And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of Iohn whose sirname was Marke, where many were gathered together praying.

13   
And as Peter knocked at the doore of the gate, a damosell came ^note to hearken, named Rhoda.

14   
And when she knew Peters voice, she opened not the gate for gladnes, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

15   
And they said vnto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was euen so. Then said they, It it his Angel.

16   
But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the doore, and saw him, they were astonished.

17   
But he beckening vnto them with the hand, to hold their peace, declared vnto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison: And he said, Goe shew these things vnto Iames, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

18   
Now assoone as it was day, there was no smal stirre among the souldiers, what was become of Peter.

19   
And when Herode had sought for him, and found him not, hee examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And hee went downe from Iudea to Cesarea, ∧ there abode.

20   
¶ And Herode ^note was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and hauing made Blastus ^note the kings chamberlaine their friend, desired peace, because their countrey was nourished by the kings countrey.

21   
And vpon a set day Herod arayed in royall apparell, sate vpon his throne, and made an Oration vnto them.

22   
And the people gaue a shout, saying, It is the voice of a God, and not of a man.

23   
And immediatly the Angel of the Lord smote him, because hee gaue not God the glory, and hee was eaten of wormes, and gaue vp the ghost.

24   
¶ But the word of God grewe, and multiplied.

25   
And Barnabas and Saul returned from Hierusalem, when they had fulfilled their ^note ministerie, and tooke with them Iohn, whose syrname was Marke. Elymas blind. 1204 CHAP. XIII. 1 Paul and Barnabas are chosen to goe to the Gentiles. 7 Of Sergius Paulus, and Elymas the sorcerer. 14 Paul preacheth at Antioch, that Iesus is Christ. 42 The Gentiles beleeue: 45 but the Iewes gainesay and blaspheme: 46 whereupon they turne to the Gentiles. 48 As many as were ordained to life, beleeued.

1   
Nowe there were in the Church that was at Antioch, certaine Prophets and teachers: as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had bene ^note brought vp with Herod the Tetrarch, and Saul.

2   
As they ministred to the Lord, and fasted, the holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the worke whereunto I haue called them.

3   
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their handes on them, they sent them away.

4   
¶ So they being sent forth by the holy Ghost, departed vnto Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

5   
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the Synagogues of the Iewes: and they had also Iohn to their Minister.

6   
And when they had gone thorow the Ile vnto Paphos, they found a certaine sorcerer, a false prophet, a Iewe, whose name was Bariesus:

7   
Which was with the deputie of the countrey Sergius Paulus, a prudent man: who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to heare the word of God.

8   
But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turne away the deputy from the faith.

9   
Then Saul (who also is called Paul) filled with the holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

10   
And said, O full of all subtilty and all mischiefe, thou child of the deuil, thou enemie of all righteousnesse, wilt thou not cease to peruert the right wayes of the Lord?

11   
And now behold, the hand of the Lord is vpon thee, ∧ thou shalt be blind, not seeing the Sunne for a season. And immediatly there fell on him a mist and a darkenes, and he went about, seeking some to lead him by the hand.

Pauls sermon to the people.

12   
Then the Deputie when he sawe what was done, beleeued, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

13   
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and Iohn departing from them, returned to Hierusalem.

14   
¶ But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sate downe.

15   
And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent vnto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye haue any word of exhortation for the people, say on.

16   
Then Paul stood vp, and beckning with his hand, said, Men of Israel, and ye that feare God, giue audience.

17   
The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people ^note when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, ^note and with an high arme brought he them out of it.

18   
^noteAnd about the time of fourtie yeeres ^note suffered he their maners in the wildernesse.

19   
And when he had destroyed seuen nations in the land of Chanaan, ^note he diuided their land to them by lot:

20   
And after that ^note he gaue vnto them iudges, about the space of foure hundred and fifty yeeres vntill Samuel the Prophet.

21   
And afterward they desired a King, ^note and God gaue vnto them Saul the sonne of Cis, a man of the tribe of Beniamin, by the space of fourty yeres.

22   
And when he had remoued him, ^note hee raised vp vnto them Dauid to be their king, to whom also he gaue testimonie, and said, ^note I haue found Dauid the sonne of Iesse, a man after mine own heart, which shal fulfill all my wil.

23   
^noteOf this mans seed hath God, according to his promise, raised vnto Israel a Sauiour, Iesus:

24   
^noteWhen Iohn had first preached before his comming, the baptisme of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25   
And as Iohn fulfilled his course, he said, ^note Whom thinke ye that I am? I am not he. But behold, there commeth one after me, whose shooes of his feete I am not worthy to loose.

26   
Men and brethren, children of the stocke of Abraham, and whosoeuer among you feareth God, to you is the Pauls sermon to the people. word of this saluation sent.

27   
For they that dwell at Hierusalem, ∧ their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the Prophets which are read euery Sabbath day, they haue fulfilled them in condemning him.

28   
^noteAnd though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slaine.

29   
And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, they tooke him downe from the tree, and layd him in a Sepulchre.

30   
^noteBut God raised him fr&obar; the dead:

31   
And he was seene many dayes of them which came vp with him from Galilee to Hierusalem, who are his witnesses vnto the people.

32   
And we declare vnto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made vnto the fathers,

33   
God hath fulfilled the same vnto vs their children, in that he hath raised vp Iesus againe, as it is also written in the ^note second Psalme: Thou art my Sonne, this day haue I begotten thee.

34   
And as concerning that he raised him vp from the dead, now no more to returne to corruption, he said on this wise, ^note I will giue you the sure ^note mercies of Dauid.

35   
Wherfore he saith also in another Psalme, ^note Thou shalt not suffer thine holy one to see corruption.

36   
For Dauid after he had serued his ^note owne generation by the will of God, ^note fell on sleepe, and was laide vnto his fathers, and saw corruption:

37   
But hee whom God raised againe, saw no corruption.

38   
¶ Be it knowen vnto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached vnto you the forgiuenesse of sinnes.

39   
And by him all þt; beleeue, are iustified from all things, from which ye could not be iustified by the Law of Moses.

40   
Beware therefore, least that come vpon you which is spoken of ^note in the Prophets,

41   
Behold, yee despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I worke a worke in your dayes, a worke which you shall in no wise beleeue, though a man declare it vnto you.

42   
And when the Iewes were gone out of the Synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might

Ordeined to life. be preached to them ^note the next Sabbath.

43   
Now when the Congregation was broken vp, many of the Iewes, and religious Proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who speaking to them, perswaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44   
¶ And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole citie together to heare the word of God.

45   
But when the Iewes saw the multitudes, they were filled with enuie, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting, and blaspheming.

46   
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first haue bene spoken to you: but seeing yee put it from you, and iudge your selues vnworthy of euerlasting life, loe, we turne to the Gentiles.

47   
For so hath the Lord c&obar;manded vs, saying, ^note I haue set thee to bee a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for saluation vnto the ends of the earth.

48   
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordeined to eternall life, beleeued.

49   
And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50   
But the Iewes stirred vp the deuout and honourable women, and the chiefe men of the citie, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51   
^noteBut they shooke off the dust of their feete against them, and came vnto Iconium.

52   
And the disciples were filled with ioy, and with the holy Ghost. 1205 CHAP. XIIII. 1 Paul and Barnabas are persecuted from Iconium. 7 At Lystra Paul healeth a creeple, wherupon they are reputed as gods. 19 Paul is stoned. 21 They passe through diuers Churches, confirming the disciples in faith and patience. 26 Returning to Antioch, they report what God had done with them.

1   
And it came to passe in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Iewes, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Iewes, and also of the Greekes, beleeued.

2   
But the vnbeleeuing Iewes stirred The lame healed. vp the Gentiles, and made their mindes euill affected against the brethren.

3   
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gaue testimonie vnto the word of his grace, and granted signes and wonders to be done by their hands.

4   
But the multitude of the city was diuided: and part held with the Iewes, and part with the Apostles.

5   
And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and also of the Iewes, with their rulers, to vse them despitefully, and to stone them,

6   
They were ware of it, and fled vnto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and vnto the region that lyeth round about.

7   
And there they preached the Gospell.

8   
¶ And there sate a certaine man at Lystra, impotent in his feete, being a creeple from his mothers wombe, who neuer had walked.

9   
The same heard Paul speake: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiuing that he had faith to be healed,

10   
Said with a lowd voice, Stand vpright on thy feete; And he leaped and walked.

11   
And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lift vp their voyces, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come downe to vs in the likenesse of men.

12   
And they called Barnabas Iupiter, and Paul Mercurius, because hee was the chiefe speaker.

13   
Then the priest of Iupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen, and garlands vnto the gates, and would haue done sacrifice with the people.

14   
Which when the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard of, they rent their clothes, and ranne in among the people, crying out,

15   
And saying, Sirs, Why doe yee these things? Wee also are men of like passions with you, and preach vnto you, that ye should turne from these vanities, vnto the liuing God, ^note which made heauen and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein.

16   
^noteWho in times past, suffred all nations to walke in their owne wayes.

17   
Neuerthelesse, he left not himselfe without witnesse, in that he did good, and gaue vs raine from heauen, and

Paul stoned. The Apostles Councill. fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladnesse.

18   
And with these sayings scarse restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice vnto them.

19   
¶ And there came thither certaine Iewes from Antioch and Iconium, who perswaded the people, ^note and hauing stoned Paul, drew him out of the citie, supposing he had beene dead.

20   
Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose vp, and came into the citie, and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21   
And when they had preached the Gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned againe to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22   
Confirming the soules of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, aud that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdome of God.

23   
And when they had ordeined them Elders in euery Church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they beleeued.

24   
And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25   
And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went downe into Attalia,

26   
And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God, for the worke which they fulfilled.

27   
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 doore of faith vnto the Gentiles.

28   
And there they abode long time with the disciples. 1206 CHAP. XV. Great dissention ariseth touching Circumcision. 6 The Apostles consult about it, 22 and send their determination by letters to the Churches. 36 Paul and Barnabas thinking to visit the brethren together, fall at strife, and depart asunder.

1   
And certaine men which came downe from Iudea, taught the brethren, and said, ^note Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saued.

2   
When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissention and disputation The Apostles Councill. with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certeine other of them, should goe vp to Hierusalem vnto the Apostles and Elders about this question.

3   
And being brought on their way by the Church, they passed thorow Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conuersion of the Gentiles: and they caused great ioy vnto all the brethren.

4   
And when they were come to Hierusalem, they were receiued of the Church, and of the Apostles, and Elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them.

5   
But there rose vp certaine of the sect of the Pharisees which beleeued, saying, that it was needfull to circumcise them, and to c&obar;mand them to keepe the Law of Moses.

6   
¶ And the Apostles ∧ Elders came together for to consider of this matter.

7   
And when there had bene much disputing, Peter rose vp, and said vnto them, ^note Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while agoe, God made choise among vs, that the Gentiles by my mouth should heare the worde of the Gospel, and beleeue.

8   
And God which knoweth the hearts, bare them witnes, giuing them the holy Ghost, euen as he did vnto vs,

9   
^noteAnd put no difference between vs ∧ them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10   
Now therfore why tempt ye God, ^note to put a yoke vpon the necke of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to beare?

11   
But we beleeue that through the grace of the Lord Iesus Christ, we shal be saued euen as they.

12   
¶ Then all the multitude kept silence, and gaue audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

13   
¶ And after they had helde their peace, Iames answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken vnto me.

14   
Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visite the Gentiles to take out of them a people for his Name.

15   
And to this agree the words of the Prophets, as it is written,

16   
^noteAfter this I will returne, and wil build againe the Tabernacle of Dauid, which is fallen downe: and I will build againe the ruines thereof, and I will set it vp:

The Apostles epistle.

17   
That the residue of men might seeke after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, vpon whom my Name is called, sayth the Lord, who doeth all these things.

18   
Knowen vnto God are all his workes fr&obar; the beginning of the world.

19   
Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

20   
But that wee write vnto them, that they abstaine from pollutions of Idoles, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21   
For Moses of olde time hath in euery citie them that preach him, being read in the Synagogues euery Sabbath day.

22   
Then pleased it the Apostles and Elders with the whole Church, to send chosen men of their owne company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas: namely, Iudas surnamed Barsabas, ∧ Silas, chiefe men among the brethren,

23   
And wrote letters by them after this maner, The Apostles and Elders, and brethren, send greeting vnto the brethren, which are of the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia.

24   
Forasmuch as we haue heard, that certaine which went out from vs, haue troubled you with words, subuerting your soules, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keepe the Law, to whom we gaue no such commandement:

25   
It seemed good vnto vs, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men vnto you, with our beloued Barnabas and Paul,

26   
Men that haue hazarded their liues for the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ.

27   
Wee haue sent therefore Iudas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28   
For it seemed good to the holy Ghost, and to vs, to lay vpon you no greater burden then these necessarie things;

29   
That ye abstaine from meates offered to idoles, and from blood, ∧ from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keepe your selues, yee shall doe well. Fare ye well.

30   
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they deliuered the Epistle.

31   
Which when they had read, they Paul and Barnabas. reioyced for the ^note consolation.

32   
And Iudas and Silas, being Prophets also themselues, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them:

33   
And after they had taried there a space, they were let goe in peace from the breehren vnto the Apostles.

34   
Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.

35   
Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36   
¶ And some dayes after, Paul said vnto Barnabas, Let vs go againe and visit our brethren, in euery city where we haue preached the word of the Lord, and see how they doe.

37   
And Barnabas determined to take with them Iohn, whose surname was Marke.

38   
But Paul thought not good to take him with them; who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the worke.

39   
And the contention was so sharpe betweene them, that they departed asunder one from the other: ∧ so Barnabas tooke Marke, ∧ sailed vnto Cyprus.

40   
And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren vnto the grace of God.

41   
And he went thorow Syria and Cilicia, confirming the Churches. 1207 CHAP. XVI. 1 Paul hauing circumcised Timothy, 7 and being called by the Spirit from one countrey to another, 14 conuerteth Lydia, 16 casteth out a spirit of diuination. 19 For which cause he and Silas are whipped and imprisoned. 26 The prison doores are opened. 31 The Iayler is conuerted, 37 and they are deliuered.

1   
Then came he to Derbe, and Lystra: and behold, a certaine disciple was there, ^note named Timotheus, the son of a certaine woman which was a Iewesse, and beleeued: but his father was a Greeke:

2   
Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.

3   
Him would Paul haue to go forth with him, and tooke, and circumcised him, because of the Iewes which were in those quarters: for they knew all, that his father was a Greeke.

Lydia conuerted.

4   
And as they went through the cities, they deliuered them the decrees for to keepe, ^note that were ordeined of the Apostles and Elders, which were at Hierusalem.

5   
And so were the Churches established in the faith, and increased in number dayly.

6   
Now when they had gone thorowout Phrygia, and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7   
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to goe into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

8   
And they passing by Mysia, came downe to Troas.

9   
And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come ouer into Macedonia, and helpe vs.

10   
And after he had seene the vision, immediatly we endeuoured to goe into Macedonia, assuredly gathering, that the Lord had called vs for to preach the Gospel vnto them.

11   
Therfore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis:

12   
And from thence to Philippi, which is ^note the chiefe citie of that part of Macedonia, and a Colonie: and we were in that citie abiding certaine dayes.

13   
And on the Sabboth we went out of the citie by a riuer side, where prayer was wont to be made, ∧ we sate downe, and spake vnto the women which resorted thither.

14   
¶ And a certaine woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the citie of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard vs: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended vnto the things which were spoken of Paul.

15   
And when she was baptized, and her houshold, she besought vs, saying, If ye haue iudged me to bee faithfull to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained vs.

16   
¶ And it came to passe, as we went to prayer, a certaine Damosell possessed with a spirit of ^note diuination, met vs: which brought her masters much gaine by soothsaying.

17   
The same followed Paul and vs, and cried, saying, These men are the seruants of the most hie God, which shew vnto vs the way of saluation.

18   
And this did she many dayes: but Prisoners sing. Paul being grieued, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the Name of Iesus Christ, to come out of her. And he came out the same houre.

19   
¶ And when her Masters saw that the hope of their gaines was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the ^note market place, vnto the rulers,

20   
And brought them to the Magistrates, saying, These men being Iewes, do exceedingly trouble our city,

21   
And teach customes which are not lawfull for vs to receiue, neither to obserue, being Romanes.

22   
And the multitude rose vp together against them, and the Magistrates rent off their clothes, ^note and commanded to beate them.

23   
And when they had layed many stripes vpon them, they cast them into prison, charging the Iaylour to keepe them safely.

24   
Who hauing receiued such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, ∧ made their feet fast in the stockes.

25   
¶ And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises vnto God: and the prisoners heard them.

26   
And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doores were opened, and euery ones bands were loosed.

27   
And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleepe, and seeing the prison doores open, he drew out his sword, and would haue killed himselfe, supposing that the prisoners had beene fled.

28   
But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Doe thy selfe no harme, for we are all heere.

29   
Then hee called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell downe before Paul and Silas,

30   
And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I doe to be saued?

31   
And they saide, Beleeue on the Lord Iesus Christ, and thou shalt be saued, and thy house.

32   
And they spake vnto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33   
And hee tooke them the same houre of the night, and washed their stripes, and was baptized, hee and all his, straightway.

34   
And when he had brought them

Paul preacheth. into his house, hee set meat before them, and reioyced, beleeuing in God with all his house.

35   
And when it was day, the Magistrates sent the Sergeants, saying, Let those men goe.

36   
And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The Magistrates haue sent to let you goe: Now therefore depart, and goe in peace.

37   
But Paul said vnto them, They haue beaten vs openly vncondemned, being Romanes, and haue cast vs into prison, and now doe they thrust vs out priuily? Nay verily, but let them come themselues, and fetch vs out.

38   
And the Sergeants tolde these words vnto the Magistrates: and they feared when they heard that they were Romanes.

39   
And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the citie.

40   
And they went out of the prison, ^note and entred into the house of Lydia, and when they had seene the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. 1208 CHAP. XVII. 1 Paul preacheth at Thessalonica, 4 where some beleeue, and others persecute him. 10 Hee is sent to Berea, and preacheth there. 13 Being persecuted at Thessalonica, 15 hee commeth to Athens, and disputeth, and preacheth the liuing God to them vnknowen, 34 whereby many are conuerted vnto Christ.

1   
Now when they had passed thorow Amphipolis, and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Iewes.

2   
And Paul, as his maner was, went in vnto them, and three Sabbath dayes reasoned with them out of the Scriptures,

3   
Opening and alleadging, that Christ must needs haue suffered and risen againe from the dead: and that this Iesus whom I preach vnto you, is Christ.

4   
And some of them beleeued, and consorted with Paul and Silas: and of the deuout Greekes a great multitude, and of the chiefe women not a few.

5   
¶ But the Iewes which beleeued not, mooued with enuie, tooke vnto them certaine lewd fellowes of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and Scriptures searched. set all the citie on an vprore, and assaulted the house of Iason, and sought to bring them out to the people.

6   
And when they found them not, they drew Iason, and certaine brethren vnto the rulers of the citie, crying, These that haue turned the world vpside downe, are come hither also,

7   
Whom Iason hath receiued: and these all doe contrary to the decrees of Cesar, saying, that there is another King, one Iesus.

8   
And they troubled the people, and the rulers of the citie, when they heard these things.

9   
And when they had taken securitie of Iason, and of the other, they let them goe.

10   
¶ And the brethren immediatly sent away Paul and Silas by night vnto Berea: who comming thither, went into the Synagogue of the Iewes.

11   
These were more noble then those in Thessalonica, in that they receiued the word with all readinesse of minde, and searched the Scriptures dayly, whether those things were so.

12   
Therefore many of them beleeued: also of honourable women which were Greekes, and of men not a few.

13   
But when the Iewes of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred vp the people.

14   
And then immediatly the brethren sent away Paul, to goe as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.

15   
And they that conducted Paul, brought him vnto Athens, and receiuing a commaundement vnto Silas and Timotheus, for to come to him with all speed, they departed.

16   
¶ Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when hee saw the city ^note wholy giuen to idolatrie.

17   
Therefore disputed he in the Synagogue with the Iewes, and with the deuout persons, and in the market dayly with them that met with him.

18   
Then certaine Philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoikes, encountred him: and some said, What will this ^note babbler say? Othersome, He seemeth to be a setter foorth of strange gods: because hee preached vnto them Iesus, and the resurrection.

Paul preacheth, and disputeth.

19   
And they tooke him, and brought him vnto ^note Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?

20   
For thou bringest certaine strange things to our eares: we would know therefore what these things meane.

21   
(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there, spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to heare some new thing.)

22   
¶ Then Paul stood in the mids of ^note Mars-hill, and said, Yee men of Athens, I perceiue that in all things yee are too superstitious.

23   
For as I passed by, and beheld your ^note deuotions, I found an Altar with this inscription, TO THE VNKNOWEN GOD. Whom therefore yee ignorantly worship, him declare I vnto you.

24   
^noteGod that made the world, and all things therein, seeing that hee is Lord of heauen and earth, dwelleth not in Temples made with hands:

25   
Neither is worshipped with mens hands ^note as though he needed any thing, seeing hee giueth to all, life and breath, and all things,

26   
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:

27   
That they should seeke the Lord, if haply they might feele after him and finde him, though he be not farre from euery one of vs.

28   
For in him we liue, and mooue, and haue our being, as certaine also of your owne Poets haue said, For we are also his offspring.

29   
Forasmuch then as wee are the offspring of God, ^note wee ought not to thinke that the Godhead is like vnto golde, or siluer, or stone grauen by arte, and mans deuice.

30   
And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commandeth all men euery where to repent:

31   
Because hee hath appointed a day in the which he will iudge the world in righteousnesse, by that man whom hee hath ordeined, whereof he ^note hath giuen assurance vnto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

32   
¶ And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, Wee will heare thee againe Paul preacheth, and disputeth. of this matter.

33   
So Paul departed from among them.

34   
Howbeit, certaine men claue vnto him, and beleeued: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. 1209 CHAP. XVIII. 3 Paul laboureth with his hands, and preacheth at Corinth to the Gentiles. 9 The Lord encourageth him in a vision. 12 Hee is accused before Gallio the deputie, but is dismissed. 18 Afterwards passing from citie to citie, he strengtheneth the disciples. 24 Apollos, being more perfectly instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, 28 preacheth Christ with great efficacie.

1   
After these things, Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth,

2   
And found a certaine Iewe named ^note Aquila, borne in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, (because that Claudius had commanded all Iewes to depart from Rome) and came vnto them.

3   
And because hee was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought (for by their occupation they were tentmakers.)

4   
And hee reasoned in the Synagogue euery Sabbath, and perswaded the Iewes, and the Greekes.

5   
And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in spirit, and testified to the Iewes, that Iesus was Christ.

6   
And when they opposed themselues, and blasphemed, ^note he shooke his raiment, and said vnto them, Your blood be vpon your owne heads, I am cleane: from henceforth I will goe vnto the Gentiles.

7   
¶ And hee departed thence, and entred into a certaine mans house, named Iustus, one that worshipped God, whose house ioyned hard to the Synagogue.

8   
^noteAnd Crispus, the chiefe ruler of the Synagogue, beleeued on the Lord, with all his house: and many of the Corinthians, hearing, beleeued, and were baptized.

9   
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speake, and holde not thy peace:

Aquila and Priscilla instruct Apollos.

10   
For I am with thee, and no man shal set on thee, to hurt thee: for I haue much people in this city.

11   
And hee ^note continued there a yeere and sixe monethes, teaching the word of God among them.

12   
¶ And when Gallio was the Deputie of Achaia, the Iewes made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the iudgement seat,

13   
Saying, This fellow perswadeth men to worship God contrary to the Law.

14   
And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said vnto the Iewes, If it were a matter of wrong, or wicked lewdnesse, O yee Iewes, reason would that I should beare with you.

15   
But if it be a question of words, and names, and of your law, looke ye to it: for I wil be no iudge of such matters.

16   
And he draue them from the iudgment seate.

17   
Then all the Greekes tooke Sosthenes the chiefe ruler of the Synagogue, and beat him before the Iudgement seat: and Gallio cared for none of those things.

18   
¶ And Paul after this taried there yet a good while, and then tooke his leaue of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: hauing shorne his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

19   
And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himselfe entred into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the Iewes.

20   
When they desired him to tary longer time with them, hee consented not:

21   
But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all meanes keepe this feast that commeth, in Hierusalem; but I will returne againe vnto you, ^note if God will: and he sailed from Ephesus.

22   
And when he had landed at Cesarea, and gone vp, and saluted the Church, he went downe to Antioch.

23   
And after he had spent some time there, hee departed, and went ouer all the countrey of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24   
¶ ^note And a certaine Iew, named Apollos, borne at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mightie in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. Aquila and Priscilla instruct Apollos.

25   
This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being feruent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing onely the baptisme of Iohn.

26   
And he began to speake boldly in the Synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they tooke him vnto them, and expounded vnto him the way of God more perfectly.

27   
And when hee was disposed to passe into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receiue him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had beleeued throgh grace.

28   
For hee mightily conuinced the Iewes, and that publikely, shewing by the scriptures, that Iesus was Christ. 1210 CHAP. XIX. 6 The holy Ghost is giuen by Pauls hands. 9 The Iewes blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles. 13 The Iewish exorcists 16 are beaten by the deuill. 19 Coniuring books are burnt. 24 Demetrius, for loue of gaine, raiseth an vprore against Paul, 35 which is appeased by the Towne-clerke.

1   
And it came to passe, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul hauing passed thorow the vpper coasts, came to Ephesus, and finding certaine disciples,

2   
He said vnto them, Haue ye receiued the holy Ghost since yee beleeued? And they saide vnto him, Wee haue not so much as heard whether there be any holy Ghost.

3   
And he said vnto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they saide, Unto Iohns Baptisme.

4   
^noteThen saide Paul, Iohn verely baptized with the baptisme of repentance, saying vnto the people, that they should beleeue on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Iesus.

5   
When they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Iesus.

6   
And when Paul had laide his hands vpon them, the holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues, and prophecied.

7   
And all þe; men were about twelue.

8   
And hee went into the Synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three moneths, disputing and perswading the things concerning the Kingdome of God.

Exorcists beaten.

9   
But when diuers were hardened, and beleeued not, but spake euill of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the schoole of one Tyrannus.

10   
And this continued by the space of two yeeres, so that all they which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of the Lord Iesus, both Iewes and Greeks.

11   
And God wrought speciall miracles by the hands of Paul:

12   
So that from his body were brought vnto the sicke handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the euill spirits went out of them.

13   
¶ Then certaine of the vagabond Iewes, exorcistes, tooke vpon them to call ouer them which had euill spirits, the Name of the Lord Iesus, saying, We adiure you by Iesus whom Paul preacheth.

14   
And there were seuen sonnes of one Sceua a Iewe, and chiefe of the Priests, which did so.

15   
And the euill spirit answered, and said, Iesus I knowe, and Paul I know, but who are ye?

16   
And the man in whom the euill spirit was, leapt on them, and ouercame them, and preuailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17   
And this was knowen to all the Iewes and Greekes also dwelling at Ephesus, and feare fell on them all, and the Name of the Lord Iesus was magnified.

18   
And many that beleeued came, and confessed, and shewed their deedes.

19   
Many also of them which vsed curious arts, brought their bookes together and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of siluer.

20   
So mightily grew the word of God, and preuailed.

21   
¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when hee had passed thorow Macedonia and Athaia, to go to Hierusalem, saying, After I haue bin there, I must also see Rome.

22   
So hee sent into Macedonia two of them that ministred vnto him, Timotheus and Erastus, but he himselfe stayed in Asia for a season.

23   
And the same time there arose no small stirre about that way. Idolaters rage.

24   
For a certaine man named Demetrius, a siluer smith, which made siluer shrines for Diana, brought no small gaine vnto the craftsmen:

25   
Whom he called together, with the workemen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we haue our wealth.

26   
Moreouer, ye see ∧ heare, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath perswaded and turned away much people, saying, that they bee no gods, which are made with hands.

27   
So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought: but also that the Temple of the great goddesse Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia, and the world worshippeth.

28   
And when they heard these sayings, they were ful of wrath, ∧ cried out, saying, Great is Diana of þe; Ephesians.

29   
And the whole citie was filled with confusion, and hauing caught Gaius and Aristarchus men of Macedonia Pauls companions in trauaile, they rushed with one accord into the Theatre.

30   
And when Paul would haue entred in vnto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

31   
And certaine of the chiefe of Asia, which were his friends, sent vnto him, desiring him that he would not aduenture himselfe into the Theatre.

32   
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

33   
And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Iewes putting him forward. And Alexander beckened with the hand, and would haue made his defence vnto the people.

34   
But when they knew that he was a Iewe, all with one voyce about the space of two houres cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

35   
And when the towne clarke had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there þt; knoweth not how that the citie of the Ephesians is ^note a worshipper of the great goddesse Diana, and of the image which fell downe from Iupiter?

36   
Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to doe nothing rashly.

The Lords Supper.

37   
For ye haue brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of Churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddesse:

38   
Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftesmen which are with him, haue a matter against any man, ^note the law is open, and there are deputies, let them implead one another.

39   
But if yee enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shalbe determined in a ^note lawfull assembly.

40   
For we are in danger to be called in question for this dayes vprore, there being no cause whereby we may giue an accompt of this concourse.

41   
And when hee had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly. 1211 CHAP. XX. 1 Paul goeth to Macedonia. 7 He celebrateth the Lords Supper, and preacheth. 9 Eutychus hauing fallen downe dead, 10 is raised to life. 17 At Miletum he calleth the Elders together, telleth them what shall befall to himselfe, 28 committeth Gods flocke to them, 29 warneth them of false teachers, 32 commendeth them to God, 36 prayeth with them, and goeth his way.

1   
And after the vprore was ceased, Paul called vnto him the disciples, and imbraced them, ∧ departed, for to go into Macedonia.

2   
And when he had gone ouer those parts, and had giuen them much exhortation, he came into Greece,

3   
And there abode three moneths: and when the Iewes layed waite for him, as hee was about to saile into Syria, hee purposed to returne thorow Macedonia.

4   
And there accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berea: and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus, and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus: and of Asia Tychicus and Trophimus.

5   
These going before, taried for vs at Troas:

6   
And wee sailed away from Philippi, after the dayes of vnleauened bread, and came vnto them to Troas in fiue dayes, where we abode seuen daies.

7   
And vpon the first day of the weeke, when the disciples came together ^note to breake bread, Paul preached vnto them, ready to depart on the morrow, Eutychus raised. and continued his speach vntill midnight.

8   
And there were many lights in the vpper chamber where they were gathered together.

9   
And there sate in a window a certaine yong man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deepe sleepe, and as Paul was long preaching, hee sunke downe with sleepe, and fel downe from the third loft, and was taken vp dead.

10   
And Paul went downe, and fell on him, and embracing him, saide, Trouble not your selues, for his life is in him.

11   
When hee therefore was come vp againe, ∧ had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, euen till breake of day, so he departed.

12   
And they brought the yong man aliue, and were not a little comforted.

13   
¶ And wee went before to ship, and sailed vnto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had hee appointed, minding himselfe to goe afoote.

14   
And when he met with vs at Assos, wee tooke him in, and came to Mitylene.

15   
And wee sailed thence, and came the next day ouer against Chios, and the next day we arriued at Samos, and taried at Trogyllium: and the next day we came to Miletus.

16   
For Paul had determined to saile by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Hierusalem the day of Pentecost.

17   
¶ And from Miletus hee sent to Ephesus, and called the Elders of the Church.

18   
And when they were come to him, he said vnto them, Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what maner I haue bene with you at all seasons,

19   
Seruing the Lord with all humilitie of minde, and with many teares, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Iewes:

20   
And how I kept backe nothing that was profitable vnto you, but haue shewed you, and haue taught you publikely, and from house to house,

21   
Testifying both to the Iewes and also to the Greekes, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ.

22   
And now behold, I goe bound

Pauls integritie. in the spirit vnto Hierusalem, not knowing the things that shal befall me there:

23   
Saue that the holy Ghost witnesseth in euery city, saying that bonds and afflictions ^note abide me.

24   
But none of these things mooue me, neither count I my life deare vnto my self, so that I might finish my course with ioy, ∧ the ministery which I haue receiued of the Lord Iesus, to testifie the Gospel of the grace of God.

25   
And now behold, I know that ye all, among whom I haue gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26   
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.

27   
For I haue not shunned to declare vnto you all the counsell of God.

28   
¶ Take heed therefore vnto your selues, ∧ to all the flocke, ouer the which the holy Ghost hath made you ouerseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

29   
For I know this, that after my departing shall grieuous wolues enter in among you, not sparing the flocke.

30   
Also of your owne selues shal men arise, speaking peruerse things, to draw away disciples after them.

31   
Therefore watch, and remember that by the space of three yeeres, I ceased not to warne euery one night and day with teares.

32   
And now brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you vp, and to giue you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

33   
I haue coueted no mans siluer, or golde, or apparell.

34   
Yea, you your selues know, ^note that these handes haue ministred vnto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

35   
I haue shewed you all things, how that so labouring, yee ought to support the weake, and to remember the words of the Lord Iesus, how he said, It is more blessed to giue, then to receiue.

36   
¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled downe, ∧ prayed with them all.

37   
And they all wept sore, and fell on Pauls necke, and kissed him,

38   
Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him vnto the ship. His bonds foretold. 1212 CHAP. XXI. Paul will not by any meanes be disswaded from going to Ierusalem. 9 Philips daughters Prophetesses. 17 Paul commeth to Ierusalem: 27 where he is apprehended, & in great danger, 31 but by the chiefe captaine is rescued, and permitted to speake to the people.

1   
And it came to passe, that after wee were gotten fr&obar; them, and had lanched, wee came with a straight course vnto Choos, and the day following vnto Rhodes, and from thence vnto Patara.

2   
And finding a ship sailing ouer vnto Phenicea, wee went abroad, and set foorth.

3   
Now when wee had discouered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the shippe was to vnlade her burden.

4   
And finding disciples, wee taried there seuen dayes: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that hee should not goe vp to Hierusalem.

5   
And when we had accomplished those dayes, we departed, and went our way, and they all brought vs on our way, with wiues and children, till wee were out of the citie: and wee kneeled downe on the shore, and prayed.

6   
And when we had taken our leaue one of another, we tooke ship, and they returned home againe.

7   
And when wee had finished our course from Tyre, wee came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

8   
And the next day we that were of Pauls company, departed, and came vnto Cesarea, and wee entred into the house of Philip the Euangelist ( ^note which was one of the seuen) ∧ abode with him.

9   
And þe; same man had foure daughters, virgins, which did prophesie.

10   
And as wee taried there many dayes, there came downe from Iudea a certaine Prophet, named Agabus.

11   
And when he was come vnto vs, he tooke Pauls girdle, and bound his owne hands and feete, and said, Thus sayth the holy Ghost, So shall the Iewes at Hierusalem binde the man that oweth this girdle, and shall deliuer him into the hands of the Gentiles.

12   
And when we heard these things, both we and they of that place, besought

Pauls constancie. He is taken and bound. him not to goe vp to Hierusalem.

13   
Then Paul answered, What meane ye to weepe and to breake mine heart? for I am ready, not to bee bound onely, but also to die at Hierusalem for the Name of the Lord Iesus.

14   
And when he would not bee perswaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

15   
And after those dayes we tooke vp our cariages, ∧ went vp to Hierusalem.

16   
There went with vs also certaine of the disciples of Cesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with wh&obar; we should lodge.

17   
And when we were come to Hierusalem, the brethren receiued vs gladly

18   
And the day following Paul went in with vs vnto Iames, and all the Elders were present.

19   
And when hee had saluted them, hee declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministerie.

20   
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, ∧ said vnto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Iewes there are which beleeue, and they are all zealous of the Law.

21   
And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Iewes which are among the Gentiles, to forsake Moses, saying, that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walke after the customes.

22   
What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will heare that thou art come.

23   
Doe therefore this that we say to thee: Wee haue foure men which haue a vow on them,

24   
Then take, and purifie thy selfe with them, ∧ bee at charges with them, that they may ^note shaue their heads: and all may know that those things wherof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing, but that thou thy selfe also walkest orderly, and keepest the Law.

25   
As touching the Gentiles which beleeue, ^note wee haue written and concluded, that they obserue no such thing, saue onely that they keepe themselues from things offered to idoles, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

26   
Then Paul tooke the men, and the next day purifying himselfe with them, entred into the Temple, ^note to signifie the accomplishment of the dayes Pauls constancie. He is taken and bound. of purification, vntill that an offering should be offered for euery one of them:

27   
And when the seuen dayes were almost ended, the Iewes which were of Asia, when they saw him in the Temple, stirred vp all the people, and laide hands on him,

28   
Crying out, Men of Israel, helpe: this is þe; man that teacheth al men euery where against the people, and the law, and this place: and farther brought Greeks also into the Temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

29   
(For they had seene before with him in the citie, Trophimus an Ephesian, whome they supposed that Paul had brought into the Temple.)

30   
And all the citie was moued, and the people ran together: and they tooke Paul, and drew him out of the Temple: and forthwith the doores were shut.

31   
And as they went about to kil him, tidings came vnto the chiefe captaine of the band, that all Hierusalem was in an vprore.

32   
Who immediatly tooke souldiers, and Centurions, and ran downe vnto them: and when they saw the chiefe captaine and the souldiers, they left beating of Paul.

33   
Then the chiefe captain came neere, and tooke him, ∧ commanded him to be bound with two chains, and demanded who he was, and what hee had done.

34   
And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certaintie for the tumult, he commanded him to be caried into the castle.

35   
And when he came vpon þe; staires, so it was that he was borne of the souldiers, for the violence of the people.

36   
For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

37   
And as Paul was to bee led into the castle, hee saide vnto the chiefe captaine, May I speake vnto thee? Who saide, Canst thou speake Greeke?

38   
^noteArt not thou that Egyptian which before these daies madest an vprore, and leddest out into the wildernesse foure thousand men that were murtherers?

39   
But Paul said, I am a man which am a Iew of Tarsus, a citie in Cilicia, a citizen of no meane citie: ∧ I beseech thee suffer me to speake vnto the people.

40   
And when he had giuen him licence, Paul stood on the staires, and beckened with the hand vnto the people:

Paul answereth for himselfe. and when there was made a great silence, he spake vnto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying. 1213 CHAP. XXII. 1 Paul declareth at large, how he was conuerted to the faith, 17 and called to his Apostleship. 22 At the very mentioning of the Gentiles, the people exclaime on him. 24 He should haue bene scourged, 25 but clayming the priuilege of a Romane, he escapeth.

1   
Men, brethren, and fathers, heare ye my defence which I make now vnto you.

2   
(And when they heard that hee spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

3   
^noteI am verely a man which am a Iew, borne in Tarsus a citie in Cilicia, yet brought vp in this citie at the feete of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect maner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous towards God, as ye all are this day.

4   
^noteAnd I persecuted this way vnto the death, binding and deliuering into prisons both men and women,

5   
As also the high Priest doth beare me witnesse, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I receiued letters vnto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there, bound vnto Hierusalem, for to be punished.

6   
And it came to passe, that as I made my iourney, ∧ was come nigh vnto Damascus about noone, suddenly there shone from heauen a great light round about me.

7   
And I fell vnto the ground, and heard a voice saying vnto mee, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

8   
And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said vnto me, I am Iesus of Nazareth wh&obar; thou persecutest.

9   
And they that were with me saw indeede the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

10   
And I saide, What shall I doe, Lord? And the Lord said vnto me, Arise, and goe into Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to doe.

11   
And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus. Paul answereth for himselfe.

12   
And one Ananias, a deuout man according to the law, hauing a good report of al the Iewes which dwelt there,

13   
Came vnto me, and stood, ∧ said vnto me, Brother Saul, receiue thy sight. And the same houre I looked vp vpon him.

14   
And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, þt; thou shouldest know his will, ∧ see that Iust one, and shouldest heare the voice of his mouth.

15   
For thou shalt be his witnes vnto al men, of what thou hast seene ∧ heard.

16   
And now, why tariest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sinnes, calling on the name of the Lord.

17   
And it came to passe, that when I was come againe to Hierusalem, euen while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance,

18   
And saw him saying vnto mee, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Hierusalem: for they will not receiue thy testimony concerning me.

19   
And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned, and beat in euery synagogue them that beleeued on thee.

20   
^noteAnd when þe; blood of thy martyr Steuen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting vnto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

21   
And he said vnto me, Depart: for I will send thee farre hence, vnto the Gentiles.

22   
And they gaue him audience vnto this word, and then lift vp their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should liue.

23   
And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, ∧ threw dust into the aire,

24   
The chiefe captaine commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that hee should be examined by scourging: that he might know wherfore they cried so against him.

25   
And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said vnto the Centurion that stood by, Is it lawfull for you to scourge a man that is a Romane, and vncondemned?

26   
When the Centurion heard that, hee went and told the chiefe captaine, saying, Take heede what thou doest, for this man is a Romane.

27   
Then the chiefe captaine came; and said vnto him, Tell me, art thou a Romane? He said, Yea.

28   
And the chiefe captaine answered,

Paul smitten. With a great summe obteined I this freedome. And Paul said, But I was free borne.

29   
Then straightway they departed from him which should haue ^note examined him: and the chiefe captaine also was afraid after he knew that he was a Romane, ∧ because he had bound him.

30   
On the morrow, because he would haue knowen the certaintie wherefore he was accused of the Iewes, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chiefe Priests and all their Councill to appeare, and brought Paul downe, and set him before them. 1214 CHAP. XXIII. 1 As Paul pleadeth his cause, 2 Ananias commandeth them to smite him. 7 Dissension among his accusers. 11 God encourageth him. 14 The Iewes laying waite for Paul, 20 is declared vnto the chiefe captaine. 27 He sendeth him to Felix the gouernour.

1   
And Paul earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I haue liued in all good conscience before God vntill this day.

2   
And the high Priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him, to smite him on the mouth.

3   
Then saith Paul vnto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to iudge mee after the Law, and commandest mee to be smitten contrary to the Law?

4   
And they that stood by, said, Reuilest thou Gods high Priest?

5   
Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that hee was the high Prist: For it is written, ^note Thou shalt not speake euill of the ruler of thy people.

6   
But when Paul perceiued that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, hee cryed out in the Councill, Men and brethren, ^note I am a Pharisee, the sonne of a Pharisee: ^note of the hope and resurrection of the dead, I am called in question.

7   
And when hee had so said, there arose a dissension betweene the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was diuided.

8   
^noteFor the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither Angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confesse both.

9   
And there arose a great cry: and the Scribes that were of the Pharisees part arose, and stroue, saying, Wee finde A rash vow. no euill in this man: but if a spirit or an Angel hath spoken to him, let vs not fight against God.

10   
And when there arose a great dissension, the chiefe captaine fearing lest Paul should haue bene pulled in pieces of them, commanded the souldiers to goe downe, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11   
And the night folowing, the Lord stood by him, and saide, Bee of good cheere, Paul: for as thou hast testified of mee in Hierusalem, so must thou beare witnesse also at Rome.

12   
And when it was day, certaine of the Iewes banded together, and bound themselues vnder ^note a curse, saying, that they would neither eate nor drinke till they had killed Paul.

13   
And they were more then fourtie which had made this conspiracie.

14   
And they came to the chiefe Priests and Elders, and said, Wee haue bound our selues vnder a great curse, that wee will eate nothing vntill wee haue slaine Paul.

15   
Now therefore ye with the Councill, signifie to the chiefe captaine that he bring him downe vnto you to morrow, as though yee would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or euer he come neere, are ready to kill him.

16   
And when Pauls sisters sonne heard of their laying in wait, hee went and entred into the castle, ∧ told Paul.

17   
Then Paul called one of the Centurions vnto him, and said, Bring this yong man vnto the chiefe captaine: for he hath a certaine thing to tell him.

18   
So he took him, and brought him to the chiefe captaine, and said, Paul the prisoner called me vnto him, and praied mee to bring this yong man vnto thee, who hath something to say vnto thee.

19   
Then the chiefe captaine tooke him by the hand, and went with him aside priuately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

20   
And he said, The Iewes haue agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldest bring downe Paul to morrow into the Council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

21   
But do not thou yeeld vnto them: for there lie in wait for him of them moe then fourtie men, which haue bound themselues with an othe, that they will

Paul sent to Felix. neither eate nor drinke, till they haue killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

22   
So the chiefe captaine then let the yong man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man, that thou hast shewed these things to me.

23   
And he called vnto him two Centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred souldiers to goe to Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearemen two hundred, at the third houre of the night.

24   
And prouide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe vnto Felix the gouernour.

25   
And hee wrote a letter after this manner:

26   
Claudius Lysias, vnto the most excellent Gouernour Felix, sendeth greeting.

27   
This man was taken of the Iewes and should haue beene killed of them: Then came I with an armie, and rescued him, hauing vnderstood that he was a Romane.

28   
And when I would haue knowen the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him foorth into their Council.

29   
Whom I perceiued to be accused of questions of their lawe, but to haue nothing laide to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

30   
And when it was tolde me, how that the Iewes laid waite for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gaue commandement to his accusers also, to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

31   
Then the souldiers, as it was commaunded them, tooke Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

32   
On the morow, they left the horsemen to goe with him, and returned to the castle.

33   
Who when they came to Cesarea, and deliuered the Epistle to the gouernour, presented Paul also before him.

34   
And when the gouernour had read the letter, he asked of what prouince he was. And when he vnderstood that he was of Cilicia:

35   
I will heare thee, said hee, when thine accusers are also come. And hee commanded him to be kept in Herods iudgement hall. 1215 CHAP. XXIIII. 1 Paul being accused by Tertullus the Oratour, 10 answereth for his life and doctrine. 24 He preacheth Christ to the gouernour and his wife. 26 The gouernour hopeth for a bribe, but in vaine. 27 At last, going out of his office, hee leaueth Paul in prison. Of Tertullus.

1   
And after fiue dayes, Ananias the hie Priest descended with the Elders, and with a certaine Oratour named Tertullus, who enformed the gouernour against Paul.

2   
And when he was called foorth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enioy great quietnesse, and that very worthy deeds are done vnto this nati&obar; by thy prouidence:

3   
Wee accept it alwayes, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulnesse.

4   
Notwithstanding, that I be not farther tedious vnto thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldest heare vs of thy clemencie a few words.

5   
For we haue found this man a pestilent fellow, and a moouer of sedition among all the Iewes throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6   
Who also hath gone about to profane the Temple: whom we tooke, and would haue iudged according to our lawe.

7   
But the chiefe captaine Lysias came vpon vs, and with great violence tooke him away out of our hands:

8   
Commanding his accusers to come vnto thee, by examining of whom thy selfe mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

9   
And the Iewes also assented, saying that these things were so.

10   
Then Paul, after that the gouernour had beckened vnto him to speake, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many yeeres a Iudge vnto this nation, I do the more cheerefully answere for my selfe:

11   
Because that thou mayest vnderstand, that there are yet but twelue dayes, since I went vp to Hierusalem for to worship.

12   
And they neither found me in the Temple disputing with any man, neither raising vp the people, neither in the Synagogues, nor in the citie:

13   
Neither can they proue the things whereof they now accuse me.

14   
But this I confesse vnto thee, that after the way which they call

Felix trembleth. heresie, so worship I the God of my fathers, beleeuing all things which are written in the Law and the Prophets,

15   
And haue hope towards God, which they themselues also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the iust and vniust.

16   
And herein doe I exercise my selfe to haue alwayes a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.

17   
Now after many yeeres, I came to bring almes to my nation, ∧ offrings:

18   
^noteWherupon certaine Iewes from Asia found me purified in the Temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult:

19   
Who ought to haue beene here before thee, and obiect, if they had ought against me.

20   
Or else let these same here say, if they haue found any euill doing in mee, while I stood before the Councill,

21   
Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, ^note Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

22   
And when Felix heard these things, hauing more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them and said, When Lysias the chiefe captaine shall come downe, I will know the vttermost of your matter.

23   
And he commanded a Centurion to keepe Paul, and to let him haue libertie, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister, or come vnto him.

24   
And after certaine dayes, when Felix came with his wife Orusilla, which was a Iew, he sent for Paul, and heard him c&obar;cerning the faith in Christ.

25   
And as he reasoned of righteousnesse, temperance, and iudgement to come, Felix trembled and answered, Go thy way for this time, when I haue a conuenient season, I will call for thee.

26   
He hoped also that money should haue bene giuen him of Paul, that hee might loose him: wherefore hee sent for him the oftner, and c&obar;muned with him.

27   
But after two yeeres, Portius Festus came into Felix roome: and Felix willing to shew the Iewes a pleasure, left Paul bound. 1216 CHAP. XXV. 2 The Iewes accuse Paul before Festus. 8 He answereth for himselfe, 11 and appealeth vnto Cesar. 14 Afterwards, Festus openeth his matter to king Agryppa, 23 and he is brought forth. 25 Festus cleareth him to haue done nothing worthy of death. Pauls appeale.

1   
Nowe when Festus was come into the prouince, after three dayes he ascended fr&obar; Cesarea to Hierusalem.

2   
Then the high Priest, and the chiefe of the Iewes informed him against Paul, and besought him,

3   
And desired fauour against him, that he would send for him to Hierusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

4   
But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cesarea, and that hee himselfe would depart shortly thither.

5   
Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go downe with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickednesse in him.

6   
And when hee had taried among them ^note more then ten dayes, hee went downe vnto Cesarea, and the next day sitting in the iudgement seat, commanded Paul to be brought.

7   
And when hee was come, the Iewes which came downe from Hierusalem, stood round about, and laide many and grieuous complaints against Paul, which they could not proue,

8   
While hee answered for himselfe, Neither against the law of the Iewes, neither against the Temple, nor yet against Cesar, haue I offended any thing at all.

9   
But Festus willing to doe the Iewes a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou goe vp to Hierusalem, and there be iudged of these things before me?

10   
Then said Paul, I stand at Cesars iudgement seat, where I ought to bee iudged; to the Iewes haue I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

11   
For if I be an offender, or haue committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliuer me vnto them. I appeale vnto Cesar.

12   
Then Festus when he had conferred with the Councill, answered, Hast thou appealed vnto Cesar? vnto Cesar shalt thou goe.

13   
And after certaine dayes, king Agrippa and Bernice, came vnto Cesarea, to salute Festus.

14   
And when they had beene there many dayes, Festus declared Pauls

King Agrippa heareth Paul. cause vnto the king, saying, There is a certaine man left in bonds by Felix:

15   
About whom when I was at Hierusalem, the chiefe Priests and the Elders of the Iewes enformed me, desiring to haue iudgement against him.

16   
To whom I answered, It is not the maner of the Romanes to deliuer any man to die, before that he which is accused, haue the accusers face to face, and haue licence to answere for himselfe concerning the crime laid against him.

17   
Therefore when they were come hither, without any delay, on the morrow I sate on the iudgement seate, and c&obar;manded the man to be brought forth.

18   
Against whom when the accusers stood vp, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

19   
But had certaine questions against him of their owne superstition, and of one Iesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be aliue.

20   
And because ^note I doubted of such maner of questions, I asked him whether he would goe to Hierusalem, and there be iudged of these matters.

21   
But when Paul had appealed to bee reserued vnto the ^note hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I might send him to Cesar.

22   
Then Agrippa said vnto Festus, I would also heare the man my selfe. To morrow, said he, thou shalt heare him.

23   
And on the morrow when Agrippa was come and Bernice, with great pompe, and was entred into the place of hearing, with the chiefe captaines, and principall men of the citie; at Festus commaundement Paul was brought foorth.

24   
And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are heere present with vs, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Iewes haue dealt with me, both at Hierusalem, and also heere, crying that he ought not to liue any longer.

25   
But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himselfe hath appealed to Augustus, I haue determined to send him.

26   
Of whom I haue no certaine thing to write vnto my Lord: Wherefore I haue brought him foorth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that after examination had, King Agrippa heareth Paul. I might haue somewhat to write.

27   
For it seemeth to me vnreasonable, to send a prisoner, and not withall to signifie the crimes laid against him. 1217 CHAP. XXVI. 2 Paul, in the presence of Agrippa, declareth his life from his childhood, 12 and how miraculously he was conuerted, and called to his Apostleship. 24 Festus chargeth him to be mad, whereunto he answereth modestly. 28 Agrippa is almost perswaded to be a christian. 31 The whole company pronounce him innocent.

1   
Then Agrippa said vnto Paul, Thou art permitted to speake for thy selfe. Then Paul stretched foorth the hand, and answered for himselfe,

2   
I thinke my selfe happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answere for my selfe this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Iewes:

3   
Especially, because I know thee to be expert in all customes and questions which are among the Iewes: wherefore I beseech thee to heare mee patiently.

4   
My maner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine owne nation at Hierusalem, know all the Iewes,

5   
Which knew me from the beginning, (if they would testifie) that after the most straitest sect of our religion, I liued a Pharisee.

6   
And now I stand, and am iudged for the hope of the promise made of God vnto our fathers:

7   
Vnto which promise our twelue tribes instantly seruing God day and night, hope to come: For which hopes sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the Iewes.

8   
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

9   
I verily thought with my selfe, that I ought to doe many things contrary to the name of Iesus of Nazareth:

10   
^noteWhich thing I also did in Hierusalem, and many of the Saints did I shut vp in prison, hauing receiued authoritie from the chiefe Priests, and when they were put to death, I gaue my voyce against them.

Pauls vision. He is counted mad.

11   
And I punished them oft in euery Synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them euen vnto strange cities.

12   
^noteWhereupon, as I went to Damascus, with authoritie and commission from the chiefe Priests:

13   
At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heauen, aboue the brightnes of the Sunne, shining round about mee, and them which iourneyed with me.

14   
And when wee were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking vnto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kicke against the prickes.

15   
And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And hee said, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest.

16   
But rise, and stand vpon thy feete, for I haue appeared vnto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witnesse, both of these things which thou hast seene, ∧ of those things in the which I will appeare vnto thee,

17   
Deliuering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, vnto whom now I send thee,

18   
To open their eyes, and to turne them from darknesse to light, and from the power of Satan vnto God, that they may receiue forgiuenesse of sinnes, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

19   
Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient vnto the heauenly vision:

20   
But shewed first vnto them of Damascus, and at Hierusalem, and thorowout all the coasts of Iudea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turne to God, and do works meete for repentance.

21   
For these causes the Iewes caught mee in the Temple, and went about to kill me.

22   
Hauing therefore obteined helpe of God, I continue vnto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come:

23   
That Christ should suffer, and that hee should be the first that should rise from the dead, ∧ should shew light vnto the people, and to the Gentiles. He is counted mad.

24   
And as hee thus spake for himselfe, Festus saide with a lowd voyce, Paul, thou art beside thy selfe, much learning doeth make thee mad.

25   
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speake foorth the words of trueth and sobernesse.

26   
For the King knoweth of these things, before whom also I speake freely: for I am perswaded, that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.

27   
King Agrippa, beleeuest thou the Prophets? I know that thou beleeuest.

28   
Then Agrippa saide vnto Paul, Almost thou perswadest mee to bee a Christian.

29   
And Paul said, I would to God, that not onely thou, but also all that heare mee this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

30   
And when hee had thus spoken, the king rose vp, and the gouernour, and Bernice, ∧ they that sate with them.

31   
And when they were gone aside, they talked betweene themselues, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death, or of bonds.

32   
Then said Agrippa vnto Festus, This man might haue bene set at libertie, if he had not appealed vnto Cesar. 1218 CHAP. XXVII. 1 Paul shipping toward Rome, 10 foretelleth of the danger of the voyage, 11 but is not beleeued. 14 They are tossed to and fro with tempest, 41 and suffer shipwracke, 22 34. 44 yet all come safe to land.

1   
And when it was determined, that wee should saile into Italy, they deliuered Paul, ∧ certaine other prisoners, vnto one named Iulius, a centurion of Augustus band.

2   
And entring into a ship of Adramyttium, wee lanched, meaning to saile by the coasts of Asia, one Aristarchus a Macedonian, of Thessalonica, beeing with vs.

3   
And the next day wee touched at Sidon: And Iulius courteously entreated Paul, and gaue him libertie to goe vnto his friends to refresh himselfe.

4   
And when we had lanched from thence, we sailed vnder Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5   
And when we had sailed ouer the

Pauls dangerous voyage to Rome. sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, wee came to Myra a citie of Lysia.

6   
And there the Centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy, and he put vs therein.

7   
And when wee had sailed slowly many dayes, and scarse were come ouer against Gnidus, the wind not suffering vs, wee sailed vnder ^note Creete, ouer against Salmone,

8   
And hardly passing it, came vnto a place which is called the Faire hauens, nigh whereunto was the citie of Lasea.

9   
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the Fast was now alreadie past, Paul admonished them,

10   
And said vnto them, Sirs, I perceiue that this voyage will be with ^note hurt and much damage, not onely of the lading ∧ ship, but also of our liues.

11   
Neuerthelesse, the Centurion beleeued the master and the owner of the shippe, more then those things which were spoken by Paul.

12   
And because the hauen was not commodious to winter in, the more part aduised to depart thence also, if by any meanes they might attaine to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an hauen of Creete, and lieth toward the Southwest, and Northwest.

13   
And when the South wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Creete.

14   
But not long after, there ^note arose against it a tempestuous winde, called Euroclydon.

15   
And when the ship was caught, and could not beare vp into the winde, we let her driue.

16   
And running vnder a certaine yland, which is called Clauda, wee had much worke to come by the boate:

17   
Which when they had taken vp, they vsed helps, vnder-girding the ship; and fearing lest they should fall into the quicke-sands, strake saile, and so were driuen.

18   
And being exceedingly tossed with a tempest the next day, they lightened the ship:

19   
And the third day we cast out with our owne handes the tackling of the shippe.

20   
And when neither Sunne nor starres in many dayes appeared, and Pauls dangerous voyage to Rome. no small tempest lay on vs; all hope that wee should be saued, was then taken away.

21   
But after long abstinence, Paul stood foorth in the middes of them, and said, Sirs, yee should haue hearkened vnto mee, and not haue loosed from Creete, and to haue gained this harme and losse.

22   
And now I exhort you to be of good cheere: for there shall be no losse of any mans life among you, but of the shippe.

23   
For there stood by me this night the Angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serue,

24   
Saying, Feare not Paul, thou must be brought before Cesar, and loe, God hath giuen thee all them that saile with thee.

25   
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheere: for I beleeue God, that it shall be euen as it was tolde me.

26   
Howbeit, we must be cast vpon a certaine Iland.

27   
But when the fourteenth night was come, as wee were driuen vp and downe in Adria about midnight, the shipmen deemed that they drew neere to some countrey:

28   
And sounded, and found it twentie fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded againe, and found it fifteene fathoms.

29   
Then fearing lest we should haue fallen vpon rockes, they cast foure ancres out of the sterne, and wished for the day.

30   
And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let downe the boat into the sea, vnder colour as though they would haue cast ancres out of the fore-ship,

31   
Paul said to the Centurion, and to the souldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saued.

32   
Then the souldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

33   
And while the day was comming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye haue taried, and continued fasting, hauing taken nothing.

34   
Wherefore, I pray you to take some meat, for this is for your health: for there shall not an haire fall from the head of any of you.

35   
And when hee had thus spoken, hee tooke bread, and gaue thankes to

Shipwracke. God in presence of them all, and when he had broken it, he began to eate.

36   
Then were they all of good cheere, and they also tooke some meat.

37   
And we were in all, in the ship, two hundred, threescore and sixteene soules.

38   
And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

39   
And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discouered a certaine creek, with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

40   
And when they had ^note taken vp the ankers, they committed themselues vnto the sea, ∧ loosed the rudder bands, and hoised vp the maine saile to the winde, and made toward shore.

41   
And falling into a place where two seas met, they ranne the shippe a ground, and the forepart stucke fast, and remained vnmoueable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waues.

42   
And the souldiers counsel was to kil the prisoners, lest any of them should swimme out, and escape.

43   
But the Centurion, willing to saue Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they which could swimme, should cast themselues first into the sea, and get to land:

44   
And the rest, some on boords, and some on broken pieces of the ship: and so it came to passe that they escaped all safe to land. 1219 CHAP. XXVIII. 1 Paul, after his shipwracke is kindly entertained of the Barbarians. 5 The viper on his hand hurteth him not. 8 He healeth many diseases in the Iland. 11 They depart towards Rome. 17 Hee declareth to the Iewes the cause of his comming. 14 After his preaching some were perswaded, and some beleeued not. 30 Yet he preacheth there two yeeres.

1   
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the Iland was called Melita.

2   
And the barbarous people shewed vs no little kindnesse: for they kindled a fire, and receiued vs euery one because of the present raine, and because of the cold.

3   
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of stickes, and layde them on the The Viper. fire, there came a Uiper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

4   
And when the Barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they saide among themselues, No doubt this man is a murtherer, whom though hee hath escaped the Sea, yet Uengeance suffereth not to liue.

5   
And hee shooke off the beast into the fire, and felt no harme.

6   
Howbeit, they looked when hee should haue swollen, or fallen downe dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harme come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a God.

7   
In the same quarters were possessions of the chiefe man of the Iland, whose name was Publius, who receiued vs, and lodged vs three dayes courteously.

8   
And it came to passe that the father of Publius lay sicke of a feuer, and of a bloody-flixe, to whom Paul entred in, and prayed, and layed his hands on him, and healed him.

9   
So when this was done, others also which had diseases in the Iland, came, and were healed:

10   
Who also honoured vs with many honours, and when wee departed, they laded vs with such things as were necessary.

11   
And after three moneths wee departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the Ile, whose signe was Castor and Pollux.

12   
And landing at Syracuse wee taried there three dayes.

13   
And from thence wee fet a compasse, and came to Rhegium, and after one day the South winde blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

14   
Where wee found brethren, and were desired to tary with them seuen dayes: and so we went toward Rome.

15   
And from thence, when the brethren heard of vs, they came to meet vs as farre as Appii forum, and the three Tauernes: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and tooke courage.

16   
And when we came to Rome, the Centurion deliuered the prisoners to the Captaine of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himselfe, with a souldier that kept him.

17   
And it came to passe, that after three dayes, Paul called the chiefe of the Iewes together. And when they were

Israels hope. come together, he said vnto them, Men and brethren, though I haue committed nothing against the people, or customes of our fathers, yet was I deliuered prisoner from Hierusalem into the hands of the Romanes.

18   
Who when they had examined me, would haue let me goe, because there was no cause of death in me.

19   
But when the Iewes spake against it, I was constrained to appeale vnto Cesar, not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

20   
For this cause therefore haue I called for you, to see you, and to speake with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chaine.

21   
And they saide vnto him, Wee neither receiued letters out of Iudea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came, shewed or spake any harme of thee.

22   
But we desire to heare of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that euery where it is spoken against.

23   
And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the kingdome of God, perswading them concerning Iesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the Prophets, from morning till euening. Obstinate Iewes.

24   
And some beleeued the things which were spoken, and some beleeued not.

25   
And when they agreed not among themselues, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet, vnto our fathers,

26   
Saying, ^note Goe vnto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall heare, and shall not vnderstand, and seeing ye shall see, and not perceiue.

27   
For the heart of this people is waxed grosse, and their eares are dull of hearing, and their eyes haue they closed, lest they should with their eyes, and heare with their eares, and vnderstand with their heart, and should bee conuerted, and I should heale them.

28   
Be it knowen therfore vnto you, that the saluation of God is sent vnto the Gentiles, and that they wil heare it.

29   
And when hee had saide these words, the Iewes departed, and had great reasoning among themselues.

30   
And Paul dwelt two whole yeeres in his owne hired house, and receiued all that came in vnto him,

31   
Preaching the kingdome of God, and teaching those things which concerne the Lord Iesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. ¶2; The end of the Acts of the Apostles.

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