Acts 9
Wycliffe Bible
9 But Saul, yet a blower of menaces and of beatings [yet a breather, or blower, of menaces, and beating, or slaying,] against the disciples of the Lord, came to the prince of priests,
2 and asked of him letters into Damascus, to the synagogues; that if he found any men or women of this life, he should lead them bound to Jerusalem.
3 And when he made his journey, it befelled [And when he made journey, it befell], that he came nigh to Damascus. And suddenly a light from heaven shone about him;
4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, what pursuest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou pursuest. It is hard to thee, to kick against the prick [It is hard to thee, for to kick against the prick].
6 And he trembled, and wondered, and said, Lord, what wilt thou that I do [And he trembling and wondering, said, Lord, what wilt thou me to do]? And the Lord said to him, Rise up, and enter into the city, and it shall be said to thee, what it behooveth thee to do.
7 And those men that went with him, stood astonished; for they heard a voice, but they saw no man. [Forsooth those men that went with him, stood made afeared, or out of mind; soothly hearing a voice, forsooth seeing no man.]
8 And Saul rose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. And they drew him by the hands, and led him into Damascus.
9 And he was three days not seeing; and he ate not, neither drank.
10 And a disciple, Ananias by name, was at Damascus [Forsooth some disciple was at Damascus, by name Ananias]. And the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Lo! I, Lord.
11 And the Lord said to him, Rise thou, and go into a street that is called Rectus; and seek, in the house of Judas, Saul by name, of Tarsus. For lo! he prayeth;
12 and he saw a man, Ananias by name, entering and laying on him hands [entering and putting to him hands], that he receive sight.
13 And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard of many of this man, how great evil he did to thy saints in Jerusalem;
14 and this hath power of the princes of priests, to bind all men that call thy name to help.
15 And the Lord said to him, Go thou, for this is to me a vessel of choosing, that he bear my name before heathen men, and kings, and before the sons of Israel [that he bear my name before heathen men, and kings, and the sons of Israel].
16 For I shall show to him, how great things it behooveth him to suffer for my name.
17 And Ananias went, and entered into the house; and laid on him his hands, and said [and he putting to him the hands, said], Saul brother, the Lord Jesus sent me, that appeared to thee in the way, in which thou camest, that thou see, and be full-filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And at once as the scales felled from his eyes, he received sight [And anon there felled from his eyes as scales, and he received sight]. And he rose, and was baptized.
19 And when he had taken meat, he was comforted. And he was by some days with the disciples, that were at Damascus.
20 And at once [And anon] he entered into the synagogues, and preached the Lord Jesus, for this is the Son of God.
21 And all men that heard him, wondered, and said, Whether this is not he that impugned in Jerusalem them that called to help this name? and hither he came for this thing [and hither for this thing he came], that he should lead them bound to the princes of priests?
22 But Saul much the more waxed strong, and confounded the Jews that dwelled at Damascus, and affirmed that this is Christ [affirming for this is Christ].
23 And when many days were filled [were fulfilled], Jews made a counsel, that they should slay him.
24 And the ambushes of them were made known to Saul. And they kept the gates day and night, that they should slay him.
25 But his disciples took him by night, and delivered him, and let him down in a basket by the wall.
26 And when he came into Jerusalem, he assayed to join him(self) to the disciples[a]; and all dreaded him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took, and led him to the apostles, and told to them, how in the way he had seen the Lord, and that he spake to him, and how in Damascus he did trustily in the name of Jesus.
28 And he was with them, and entered, and went out in Jerusalem, and did trustily in the name of Jesus. [And he was with them, entering and going out in Jerusalem, doing trustily in the name of the Lord.]
29 And he spake with heathen men [And he spake to heathen men], and disputed with Greeks. And they sought to slay him.
30 Which thing when the brethren had known, they led him by night to Caesarea, and let him go to Tarsus.
31 And the church by all Judaea, and Galilee, and Samaria, had peace, and was edified, and walked in the dread of the Lord, and was filled with comfort of the Holy Ghost [walking in the dread of the Lord, and was full-filled in the comfort of the Holy Ghost].
32 And it befelled, that Peter, the while he passed about all[b], came to the holy men that dwelled at Lydda.
33 And he found [there] a man, Aeneas by name, that from eight years he had lain bed-ridden; and he was sick in the palsy. [Forsooth he found there some man, Aeneas by name, from eight years lying in bed; the which was sick in palsy.]
34 And Peter said to him, Aeneas, the Lord Jesus Christ heal thee; rise thou, and array, either make ready, thee. And at once he rose [And anon he rose].
35 And all men that dwelt at Lydda, and at Saron [And all men that dwelled at Lydda, and Saron], saw him, which were converted to the Lord.
36 And in Joppa was a discipless, whose name was Tabitha, that is to say, Dorcas [Forsooth in Joppa was some discipless, by name Tabitha, which interpreted, is said Dorcas]. This was full of good works and almsdeeds, that she did.
37 And it befelled in those days, that she was sick, and died. And when they had washed her [Forsooth it was made in those days, that she was sick and died. Which when they had washed], they laid her in a solar.
38 And for Lydda was nigh Joppa [Forsooth when Lydda was nigh from Joppa], the disciples heard that Peter was therein, and sent two men to him, and prayed [praying], That thou tarry not to come to us.
39 And Peter rose up, and came with them. And when he was come, they led him into the solar. And all the widows stood about him, weeping, and showing coats and clothes, which Dorcas made to them.
40 And when all men were put withoutforth, Peter kneeled, and prayed. And he turned to the body, and said, Tabitha, arise thou [Tabitha, rise up]. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 And he took her by the hand, and raised her [Forsooth he gave to her the hand, and raised her]. And when he had called the holy men and widows, he assigned her alive.
42 And it was made known by all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
43 And it was made, that many days he dwelled in Joppa, at one Simon, a currier [a currier, or tanner].
Acts 9
New Matthew Bible
Paul is converted & confounds the Jews. Peter raises Tabitha.
9 And Saul, still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues, so that if he found any who were of this Way, whether they were men or women, he could bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 But as he journeyed and came near to Damascus, suddenly there shone round about him a light from heaven. 4 And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? 5 And he said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus, whom you persecute. It is hard for you to kick against the prick. And he, both trembling and astonished, said, Lord, what will you have me to do? And the Lord said to him, 6 Arise and go into the city, and it will be told you what you must do.
7 The men who journeyed with him stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no one. 8 And Saul arose from the ground and opened his eyes, but saw no one. Then they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus. For he is praying, 12 and has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in to him and putting his hands on him, so that he may receive his sight.
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem, 14 and here he has authority from the high priests to arrest all who call on your name.
15 The Lord said to him, Go your way. For he is a chosen vessel of mine, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him what great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 Ananias went his way and entered into the house, and put his hands on him and said, Brother Saul, the Lord who appeared to you on the road as you came has sent me, so that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received sight and arose, and was baptized, 19 and took food, and was comforted.
Then Saul spent some days with the disciples who were at Damascus. 20 And straightaway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he was the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed and said, Is this not the man that ravaged those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here intending to bring them as prisoners to the high priests?
22 But Saul increased in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that Jesus was the very Christ.
23 And after a good while the Jews took counsel together, to kill him. 24 But Paul knew they were laying in wait. And they watched at the gates day and night, to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall and let him down in a basket.
26 And when Saul got to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself with the disciples. But they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and explained to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and had spoken with him, and how bold he had been at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 And Saul had his intercourse with them at Jerusalem, 29 and acquitted himself boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. And he spoke and disputed with the Greeks, and they went about to kill him. 30 But when the brethren knew of this, they brought him to Caesarea and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 Then the congregations had rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were strengthened, and walked in the fear of the Lord, and multiplied by the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32 And it chanced that, as Peter walked throughout all the country, he came to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Eneas, who had been confined to his bed sick for eight years, paralyzed. 34 Then Peter said to him, Eneas, may Jesus Christ make you whole! Arise, and make your bed. And he arose immediately. 35 And all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36 There was at Joppa a certain woman, a disciple named Tabitha (which, translated, is Dorcas). She was full of good works and alms-deeds that she did. 37 And it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in a chamber. 38 Because Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent to him, imploring him not to be grieved to come to them.
39 Peter arose and went with them. And when he arrived, they brought him into the chamber. And all the widows stood round about him, weeping and showing the coats and the garments that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 And Peter put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed, and turned to the body and said, Tabitha, arise! And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and lifted her up, and called the saints and widows, and showed her alive.
42 And this was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 And it came about that Peter stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
Acts 9
1599 Geneva Bible
9 2 Saul going towards Damascus, 4 is stricken down to the ground of the Lord: 10 Ananias is sent 18 to baptize him. 23 The laying away of the Jews, 25 he escapeth, being let down through the wall. 33 Peter cureth Aeneas of the palsy, 36 and by him Tabitha being dead, 40 is restored to life.
1 And (A)[a]Saul yet [b]breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high Priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the Synagogues, that if he found any that were of that [c]way, (either men or women) he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 Now as he journeyed, it came to pass that as he was come near to Damascus, (B)suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven.
4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is [d]hard for thee to kick against pricks.
6 He then both trembling and astonied, said, Lord, what wilt thou that I do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.
7 The men also which journeyed with him, [e]stood amazed, hearing his [f]voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the ground, and opened his eyes, but saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus,
9 Where he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here Lord.
11 Then the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas after one called Saul of [g]Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth.
12 (And he saw in a vision a man named Ananias coming in to him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.)
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem.
14 Moreover here he hath authority of the high Priests, to bind all that call on thy Name.
15 Then the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a [h]chosen vessel unto me, to bear my Name before the Gentiles, and Kings, and the children of Israel.
16 For I will [i]show him, how many things he must suffer for my Name’s sake.
17 Then Ananias went his way, and entered into [j]that house, and put his hands on him, and saith, Brother Saul, the Lord hath sent me (even Jesus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest) that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and suddenly he received sight, and arose, and was baptized,
19 And received meat, and was strengthened. So was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 [k]And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues, that he was that Son of God.
21 So that all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he, that made havoc of them which called on this Name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he should bring them bound unto the high Priests?
22 [l]But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, [m]confirming that this was that Christ.
23 [n]And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him,
24 But their laying await was known of Saul: now they (C)watched the gates day and night, that they might kill him.
25 [o]Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall, and let him down by a rope in a basket.
26 [p]And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself with the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the Apostles, and declared to them, how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken unto him, and how he had spoken boldly at Damascus in the Name of Jesus.
28 [q]And he was conversant [r]with them at Jerusalem,
29 And spake boldly in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and spake and disputed against the [s]Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30 [t]But when the brethren knew it, they brought him to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 [u]Then had the Churches rest through all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were [v]edified, and walked in the fear of the Lord, and were multiplied by the comfort of the holy Ghost.
32 [w]And it came to pass, as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his couch eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
34 Then said Peter unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise and truss thy couch together. And he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at [x]Lydda and Sharon, saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36 [y]There was also at Joppa a certain woman, a disciple named Tabitha (which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was full of good works and alms which she did.
37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38 Now forasmuch as Lydda was near to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring that he would not delay to come unto them.
39 Then Peter arose and came with them: and when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber, where all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments, which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed, and turned him to the body, and said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, sat up.
41 Then he gave her the hand and lifted her up, and called the Saints and widows, and restored her alive.
42 And it was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.
43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a Tanner.
Footnotes
- Acts 9:1 Saul (who is also Paul) persecuting Christ most cruelly, who did as it were flee before him, falleth into his hands, and is overcome: and with a singular example of the goodness of God, instead of punishment which he justly deserved for his cruelty, is not only received to favor, but is also even by the mouth of God appointed an Apostle, and is confirmed by the ministry and witness of Ananias.
- Acts 9:1 This is a token that Saul’s stomach boiled and cast out great threatenings to murder the disciples.
- Acts 9:2 Any trade of life which a man taketh himself unto, the Jews call a way.
- Acts 9:5 This is a proverb which is spoken of them that through their own stubbornness hurt themselves.
- Acts 9:7 Stood still and could not go one step forward, but abode amazed as if they had been very stones.
- Acts 9:7 They heard Paul’s voice: for afterwards it is said in flattering, that they heard not his voice that speak: as beneath, Acts 22:9. But others go about to set these places at one which seem to be at ajar, after this sort, to wit, that they heard a sound of a voice, but no perfect voice.
- Acts 9:11 Tarsus was a city of Cilicia near unto Anchiala, which two cities Sardanapalus is said to have built in one day.
- Acts 9:15 To bear my name in.
- Acts 9:16 I will show him plainly.
- Acts 9:17 Into Judas’s house.
- Acts 9:20 Paul beginneth straightways to execute the office which was enjoined him, never consulting with flesh and blood.
- Acts 9:22 Paul striveth not with his own authority alone, but with the testimonies of the Prophets.
- Acts 9:22 By conferring places of the Scripture together, as cunning craftsman do, when they make up anything, they use to gather all parts together, to make them agree fitly one with another.
- Acts 9:23 Paul, who was before a persecutor, hath now persecution laid before himself, but yet afar off.
- Acts 9:25 We are not forbidden to avoid and eschew the dangers and conspiracies that the enemies of God lay for us, so that we swerve not from our vocation.
- Acts 9:26 In ancient times no man was rashly or lightly received into the number of and amongst the sheep of Christ, much less to be a pastor.
- Acts 9:28 The constant servants of God must look for danger after danger: yet God watcheth for them.
- Acts 9:28 With Peter and James, for he saith that he saw none of the Apostles but them, Gal. 1:18-19.
- Acts 9:29 See Acts 6:1.
- Acts 9:30 The ministers of the word may change their place, by the advice and counsel of the congregation and Church.
- Acts 9:31 The end of persecution is the building of the Church, so that we will patiently wait for the Lord.
- Acts 9:31 This is a borrowed kind of speech, which signifieth establishment and increase.
- Acts 9:32 Peter’s Apostleship is confirmed by healing of the man that was sick of the palsy.
- Acts 9:35 Lydda was a city of Palestine, and Sharon a Champion country and a place of good pasturage between Caesarea of Palestine and the mountain Tabor, and the lake of Gennesaret, which extendeth itself in great length beyond Joppa.
- Acts 9:36 Peter declareth evidently by raising up a dead body through the Name of Christ, that he preacheth the glad tidings of life.
Acts 9
Authorized (King James) Version
9 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, 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 days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 but their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cæsarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Æneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy. 34 And Peter said unto him, Æneas, Jesus 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 Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
2001 by Terence P. Noble
Copyright © 2016 by Ruth Magnusson (Davis). Includes emendations to February 2022. All rights reserved.
Geneva Bible, 1599 Edition. Published by Tolle Lege Press. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations in articles, reviews, and broadcasts.
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