Prologue

1 I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach^{(A) 2} until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.^{(B) 3} After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.^(C)

The Holy Spirit Promised

⁴ While He was together^[a] with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise.^(D) “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”^(E)

⁶ So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

⁷ He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by His own authority.^{(F) 8} But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends^[b] of the earth.”^(G)

The Ascension

⁹ After He had said this, He was taken up as they were watching, and a cloud took Him out of their sight. ¹⁰ While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them.^{(H) 11} They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”^(I)

United in Prayer

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they arrived, they went to the room^(J) upstairs where they were staying:

¹⁴ All these were continually united^(L) in prayer,^[c] along with the women, including Mary^[d] the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.^(M)

Matthias Chosen

¹⁵ During these days Peter stood up among the brothers^[e]—the number of people who were together was about 120—and said: ¹⁶ “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.^{(N) 17} For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.”^{(O) 18} Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.^{(P) 19} This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood). ²⁰ “For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

²¹ “Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us— ²² beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.”^(R)

²³ So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.^{(S) 24} Then they prayed,^(T) “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen^{(U) 25} to take the place^[h] in this apostolic service^(V) that Judas left to go to his own place.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots^(W) for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.

Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place.^{(X) 2} Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind^(Y) came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.^{(Z) 3} And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. ⁴ Then they were all filled^(AA) with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability for speech.^(AB)

⁵ There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation^(AC) under heaven. ⁶ When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language. ⁷ And they were astounded and amazed, saying,^[i] “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?^{(AD) 8} How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,^{(AE) 10} Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,^{(AF) 11} Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.” ¹² They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?” ¹³ But some sneered and said, “They’re full of new wine!”^(AG)

Peter’s Sermon

¹⁴ But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: “Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this^[j] to you and pay attention to my words. ¹⁵ For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.^{[k] 16} On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

²² “Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the Nazarene was a man pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him, just as you yourselves know.^{(AM) 23} Though He was delivered up according to God’s determined plan and foreknowledge, you used^[m] lawless people^[n] to nail Him to a cross and kill Him.^{(AN) 24} God raised Him up, ending the pains of death,^(AO) because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. ²⁵ For David says of Him:

²⁹ “Brothers, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.^{(AR) 30} Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants^[p][q] on his throne.^{(AS) 31} Seeing this in advance, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah:

³² “God has resurrected^(AU) this Jesus. We are all witnesses of this. ³³ Therefore, since He has been exalted to the right hand of God^(AV) and has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit,^(AW) He has poured out^(AX) what you both see and hear. ³⁴ For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

³⁶ “Therefore let all the house of Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah!”^(AZ)

Forgiveness through the Messiah

³⁷ When they heard this, they came under deep conviction^[u] and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Brothers, what must we do?”^(BA)

³⁸ “Repent,”^(BB) Peter said to them, “and be baptized,^(BC) each of you, in the name^(BD) of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off,^[v](BE) as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ And with many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt^[w] generation!”^(BF)

A Generous and Growing Church

⁴¹ So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about 3,000 people were added to them. ⁴² And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,^(BG) to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.^(BH)

⁴³ Then fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.^{(BI) 44} Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.^{(BJ) 45} They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need.^{[x] 46} Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple complex, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with a joyful and humble attitude,^{(BK) 47} praising God and having favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to them^[y] those who were being saved.^(BL)

Healing of a Lame Man

3 Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple complex at the hour of prayer^(BM) at three in the afternoon.^{[z] 2} And a man who was lame from birth was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex.^{(BN) 3} When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple complex, he asked for help. ⁴ Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, “Look at us.” ⁵ So he turned to them,^[aa] expecting to get something from them. ⁶ But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”^{(BO) 7} Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong. ⁸ So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.^{(BP) 9} All the people saw him walking and praising God, ¹⁰ and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.^(BQ)

Preaching in Solomon’s Colonnade

¹¹ While he^[ab] was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, greatly amazed, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(BR) 12} When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers,^(BS) has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate,^(BT) when he had decided to release Him. ¹⁴ But you denied the Holy and Righteous One^(BU) and asked to have a murderer given to you.^{(BV) 15} You killed the source^[ac] of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this.^{(BW) 16} By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

¹⁷ “And now, brothers, I know that you did it in ignorance, just as your leaders also did.^{(BX) 18} But what God predicted through the mouth of all the prophets—that His Messiah would suffer—He has fulfilled^(BY) in this way. ¹⁹ Therefore repent^(BZ) and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out,^(CA) that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,^{[ad] 20} and that He may send Jesus, who has been appointed^(CB) for you as the Messiah. ²¹ Heaven must welcome^[ae] Him until the times of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about by the mouth of His holy prophets from the beginning.^{(CC) 22} Moses said:^[af]

²⁴ “In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also announced these days. ²⁵ You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors, saying to Abraham, And all the families of the earth will be blessed through your offspring.^{(CE)[ah] 26} God raised up His Servant^[ai] and sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.”^(CF)

Peter and John Arrested

4 Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them,^{(CG) 2} because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as the example.^{[aj](CH) 3} So they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening. ⁴ But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about 5,000.

Peter and John Face the Jewish Leadership

⁵ The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem ⁶ with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.^{[ak](CI) 7} After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: “By what power or in what name have you done this?”

⁸ Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit and said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders:^{[al](CJ) 9} If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man—by what means he was healed— ¹⁰ let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy.^{(CK) 11} This Jesus is

¹² There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to people, and we must be saved by it.”^(CM)

The Name Forbidden

¹³ When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus.^{(CN) 14} And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response. ¹⁵ After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves, ¹⁶ saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it!^{(CO) 17} However, so this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.” ¹⁸ So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

¹⁹ But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it’s right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide;^{(CP) 20} for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”^(CQ)

²¹ After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done;^{(CR) 22} for this sign of healing had been performed on a man over 40 years old.

Prayer for Boldness

²³ After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ²⁴ When they heard this, they all raised their voices to God and said, “Master, You are the One who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.^{(CS) 25} You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David Your servant:^[ao]

²⁷ “For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people^[aq] of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed,^{(CU) 28} to do whatever Your hand and Your plan had predestined to take place. ²⁹ And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that Your slaves may speak Your message with complete boldness,^{(CV) 30} while You stretch out Your hand for healing, signs, and wonders^(CW) to be performed through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” ³¹ When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak God’s message with boldness.^(CX)

Believers Sharing

³² Now the large group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one said that any of his possessions was his own, but instead they held everything in common.^{(CY) 33} And the apostles were giving testimony with great power to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on all of them.^{(CZ) 34} For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,^{(DA) 35} and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed for each person’s basic needs.^[ar](DB)

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement,^{(DC) 37} sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.^(DD)

Lying to the Holy Spirit

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. ² However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.^(DE)

³ Then Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart^(DF) to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the proceeds from the field? ⁴ Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!” ⁵ When he heard these words, Ananias dropped dead, and a great fear came on all who heard.^{(DG) 6} The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.^(DH)

⁷ There was an interval of about three hours; then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ “Tell me,” Peter asked her, “did you sell the field for this price?”

“Yes,” she said, “for that price.”

⁹ Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!”^(DI)

¹⁰ Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.

Apostolic Signs and Wonders

¹² Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.^(DJ) By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(DK) 13} None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly.^{(DL) 14} Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—crowds of both men and women. ¹⁵ As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow^(DM) might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ In addition, a large group came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

In and Out of Prison

¹⁷ Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues, those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.^{(DN) 18} So they arrested^[as] the apostles and put them in the city jail.^{(DO) 19} But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said,^{(DP) 20} “Go and stand in the temple complex, and tell the people all about this life.”^{(DQ) 21} In obedience to this, they entered the temple complex at daybreak and began to teach.

The Apostles on Trial Again

When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full Senate of the sons of Israel—and sent orders to the jail to have them brought.^{(DR) 22} But when the temple police got there, they did not find them in the jail, so they returned and reported, ²³ “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” ²⁴ As^[at] the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this.

²⁵ Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple complex and teaching the people.” ²⁶ Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.^{(DS) 27} After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked, ²⁸ “Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name?^(DT) And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us!”^(DU)

²⁹ But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. ³⁰ The God of our fathers raised up Jesus,^(DV) whom you had murdered by hanging Him on a tree.^{(DW) 31} God exalted this man to His right hand as ruler and Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.^{(DX) 32} We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit^(DY) whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

³³ When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.^{(DZ) 34} A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men^[au] to be taken outside for a little while.^{(EA) 35} He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men. ³⁶ Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing.^{(EB) 37} After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following.^[av] That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered. ³⁸ And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;^{(EC) 39} but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him.^{(ED) 40} After they called in the apostles and had them flogged, they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them.^{(EE) 41} Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name.^{[aw](EF) 42} Every day in the temple complex, and in various homes, they continued teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 In those days, as the number of the disciples^(EG) was multiplying, there arose a complaint by the Hellenistic Jews^[ax] against the Hebraic Jews^[ay] that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.^{(EH) 2} Then the Twelve summoned the whole company of the disciples and said, “It would not be right for us to give up preaching about God to handle financial matters.^{[az] 3} Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men of good reputation,^(EI) full of the Spirit^(EJ) and wisdom, whom we can appoint to this duty. ⁴ But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the preaching ministry.” ⁵ The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen,^(EK) a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.^{(EL) 6} They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed^(EM) and laid their hands on^(EN) them.^[ba]

⁷ So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied^(EO) greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

⁸ Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Then some from what is called the Freedmen’s Synagogue, composed of both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and disputed with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.

¹¹ Then they persuaded some men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!”^{(EP) 12} They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, dragged him off, and took him to the Sanhedrin. ¹³ They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.^{(EQ) 14} For we heard him say that Jesus, this Nazarene, will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”^{(ER) 15} And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen’s Sermon

7 “Is this true?”^[bb] the high priest asked.

² “Brothers and fathers,” he said, “listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran,^{(ES) 3} and said to him:

⁴ “Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this land you now live in.^{(EU) 5} He didn’t give him an inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, but He promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him,^(EV) even though he was childless. ⁶ God spoke in this way:

⁸ Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision. After this, he fathered Isaac and circumcised^(EX) him on the eighth day; Isaac did the same with Jacob, and Jacob with the 12 patriarchs.^(EY)

The Patriarchs in Egypt

⁹ “The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, but God was with him^{(EZ) 10} and rescued him out of all his troubles. He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over his whole household.^{(FA) 11} Then a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan,^(FB) and our ancestors could find no food. ¹² When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors the first time. ¹³ The second time, Joseph was revealed to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh. ¹⁴ Joseph then invited his father Jacob and all his relatives, 75 people in all,^{(FC) 15} and Jacob went down to Egypt. He and our ancestors died there,^{(FD) 16} were carried back to Shechem, and were placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.^(FE)

Moses, a Rejected Savior

¹⁷ “As the time was drawing near to fulfill the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people flourished and multiplied in Egypt^{(FF) 18} until a different king who did not know Joseph ruled over Egypt.^{[be] 19} He dealt deceitfully with our race and oppressed our ancestors by making them leave their infants outside, so they wouldn’t survive.^{[bf](FG) 20} At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. He was cared for in his father’s home three months, ²¹ and when he was left outside, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted and raised him as her own son.^{(FH) 22} So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in his speech and actions.^(FI)

²³ “As he was approaching the age of 40, he decided^[bg] to visit his brothers, the Israelites. ²⁴ When he saw one of them being mistreated, he came to his rescue and avenged the oppressed man by striking down the Egyptian. ²⁵ He assumed his brothers would understand that God would give them deliverance through him, but they did not understand. ²⁶ The next day he showed up while they were fighting and tried to reconcile them peacefully, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’^(FJ)

²⁷ “But the one who was mistreating his neighbor pushed him^[bh] away, saying:

²⁹ “At this disclosure, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.^{(FL) 30} After 40 years had passed, an angel^[bj] appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush. ³¹ When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he was approaching to look at it, the voice of the Lord came: ³² I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob.^(FM)[bk] So Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look.

³³ “Then the Lord said to him:

³⁵ “This Moses, whom they rejected when they said, Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?^[bm]—this one God sent as a ruler and a redeemer by means of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.^{(FO) 36} This man led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt,^(FP) at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness 40 years.^(FQ)

Israel’s Rebellion against God

³⁷ “This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, God^[bn] will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers.^{(FR)[bo] 38} He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors.^(FS) He received living oracles to give to us.^{(FT) 39} Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him, but pushed him away, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.^{(FU) 40} They told Aaron:

⁴¹ They even made a calf in those days, offered sacrifice to the idol, and were celebrating what their hands had made.^{(FW) 42} Then God turned away^(FX) and gave them up to worship^(FY) the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:

God’s Real Tabernacle

⁴⁴ “Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern he had seen.^{(GA) 45} Our ancestors in turn received it and with Joshua brought it in when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers,^(GB) until the days of David. ⁴⁶ He found favor in God’s sight and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God^[bt] of Jacob.^{(GC) 47} But it was Solomon who built Him a house.^{(GD) 48} However, the Most High does not dwell in sanctuaries made with hands, as the prophet says:^(GE)

Resisting the Holy Spirit

⁵¹ “You stiff-necked^(GG) people with uncircumcised hearts and ears!^(GH) You are always resisting the Holy Spirit; as your ancestors did, so do you. ⁵² Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?^(GI) They even killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers^(GJ) you have now become. ⁵³ You received the law under the direction of angels^(GK) and yet have not kept it.”

The First Christian Martyr

⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were enraged in their hearts^[bv] and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, filled by the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw God’s glory, with^[bw] Jesus standing at the right hand of God,^(GL) and he said, ⁵⁶ “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”^(GM)

⁵⁷ Then they screamed at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. ⁵⁸ They threw him out of the city and began to stone^(GN) him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.^{(GO) 59} They were stoning Stephen as he called out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”^{(GP) 60} Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice,^(GQ) “Lord, do not charge them with this sin!” And saying this, he fell asleep.^(GR)

Saul the Persecutor

8 Saul agreed with putting him to death.

On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.^{(GS) 2} Devout men buried Stephen and mourned deeply over him. ³ Saul,^(GT) however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.^(GU)

Philip in Samaria

⁴ So those who were scattered went on their way preaching the message of good news. ⁵ Philip went down to a^[bx] city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah to them.^{(GV) 6} The crowds paid attention with one mind to what Philip said, as they heard and saw the signs he was performing. ⁷ For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.^{(GW) 8} So there was great joy in that city.

The Response of Simon

⁹ A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and astounded the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great.^{(GX) 10} They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, “This man is called the Great Power of God!”^{[by](GY) 11} They were attentive to him because he had astounded them with his sorceries for a long time. ¹² But when they believed Philip, as he preached the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.^{(GZ) 13} Then even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he went around constantly with^[bz] Philip and was astounded as he observed the signs and great miracles^(HA) that were being performed.

Simon’s Sin

¹⁴ When the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had welcomed God’s message, they sent Peter and John to them.^{(HB) 15} After they went down there, they prayed for them, so the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit. ¹⁶ For He had not yet come down on^[ca] any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.^{(HC) 17} Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

¹⁸ When Simon saw that the Holy^[cb] Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, ¹⁹ saying, “Give me this power too, so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”

²⁰ But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought the gift of God could be obtained with money!^{(HD) 21} You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God.^{(HE) 22} Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. ²³ For I see you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity.”^(HF)

²⁴ “Please pray^[cc] to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”^(HG)

²⁵ Then, after they had testified and spoken the message of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, evangelizing many villages of the Samaritans.

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Official

²⁶ An angel of the Lord spoke to Philip: “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is the desert road.)^{[cd](HH) 27} So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch^(HI) and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians,^[ce] who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem^{(HJ) 28} and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.

²⁹ The Spirit told Philip, “Go and join that chariot.”^(HK)

³⁰ When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”

³¹ “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. ³² Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:

³⁴ The eunuch replied to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or another person?” ³⁵ So Philip proceeded^[cg] to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture.^(HM)

³⁶ As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?” [³⁷ And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]^{[ch] 38} Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord^(HN) carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer. But he went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ Philip appeared in^[ci] Azotus,^[cj] and he was traveling and evangelizing all the towns until he came to Caesarea.^(HO)

The Damascus Road

9 Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples^(HP) of the Lord. He went to the high priest^{(HQ) 2} and requested letters^(HR) from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way,^(HS) he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem. ³ As^(HT) he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him. ⁴ Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

⁵ “Who are You, Lord?” he said.

“I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied. ⁶ “But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

⁷ The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one.^{(HU) 8} Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. ⁹ He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.

Saul’s Baptism

¹⁰ There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Here I am, Lord!” he said.^(HV)

¹¹ “Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus^(HW) named Saul, since he is praying there. ¹² In a vision^[ck] he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.”^(HX)

¹³ “Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.^{(HY) 14} And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”^(HZ)

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go! For this man is My chosen instrument^(IA) to take My name to Gentiles,^(IB) kings, and the Israelites.^{(IC) 16} I will show him how much he must suffer for My name!”^(ID)

¹⁷ So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”^(IE)

¹⁸ At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. ¹⁹ And after taking some food, he regained his strength.^(IF)

Saul Proclaiming the Messiah

Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days. ²⁰ Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.”^(IG)

²¹ But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?”^(IH)

²² But Saul grew more capable and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that this One is the Messiah.

²³ After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, ²⁴ but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him,^{(II) 25} but his disciples took him by night and lowered him in a large basket through an opening in the wall.^(IJ)

Saul in Jerusalem

²⁶ When he arrived in Jerusalem,^(IK) he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple. ²⁷ Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly^(IL) in the name of Jesus.^{(IM) 28} Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. ²⁹ He conversed and debated with the Hellenistic Jews,^[cl] but they attempted to kill him.^{(IN) 30} When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.^(IO)

³¹ So the church^(IP) throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, and it increased in numbers.

The Healing of Aeneas

³² As Peter was traveling from place to place,^[cm] he also came down to the saints^(IQ) who lived in Lydda.^{(IR) 33} There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years. ³⁴ Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed,”^[cn] and immediately he got up.^{(IS) 35} So all who lived in Lydda and Sharon^(IT) saw him and turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

³⁶ In Joppa^(IU) there was a disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas.^[co] She was always doing good works^(IV) and acts of charity. ³⁷ In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs. ³⁸ Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who begged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.” ³⁹ So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them. ⁴⁰ Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.^{(IW) 41} He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive. ⁴² This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ⁴³ And Peter stayed on many days in Joppa with Simon,^(IX) a leather tanner.^[cp]

Cornelius’s Vision

10 There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment.^{(IY) 2} He was a devout man and feared God along with his whole household. He did many charitable deeds for the Jewish people and always prayed to God.^{(IZ) 3} About three in the afternoon^[cq] he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!”^(JA)

⁴ Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, lord?”

The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God.^{(JB) 5} Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter. ⁶ He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”^(JC)

⁷ When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him. ⁸ After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

⁹ The^(JD) next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop^(JE) about noon.^{[cr] 10} Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he went into a visionary state. ¹¹ He saw heaven opened^(JF) and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth. ¹² In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky. ¹³ Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat!”

¹⁴ “No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything common^[cs] and ritually unclean!”^(JG)

¹⁵ Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.”^{(JH) 16} This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven.

Peter Visits Cornelius

¹⁷ While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, stood at the gate. ¹⁸ They called out, asking if Simon, who was also named Peter, was lodging there.

¹⁹ While Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit told him, “Three men are here looking for you.^{(JI) 20} Get up, go downstairs, and accompany them with no doubts at all, because I have sent them.”^(JJ)

²¹ Then Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the one you’re looking for. What is the reason you’re here?”

²² They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.”^{(JK) 23} Peter then invited them in and gave them lodging.

The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.^{(JL) 24} The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. ²⁵ When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.

²⁶ But Peter helped him up and said, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”^{(JM) 27} While talking with him, he went on in and found that many had come together there. ²⁸ Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner.^(JN) But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean.^{(JO) 29} That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So I ask: Why did you send for me?”

³⁰ Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this hour, at three in the afternoon,^[ct] I was^[cu] praying in my house. Just then a man in a dazzling robe stood before me^{(JP) 31} and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your acts of charity have been remembered in God’s sight. ³² Therefore send someone to Joppa and invite Simon here, who is also named Peter. He is lodging in Simon the tanner’s house by the sea.’^{[cv] 33} Therefore I immediately sent for you, and you did the right thing in coming. So we are all present before God, to hear everything you have been commanded by the Lord.”

Good News for Gentiles

³⁴ Then Peter began to speak: “Now I really understand that God doesn’t show favoritism,^{(JQ) 35} but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him. ³⁶ He sent the message to the Israelites, proclaiming the good news of peace through Jesus Christ—He is Lord of all.^{(JR) 37} You know the events^[cw] that took place throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: ³⁸ how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how He went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the Devil, because God was with Him.^{(JS) 39} We ourselves are witnesses of everything He did in both the Judean country and in Jerusalem, yet they killed Him by hanging Him on a tree.^{(JT) 40} God raised up this man on the third day and permitted Him to be seen, ⁴¹ not by all the people, but by us, witnesses appointed beforehand by God, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.^{(JU) 42} He commanded us to preach to the people and to solemnly testify that He is the One appointed by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.^{(JV) 43} All the prophets testify^(JW) about Him that through His name^(JX) everyone who believes in Him will receive forgiveness of sins.”^(JY)

Gentile Conversion and Baptism

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down^(JZ) on all those who heard the message. ⁴⁵ The circumcised believers^[cx] who had come with Peter were astounded because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.^{(KA) 46} For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of^[cy] God.

Then Peter responded, ⁴⁷ “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”^{(KB) 48} And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.^(KC) Then they asked him to stay for a few days.