The Promise of the Holy Spirit

In the first book, O (A)Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began (B)to do and teach, until the day when (C)he was taken up, after he (D)had given commands (E)through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. (F)He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God.

And while staying[a] with them (G)he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for (H)John baptized with water, (I)but you will be baptized (J)with[b] the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”

The Ascension

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, (K)will you at this time (L)restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, (M)“It is not for you to know (N)times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive (O)power (P)when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and (Q)you will be (R)my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and (S)Samaria, and (T)to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, (U)he was lifted up, and (V)a cloud took him out of their sight. 10 And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, (W)two (X)men stood by them in (Y)white robes, 11 and said, (Z)“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, (AA)will (AB)come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then (AC)they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to (AD)the upper room, where they were staying, (AE)Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon (AF)the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All these (AG)with one accord (AH)were devoting themselves to prayer, together with (AI)the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and (AJ)his brothers.[c]

15 In those days Peter stood up among (AK)the brothers (the company of persons was in all about 120) and said, 16 “Brothers, (AL)the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, (AM)who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For (AN)he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in (AO)this ministry.” 18 (Now this man (AP)acquired a field with (AQ)the reward of his wickedness, and falling headlong[d] he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called (AR)in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the Book of Psalms,

(AS)“‘May his camp become desolate,
    and let there be no one to dwell in it’;

and

(AT)“‘Let another take his office.’

21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during (AU)all the time that the Lord Jesus (AV)went in and out among us, 22 (AW)beginning from the baptism of John until the day when (AX)he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us (AY)a witness to his resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called (AZ)Barsabbas, who was also called (BA)Justus, and (BB)Matthias. 24 And (BC)they prayed and said, “You, Lord, (BD)who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take the place in (BE)this ministry and (BF)apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

When (BG)the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like (BH)a mighty rushing wind, and (BI)it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues (BJ)as of fire appeared to them and rested[e] on each one of them. And they were all (BK)filled with the Holy Spirit and began (BL)to speak in other tongues (BM)as the Spirit gave them utterance.

Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And (BN)at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And (BO)they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking (BP)Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and (BQ)Medes and (BR)Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and (BS)proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” 12 And (BT)all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others (BU)mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, (BV)since it is only the third hour of the day.[f] 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:

17 (BW)“‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares,
(BX)that I will pour out my Spirit (BY)on all flesh,
and your sons and (BZ)your daughters shall prophesy,
    and your young men shall see visions,
    and your old men shall dream dreams;
18 even on my male servants and female servants
    in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and (CA)they shall prophesy.
19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,
    blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
20 (CB)the sun shall be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood,
    before (CC)the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
21 And it shall come to pass that (CD)everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, (CE)a man attested to you by God (CF)with (CG)mighty works and wonders and signs that (CH)God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus,[g] (CI)delivered up according to (CJ)the definite plan and (CK)foreknowledge of God, (CL)you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 (CM)God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because (CN)it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,

(CO)“‘I saw the Lord always before me,
    for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
    my flesh also will dwell (CP)in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to (CQ)Hades,
    (CR)or let your (CS)Holy One (CT)see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’

29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about (CU)the patriarch David (CV)that he both died and (CW)was buried, and (CX)his tomb is with us to this day. 30 (CY)Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that (CZ)God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that (DA)he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus (DB)God raised up, (DC)and of that we all are witnesses. 33 (DD)Being therefore (DE)exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from (DF)the Father (DG)the promise of the Holy Spirit, (DH)he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For (DI)David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,

(DJ)“‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35     until I make your enemies your footstool.”’

36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that (DK)God has made him (DL)both Lord and Christ, this Jesus (DM)whom you crucified.”

37 Now when (DN)they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, (DO)what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, (DP)“Repent and (DQ)be baptized every one of you (DR)in the name of Jesus Christ (DS)for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive (DT)the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For (DU)the promise is for you and (DV)for your children and for all (DW)who are far off, everyone (DX)whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” 40 And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, (DY)“Save yourselves from this (DZ)crooked generation.” 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and (EA)there were added that day about three thousand souls.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And (EB)they devoted themselves to the apostles' (EC)teaching and the (ED)fellowship, to (EE)the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[h] came upon every soul, and (EF)many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and (EG)had all things in common. 45 And (EH)they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, (EI)attending the temple (EJ)together and (EK)breaking bread in their homes, they received their food (EL)with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and (EM)having favor with all the people. And the Lord (EN)added to their number (EO)day by day those who (EP)were being saved.

The Lame Beggar Healed

Now Peter and John were (EQ)going up to the temple at (ER)the hour of prayer, (ES)the ninth hour.[i] And a man (ET)lame from birth was being carried, (EU)whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate (EV)to ask alms of those entering the temple. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” And he fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, (EW)“I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. (EX)In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And (EY)leaping up, he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And (EZ)all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks in Solomon's Portico

11 (FA)While he clung to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astounded, ran together to them in (FB)the portico called Solomon's. 12 And when Peter saw it he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? 13 (FC)The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, (FD)the God of our fathers, (FE)glorified his servant[j] Jesus, whom (FF)you delivered over and (FG)denied in the presence of Pilate, (FH)when he had decided to release him. 14 But you denied (FI)the Holy and (FJ)Righteous One, and (FK)asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and you killed (FL)the Author of life, (FM)whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16 And (FN)his name—by (FO)faith in his name—has made this man strong whom you see and know, and the faith that is (FP)through Jesus[k] has given the man this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 “And now, brothers, I know that (FQ)you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God (FR)foretold (FS)by the mouth of all the prophets, that (FT)his Christ would (FU)suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19 (FV)Repent therefore, and (FW)turn back, that (FX)your sins may be blotted out, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ (FY)appointed for you, Jesus, 21 (FZ)whom heaven must receive until the time for (GA)restoring all the things about which (GB)God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses said, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you (GC)a prophet like me from your brothers. You shall listen (GD)to him in whatever he tells you. 23 And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet (GE)shall be destroyed from the people.’ 24 And (GF)all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those who came after him, also proclaimed these days. 25 (GG)You are the sons of the prophets and of (GH)the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, (GI)‘And in your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26 (GJ)God, (GK)having raised up his servant, sent him to you first, (GL)to bless you (GM)by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”

Peter and John Before the Council

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and (GN)the captain of the temple and (GO)the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming (GP)in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. And they arrested them and (GQ)put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those who had heard the word believed, and (GR)the number of the men came to about five thousand.

On the next day their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem, with (GS)Annas the high priest and (GT)Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of the high-priestly family. And when they had set them in the midst, they inquired, (GU)“By what power or (GV)by what name did you do this?” Then Peter, (GW)filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today (GX)concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that (GY)by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, (GZ)whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. 11 (HA)This Jesus[l] is the stone that was (HB)rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone.[m] 12 And there is (HC)salvation (HD)in no one else, for (HE)there is no other (HF)name under heaven given among men[n] by which we must be saved.”

13 (HG)Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man who was healed (HH)standing beside them, (HI)they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But when they had commanded them to leave the council, they conferred with one another, 16 saying, (HJ)“What shall we do with these men? For that (HK)a notable sign has been performed through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, let us warn them (HL)to speak no more to anyone in this name.” 18 So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered them, (HM)“Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for (HN)we cannot but speak of what (HO)we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, (HP)because of the people, for all were praising God (HQ)for what had happened. 22 For the man on whom this sign of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 When they were released, they went to their friends and reported what the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices (HR)together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, (HS)who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant,[o] said by the Holy Spirit,

(HT)“‘Why did the Gentiles rage,
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth set themselves,
    and (HU)the rulers were gathered together,
    against the Lord and against his (HV)Anointed’[p]

27 for truly in this city there were gathered together against your (HW)holy servant Jesus, (HX)whom you anointed, both (HY)Herod and (HZ)Pontius Pilate, along (IA)with the Gentiles and (IB)the peoples of Israel, 28 (IC)to do whatever your hand and (ID)your plan had predestined to take place. 29 And now, Lord, (IE)look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all (IF)boldness, 30 while (IG)you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed (IH)through the name of your (II)holy servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, (IJ)the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and (IK)they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and (IL)continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of (IM)one heart and (IN)soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but (IO)they had everything in common. 33 And with great (IP)power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and (IQ)great grace was upon them all. 34 (IR)There was not a needy person among them, for (IS)as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and (IT)laid it at the apostles' feet, and (IU)it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means (IV)son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and (IW)laid it at the apostles' feet.

Ananias and Sapphira

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge (IX)he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and (IY)laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has (IZ)Satan filled your heart to lie (JA)to the Holy Spirit and (JB)to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but (JC)to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he (JD)fell down and breathed his last. And (JE)great fear came upon all who heard of it. The young men rose and (JF)wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him.

After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you[q] sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together (JG)to test (JH)the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And (JI)great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.

Many Signs and Wonders Done

12 Now many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people (JJ)by the hands of the apostles. And they were all (JK)together in (JL)Solomon's Portico. 13 None of the rest dared join them, but (JM)the people held them in high esteem. 14 And (JN)more than ever believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 (JO)so that they even (JP)carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by (JQ)at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, (JR)bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17 But the high priest rose up, and all who were with him (that is, the party of (JS)the Sadducees), and filled with (JT)jealousy 18 they arrested the apostles and (JU)put them in the public prison. 19 But during the night (JV)an angel of the Lord (JW)opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, 20 “Go and stand in the temple and speak to the people all (JX)the words of (JY)this (JZ)Life.” 21 And when they heard this, (KA)they entered the temple (KB)at daybreak and began to teach.

Now when the high priest came, and those who were with him, they called together the council, all the senate of the people of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported, 23 “We found the prison securely locked and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them we found no one inside.” 24 Now when (KC)the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them, wondering what this would come to. 25 And someone came and told them, “Look! The men whom you put in prison (KD)are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then (KE)the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for (KF)they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, (KG)“We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, yet here you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you (KH)intend to bring this man's blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, (KI)“We must obey God rather than men. 30 (KJ)The God of our fathers (KK)raised Jesus, (KL)whom you killed by hanging him on (KM)a tree. 31 God exalted (KN)him at his right hand as (KO)Leader and (KP)Savior, (KQ)to give (KR)repentance to Israel and (KS)forgiveness of sins. 32 And (KT)we are witnesses to these things, and (KU)so is the Holy Spirit, (KV)whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they (KW)were enraged and wanted to kill them. 34 But a Pharisee in the council named (KX)Gamaliel, (KY)a teacher of the law held in honor by all the people, stood up and gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For (KZ)before these days Theudas rose up, (LA)claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of (LB)the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for (LC)if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but (LD)if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You (LE)might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice, 40 and (LF)when they had called in the apostles, (LG)they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 Then they left the presence of the council, (LH)rejoicing that they were counted worthy (LI)to suffer dishonor for (LJ)the name. 42 And every day, (LK)in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and (LL)preaching (LM)that the Christ is Jesus.

Seven Chosen to Serve

Now in these days (LN)when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists[r] arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in (LO)the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. (LP)Therefore, brothers,[s] pick out from among you seven men (LQ)of good repute, (LR)full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But (LS)we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, (LT)a man full of faith and (LU)of the Holy Spirit, and (LV)Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, (LW)a proselyte of Antioch. These they set before the apostles, and (LX)they prayed and (LY)laid their hands on them.

And (LZ)the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests (MA)became obedient to (MB)the faith.

Stephen Is Seized

And Stephen, full of grace and (MC)power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. Then some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen. 10 But (MD)they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then (ME)they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council, 13 and they (MF)set up false (MG)witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against (MH)this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth (MI)will destroy this place and will (MJ)change (MK)the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face (ML)was like the face of an angel.

Stephen's Speech

And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said:

(MM)“Brothers and fathers, hear me. (MN)The God (MO)of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, (MP)before he lived in Haran, and said to him, (MQ)‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ (MR)Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And (MS)after his father died, (MT)God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised (MU)to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, (MV)though he had no child. And God spoke to this effect—that (MW)his offspring would (MX)be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them (MY)four hundred years. ‘But (MZ)I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out (NA)and worship me in this place.’ And (NB)he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And (NC)so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and (ND)circumcised him on the eighth day, and (NE)Isaac became the father of Jacob, and (NF)Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

“And the patriarchs, (NG)jealous of Joseph, (NH)sold him into Egypt; but (NI)God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and (NJ)gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, (NK)who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 Now (NL)there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. 12 (NM)But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. 13 And (NN)on the second visit (NO)Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and (NP)Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 And (NQ)Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, (NR)seventy-five persons in all. 15 And (NS)Jacob went down into Egypt, and (NT)he died, he (NU)and our fathers, 16 and (NV)they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that (NW)Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

17 “But (NX)as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, (NY)the people increased and multiplied in Egypt 18 until there arose over Egypt another king (NZ)who did not know Joseph. 19 (OA)He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, (OB)so that they would not be kept alive. 20 (OC)At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house, 21 and (OD)when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses (OE)was instructed in (OF)all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was (OG)mighty in his words and deeds.

23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart (OH)to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. 25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. 26 (OI)And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’ 27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, (OJ)‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 At this retort (OK)Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, (OL)where he became the father of two sons.

30 “Now when forty years had passed, (OM)an angel appeared to him (ON)in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: 32 (OO)‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33 Then the Lord said to him, (OP)‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 (OQ)I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and (OR)have heard their groaning, and (OS)I have come down to deliver them. (OT)And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, (OU)saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer (OV)by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 (OW)This man led them out, performing (OX)wonders and signs (OY)in Egypt and (OZ)at the Red Sea and (PA)in the wilderness for (PB)forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you (PC)a prophet like me from your brothers.’ 38 This is the one (PD)who was in the congregation in the wilderness with (PE)the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. (PF)He received (PG)living (PH)oracles to give to us. 39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and (PI)in their hearts they turned to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, (PJ)‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 And (PK)they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and (PL)were rejoicing in (PM)the works of their hands. 42 But (PN)God turned away and (PO)gave them over to worship (PP)the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:

(PQ)“‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices,
    (PR)during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
43 You took up the tent of (PS)Moloch
    and the star of your god Rephan,
    the images that you made to worship;
and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’

44 “Our fathers had (PT)the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses (PU)directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn (PV)brought it in with Joshua when they (PW)dispossessed the nations (PX)that God drove out before our fathers. So it was (PY)until the days of David, 46 (PZ)who found favor in the sight of God and (QA)asked to find a dwelling place for (QB)the God of Jacob.[t] 47 But it was (QC)Solomon who built a house for him. 48 (QD)Yet the Most High does not dwell (QE)in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,

49 (QF)“‘Heaven is my throne,
    (QG)and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
    or what is the place of my rest?
50 Did not my hand make all these things?’

51 (QH)“You stiff-necked people, (QI)uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. (QJ)As your fathers did, so do you. 52 (QK)Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of (QL)the Righteous One, (QM)whom you have now betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law (QN)as delivered by angels and (QO)did not keep it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 Now when they heard these things (QP)they were enraged, and they (QQ)ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, (QR)full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw (QS)the glory of God, and Jesus standing (QT)at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see (QU)the heavens opened, and (QV)the Son of Man standing (QW)at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together[u] at him.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 1:4 Or eating
  2. Acts 1:5 Or in
  3. Acts 1:14 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 15
  4. Acts 1:18 Or swelling up
  5. Acts 2:3 Or And tongues as of fire appeared to them, distributed among them, and rested
  6. Acts 2:15 That is, 9 a.m.
  7. Acts 2:23 Greek this one
  8. Acts 2:43 Or fear
  9. Acts 3:1 That is, 3 p.m.
  10. Acts 3:13 Or child; also verse 26
  11. Acts 3:16 Greek him
  12. Acts 4:11 Greek This one
  13. Acts 4:11 Greek the head of the corner
  14. Acts 4:12 The Greek word anthropoi refers here to both men and women
  15. Acts 4:25 Or child; also verses 27, 30
  16. Acts 4:26 Or Christ
  17. Acts 5:8 The Greek for you is plural here
  18. Acts 6:1 That is, Greek-speaking Jews
  19. Acts 6:3 Or brothers and sisters
  20. Acts 7:46 Some manuscripts for the house of Jacob
  21. Acts 7:57 Or rushed with one mind

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

In my former book,(A) Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach(B) until the day he was taken up to heaven,(C) after giving instructions(D) through the Holy Spirit to the apostles(E) he had chosen.(F) After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them(G) over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.(H) On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait(I) for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.(J) For John baptized with[a] water,(K) but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”(L)

Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore(M) the kingdom to Israel?”

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.(N) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;(O) and you will be my witnesses(P) in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria,(Q) and to the ends of the earth.”(R)

After he said this, he was taken up(S) before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white(T) stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,”(U) they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back(V) in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem(W) from the hill called the Mount of Olives,(X) a Sabbath day’s walk[c] from the city. 13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room(Y) where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.(Z) 14 They all joined together constantly in prayer,(AA) along with the women(AB) and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.(AC)

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers and sisters,[d](AD) the Scripture had to be fulfilled(AE) in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas,(AF) who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number(AG) and shared in our ministry.”(AH)

18 (With the payment(AI) he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field;(AJ) there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language(AK) Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:

“‘May his place be deserted;
    let there be no one to dwell in it,’[e](AL)

and,

“‘May another take his place of leadership.’[f](AM)

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism(AN) to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness(AO) with us of his resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed,(AP) “Lord, you know everyone’s heart.(AQ) Show us(AR) which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.(AS)

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

When the day of Pentecost(AT) came, they were all together(AU) in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.(AV) They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit(AW) and began to speak in other tongues[g](AX) as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing(AY) Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed,(AZ) they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?(BA) Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia,(BB) Pontus(BC) and Asia,[h](BD) 10 Phrygia(BE) and Pamphylia,(BF) Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene;(BG) visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.”(BH)

Peter Addresses the Crowd

14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 15 These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!(BI) 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17 “‘In the last days, God says,
    I will pour out my Spirit on all people.(BJ)
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,(BK)
    your young men will see visions,
    your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
    I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
    and they will prophesy.(BL)
19 I will show wonders in the heavens above
    and signs on the earth below,(BM)
    blood and fire and billows of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned to darkness
    and the moon to blood(BN)
    before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21 And everyone who calls
    on the name of the Lord(BO) will be saved.’[i](BP)

22 “Fellow Israelites, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth(BQ) was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs,(BR) which God did among you through him,(BS) as you yourselves know. 23 This man was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge;(BT) and you, with the help of wicked men,[j] put him to death by nailing him to the cross.(BU) 24 But God raised him from the dead,(BV) freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.(BW) 25 David said about him:

“‘I saw the Lord always before me.
    Because he is at my right hand,
    I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
    my body also will rest in hope,
27 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,
    you will not let your holy one see decay.(BX)
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence.’[k](BY)

29 “Fellow Israelites,(BZ) I can tell you confidently that the patriarch(CA) David died and was buried,(CB) and his tomb is here(CC) to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.(CD) 31 Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.(CE) 32 God has raised this Jesus to life,(CF) and we are all witnesses(CG) of it. 33 Exalted(CH) to the right hand of God,(CI) he has received from the Father(CJ) the promised Holy Spirit(CK) and has poured out(CL) what you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
35 until I make your enemies
    a footstool for your feet.”’[l](CM)

36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord(CN) and Messiah.”(CO)

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”(CP)

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,(CQ) every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.(CR) And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.(CS) 39 The promise is for you and your children(CT) and for all who are far off(CU)—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”(CV) 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number(CW) that day.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching(CX) and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread(CY) and to prayer.(CZ) 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles.(DA) 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.(DB) 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.(DC) 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts.(DD) They broke bread(DE) in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.(DF) And the Lord added to their number(DG) daily those who were being saved.

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

One day Peter and John(DH) were going up to the temple(DI) at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.(DJ) Now a man who was lame from birth(DK) was being carried to the temple gate(DL) called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg(DM) from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,(DN) walk.” Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping,(DO) and praising God. When all the people(DP) saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful,(DQ) and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

11 While the man held on to Peter and John,(DR) all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade.(DS) 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob,(DT) the God of our fathers,(DU) has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over(DV) to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate,(DW) though he had decided to let him go.(DX) 14 You disowned the Holy(DY) and Righteous One(DZ) and asked that a murderer be released to you.(EA) 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.(EB) We are witnesses(EC) of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus,(ED) this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

17 “Now, fellow Israelites,(EE) I know that you acted in ignorance,(EF) as did your leaders.(EG) 18 But this is how God fulfilled(EH) what he had foretold(EI) through all the prophets,(EJ) saying that his Messiah would suffer.(EK) 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out,(EL) that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, 20 and that he may send the Messiah,(EM) who has been appointed for you—even Jesus. 21 Heaven must receive him(EN) until the time comes for God to restore everything,(EO) as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.(EP) 22 For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you.(EQ) 23 Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’[m](ER)

24 “Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets(ES) who have spoken have foretold these days. 25 And you are heirs(ET) of the prophets and of the covenant(EU) God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’[n](EV) 26 When God raised up(EW) his servant, he sent him first(EX) to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

The priests and the captain of the temple guard(EY) and the Sadducees(EZ) came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.(FA) They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail(FB) until the next day. But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew(FC) to about five thousand.

The next day the rulers,(FD) the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas,(FE) John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,(FF) said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!(FG) If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame(FH) and are being asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,(FI) whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead,(FJ) that this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is

“‘the stone you builders rejected,
    which has become the cornerstone.’[o](FK)

12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”(FL)

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John(FM) and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men,(FN) they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.(FO) 14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. 15 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin(FP) and then conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?”(FQ) they asked. “Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign,(FR) and we cannot deny it. 17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.(FS) 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him?(FT) You be the judges! 20 As for us, we cannot help speaking(FU) about what we have seen and heard.”(FV)

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people(FW) were praising God(FX) for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Believers Pray

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.(FY) “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them.(FZ) 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:(GA)

“‘Why do the nations rage
    and the peoples plot in vain?
26 The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
against the Lord
    and against his anointed one.[p][q](GB)

27 Indeed Herod(GC) and Pontius Pilate(GD) met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus,(GE) whom you anointed. 28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.(GF) 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.(GG) 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders(GH) through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”(GI)

31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken.(GJ) And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit(GK) and spoke the word of God(GL) boldly.(GM)

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.(GN) 33 With great power the apostles continued to testify(GO) to the resurrection(GP) of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace(GQ) was so powerfully at work in them all 34 that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them,(GR) brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet,(GS) and it was distributed to anyone who had need.(GT)

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas(GU) (which means “son of encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.(GV)

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself,(GW) but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.(GX)

Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan(GY) has so filled your heart(GZ) that you have lied to the Holy Spirit(HA) and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land?(HB) Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal?(HC) What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”(HD)

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.(HE) And great fear(HF) seized all who heard what had happened. Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body,(HG) and carried him out and buried him.

About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”(HH)

Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord?(HI) Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died.(HJ) Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.(HK) 11 Great fear(HL) seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The Apostles Heal Many

12 The apostles performed many signs and wonders(HM) among the people. And all the believers used to meet together(HN) in Solomon’s Colonnade.(HO) 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.(HP) 14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.(HQ) 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.(HR) 16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.(HS)

The Apostles Persecuted

17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party(HT) of the Sadducees,(HU) were filled with jealousy. 18 They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.(HV) 19 But during the night an angel(HW) of the Lord opened the doors of the jail(HX) and brought them out.(HY) 20 “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.”(HZ)

21 At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates(IA) arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin(IB)—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there.(IC) So they went back and reported, 23 “We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests(ID) were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.

25 Then someone came and said, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.” 26 At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people(IE) would stone them.

27 The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin(IF) to be questioned by the high priest. 28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,”(IG) he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”(IH)

29 Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!(II) 30 The God of our ancestors(IJ) raised Jesus from the dead(IK)—whom you killed by hanging him on a cross.(IL) 31 God exalted him to his own right hand(IM) as Prince and Savior(IN) that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.(IO) 32 We are witnesses of these things,(IP) and so is the Holy Spirit,(IQ) whom God has given to those who obey him.”

33 When they heard this, they were furious(IR) and wanted to put them to death. 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel,(IS) a teacher of the law,(IT) who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. 35 Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census(IU) and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. 38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.(IV) 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”(IW)

40 His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged.(IX) Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing(IY) because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.(IZ) 42 Day after day, in the temple courts(JA) and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news(JB) that Jesus is the Messiah.(JC)

The Choosing of the Seven

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing,(JD) the Hellenistic Jews[r](JE) among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows(JF) were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.(JG) So the Twelve gathered all the disciples(JH) together and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God(JI) in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters,(JJ) choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit(JK) and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them(JL) and will give our attention to prayer(JM) and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen,(JN) a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;(JO) also Philip,(JP) Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed(JQ) and laid their hands on them.(JR)

So the word of God spread.(JS) The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly,(JT) and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Seized

Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs(JU) among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene(JV) and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia(JW) and Asia(JX)—who began to argue with Stephen. 10 But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.(JY)

11 Then they secretly(JZ) persuaded some men to say, “We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”(KA)

12 So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin.(KB) 13 They produced false witnesses,(KC) who testified, “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place(KD) and against the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place(KE) and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”(KF)

15 All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin(KG) looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen’s Speech to the Sanhedrin

Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Are these charges true?”

To this he replied: “Brothers and fathers,(KH) listen to me! The God of glory(KI) appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Harran.(KJ) ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’[s](KK)

“So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Harran. After the death of his father, God sent him to this land where you are now living.(KL) He gave him no inheritance here,(KM) not even enough ground to set his foot on. But God promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land,(KN) even though at that time Abraham had no child. God spoke to him in this way: ‘For four hundred years your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated.(KO) But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come out of that country and worship me in this place.’[t](KP) Then he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision.(KQ) And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth.(KR) Later Isaac became the father of Jacob,(KS) and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.(KT)

“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph,(KU) they sold him as a slave into Egypt.(KV) But God was with him(KW) 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.(KX)

11 “Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food.(KY) 12 When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit.(KZ) 13 On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was,(LA) and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family.(LB) 14 After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family,(LC) seventy-five in all.(LD) 15 Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died.(LE) 16 Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.(LF)

17 “As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt had greatly increased.(LG) 18 Then ‘a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt.’[u](LH) 19 He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our ancestors by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.(LI)

20 “At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child.[v] For three months he was cared for by his family.(LJ) 21 When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son.(LK) 22 Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians(LL) and was powerful in speech and action.

23 “When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his own people, the Israelites. 24 He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. 25 Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. 26 The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?’

27 “But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?(LM) 28 Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’[w] 29 When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.(LN)

30 “After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to get a closer look, he heard the Lord say:(LO) 32 ‘I am the God of your fathers,(LP) the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.’[x] Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.(LQ)

33 “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.(LR) 34 I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’[y](LS)

35 “This is the same Moses they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’(LT) He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He led them out of Egypt(LU) and performed wonders and signs(LV) in Egypt, at the Red Sea(LW) and for forty years in the wilderness.(LX)

37 “This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own people.’[z](LY) 38 He was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel(LZ) who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors;(MA) and he received living words(MB) to pass on to us.(MC)

39 “But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.(MD) 40 They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’[aa](ME) 41 That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made.(MF) 42 But God turned away from them(MG) and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars.(MH) This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:

“‘Did you bring me sacrifices and offerings
    forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?
43 You have taken up the tabernacle of Molek
    and the star of your god Rephan,
    the idols you made to worship.
Therefore I will send you into exile’[ab](MI) beyond Babylon.

44 “Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law(MJ) with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen.(MK) 45 After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them.(ML) It remained in the land until the time of David,(MM) 46 who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.[ac](MN) 47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him.(MO)

48 “However, the Most High(MP) does not live in houses made by human hands.(MQ) As the prophet says:

49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
    and the earth is my footstool.(MR)
What kind of house will you build for me?
says the Lord.
    Or where will my resting place be?
50 Has not my hand made all these things?’[ad](MS)

51 “You stiff-necked people!(MT) Your hearts(MU) and ears are still uncircumcised. You are just like your ancestors: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52 Was there ever a prophet your ancestors did not persecute?(MV) They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him(MW) 53 you who have received the law that was given through angels(MX) but have not obeyed it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious(MY) and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit,(MZ) looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.(NA) 56 “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open(NB) and the Son of Man(NC) standing at the right hand of God.”

57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him,

Footnotes

  1. Acts 1:5 Or in
  2. Acts 1:5 Or in
  3. Acts 1:12 That is, about 5/8 mile or about 1 kilometer
  4. Acts 1:16 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 6:3; 11:29; 12:17; 16:40; 18:18, 27; 21:7, 17; 28:14, 15.
  5. Acts 1:20 Psalm 69:25
  6. Acts 1:20 Psalm 109:8
  7. Acts 2:4 Or languages; also in verse 11
  8. Acts 2:9 That is, the Roman province by that name
  9. Acts 2:21 Joel 2:28-32
  10. Acts 2:23 Or of those not having the law (that is, Gentiles)
  11. Acts 2:28 Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)
  12. Acts 2:35 Psalm 110:1
  13. Acts 3:23 Deut. 18:15,18,19
  14. Acts 3:25 Gen. 22:18; 26:4
  15. Acts 4:11 Psalm 118:22
  16. Acts 4:26 That is, Messiah or Christ
  17. Acts 4:26 Psalm 2:1,2
  18. Acts 6:1 That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture
  19. Acts 7:3 Gen. 12:1
  20. Acts 7:7 Gen. 15:13,14
  21. Acts 7:18 Exodus 1:8
  22. Acts 7:20 Or was fair in the sight of God
  23. Acts 7:28 Exodus 2:14
  24. Acts 7:32 Exodus 3:6
  25. Acts 7:34 Exodus 3:5,7,8,10
  26. Acts 7:37 Deut. 18:15
  27. Acts 7:40 Exodus 32:1
  28. Acts 7:43 Amos 5:25-27 (see Septuagint)
  29. Acts 7:46 Some early manuscripts the house of Jacob
  30. Acts 7:50 Isaiah 66:1,2