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Acts 1-8
New American Standard Bible

Introduction

1 The first account I [a]composed, (A)Theophilus, about all that Jesus (B)began to do and teach, 2 until the day when He (C)was taken up to heaven, after He (D)had given orders [b]by the Holy Spirit to (E)the apostles whom He had (F)chosen. 3 To [c]these (G)He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of (H)things regarding the kingdom of God. 4 [d]Gathering them together, He commanded them (I)not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for [e](J)what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; 5 for (K)John baptized [f]with water, but you will be baptized [g]with the Holy Spirit [h](L)not many days from now.”

6 So, when they had come together, they began asking Him, saying, “Lord, (M)is it at this time that You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 But He said to them, “It is not for you to know periods of time or appointed times which (N)the Father has set by His own authority; 8 but you will receive power (O)when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be (P)My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and (Q)Samaria, and as far as (R)the remotest part of the earth.”

The Ascension

9 And after He had said these things, (S)He was lifted up while they were watching, and a cloud took Him up, out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, then behold, (T)two men in white clothing stood beside them, 11 and they said, “(U)Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who (V)has been taken up from you into heaven, will (W)come in the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.”

The Upper Room

12 Then they (X)returned to Jerusalem from the [i](Y)mountain called [j]Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a [k]Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 When they had entered the city, they went up to (Z)the upstairs room where they were staying, that is, (AA)Peter, John, [l]James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, [m]James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and (AB)Judas the [n]son of [o]James. 14 All these (AC)were continually devoting themselves with one [p]mind to prayer, along with (AD)the women, and Mary the (AE)mother of Jesus, and with His (AF)brothers.

15 [q]At this time Peter stood up among (AG)the brothers and sisters (a group of about 120 [r]people was there together), and said, 16 “[s]Brothers, (AH)the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas, (AI)who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17 For he was (AJ)counted among us and received his share in (AK)this ministry.” 18 (Now this man (AL)acquired a field with (AM)the price of his wickedness, and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the residents of Jerusalem; as a result that field was called Hakeldama in (AN)their own language, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms:

‘(AO)May his residence be made desolate,
And may there be none living in it’;

and,

‘(AP)May another take his [t]office.’

21 Therefore it is necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that (AQ)the Lord Jesus went in and out [u]among us— 22 (AR)beginning [v]with the baptism of John until the day that He (AS)was taken up from us—one of these must become a (AT)witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 So they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and (AU)Matthias. 24 And they (AV)prayed and said, “You, Lord, who (AW)know the hearts of all people, show which one of these two You have chosen 25 to [w]occupy (AX)this ministry and (AY)apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they [x](AZ)drew lots for them, and the lot fell [y]to (BA)Matthias; and he was added to (BB)the eleven apostles.

The Day of Pentecost

2 When (BC)the day of Pentecost [z]had come, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly a noise like a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled (BD)the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And tongues that looked like fire appeared to them, [aa]distributing themselves, and a tongue [ab]rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all (BE)filled with the Holy Spirit and began to (BF)speak with different [ac]tongues, as the Spirit was giving them the ability to speak out.

5 Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, (BG)devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 And when (BH)this sound occurred, the crowd came together and they were bewildered, because each one of them was hearing them speak in his own [ad]language. 7 (BI)They were amazed and astonished, saying, “[ae]Why, are not all these who are speaking (BJ)Galileans? 8 And how is it that we each hear them in our own [af]language [ag]to which we were born? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea, and (BK)Cappadocia, (BL)Pontus and [ah](BM)Asia, 10 (BN)Phrygia and (BO)Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around (BP)Cyrene, and [ai](BQ)visitors from Rome, both Jews and [aj](BR)proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own [ak]tongues of the mighty deeds of God.” 12 And (BS)they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others were jeering and saying, “(BT)They are full of [al]sweet wine!”

Peter’s Sermon

14 But Peter, taking his stand with (BU)the other eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, [am]know this, and pay attention to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you assume, (BV)since it is only the [an]third hour of the day; 16 but this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel:

17 ‘(BW)And it shall be in the last days,’ God says,
‘That I will pour out My Spirit on all [ao]mankind;
And your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
And your young men will see visions,
And your old men will [ap]have dreams;
18 And even on My male and female [aq]servants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days,
And they will prophesy.
19 And I will [ar]display wonders in the sky above
And signs on the earth below,
Blood, fire, and [as]vapor of smoke.
20 The sun will be turned into darkness
And the moon into blood,
Before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
21 And it shall be that (BX)everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: (BY)Jesus the Nazarene, (BZ)a Man [at]attested to you by God with [au]miracles and (CA)wonders and [av]signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23 this Man, delivered over by the (CB)predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, (CC)you nailed to a cross by the hands of [aw]godless men and put Him to death. 24 [ax]But (CD)God raised Him from the dead, putting an end to the [ay]agony of death, since it (CE)was impossible for Him to be held [az]in its power. 25 For David says of Him,

‘(CF)I saw the Lord continually before me,
Because He is at my right hand, so that I will not be shaken.
26 Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue was overjoyed;
Moreover my flesh also will live in hope;
27 For You will not abandon my soul to (CG)Hades,
(CH)Nor will You [ba]allow Your [bb]Holy One to [bc]undergo decay.
28 You have made known to me the ways of life;
You will make me full of gladness with Your presence.’

29 “[bd]Brothers, I may confidently say to you regarding the (CI)patriarch David that he both (CJ)died and (CK)was buried, and (CL)his tomb is [be]with us to this day. 30 So because he was (CM)a prophet and knew that (CN)God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one [bf]of his descendants on his throne, 31 he looked ahead and spoke of the resurrection of the [bg]Christ, that (CO)He was neither abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh [bh]suffer decay. 32 It is this Jesus whom (CP)God raised up, [bi]a fact to which we are all (CQ)witnesses. 33 Therefore, [bj]since He has been exalted [bk](CR)at the right hand of God, and (CS)has received (CT)the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He has (CU)poured out this which you both see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into [bl]heaven, but he himself says:

‘(CV)The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
35 Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”’

36 Therefore let all the (CW)house of Israel know for certain that God has made Him both (CX)Lord and [bm]Christ—this Jesus (CY)whom you crucified.”

37 Now when they heard this, they were [bn]pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “[bo]Brothers, (CZ)what are we to do?” 38 Peter said to them, “(DA)Repent, and each of you be (DB)baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For (DC)the promise is for you and your children and for all who are (DD)far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly (DE)testified and kept on urging them, saying, “[bp]Be saved from this (DF)perverse generation!” 41 So then, those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added about three thousand [bq](DG)souls. 42 They were (DH)continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to (DI)the breaking of bread and (DJ)to [br]prayer.

43 [bs]Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many (DK)wonders and [bt]signs were taking place through the apostles. 44 And all the believers [bu]were together and (DL)had all things in common; 45 and they (DM)would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. 46 (DN)Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and (DO)breaking bread [bv]from house to house, they were taking their [bw]meals together with gladness and [bx]sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and (DP)having favor with all the people. And the Lord (DQ)was adding to [by]their number day by day (DR)those who were being saved.

Healing the Beggar Who Was Unable to Walk

3 Now (DS)Peter and John were going up to the temple at the [bz]ninth hour, (DT)the hour of prayer. 2 And (DU)a man who had been unable to walk from [ca]birth was being carried, whom they (DV)used to set down every day at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, (DW)in order for him to beg for charitable gifts from those entering the temple grounds. 3 When he saw (DX)Peter and John about to go into the temple grounds, he began asking to receive a charitable gift. 4 But Peter, along with John, (DY)looked at him intently and said, “Look at us!” 5 And he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I do not have silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: (DZ)In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, walk!” 7 And grasping him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 And (EA)leaping up, he stood and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And (EB)all the people saw him walking and praising God; 10 and they recognized him as being the very one who used to (EC)sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple to beg for charitable gifts, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter’s Second Sermon

11 While he was clinging to (ED)Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the [cb](EE)portico named Solomon’s, completely astonished. 12 But when Peter saw this, he replied to the people, “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this, or why are you staring at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? 13 (EF)The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (EG)the God of our fathers, has glorified His [cc](EH)servant Jesus, the one whom (EI)you handed over and disowned in the presence of (EJ)Pilate, when he had (EK)decided to release Him. 14 But you disowned (EL)the Holy and Righteous One, and (EM)asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 but put to death the [cd](EN)Prince of life, whom (EO)God raised from the dead, [ce]a fact to which we are (EP)witnesses. 16 And on the basis of faith (EQ)in His name, it is [cf]the name of Jesus which has strengthened this man whom you see and know; and the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 “And now, brothers, I know that you acted (ER)in ignorance, just as your (ES)rulers also did. 18 But the things which (ET)God previously announced by the mouths of all the prophets, (EU)that His [cg]Christ would suffer, He has fulfilled in this way. 19 Therefore (EV)repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that (EW)times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 20 and that He may send Jesus, the [ch]Christ appointed for you, 21 (EX)whom heaven must receive until the [ci]period of (EY)restoration of all things, about which (EZ)God spoke by the mouths of His holy prophets from ancient times. 22 Moses said, ‘(FA)The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your countrymen; to Him you shall listen regarding everything He says to you. 23 (FB)And it shall be that every (FC)soul that does not listen to that prophet (FD)shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24 And likewise, (FE)all the prophets who have spoken from Samuel and his successors onward, have also announced these days. 25 It is you who are (FF)the sons of the prophets and of the (FG)covenant which God ordained with your fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘(FH)And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 God (FI)raised up His [cj]Servant for you (FJ)first, and sent Him to bless you by turning every one of you from your wicked ways.”

Peter and John Arrested

4 As they were speaking to the people, the priests and (FK)the captain of the temple guard and (FL)the Sadducees (FM)came up to them, 2 being greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming [ck](FN)in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them and (FO)put them in prison until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who had heard the [cl]message believed; and (FP)the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

5 On the next day, their (FQ)rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and (FR)Annas the high priest was there, and (FS)Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7 When they had placed them in the center, they began to inquire, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, [cm](FT)filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “[cn](FU)Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are [co]on trial today for (FV)a benefit done to a sick man, as to [cp]how this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that [cq](FW)by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom (FX)God raised from the dead—[cr]by [cs]this name this man stands here before you in good health. 11 [ct](FY)He is the (FZ)stone which was (GA)rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief cornerstone. 12 And there is salvation in (GB)no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”

Threat and Release

13 Now as they observed the (GC)confidence of (GD)Peter and John and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed, and (GE)began to recognize them [cu]as having been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But when they had ordered them to leave the [cv](GF)Council, they began to confer with one another, 16 saying, “(GG)What are we to do with these men? For the fact that a (GH)noteworthy [cw]miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it will not spread any further among the people, let’s warn them not to speak any longer to any person (GI)in this name.” 18 And when they had summoned them, they (GJ)commanded them not to speak or teach at all [cx]in the name of Jesus. 19 But (GK)Peter and John answered and said to them, “(GL)Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, make your own judgment; 20 for (GM)we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” 21 When they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which to punish them) (GN)on account of the people, because they were all (GO)glorifying God for what had happened; 22 for the man on whom this [cy]miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.

23 When they had been released, they went to their own companions and reported everything that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind and said, “[cz]Lord, it is You who (GP)made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them, 25 who (GQ)by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said,

‘(GR)Why were the [da]nations insolent,
And the peoples plotting in vain?
26 (GS)The kings of the earth [db]took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His [dc](GT)Christ.’

27 For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy [dd](GU)servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both (GV)Herod and (GW)Pontius Pilate, along with (GX)the [de]Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever Your hand and (GY)purpose predestined to occur. 29 And [df]now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant it to Your bond-servants to (GZ)speak Your word with all (HA)confidence, 30 while You extend Your hand to heal, and [dg](HB)signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy [dh](HC)servant Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the (HD)place where they had gathered together was shaken, and they were all (HE)filled with the Holy Spirit and began to (HF)speak the word of God with (HG)boldness.

Sharing among Believers

32 And the [di]congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them [dj]claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but (HH)all things were common property to them. 33 And (HI)with great power the apostles were giving (HJ)testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses (HK)would sell them and bring the [dk]proceeds of the sales 35 and (HL)lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be (HM)distributed to each to the extent that any had need.

36 Now Joseph, a Levite of (HN)Cyprian birth, who was also called (HO)Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means Son of [dl](HP)Encouragement), 37 [dm]owned a tract of land. So he sold it, and brought the money and (HQ)laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Fate of Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and (HR)kept back some of the [dn]proceeds for himself, with his wife’s [do]full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he (HS)laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has (HT)Satan filled your heart to lie (HU)to the Holy Spirit and to (HV)keep back some of the [dp]proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not [dq]under your control? Why is it that you have [dr]conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but (HW)to God.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias (HX)collapsed and [ds]died; and (HY)great fear came over all who heard about it. 6 The young men got up and (HZ)covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Now an interval of about three hours elapsed, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land (IA)for [dt]this price?” And she said, “Yes, for [du]that price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to (IB)put (IC)the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out as well.” 10 And immediately she (ID)collapsed at his feet and [dv]died; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And (IE)great fear came over the whole church, and over all who heard about these things.

12 [dw]At the hands of the apostles many [dx](IF)signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all [dy]together in (IG)Solomon’s [dz]portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, (IH)the people held them in high esteem. 14 And increasingly (II)believers in the Lord, large numbers of men and women, were being (IJ)added to their number, 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by (IK)at least his shadow might fall on any of them. 16 The [ea]people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together as well, bringing people who were sick [eb]or tormented with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

Imprisonment and Release

17 But the high priest stood up, along with all his associates (that is (IL)the sect of (IM)the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy. 18 They laid hands on the apostles and (IN)put them in a public prison. 19 But during the night (IO)an angel of the Lord opened the gates of the prison, and leading them out, he said, 20 “Go, stand and [ec]speak to the people in the temple area [ed](IP)the whole message of this Life.” 21 Upon hearing this, they entered into the temple area (IQ)about daybreak and began to teach.

Now when (IR)the high priest and his associates came, they called (IS)the [ee]Council together, that is, all the Senate of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison for them to be brought. 22 But (IT)the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned and reported, 23 saying, “We found the prison locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.” 24 Now when (IU)the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what [ef]would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “The men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple area and teaching the people!” 26 Then (IV)the captain went along with (IW)the officers and proceeded to bring them back without violence (for (IX)they were afraid of the people, that they might be stoned).

27 When they had brought them, they had them stand [eg]before (IY)the Council. The high priest interrogated them, 28 saying, “We gave you (IZ)strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and [eh]yet, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and (JA)intend to bring this Man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “(JB)We must obey God rather than men. 30 (JC)The God of our fathers (JD)raised up Jesus, whom you (JE)put to death by hanging Him on [ei](JF)a cross. 31 (JG)He is the one whom God exalted [ej]to His right hand as a [ek](JH)Prince and a (JI)Savior, to grant (JJ)repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are (JK)witnesses [el]of these things; and (JL)so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Counsel

33 But when they heard this, they became (JM)infuriated and nearly decided to execute them. 34 But a Pharisee named (JN)Gamaliel, a (JO)teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in (JP)the Council and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful as to what you are about to do with these men. 36 For, some time ago Theudas appeared, (JQ)claiming to be somebody, and a group of about four hundred men joined him. [em]But he was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee appeared in the days of (JR)the census and drew away some people after him; he also perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if the source of this plan or [en]movement (JS)is men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if the source is God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found (JT)fighting against God.”

40 They followed his advice; and after calling the apostles in, they (JU)flogged them and ordered them not to [eo]speak in the name of Jesus, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the [ep](JV)Council, (JW)rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame (JX)for His name. 42 (JY)And every day, in the temple and [eq]from house to house, they did not stop teaching and (JZ)preaching the good news of Jesus as the [er]Christ.

Choosing of the Seven

6 Now [es]at this time, as the (KA)disciples were (KB)increasing in number, a complaint developed on the part of the [et](KC)Hellenistic Jews against the native (KD)Hebrews, because their (KE)widows were being overlooked in (KF)the daily serving of food. 2 So the twelve summoned the [eu]congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. 3 Instead, (KG)brothers and sisters, select from among you seven men of good reputation, (KH)full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will (KI)devote ourselves to prayer and to the [ev]ministry of the word.” 5 The [ew]announcement found approval with the whole [ex]congregation; and they chose (KJ)Stephen, a man (KK)full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and (KL)Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and [ey]Nicolas, a [ez](KM)proselyte from (KN)Antioch. 6 And they brought these men before the apostles; and after (KO)praying, they (KP)laid their hands on them.

7 (KQ)The word of God kept spreading; and (KR)the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to (KS)the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great (KT)wonders and [fa]signs among the people. 9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, including both (KU)Cyrenians and (KV)Alexandrians, and some from (KW)Cilicia and [fb](KX)Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. 10 But they were unable to [fc]cope with his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and they (KY)came up to him and dragged him away, and brought him [fd]before (KZ)the [fe]Council. 13 They put forward (LA)false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop [ff]speaking against this (LB)holy place and the Law; 14 for we have heard him say that (LC)this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and change (LD)the customs which Moses handed down to us.” 15 And all who were sitting in the [fg](LE)Council stared at him, and they saw his face, which was like the face of an angel.

Stephen’s Defense

7 Now the high priest said, “Are these things so?”

2 And [fh]Stephen said, “Listen to me, (LF)[fi]brothers and fathers! (LG)The God of glory (LH)appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in [fj]Haran, 3 and He said to him, ‘(LI)Go from your country and your relatives, and come to the land which I will show you.’ 4 (LJ)Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in [fk]Haran. And (LK)from there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living. 5 But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, and yet, (LL)He promised that He would give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6 But (LM)God spoke to this effect, that his descendants would be strangers in a land that was not theirs, and [fl]they would enslave and mistreat them for four hundred years. 7 ‘And whatever nation to which they are enslaved I Myself will judge,’ said God, ‘and (LN)after that they will come out and [fm]serve Me in this place.’ 8 And He (LO)gave him [fn]the covenant of circumcision; and so (LP)Abraham fathered Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and (LQ)Isaac fathered Jacob, and (LR)Jacob, the twelve (LS)patriarchs.

9 “The patriarchs (LT)became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. Yet God was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and (LU)granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and his entire household.

11 “Now (LV)a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction with it, and our fathers [fo]could find no food. 12 But (LW)when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers there the first time. 13 And on the second visit, (LX)Joseph [fp]made himself known to his brothers, and (LY)Joseph’s family was revealed to Pharaoh. 14 Then (LZ)Joseph sent word and invited his father Jacob and all his relatives to come to him, (MA)seventy-five [fq](MB)people in all. 15 And (MC)Jacob went down to Egypt, and he and our fathers died there. 16 And they were brought back from there to [fr](MD)Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of money from the sons of [fs]Hamor in [ft]Shechem.

17 “But as the (ME)time of the promise which God had assured to Abraham was approaching, (MF)the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, 18 until (MG)another king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. 19 It was he who (MH)shrewdly took advantage of our nation and mistreated our fathers in order that they would (MI)abandon their infants in the Nile, so that they would not survive. 20 At this time (MJ)Moses was born; and he was beautiful to God. He was nurtured for three months in his father’s home. 21 And after he had been put outside, (MK)Pharaoh’s daughter [fu]took him away and nurtured him as her own son. 22 Moses was educated in all (ML)the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was proficient in [fv]speaking and action. 23 But when he was approaching the age of forty, (MM)it entered his [fw]mind to visit his countrymen, the sons of Israel. 24 And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended and took vengeance for the oppressed man by fatally striking the Egyptian. 25 And he thought that his brothers understood that God was granting them [fx]deliverance [fy]through him; but they did not understand. 26 (MN)And on the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting each other, and he tried to reconcile them to peace, by saying, ‘Men, you are brothers, why are you injuring each other?’ 27 But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘(MO)Who made you a ruler and judge over us? 28 (MP)You do not intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?’ 29 At this remark, (MQ)Moses fled and became a stranger in the land of [fz]Midian, where he (MR)fathered two sons.

30 “After forty years had passed, (MS)an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he was astonished at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came: 32 ‘(MT)I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses shook with fear and did not dare to look closely. 33 (MU)But the Lord said to him, ‘[ga](MV)Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. 34 (MW)I have certainly seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them; and (MX)now come, I will send you to Egypt.’

35 “This Moses whom they (MY)disowned, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one whom God [gb]sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the [gc]help of the angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush. 36 (MZ)This man led them out, performing (NA)wonders and [gd]signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea, and in the (NB)wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘(NC)God will raise up for you a prophet [ge]like me from your countrymen.’ 38 This is the one who was in (ND)the [gf]assembly in the wilderness together with (NE)the angel who spoke to him at length on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received (NF)living (NG)words to pass on to you. 39 Our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him; on the contrary they (NH)rejected him and turned back to Egypt in their hearts, 40 (NI)saying to Aaron, ‘Make us [gg]a god who will go before us; for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt—we do not know what happened to him.’ 41 [gh]At that time (NJ)they made a [gi]calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in (NK)the works of their hands. 42 But God (NL)turned away and gave them over to [gj]serve the heavenly [gk]lights; as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘(NM)You did not offer Me victims and sacrifices (NN)for forty years in the wilderness, did you, house of Israel? 43 (NO)You also took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god [gl]Rompha, the images which you made to worship. I also will deport you beyond Babylon.’

44 “Our fathers had (NP)the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses directed him to make it (NQ)according to the pattern which he had seen. 45 Our fathers in turn received it, and they also (NR)brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the [gm]nations that God drove out from our fathers, until the time of David. 46 [gn](NS)David found favor in God’s sight, and (NT)asked that he might [go]find a dwelling place for the [gp]house of Jacob. 47 But it was (NU)Solomon who built a house for Him. 48 However, (NV)the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says:

49 ‘(NW)Heaven is My throne,
And the earth is the footstool of My feet;
What kind of house will you build for Me?’ says the Lord,
‘Or what place is there for My rest?
50 (NX)Was it not My hand that made all these things?’

51 “You men who are (NY)stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spirit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 (NZ)Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who had previously announced the coming of (OA)the Righteous One, and (OB)you have now become betrayers and murderers of Him; 53 you who received the Law as (OC)ordained by angels, and yet did not keep it.”

Stephen Put to Death

54 Now when they heard this, they were (OD)infuriated, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But he, being (OE)full of the Holy Spirit, (OF)looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing (OG)at the right hand of God; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the (OH)heavens opened and (OI)the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they shouted with loud voices, and covered their ears and rushed at him with one [gq]mind. 58 When they had (OJ)driven him out of the city, they began stoning him; and (OK)the witnesses (OL)laid aside their cloaks at the feet of (OM)a young man named Saul. 59 They went on stoning Stephen as he (ON)called on the Lord and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” 60 Then he (OO)fell on his knees and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, (OP)do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he [gr](OQ)fell asleep.

Saul Persecutes the Church

8 (OR)Now Saul approved of putting [gs]Stephen to death.

And on that day a great persecution [gt]began against (OS)the church in Jerusalem, and they were all (OT)scattered throughout the regions of Judea and (OU)Samaria, except for the apostles. 2 Some devout men buried Stephen, and mourned loudly for him. 3 But (OV)Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house; and he would (OW)drag away men and women and put them in prison.

Philip in Samaria

4 Therefore, those (OX)who had been scattered went through places [gu](OY)preaching the word. 5 (OZ)Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming the [gv]Christ to them. 6 The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the [gw]signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had (PA)unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been (PB)paralyzed or limped on crutches were healed. 8 So there was (PC)much rejoicing in that city.

9 Now a man named Simon had previously been practicing (PD)magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, (PE)claiming to be someone great; 10 and all the people, from small to great, were paying attention to him, saying, “(PF)This man is the Power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had astounded them with his (PG)magic arts. 12 But when they believed Philip (PH)as he was preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were being (PI)baptized. 13 Now even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he continued on with Philip, and as he observed (PJ)signs and (PK)great miracles taking place, he was repeatedly amazed.

14 Now when (PL)the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent them (PM)Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them (PN)that they would receive the Holy Spirit. 16 (For He had (PO)not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been (PP)baptized [gx]in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then they (PQ)began laying their hands on them, and they were (PR)receiving the Holy Spirit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could (PS)acquire the gift of God with money! 21 You have (PT)no part or share in this [gy]matter, for your heart is not (PU)right before God. 22 Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, (PV)if possible, the intention of your heart will be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are [gz]in the gall of bitterness and in (PW)the [ha]bondage of unrighteousness.” 24 But Simon answered and said, “(PX)Pray to the Lord for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.”

An Ethiopian Receives Christ

25 So, when they had solemnly (PY)testified and spoken (PZ)the word of the Lord, they started back to Jerusalem, and were (QA)preaching the gospel to many villages of the (QB)Samaritans.

26 But (QC)an angel of the Lord spoke to (QD)Philip, saying, “Get ready and go [hb]south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to (QE)Gaza.” ([hc]This is a desert road.) 27 So he got ready and went; and [hd](QF)there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of [he]Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he (QG)had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and he was returning and sitting in his [hf]chariot, and was reading Isaiah the prophet. 29 Then (QH)the Spirit said to Philip, “Go up and join this [hg]chariot.” 30 Philip ran up and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this:

“(QI)He was led like a sheep to slaughter;
And like a lamb that is silent before its shearer,
So He does not open His mouth.
33 (QJ)In humiliation His justice was taken away;
Who will [hh]describe His [hi]generation?
For His life is taken away from the earth.”

34 The eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of someone else?” 35 Then Philip (QK)opened his mouth, and (QL)beginning from this Scripture he (QM)preached Jesus to him. 36 As they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch *said, “Look! Water! (QN)What prevents me from being baptized?”[hj] 38 And he ordered that the [hk]chariot stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 When they came up out of the water, (QO)the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away; and the eunuch no longer saw him, [hl]but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip [hm]found himself at [hn](QP)Azotus, and as he passed through he (QQ)kept preaching the gospel to all the cities, until he came to (QR)Caesarea.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 1:1 Lit made
  2. Acts 1:2 Or through
  3. Acts 1:3 Lit whom
  4. Acts 1:4 Or eating with; or lodging with
  5. Acts 1:4 Lit the promise of the Father
  6. Acts 1:5 Or in
  7. Acts 1:5 Or in
  8. Acts 1:5 Lit not long after these many days
  9. Acts 1:12 Or hill
  10. Acts 1:12 Or Olive Grove
  11. Acts 1:12 2,000 cubits, or about 0.6 miles or 1 km
  12. Acts 1:13 Or Jacob
  13. Acts 1:13 Or Jacob
  14. Acts 1:13 Or brother
  15. Acts 1:13 Or Jacob
  16. Acts 1:14 Or purpose
  17. Acts 1:15 Lit In these days
  18. Acts 1:15 Lit names
  19. Acts 1:16 Lit Men, brothers
  20. Acts 1:20 Lit position of oversight
  21. Acts 1:21 Lit to us
  22. Acts 1:22 Lit from
  23. Acts 1:25 Lit take the place of
  24. Acts 1:26 Lit gave
  25. Acts 1:26 Or upon
  26. Acts 2:1 Lit was being fulfilled
  27. Acts 2:3 Or being distributed, and
  28. Acts 2:3 Or sat
  29. Acts 2:4 Or languages
  30. Acts 2:6 Or dialect
  31. Acts 2:7 Lit Behold
  32. Acts 2:8 Or dialect
  33. Acts 2:8 Lit in
  34. Acts 2:9 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  35. Acts 2:10 Lit the sojourning Romans
  36. Acts 2:10 I.e., Gentile converts to Judaism
  37. Acts 2:11 Or languages
  38. Acts 2:13 I.e., new wine
  39. Acts 2:14 Lit let this be known to you
  40. Acts 2:15 I.e., 9 a.m.
  41. Acts 2:17 Lit flesh
  42. Acts 2:17 Lit dream with dreams
  43. Acts 2:18 Or slaves
  44. Acts 2:19 Lit give
  45. Acts 2:19 I.e., like a volcanic eruption
  46. Acts 2:22 Or exhibited; or accredited
  47. Acts 2:22 Or works of power
  48. Acts 2:22 I.e., confirming miracles
  49. Acts 2:23 Lit men without the Law; i.e., pagan
  50. Acts 2:24 Lit Whom God raised up
  51. Acts 2:24 Lit birth pains
  52. Acts 2:24 Lit by it
  53. Acts 2:27 Lit give
  54. Acts 2:27 Or Devout; or Pious
  55. Acts 2:27 Lit see corruption
  56. Acts 2:29 Lit Men, brothers
  57. Acts 2:29 Lit among
  58. Acts 2:30 Lit of the fruit of his loins
  59. Acts 2:31 I.e., Messiah
  60. Acts 2:31 Lit see corruption
  61. Acts 2:32 Or of whom we
  62. Acts 2:33 Or having been...having received
  63. Acts 2:33 Or by
  64. Acts 2:34 Lit the heavens
  65. Acts 2:36 I.e., Messiah
  66. Acts 2:37 Or wounded in conscience
  67. Acts 2:37 Lit Men, brothers
  68. Acts 2:40 Or Escape
  69. Acts 2:41 I.e., persons
  70. Acts 2:42 Lit the prayers
  71. Acts 2:43 Lit fear was occurring to every soul
  72. Acts 2:43 I.e., confirming miracles
  73. Acts 2:44 One early ms does not contain were and and
  74. Acts 2:46 Or in the various private homes
  75. Acts 2:46 Lit food
  76. Acts 2:46 Or simplicity
  77. Acts 2:47 Lit the same
  78. Acts 3:1 I.e., 3 p.m.
  79. Acts 3:2 Lit his mother’s womb
  80. Acts 3:11 Or colonnade
  81. Acts 3:13 Or Son
  82. Acts 3:15 Or Originator
  83. Acts 3:15 Or of whom we
  84. Acts 3:16 Lit His name
  85. Acts 3:18 I.e., Messiah
  86. Acts 3:20 I.e., Messiah
  87. Acts 3:21 Lit periods, times
  88. Acts 3:26 Or Son
  89. Acts 4:2 Or in the case of
  90. Acts 4:4 Lit word
  91. Acts 4:8 Or having just been filled
  92. Acts 4:8 Lit Rulers of the people and elders
  93. Acts 4:9 Lit answering
  94. Acts 4:9 Or by what; or by whom
  95. Acts 4:10 Or in
  96. Acts 4:10 Or in
  97. Acts 4:10 Or Him
  98. Acts 4:11 Lit This One
  99. Acts 4:13 Lit that they had been
  100. Acts 4:15 Or Sanhedrin
  101. Acts 4:16 Or sign
  102. Acts 4:18 Or on the basis of
  103. Acts 4:22 Or sign
  104. Acts 4:24 Or Master
  105. Acts 4:25 Or Gentiles
  106. Acts 4:26 Or approached
  107. Acts 4:26 I.e., Messiah
  108. Acts 4:27 Or Son
  109. Acts 4:27 Or nations
  110. Acts 4:29 Or as for the present situation
  111. Acts 4:30 I.e., confirming miracles
  112. Acts 4:30 Or Son
  113. Acts 4:32 Or community; lit multitude
  114. Acts 4:32 Lit was saying
  115. Acts 4:34 Lit the prices of the things being sold
  116. Acts 4:36 Or Exhortation; or Consolation
  117. Acts 4:37 Lit a tract...belonging to him, he sold...
  118. Acts 5:2 Lit price
  119. Acts 5:2 Or collusion
  120. Acts 5:3 Lit price
  121. Acts 5:4 Or in your authority
  122. Acts 5:4 Lit placed
  123. Acts 5:5 Lit expired
  124. Acts 5:8 Lit so much
  125. Acts 5:8 Lit so much
  126. Acts 5:10 Lit expired
  127. Acts 5:12 Lit Through
  128. Acts 5:12 I.e., confirming miracles
  129. Acts 5:12 Or of one mind
  130. Acts 5:12 Or colonnade
  131. Acts 5:16 Lit multitude
  132. Acts 5:16 Lit and
  133. Acts 5:20 Or continue to speak
  134. Acts 5:20 Lit all the words
  135. Acts 5:21 Or Sanhedrin
  136. Acts 5:24 Lit this would become
  137. Acts 5:27 Lit among
  138. Acts 5:28 Lit behold
  139. Acts 5:30 Lit wood; see Deut 21:23
  140. Acts 5:31 Or by
  141. Acts 5:31 Or Leader
  142. Acts 5:32 One early ms adds in Him
  143. Acts 5:36 Lit Who was killed
  144. Acts 5:38 Lit work
  145. Acts 5:40 Lit be speaking
  146. Acts 5:41 Or Sanhedrin
  147. Acts 5:42 Or in the various private homes
  148. Acts 5:42 I.e., Messiah
  149. Acts 6:1 Lit in these days
  150. Acts 6:1 Jews who adopted the Gr language and much of Gr culture through acculturation
  151. Acts 6:2 Lit multitude
  152. Acts 6:4 Or service
  153. Acts 6:5 Lit word
  154. Acts 6:5 Lit multitude
  155. Acts 6:5 Gr Nikolaos
  156. Acts 6:5 I.e., a Gentile convert to Judaism
  157. Acts 6:8 I.e., confirming miracles
  158. Acts 6:9 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  159. Acts 6:10 Lit oppose
  160. Acts 6:12 Lit into
  161. Acts 6:12 Or Sanhedrin
  162. Acts 6:13 Lit speaking words
  163. Acts 6:15 Or Sanhedrin
  164. Acts 7:2 Lit he
  165. Acts 7:2 Lit men, brothers
  166. Acts 7:2 Gr Charran
  167. Acts 7:4 Gr Charran
  168. Acts 7:6 I.e., the people of the land (Egypt)
  169. Acts 7:7 Or worship
  170. Acts 7:8 Or a
  171. Acts 7:11 Lit were not finding
  172. Acts 7:13 Or was made known
  173. Acts 7:14 Lit souls
  174. Acts 7:16 Gr Sychem
  175. Acts 7:16 Gr Emmor
  176. Acts 7:16 Gr Sychem
  177. Acts 7:21 Or adopted him
  178. Acts 7:22 Lit his words and actions
  179. Acts 7:23 Lit heart
  180. Acts 7:25 Or salvation
  181. Acts 7:25 Lit through his hand
  182. Acts 7:29 Gr Madiam
  183. Acts 7:33 Lit Untie the sandal of your
  184. Acts 7:35 Lit has sent
  185. Acts 7:35 Lit hand
  186. Acts 7:36 I.e., confirming miracles
  187. Acts 7:37 Or as He raised up me
  188. Acts 7:38 Gr ekklesia
  189. Acts 7:40 Lit gods, plural, but prob. refers to a singular deity
  190. Acts 7:41 Lit in those days
  191. Acts 7:41 Or young bull
  192. Acts 7:42 Or worship
  193. Acts 7:42 Lit host
  194. Acts 7:43 Other mss spell it: Romphan, Rempham, Raiphan; or Rephan
  195. Acts 7:45 Or Gentiles
  196. Acts 7:46 Lit He who
  197. Acts 7:46 I.e., build the temple
  198. Acts 7:46 I.e., the people of Israel
  199. Acts 7:57 Or purpose
  200. Acts 7:60 I.e., died
  201. Acts 8:1 Lit him
  202. Acts 8:1 Lit occurred
  203. Acts 8:4 Or bringing the good news of
  204. Acts 8:5 I.e., Messiah
  205. Acts 8:6 I.e., confirming miracles
  206. Acts 8:16 Lit into
  207. Acts 8:21 Or teaching; lit word
  208. Acts 8:23 Or doomed to the
  209. Acts 8:23 Lit bond
  210. Acts 8:26 Or at about noon to
  211. Acts 8:26 Or This city is deserted
  212. Acts 8:27 Lit behold, an Ethiopian
  213. Acts 8:27 Possibly an Ethiopian title: the Candace
  214. Acts 8:28 Or carriage
  215. Acts 8:29 Or carriage
  216. Acts 8:33 Or relate
  217. Acts 8:33 Or family history
  218. Acts 8:36 Late mss add as v 37: And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
  219. Acts 8:38 Or carriage
  220. Acts 8:39 Lit for he was going
  221. Acts 8:40 Or was found
  222. Acts 8:40 OT: Ashdod
Listen to Acts 1-7
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Acts 1-7
New International Version

Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven

1 In my former book,(A) Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach(B) 2 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) 3 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) 4 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) 5 For John baptized with[a] water,(K) but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”(L)

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

7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.(N) 8 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)

9 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

2 When the day of Pentecost(AT) came, they were all together(AU) in one place. 2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.(AV) 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit(AW) and began to speak in other tongues[g](AX) as the Spirit enabled them.

5 Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing(AY) Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed,(AZ) they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?(BA) 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 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

3 One day Peter and John(DH) were going up to the temple(DI) at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.(DJ) 2 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. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 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.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 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. 9 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

4 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. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.(FA) 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail(FB) until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew(FC) to about five thousand.

5 The next day the rulers,(FD) the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas,(FE) John, Alexander and others of the high priest’s family. 7 They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,(FF) said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people!(FG) 9 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

5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 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)

3 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) 4 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)

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died.(HE) And great fear(HF) seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body,(HG) and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

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

9 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

6 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) 2 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. 3 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) 4 and will give our attention to prayer(JM) and the ministry of the word.”

5 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. 6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed(JQ) and laid their hands on them.(JR)

7 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

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs(JU) among the people. 9 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

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

2 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) 3 ‘Leave your country and your people,’ God said, ‘and go to the land I will show you.’[s](KK)

4 “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) 5 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. 6 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) 7 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) 8 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)

9 “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
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