Prologue

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

The Holy Spirit Promised

⁴ While he was^[a] with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise.^(D) “Which,” he said, “you have heard me speak about; ⁵ for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit in a few days.”^(E)

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

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

The Ascension

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

United in Prayer

¹² Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away. ¹³ When they arrived, they went to the room^(J) upstairs where they were staying: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.^{(K) 14} They all were continually united^(L) in prayer,^[b] along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.^(M)

Matthias Chosen

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

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

²³ So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.^{(S) 24} Then they prayed,^(T) “You, Lord, know everyone’s hearts; show which of these two you have chosen^{(U) 25} to take the place^[f] in this apostolic ministry^(V) that Judas left to go where he belongs.” ²⁶ Then they cast lots^(W) for them, and the lot fell to Matthias and he was added to the eleven apostles.

Pentecost

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

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

Peter’s Sermon

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

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

²⁹ “Brothers and sisters, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.^{(AR) 30} Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants^[m] on his throne.^{(AS) 31} Seeing what was to come, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah: He^[n] was not abandoned in Hades, and his flesh did not experience decay.^[o](AT)

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

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

Call to Repentance

³⁷ When they heard this, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” ^(BA)

³⁸ Peter replied, “Repent^(BB) and be baptized,^(BC) each of you, in the name^(BD) of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ For the promise is for you and for your children, and for all who are far off,^(BE) as many as the Lord our God will call.” ⁴⁰ With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, saying, “Be saved from this corrupt^[q] generation!” ^{(BF) 41} So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

A Generous and Growing Church

⁴² They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,^(BG) to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.^(BH)

⁴³ Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were being performed through the apostles.^{(BI) 44} Now all the believers were together and held all things in common.^{(BJ) 45} They sold their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple, and broke bread from house to house. They ate their food with joyful and sincere hearts,^{(BK) 47} praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. Every day the Lord added to their number^[r] those who were being saved.^(BL)

Healing of a Lame Man

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

Preaching in Solomon’s Colonnade

¹¹ While he^[t] was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, utterly astonished, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(BR) 12} When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Fellow Israelites, why are you amazed at this? Why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness? ¹³ The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors,^(BS) has glorified his servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied before Pilate,^(BT) though he had decided to release him. ¹⁴ You denied the Holy and Righteous One^(BU) and asked to have a murderer released to you.^{(BV) 15} You killed the source^[u] of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this.^{(BW) 16} By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Jesus has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

¹⁷ “And now, brothers and sisters, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your leaders also did.^{(BX) 18} In this way God fulfilled what he had predicted through all the prophets—that his Messiah would suffer.^{(BY) 19} Therefore repent^(BZ) and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out,^{(CA) 20} that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send Jesus, who has been appointed^(CB) for you as the Messiah. ²¹ Heaven must receive him until the time of the restoration of all things, which God spoke about through his holy prophets from the beginning.^{(CC) 22} Moses said:^[v] The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to everything he tells you. ²³ And everyone who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from the people.^[w](CD)

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

Peter and John Arrested

4 While they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them,^{(CG) 2} because they were annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.^{(CH) 3} So they seized them and took them into custody until the next day since it was already evening. ⁴ But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men^[aa] came to about five thousand.

Peter and John Face the Jewish Leadership

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

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

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

The Boldness of the Disciples

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

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

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

Prayer for Boldness

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

²⁷ “For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,^{(CU) 28} to do whatever your hand and your will had predestined to take place. ²⁹ And now, Lord, consider their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all boldness,^{(CV) 30} while you stretch out your hand for healing, and signs and wonders^(CW) are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” ³¹ When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.^(CX)

All Things in Common

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

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

Lying to the Holy Spirit

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

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

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

“Yes,” she said, “for that price.”

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

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

Apostolic Signs and Wonders

¹² Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles.^(DJ) They were all together in Solomon’s Colonnade.^{(DK) 13} No one else dared to join them, but the people spoke well of them.^{(DL) 14} Believers were added to the Lord in increasing numbers—multitudes of both men and women. ¹⁵ As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow^(DM) might fall on some of them. ¹⁶ In addition, a multitude came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

In and out of Prison

¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up. He and all who were with him, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.^{(DN) 18} So they arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.^{(DO) 19} But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail during the night, brought them out, and said,^{(DP) 20} “Go and stand in the temple, and tell the people all about this life.”^{(DQ) 21} Hearing this, they entered the temple at daybreak and began to teach.

The Apostles on Trial Again

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

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

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

Gamaliel’s Advice

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

Seven Chosen to Serve

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

⁷ So the word of God spread, the disciples in Jerusalem increased^(EO) greatly in number, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen Accused of Blasphemy

⁸ Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. ⁹ Opposition arose, however, from some members of the Freedmen’s Synagogue, composed of both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, and they began to argue with Stephen. ¹⁰ But they were unable to stand up against his wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking.

¹¹ Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, “We heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.”^{(EP) 12} They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, seized him, and took him to the Sanhedrin. ¹³ They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and the law.^{(EQ) 14} For we heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”^{(ER) 15} And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen’s Sermon

7 “Are these things true?” the high priest asked.

² “Brothers and fathers,” he replied, “listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran,^{(ES) 3} and said to him: Leave your country and relatives, and come to the land that I will show you.^[aj](ET)

⁴ “Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this land in which you are now living.^{(EU) 5} He didn’t give him an inheritance in it—not even a foot of ground—but he promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him,^(EV) even though he was childless. ⁶ God spoke in this way: His descendants would be strangers in a foreign country, and they would enslave and oppress them for four hundred years. ⁷ I will judge the nation that they will serve as slaves, God said. After this, they will come out and worship me in this place.^{[ak](EW) 8} And so he gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. After this, he fathered Isaac and circumcised^(EX) him on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.^(EY)

The Patriarchs in Egypt

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

Moses, a Rejected Savior

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

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

²⁷ “But the one who was mistreating his neighbor pushed Moses aside, saying: Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us? ²⁸ Do you want to kill me, the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday?^[am](FK)

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

³³ “The Lord said to him: Take off the sandals from your feet, because the place where you are standing is holy ground. ³⁴ I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. And now, come, I will send you to Egypt.^[ap](FN)

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

Israel’s Rebellion against God

³⁷ “This is the Moses who said to the Israelites: God^[ar] will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.^{[as](FR) 38} He is the one who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors.^(FS) He received living oracles to give to us.^{(FT) 39} Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him. Instead, they pushed him aside, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.^{(FU) 40} They told Aaron: Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what’s happened to him.^{[at](FV) 41} They even made a calf in those days, offered sacrifice to the idol, and were celebrating what their hands had made.^{(FW) 42} God turned away^(FX) and gave them up to worship^(FY) the stars of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:

God’s Real Tabernacle

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

Resisting the Holy Spirit

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

The First Christian Martyr

⁵⁴ When they heard these things, they were enraged^[ax] and gnashed their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.^{(GL) 56} He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” ^(GM)

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

Saul the Persecutor

8 Saul agreed with putting him to death.

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

Philip in Samaria

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

The Response of Simon

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

Simon’s Sin

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

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

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

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

²⁵ So, after they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

The Conversion of the Ethiopian Official

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

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

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

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

³⁴ The eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or someone else?” ³⁵ Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning with that Scripture.^(HM)

³⁶ As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water. What would keep me from being baptized?” ^{[bd] 38} So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him. ³⁹ When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord^(HN) carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer but went on his way rejoicing. ⁴⁰ Philip appeared in^[be] Azotus,^[bf] and he was traveling and preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea.^(HO)

The Damascus Road

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

⁵ “Who are you, Lord?” Saul said.

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

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

Saul’s Baptism

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

“Here I am, Lord,” he replied.^(HV)

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

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

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

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

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

Saul Proclaiming the Messiah

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

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

²² But Saul grew stronger and kept confounding the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.

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

Saul in Jerusalem

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

The Church’s Growth

³¹ So the church^(IP) throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

The Healing of Aeneas

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

Dorcas Restored to Life

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