Catholic Public Domain Version (CPDV)

1 And when the days of Pentecost were completed, they were all together in the same place.

2 And suddenly, there came a sound from heaven, like that of a wind approaching violently, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared to them separate tongues, as if of fire, which settled upon each one of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they began to speak in various languages, just as the Holy Spirit bestowed eloquence to them.

5 Now there were Jews staying in Jerusalem, pious men from every nation that is under heaven.

6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was confused in mind, because each one was listening to them speaking in his own language.

7 Then all were astonished, and they wondered, saying: “Behold, are not all of these who are speaking Galileans?

8 And how is it that we have each heard them in our own language, into which we were born?

9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those who inhabit Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya which are around Cyrene, and new arrivals of the Romans,

11 likewise Jews and new converts, Cretans and Arabs: we have heard them speaking in our own languages the mighty deeds of God.”

12 And they were all astonished, and they wondered, saying to one another: “But what does this mean?”

13 But others mockingly said, “These men are full of new wine.”

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and he spoke to them: “Men of Judea, and all those who are staying in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and incline your ears to my words.

15 For these men are not inebriated, as you suppose, for it is the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what was spoken of by the prophet Joel:

17 ‘And this shall be: in the last days, says the Lord, I will pour out, from my Spirit, upon all flesh. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy. And your youths shall see visions, and your elders shall dream dreams.

18 And certainly, upon my men and women servants in those days, I will pour out from my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.

19 And I will bestow wonders in heaven above, and signs on earth below: blood and fire and the vapor of smoke.

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and manifest day of the Lord arrives.

21 And this shall be: whoever shall invoke the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene is a man confirmed by God among you through the miracles and wonders and signs that God accomplished through him in your midst, just as you also know.

23 This man, under the definitive plan and foreknowledge of God, was delivered by the hands of the unjust, afflicted, and put to death.

24 And he whom God has raised up has broken the sorrows of Hell, for certainly it was impossible for him to be held by it.

25 For David said about him: ‘I foresaw the Lord always in my sight, for he is at my right hand, so that I may not be moved.

26 Because of this, my heart has rejoiced, and my tongue has exulted. Moreover, my flesh shall also rest in hope.

27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hell, nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption.

28 You have made known to me the ways of life. You will completely fill me with happiness by your presence.’

29 Noble brothers, permit me to speak freely to you about the Patriarch David: for he passed away and was buried, and his sepulcher is with us, even to this very day.

30 Therefore, he was a prophet, for he knew that God had sworn an oath to him about the fruit of his loins, about the One who would sit upon his throne.

31 Foreseeing this, he was speaking about the Resurrection of the Christ. For he was neither left behind in Hell, nor did his flesh see corruption.

32 This Jesus, God raised up again, and of this we are all witnesses.

33 Therefore, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the Promise of the Holy Spirit, he poured this out, just as you now see and hear.

34 For David did not ascend into heaven. But he himself said: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’

36 Therefore, may the entire house of Israel know most certainly that God has made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

37 Now when they had heard these things, they were contrite in heart, and they said to Peter and to the other Apostles: “What should we do, noble brothers?”

38 Yet truly, Peter said to them: “Do penance; and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For the Promise is for you and for your sons, and for all who are far away: for whomever the Lord our God will have called.”

40 And then, with very many other words, he testified and he exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this depraved generation.”

41 Therefore, those who accepted his discourse were baptized. And about three thousand souls were added on that day.

42 Now they were persevering in the doctrine of the Apostles, and in the communion of the breaking of the bread, and in the prayers.

43 And fear developed in every soul. Also, many miracles and signs were accomplished by the Apostles in Jerusalem. And there was a great awe in everyone.

44 And then all who believed were together, and they held all things in common.

45 They were selling their possessions and belongings, and dividing them to all, just as any of them had need.

46 Also, they continued, daily, to be of one accord in the temple and to break bread among the houses; and they took their meals with exultation and simplicity of heart,

47 praising God greatly, and holding favor with all the people. And every day, the Lord increased those who were being saved among them.

1 Now Peter and John went up to the temple at the ninth hour of prayer.

2 And a certain man, who was lame from his mother’s womb, was being carried in. They would lay him every day at the gate of the temple, which is called the Beautiful, so that he might request alms from those entering into the temple.

3 And this man, when he had seen Peter and John beginning to enter the temple, was begging, so that he might receive alms.

4 Then Peter and John, gazing at him, said, “Look at us.”

5 And he looked intently at them, hoping that he might receive something from them.

6 But Peter said: “Silver and gold is not mine. But what I have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise up and walk.”

7 And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up. And immediately his legs and feet were strengthened.

8 And leaping up, he stood and walked around. And he entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God.

10 And they recognized him, that he was the same one who was sitting for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. And they were filled with awe and amazement at what had happened to him.

11 Then, as he held on to Peter and John, all the people ran to them at the portico, which is called Solomon’s, in astonishment.

12 But Peter, seeing this, responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this? Or why do you stare at us, as if it were by our own strength or power that we caused this man to walk?

13 The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus, whom you, indeed, handed over and denied before the face of Pilate, when he was giving judgment to release him.

14 Then you denied the Holy and Just One, and petitioned for a murderous man to be given to you.

15 Truly, it was the Author of Life whom you put to death, whom God raised from the dead, to whom we are witnesses.

16 And by faith in his name, this man, whom you have seen and known, has confirmed his name. And faith through him has given this man complete health in the sight of you all.

17 And now, brothers, I know that you did this through ignorance, just as your leaders also did.

18 But in this way God has fulfilled the things that he announced beforehand through the mouth of all the Prophets: that his Christ would suffer.

19 Therefore, repent and be converted, so that your sins may be wiped away.

20 And then, when the time of consolation will have arrived from the presence of the Lord, he will send the One who was foretold to you, Jesus Christ,

21 whom heaven certainly must take up, until the time of the restoration of all things, which God has spoken of by the mouth of his holy prophets, from ages past.

22 Indeed, Moses said: ‘For the Lord your God shall raise up a Prophet for you from your brothers, one like me; the same shall you listen to according to everything whatsoever that he shall speak to you.

23 And this shall be: every soul who will not listen to that Prophet shall be exterminated from the people.’

24 And all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and thereafter, have announced these days.

25 You are sons of the prophets and of the testament which God has appointed for our fathers, saying to Abraham: ‘And by your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’

26 God raised up his Son and sent him first to you, to bless you, so that each one may turn himself away from his wickedness.”

1 But while they were speaking to the people, the priests and the magistrate of the temple and the Sadducees overwhelmed them,

2 being grieved that they were teaching the people and announcing in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they laid hands on them, and they placed them under guard until the next day. For it was now evening.

4 But many of those who had heard the word believed. And the number of men became five thousand.

5 And it happened on the next day that their leaders and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem,

6 including Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the priestly family.

7 And stationing them in the middle, they questioned them: “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Leaders of the people and elders, listen.

9 If we today are judged by a good deed done to an infirm man, by which he has been made whole,

10 let it be known to all of you and to all of the people of Israel, that in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God has raised from the dead, by him, this man stands before you, healthy.

11 He is the stone, which was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.

12 And there is no salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, by which it is necessary for us to be saved.”

13 Then, seeing the constancy of Peter and John, having verified that they were men without letters or learning, they wondered. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

14 Also, seeing the man who had been cured standing with them, they were unable to say anything to contradict them.

15 But they ordered them to withdraw outside, away from the council, and they conferred among themselves,

16 saying: “What shall we do to these men? For certainly a public sign has been done through them, before all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is manifest, and we cannot deny it.

17 But lest it spread further among the people, let us threaten them not to speak anymore in this name to any man.”

18 And calling them in, they warned them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

19 Yet truly, Peter and John said in response to them: “Judge whether it is just in the sight of God to listen to you, rather than to God.

20 For we are unable to refrain from speaking the things that we have seen and heard.”

21 But they, threatening them, sent them away, having not found a way that they might punish them because of the people. For all were glorifying the things that had been done in these events.

22 For the man in whom this sign of a cure had been accomplished was more than forty years old.

23 Then, having been released, they went to their own, and they reported in full what the leaders of the priests and the elders had said to them.

24 And when they had heard it, with one accord, they lifted up their voice to God, and they said: “Lord, you are the One who made heaven and earth, the sea and all that is in them,

25 who, by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said: ‘Why have the Gentiles been seething, and why have the people been pondering nonsense?

26 The kings of the earth have stood up, and the leaders have joined together as one, against the Lord and against his Christ.’

27 For truly Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, joined together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed

28 to do what your hand and your counsel had decreed would be done.

29 And now, O Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants that they may speak your word with all confidence,

30 by extending your hand in cures and signs and miracles, to be done through the name of your holy Son, Jesus.”

31 And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was moved. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. And they were speaking the Word of God with confidence.

32 Then the multitude of believers were of one heart and one soul. Neither did anyone say that any of the things that he possessed were his own, but all things were common to them.

33 And with great power, the Apostles were rendering testimony to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord. And great grace was in them all.

34 And neither was anyone among them in need. For as many as were owners of fields or houses, selling these, were bringing the proceeds of the things that they were selling,

35 and were placing it before the feet of the Apostles. Then it was divided to each one, just as he had need.

36 Now Joseph, who the Apostles surnamed Barnabas (which is translated as ‘son of consolation’), who was a Levite of Cyprian descent,

37 since he had land, he sold it, and he brought the proceeds and placed these at the feet of the Apostles.

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a field,

2 and he was deceitful about the price of the field, with his wife’s consent. And bringing only part of it, he placed it at the feet of the Apostles.

3 But Peter said: “Ananias, why has Satan tempted your heart, so that you would lie to the Holy Spirit and be deceitful about the price of the land?

4 Did it not belong to you while you retained it? And having sold it, was it not in your power? Why have you set this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

5 Then Ananias, upon hearing these words, fell down and expired. And a great fear overwhelmed all who heard of it.

6 And the young men rose up and removed him; and carrying him out, they buried him.

7 Then about the space of three hours passed, and his wife entered, not knowing what had happened.

8 And Peter said to her, “Tell me, woman, if you sold the field for this amount?” And she said, “Yes, for that amount.”

9 And Peter said to her: “Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out!”

10 Immediately, she fell down before his feet and expired. Then the young men entered and found her dead. And they carried her out and buried her next to her husband.

11 And a great fear came over the entire Church and over all who heard these things.

12 And through the hands of the Apostles many signs and wonders were accomplished among the people. And they all met with one accord at Solomon’s portico.

13 And among the others, no one dared to join himself to them. But the people magnified them.

14 Now the multitude of men and women who believed in the Lord was ever increasing,

15 so much so that they laid the infirm in the streets, placing them on beds and stretchers, so that, as Peter arrived, at least his shadow might fall upon any one of them, and they would be freed from their infirmities.

16 But a multitude also hurried to Jerusalem from the neighboring cities, carrying the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, who were all healed.

17 Then the high priest and all those who were with him, that is, the heretical sect of the Sadducees, rose up and were filled with jealousy.

18 And they laid hands on the Apostles, and they placed them in the common prison.

19 But in the night, an Angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison and led them out, saying,

20 “Go and stand in the temple, speaking to the people all these words of life.”

21 And when they had heard this, they entered the temple at first light, and they were teaching. Then the high priest, and those who were with him, approached, and they called together the council and all the elders of the sons of Israel. And they sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the attendants had arrived, and, upon opening the prison, had not found them, they returned and reported to them,

23 saying: “We found the prison certainly locked up with all diligence, and the guards standing before the door. But upon opening it, we found no one within.”

24 Then, when the magistrate of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were uncertain about them, as to what should happen.

25 But someone arrived and reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you placed in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.”

26 Then the magistrate, with the attendants, went and brought them without force. For they were afraid of the people, lest they be stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the council. And the high priest questioned them,

28 and said: “We strongly order you not to teach in this name. For behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you wish to bring the blood of this man upon us.”

29 But Peter and the Apostles responded by saying: “It is necessary to obey God, more so than men.

30 The God of our fathers has raised up Jesus, whom you put to death by hanging him on a tree.

31 It is he whom God has exalted at his right hand as Ruler and Savior, so as to offer repentance and the remission of sins to Israel.

32 And we are witnesses of these things, with the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to all who are obedient to him.”

33 When they had heard these things, they were deeply wounded, and they were planning to put them to death.

34 But someone in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, rose up and ordered the men to be put outside briefly.

35 And he said to them: “Men of Israel, you should be careful in your intentions about these men.

36 For before these days, Theudas stepped forward, asserting himself to be someone, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined with him. But he was killed, and all who believed in him were scattered, and they were reduced to nothing.

37 After this one, Judas the Galilean stepped forward, in the days of the enrollment, and he turned the people toward himself. But he also perished, and all of them, as many as had joined with him, were dispersed.

38 And now therefore, I say to you, withdraw from these men and leave them alone. For if this counsel or work is of men, it will be broken.

39 Yet truly, if it is of God, you will not be able to break it, and perhaps you might be found to have fought against God.” And they agreed with him.

40 And calling in the Apostles, having beaten them, they warned them not to speak at all in the name of Jesus. And they dismissed them.

41 And indeed, they went forth from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to suffer insult on behalf of the name of Jesus.

42 And every day, in the temple and among the houses, they did not cease to teach and to evangelize Christ Jesus.

1 In those days, as the number of disciples was increasing, there occurred a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, because their widows were treated with disdain in the daily ministration.

2 And so the twelve, calling together the multitude of the disciples, said: “It is not fair for us to leave behind the Word of God to serve at tables also.

3 Therefore, brothers, search among yourselves for seven men of good testimony, filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, whom we may appoint over this work.

4 Yet truly, we will be continually in prayer and in the ministry of the Word.”

5 And the plan pleased the entire multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and with the Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolas, a new arrival from Antioch.

6 These they set before the sight of the Apostles, and while praying, they imposed hands on them.

7 And the Word of the Lord was increasing, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly. And even a large group of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 Then Stephen, filled with grace and fortitude, wrought great signs and miracles among the people.

9 But certain ones, from the synagogue of the so-called Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those who were from Cilicia and Asia rose up and were disputing with Stephen.

10 But they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.

11 Then they suborned men who were to claim that they had heard him speaking words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.

12 And thus did they stir up the people and the elders and the scribes. And hurrying together, they seized him and brought him to the council.

13 And they set up false witnesses, who said: “This man does not cease to speak words against the holy place and the law.

14 For we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and will change the traditions, which Moses handed down to us.”

15 And all those who were sitting in the council, gazing at him, saw his face, as if it had become the face of an Angel.

1 Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?”

2 And Stephen said: “Noble brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he stayed in Haran.

3 And God said to him, ‘Depart from your country and from your kindred, and go into the land that I will show to you.’

4 Then he went away from the land of the Chaldeans, and he lived at Haran. And later, after his father was dead, God brought him into this land, in which you now dwell.

5 And he gave him no inheritance in it, not even the space of one step. But he promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his offspring after him, though he did not have a son.

6 Then God told him that his offspring would be a settler in a foreign land, and that they would subjugate them, and treat them badly, for four hundred years.

7 ‘And the nation whom they will serve, I will judge,’ said the Lord. ‘And after these things, they shall depart and shall serve me in this place.’

8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so he conceived Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac conceived Jacob, and Jacob, the twelve Patriarchs.

9 And the Patriarchs, being jealous, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him.

10 And he rescued him from all his tribulations. And he gave him grace and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. And he appointed him as governor over Egypt and over all his house.

11 Then a famine occurred in all of Egypt and Canaan, and a great tribulation. And our fathers did not find food.

12 But when Jacob had heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers first.

13 And on the second occasion, Joseph was recognized by his brothers, and his ancestry was made manifest to Pharaoh.

14 Then Joseph sent for and brought his father Jacob, with all his kindred, seventy-five souls.

15 And Jacob descended into Egypt, and he passed away, and so did our fathers.

16 And they crossed over into Shechem, and they were placed in the sepulcher which Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the son of Shechem.

17 And when the time of the Promise that God had revealed to Abraham drew near, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt,

18 even until another king, who did not know Joseph, rose up in Egypt.

19 This one, encompassing our kindred, afflicted our fathers, so that they would expose their infants, lest they be kept alive.

20 In the same time, Moses was born. And he was in the grace of God, and he was nourished for three months in the house of his father.

21 Then, having been abandoned, the daughter of Pharaoh took him in, and she raised him as her own son.

22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. And he was mighty in his words and in his deeds.

23 But when forty years of age were completed in him, it rose up in his heart that he should visit his brothers, the sons of Israel.

24 And when he had seen a certain one suffering injury, he defended him. And striking the Egyptian, he wrought a retribution for him who was enduring the injury.

25 Now he supposed that his brothers would understand that God would grant them salvation through his hand. But they did not understand it.

26 So truly, on the following day, he appeared before those who were arguing, and he would have reconciled them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. So why would you harm one another?’

27 But he who was causing the injury to his neighbor rejected him, saying: ‘Who has appointed you as leader and judge over us?

28 Could it be that you want to kill me, in the same way that you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’

29 Then, at this word, Moses fled. And he became a foreigner in the land of Midian, where he produced two sons.

30 And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him, in the desert of Mount Sinai, an Angel, in a flame of fire in a bush.

31 And upon seeing this, Moses was amazed at the sight. And as he drew near in order to gaze at it, the voice of the Lord came to him, saying:

32 ‘I am the God of your fathers: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses, being made to tremble, did not dare to look.

33 But the Lord said to him: ‘Loosen the shoes from your feet. For the place in which you stand is holy ground.

34 Certainly, I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning. And so, I am coming down to free them. And now, go forth and I will send you into Egypt.’

35 This Moses, whom they rejected by saying, ‘Who has appointed you as leader and judge?’ is the one God sent to be leader and redeemer, by the hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush.

36 This man led them out, accomplishing signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, and at the Red Sea, and in the desert, for forty years.

37 This is Moses, who said to the sons of Israel: ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your own brothers. You shall listen to him.’

38 This is he who was in the Church in the wilderness, with the Angel who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. It is he who received the words of life to give to us.

39 It is he whom our fathers were not willing to obey. Instead, they rejected him, and in their hearts they turned away toward Egypt,

40 saying to Aaron: ‘Make gods for us, which may go before us. For this Moses, who led us away from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.’

41 And so they fashioned a calf in those days, and they offered sacrifices to an idol, and they rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

42 Then God turned, and he handed them over, to subservience to the armies of heaven, just as it was written in the Book of the Prophets: ‘Did you not offer victims and sacrifices to me for forty years in the desert, O house of Israel?

43 And yet you took up for yourselves the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, figures which you yourselves formed in order to adore them. And so I will carry you away, beyond Babylon.’

44 The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the desert, just as God ordained for them, speaking to Moses, so that he would make it according to the form that he had seen.

45 But our fathers, receiving it, also brought it, with Joshua, into the land of the Gentiles, whom God expelled before the face of our fathers, even until the days of David,

46 who found grace before God and who asked that he might obtain a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him.

48 Yet the Most High does not live in houses built by hands, just as he said through the prophet:

49 ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house would you build for me? says the Lord. And which is my resting place?

50 Has not my hand made all these things?’

51 Stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you ever resist the Holy Spirit. Just as your fathers did, so also do you do.

52 Which of the Prophets have your fathers not persecuted? And they killed those who foretold the advent of the Just One. And you have now become the betrayers and murderers of him.

53 You received the law by the actions of Angels, and yet you have not kept it.”

54 Then, upon hearing these things, they were deeply wounded in their hearts, and they gnashed their teeth at him.

55 But he, being filled with the Holy Spirit, and gazing intently toward heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.”

56 Then they, crying out with a loud voice, blocked their ears and, with one accord, rushed violently toward him.

57 And driving him out, beyond the city, they stoned him. And witnesses placed their garments beside the feet of a youth, who was called Saul.

58 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out and said, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

59 Then, having been brought to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was consenting to his murder.

1 Now in those days, there occurred a great persecution against the Church at Jerusalem. And they were all dispersed throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the Apostles.

2 But God-fearing men arranged for Stephen’s funeral, and they made a great mourning over him.

3 Then Saul was laying waste to the Church by entering throughout the houses, and dragging away men and women, and committing them to prison.

4 Therefore, those who had been dispersed were traveling around, evangelizing the Word of God.

5 Now Philip, descending to a city of Samaria, was preaching Christ to them.

6 And the crowd was listening intently and with one accord to those things which were being said by Philip, and they were watching the signs which he was accomplishing.

7 For many of them had unclean spirits, and, crying out with a loud voice, these departed from them.

8 And many of the paralytics and the lame were cured.

9 Therefore, there was great gladness in that city. Now there was a certain man named Simon, who formerly had been a magician in that city, seducing the people of Samaria, claiming himself to be someone great.

10 And to all those who would listen, from the least even to the greatest, he was saying: “Here is the power of God, which is called great.”

11 And they were attentive to him because, for a long time, he had deluded them with his magic.

12 Yet truly, once they had believed Philip, who was evangelizing the kingdom of God, both men and women were baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.

13 Then Simon himself also believed and, when he had been baptized, he adhered to Philip. And now, seeing also the greatest signs and miracles being wrought, he was amazed and stupefied.

14 Now when the Apostles who were in Jerusalem had heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.

15 And when they had arrived, they prayed for them, so that they might receive the Holy Spirit.

16 For he had not yet come to any among them, since they were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 But when Simon had seen that, by the imposition of the hands of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money,

19 saying, “Give this power to me also, so that on whomever I will lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him:

20 “Let your money be with you in perdition, for you have supposed that a gift of God might be possessed by money.

21 There is no part or place for you in this matter. For your heart is not upright in the sight of God.

22 And so, repent from this, your wickedness, and beg God, so that perhaps this plan of your heart might be forgiven you.

23 For I perceive you to be in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”

24 Then Simon responded by saying, “Pray for me to the Lord, so that nothing of what you have said may happen to me.”

25 And indeed, after testifying and speaking the Word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, and they evangelized the many regions of the Samaritans.

26 Now an Angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Rise up and go toward the south, to the way which descends from Jerusalem into Gaza, where there is a desert.”

27 And rising up, he went. And behold, an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, powerful under Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasures, had arrived in Jerusalem to worship.

28 And while returning, he was sitting upon his chariot and reading from the prophet Isaiah.

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Draw near and join yourself to this chariot.”

30 And Philip, hurrying, heard him reading from the prophet Isaiah, and he said, “Do you think that you understand what you are reading?”

31 And he said, “But how can I, unless someone will have revealed it to me?” And he asked Philip to climb up and sit with him.

32 Now the place in Scripture that he was reading was this: “Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter. And like a lamb silent before his shearer, so he opened not his mouth.

33 He endured his judgment with humility. Who of his generation shall describe how his life was taken away from the earth?”

34 Then the eunuch responded to Philip, saying: “I beg you, about whom is the prophet saying this? About himself, or about someone else?”

35 Then Philip, opening his mouth and beginning from this Scripture, evangelized Jesus to him.

36 And while they were going along the way, they arrived at a certain water source. And the eunuch said: “There is water. What would prevent me from being baptized?”

37 Then Philip said, “If you believe from your whole heart, it is permitted.” And he responded by saying, “I believe the Son of God to be Jesus the Christ.”

38 And he ordered the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunuch descended into the water. And he baptized him.

39 And when they had ascended from the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him anymore. Then he went on his way, rejoicing.

40 Now Philip was found in Azotus. And continuing on, he evangelized all the cities, until he arrived in Caesarea.

1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and beatings against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

2 and he petitioned him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that, if he found any men or women belonging to this Way, he could lead them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

3 And as he made the journey, it happened that he was approaching Damascus. And suddenly, a light from heaven shone around him.

4 And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”

5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goad.”

6 And he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?”

7 And the Lord said to him, “Rise up and go into the city, and there you will be told what you ought to do.” Now the men who were accompanying him were standing stupefied, hearing indeed a voice, but seeing no one.

8 Then Saul rose up from the ground. And upon opening his eyes, he saw nothing. So leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus.

9 And in that place, he was without sight for three days, and he neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”

11 And the Lord said to him: “Rise up and go into the street that is called Straight, and seek, in the house of Judas, the one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying.”

12 (And Paul saw a man named Ananias entering and imposing hands upon him, so that he might receive his sight.)

13 But Ananias responded: “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.

14 And he has authority here from the leaders of the priests to bind all who invoke your name.”

15 Then the Lord said to him: “Go, for this one is an instrument chosen by me to convey my name before nations and kings and the sons of Israel.

16 For I will reveal to him how much he must suffer on behalf of my name.”

17 And Ananias departed. And he entered the house. And laying his hands upon him, he said: “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, he who appeared to you on the way by which you arrived, sent me so that you would receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

18 And immediately, it was as if scales had fallen from his eyes, and he received his sight. And rising up, he was baptized.

19 And when he had taken a meal, he was strengthened. Now he was with the disciples who were at Damascus for some days.

20 And he was continuously preaching Jesus in the synagogues: that he is the Son of God.

21 And all who heard him were astonished, and they said, “Is this not the one who, in Jerusalem, was fighting against those invoking this name, and who came here for this: so that he might lead them away to the leaders of the priests?”

22 But Saul was increasing to a greater extent in ability, and so he was confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus, by affirming that he is the Christ.

23 And when many days were completed, the Jews took counsel as one, so that they might put him to death.

24 But their treachery became known to Saul. Now they were also watching the gates, day and night, so that they might put him to death.

25 But the disciples, taking him away by night, sent him over the wall by letting him down in a basket.

26 And when he had arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to join himself to the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

27 But Barnabas took him aside and led him to the Apostles. And he explained to them how he had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken to him, and how, in Damascus, he had acted faithfully in the name of Jesus.

28 And he was with them, entering and departing Jerusalem, and acting faithfully in the name of the Lord.

29 He also was speaking with the Gentiles and disputing with the Greeks. But they were seeking to kill him.

30 And when the brothers had realized this, they brought him to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

31 Certainly, the Church had peace throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and it was being built up, while walking in the fear of the Lord, and it was being filled with the consolation of the Holy Spirit.

32 Then it happened that Peter, as he traveled around everywhere, came to the saints who were living at Lydda.

33 But he found there a certain man, named Aeneas, who was a paralytic, who had lain in bed for eight years.

34 And Peter said to him: “Aeneas, the Lord Jesus Christ heals you. Rise up and arrange your bed.” And immediately he rose up.

35 And all who were living in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they were converted to the Lord.

36 Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which in translation is called Dorcas. She was filled with the good works and almsgiving that she was accomplishing.

37 And it happened that, in those days, she became ill and died. And when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.

38 Now since Lydda was close to Joppa, the disciples, upon hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, asking him: “Do not be slow in coming to us.”

39 Then Peter, rising up, went with them. And when he had arrived, they led him to an upper room. And all the widows were standing around him, weeping and showing him the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made for them.

40 And when they had all been sent outside, Peter, kneeling down, prayed. And turning to the body, he said: “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes and, upon seeing Peter, sat up again.

41 And offering her his hand, he lifted her up. And when he had called in the saints and the widows, he presented her alive.

42 Now this became known throughout all of Joppa. And many believed in the Lord.

43 And it happened that he resided for many days in Joppa, with a certain Simon, a tanner.

1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of the cohort which is called Italian,

2 a devout man, fearing God with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to God continually.

3 This man saw in a vision clearly, at about the ninth hour of the day, the Angel of God entering to him and saying to him: “Cornelius!”

4 And he, gazing at him, was seized by fear, and he said, “What is it, lord?” And he said to him: “Your prayers and your almsgiving have ascended as a memorial in the sight of God.

5 And now, send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon, who is surnamed Peter.

6 This man is a guest with a certain Simon, a tanner, whose house is beside the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

7 And when the Angel who was speaking to him had departed, he called, out of those who were subject to him, two of his household servants and a soldier who feared the Lord.

8 And when he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 Then, on the following day, while they were making the journey and approaching the city, Peter ascended to the upper rooms, so that he might pray, at about the sixth hour.

10 And since he was hungry, he wanted to enjoy some food. Then, as they were preparing it, an ecstasy of mind fell over him.

11 And he saw heaven opened, and a certain container descending, as if a great linen sheet were let down, by its four corners, from heaven to earth,

12 on which were all four-footed beasts, and the crawling things of the earth and the flying things of the air.

13 And a voice came to him: “Rise up, Peter! Kill and eat.”

14 But Peter said: “Far be it from me, lord. For I have never eaten anything common or unclean.”

15 And the voice, again a second time to him: “What God has purified, you shall not call common.”

16 Now this was done three times. And immediately the container was taken up to heaven.

17 Now while Peter was still hesitant within himself as to what the vision, which he had seen, might mean, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius stood at the gate, inquiring about Simon’s house.

18 And when they had called out, they asked if Simon, who is surnamed Peter, was a guest in that place.

19 Then, as Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you.

20 And so, rise up, descend, and go with them, doubting nothing. For I have sent them.”

21 Then Peter, descending to the men, said: “Behold, I am the one whom you seek. What is the reason for which you have arrived?”

22 And they said: “Cornelius, a centurion, a just and God-fearing man, who has good testimony from the entire nation of the Jews, received a message from a holy Angel to summon you to his house and to listen to words from you.”

23 Therefore, leading them in, he received them as guests. Then, on following the day, rising up, he set out with them. And some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And on the next day, he entered Caesarea. And truly, Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his family and closest friends.

25 And it happened that, when Peter had entered, Cornelius went to meet him. And falling before his feet, he reverenced.

26 Yet truly, Peter, lifting him up, said: “Rise up, for I also am only a man.”

27 And speaking with him, he entered, and he found many who had gathered together.

28 And he said to them: “You know how abominable it would be for a Jewish man to be joined with, or to be added to, a foreign people. But God has revealed to me to call no man common or unclean.

29 Because of this and without doubt, I came when summoned. Therefore, I ask you, for what reason have you summoned me?”

30 And Cornelius said: “It is now the fourth day, to this very hour, since I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, and behold, a man stood before me in a white vestment, and he said:

31 ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your almsgiving has been remembered in the sight of God.

32 Therefore, send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter. This man is a guest in the house of Simon, a tanner, near the sea.’

33 And so, I promptly sent for you. And you have done well in coming here. Therefore, all of us are now present in your sight to hear all the things that were taught to you by the Lord.”

34 Then, Peter, opening his mouth, said: “I have concluded in truth that God is not a respecter of persons.

35 But within every nation, whoever fears him and works justice is acceptable to him.

36 God sent the Word to the sons of Israel, announcing the peace through Jesus Christ, for he is the Lord of all.

37 You know that the Word has been made known throughout all Judea. For beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached,

38 Jesus of Nazareth, whom God anointed with the Holy Spirit and with power, traveled around doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil. For God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all that he did in the region of Judea and in Jerusalem, he whom they killed by hanging him on a tree.

40 God raised him up on the third day and permitted him to be made manifest,

41 not to all the people, but to the witnesses preordained by God, to those of us who ate and drank with him after he rose again from the dead.

42 And he instructed us to preach to the people, and to testify that he is the One who was appointed by God to be the judge of the living and of the dead.

43 To him all the Prophets offer testimony that through his name all who believe in him receive the remission of sins.”

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell over all of those who were listening to the Word.

45 And the faithful of the circumcision, who had arrived with Peter, were astonished that the grace of the Holy Spirit was also poured out upon the Gentiles.

46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God.

47 Then Peter responded, “How could anyone prohibit water, so that those who have received the Holy Spirit would not be baptized, just as we also have been?”

48 And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they begged him to remain with them for some days.

1 Now the Apostles and brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God.

2 Then, when Peter had gone up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision argued against him,

3 saying, “Why did you enter to uncircumcised men, and why did you eat with them?”

4 And Peter began to explain to them, in an orderly manner, saying:

5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and I saw, in an ecstasy of mind, a vision: a certain container descending, like a great linen sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. And it drew near to me.

6 And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air.

7 Then I also heard a voice saying to me: ‘Rise up, Peter. Kill and eat.’

8 But I said: ‘Never, lord! For what is common or unclean has never entered into my mouth.’

9 Then the voice responded a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you shall not call common.’

10 Now this was done three times. And then everything was taken up again into heaven.

11 And behold, immediately there were three men standing near the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.

12 Then the Spirit told me that I should go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers went with me also. And we entered into the house of the man.

13 And he described for us how he had seen an Angel in his house, standing and saying to him: ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter.

14 And he shall speak to you words, by which you shall be saved with your whole house.’

15 And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as upon us also, in the beginning.

16 Then I remembered the words of the Lord, just as he himself said: ‘John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

17 Therefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?”

18 Having heard these things, they were silent. And they glorified God, saying: “So has God also given to the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

19 And some of them, having been dispersed by the persecution that had occurred under Stephen, traveled around, even to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the Word to no one, except to Jews only.

20 But some of these men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they had entered into Antioch, were speaking also to the Greeks, announcing the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them. And a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.

22 Now the news came to the ears of the Church at Jerusalem about these things, and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch.

23 And when he had arrived there and had seen the grace of God, he was gladdened. And he exhorted them all to continue in the Lord with a resolute heart.

24 For he was a good man, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas set out for Tarsus, so that he might seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.

26 And they were conversing there in the Church for an entire year. And they taught such a great multitude, that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first known by the name of Christian.

27 Now in these days, prophets from Jerusalem went over to Antioch.

28 And one of them, named Agabus, rising up, signified through the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine over the entire world, which did happen under Claudius.

29 Then the disciples declared, according to what each one possessed, what they would offer to be sent to the brothers living in Judea.

30 And so they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.