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The Book of Acts
Acts tells the story of the early Christian
church and how Christianity spread to other parts of the world. It covers the
first years of the Christian church. Most people who study the Bible feel
that Jesus' disciple, Luke, was the author of Acts. They feel that the Book of Luke
and the Book of Acts were meant to be together. They also feel that Luke may
have planned to write a third book.
The 2 important people in the Book of Acts are Peter and Paul. Some important events that happen in Acts are the coming of the Holy Spirit, the persecution of Christians, the conversion of Saul (Paul), and the spread of Christianity to other parts of the world.
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Acts 10
God tells Cornelius, a Gentile, to send for
Peter.
There was a man named Cornelius who lived in
Caesarea. He was a soldier in the Italian group of soldiers. Cornelius was
strong in his faith in God. His family had strong faith, too. They always prayed
to God and gave money to help poor people.
[1] There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the
band called the Italian band,
[2] A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much
alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
Cornelius saw a vision. He saw it about the ninth hour
of the day. He saw one of God's angels coming to him. The angel called to
Cornelius and used his name. Cornelius looked at the angel, and he felt afraid.
He asked the angel what he wanted. The angel said that God had heard his
prayers. God knew that Cornelius helped poor people.
[3] He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God
coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.
[4] And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he
said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.
The angel told Cornelius to send men to Joppa. They
should bring back Peter (his full name was Simon Peter). He is staying with a
man named Simon who is a tanner (works with animal skins). Simon lives by
the sea. Simon will then tell Cornelius what to do.
[5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:
[6] He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall
tell thee what thou oughtest to do.
After the angel left, Cornelius called two of the
workers in his house and a faithful soldier. He told them all of these things,
then sent them to Joppa.
[7] And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of
his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him
continually;
[8] And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
Peter's vision
The next day, they traveled and got closer to the city.
At the 6th hour, Peter went up on top of the house to pray. Peter was very
hungry. He was getting ready to eat, but he fell into a trance.
[9] On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city,
Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:
[10] And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready,
he fell into a trance,
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Image from LaVista Church of Christ |
Peter was in a trance, and he saw heaven open and
something came down. It was like a big sheet with 4 corners. It was let
down to the earth. In the sheet, there were all kinds of animals of the earth,
wild animals, things that crawled, and birds of the air.
[11] And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had
been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
[12] Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts,
and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
Peter heard a voice. The voice told him to get up, kill, and
eat. But Peter said no, he would not eat anything that was unclean (against the Jewish laws
about food).
[13] And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14] But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or unclean.
Peter heard the voice again. The voice said everything
God made is clean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed,
that call not thou common.
This happened 3 times. Then the sheet went back
up into heaven.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.
Peter was thinking about what this vision meant. Then
the men from Cornelius arrived. They asked how to find Simon the tanner's
house. When they found the house, they
stood outside and asked if Simon Peter was there.
[17] Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for
Simon's house, and stood before the gate,
[18] And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged
there.
Peter was still thinking about his vision. The Holy
Spirit spoke to him. It told Peter that 3 men were there looking for him.
He should go downstairs and go with them. The Holy Spirit said he should
not doubt because he sent the men to Peter.
[19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three
men seek thee.
[20] Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for
I have sent them.
Peter travels to Cornelius' house
Peter went down to the men from
Cornelius. He told them he was the man they were looking for and asked why they
wanted to see him.
[21] Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius;
and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
They told him about Cornelius. They said he is a good
and fair man who loves God. He has a good reputation with the Jewish people.
They said God's angel told Cornelius to bring Peter to his house and listen
to what Peter says.
[22] And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth
God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by
an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.
Peter let them in and they stayed
the night in Simon's house. The next morning, Peter went with them. Some of
the Christians from Joppa went with him, too.
[23] Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away
with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
They arrived in Caesarea the next day. Cornelius was
waiting for them. He had called his family and friends to come, too.
[24] And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for
them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
As Peter came in, Cornelius met him and fell down at
his feet worshiping him.
[25] And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet,
and worshipped him.
Peter told him to stand up. He said he was just a man.
[26] But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.
When Peter and Cornelius went in, they saw that many
people were there together.
[27] And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come
together.
Peter preaches to Cornelius and his group.
Peter talked to the group. He said that Jewish law says
that a Jewish person should not go into the home of a Gentile person. But God
showed him that he should not call any man clean or unclean.
[28] And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man
that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath
shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.
He said that he came to Cornelius as soon as
he sent for
him. But he asks why Cornelius sent for him.
[29] Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I
ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?
Cornelius said that 4 days ago he was fasting. About
the ninth hour of the day (3 o'clock), he was praying. He saw a man in
bright clothes standing in front of him. The man called him by name and
said that God heard his prayer. God remembered that he gave money to poor
people.
[30] And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the
ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright
clothing,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in
remembrance in the sight of God.
The man told him to send someone to Joppa and get Simon Peter. He
was staying in
the home of Simon the tanner. The man said that Peter would talk to him.
So he obeyed and sent his men to Joppa. It was good that Peter came to
Cornelius. Now, Cornelius and the other people who gathered there want to
hear Peter. They want to hear what God tells Peter to say.
[32] Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he
is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he
cometh, shall speak unto thee.
[33] Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art
come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that
are commanded thee of God.
Peter started to preach. He said that God treats
everyone the same. God accepts the people who believe in Him, no matter
what nation or group of people they are in.
[34] Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is
accepted with him.
God sent that message to the Jewish people that Jesus Christ is Lord of all.
[36] The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by
Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
That message started in Galilee after John the Baptist
preached and baptized people. Then the message went through Judaea.
[37] That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and
began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the power of the
Holy Spirit. Then Jesus traveled around doing good. God was with Jesus. He
healed the people that were being oppressed by Satan.
[38] How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who
went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God
was with him.
Peter said that he and the others were witnesses. They
saw the things that Jesus did. They saw what he did in the Jewish areas
and in Jerusalem. Then the Jews killed him and hanged him on a cross.
[39] And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the
Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:
God raised Jesus on the third day. Some people could
see Jesus after he was raised, but not everyone. Only people that God chose could see Jesus after He
was raised.
[40] Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41] Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us,
who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
Peter said that Jesus commanded them to
preach to people. They should testify about Jesus. Jesus had power from God to
be the judge of people who are living and dead.
[42] And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he
which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
All the prophets say that anyone that
believes in Jesus will have their sins forgiven.
[43] To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever
believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter was talking, the Holy Spirit
fell on the people that were hearing him.
[44] While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which
heard the word.
Some Jewish people had come with Peter. They were
surprised because the Holy Spirit was also coming on the Gentiles. They
could hear them speaking in other languages and praising God. Then Peter
answered. He said they could not forbid the Gentiles to get baptized because
they have also received the Holy Spirit.
[45] And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as
came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
[46] For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered
Peter,
[47] Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have
received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
Peter commanded that the Gentiles be baptized in the
name of the Lord. Then they prayed and asked Peter to stay longer.
[48] And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed
they him to tarry certain days.
Acts 11
Peter tells the Jews that God is now saving the Gentiles, too.
The apostles and Christians in Judaea heard
that Gentiles had been hearing the word of God.
[1] And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles
had also received the word of God.
When Peter went to Jerusalem, the Jews argued
with him. They thought he was bad for staying with and eating with people who
were not circumcised.
[2] And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision
contended with him,
[3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
But Peter told them the whole story from the beginning.
He said he was in Joppa praying, then saw a vision. A big sheet was let
down from heaven. It had 4 corners. He saw all kinds of animals and birds.
[4] But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order
unto them, saying,
[5] I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A
certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by
four corners; and it came even to me:
[6] Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw
fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls
of the air.
He said he heard a voice tell him to get up, kill the
animals, and eat them. But he said no because some of the animals were
unclean according to Jewish law.
[7] And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
[8] But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time
entered into my mouth.
But the voice from heaven told him that anything God
made is clean.
[9] But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that
call not thou common.
This happened 3 times, and then all of it went
back up into heaven.
[10] And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.
Then 3 men came to the house. They had been
sent from Caesarea to him. The Holy Spirit told him to go with them and not to
worry. So 6 Christian brothers went with him. They went into a man's house.
[11] And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house
where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.
[12] And the spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six
brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
The man told us that he had seen an angel in his house.
The angel told him to send men to Joppa and ask for Simon Peter. The angel told
the man that Simon Peter would tell him and all of his household how to be
saved.
[13] And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and
said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
[14] Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
Peter said that as he began to speak, the Holy
Spirit fell on the people, just like it did at Pentecost.
[15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the
beginning.
He remembered that Jesus said John baptized with water,
but we would be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
[16] Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.
Peter said that God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave
them. Peter asked how he could disobey God?
[17] Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who
believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?
The Jews who were listening to Peter were quiet. They
gave the glory to God. They said that God is now saving the Gentiles, too.
[18] When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God,
saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
| Antioch
There are 2 places named Antioch in the Book of Acts.
The second one was in Turkey in the area named Pisidia. |
The church is started in Antioch (in Syria).
When Stephen was killed, some of the Christians
left Jerusalem and traveled to different places. Some went to Phenice
(modern-day Syria), Cyprus, and Antioch. They preached about Jesus' death and
resurrection, but they preached to Jews only.
[19] Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about
Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word
to none but unto the Jews only.
Some of the Christians from Cyprus and Cyrene then went
to Antioch. They preached about the Lord Jesus to the Greek people
who were in Antioch.
[20] And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come
to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
The hand of God was with them, and many people believed them and gave their
lives to Christ.
[21] And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and
turned unto the Lord.
When the believers in Jerusalem heard about this,
they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
[22] Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in
Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
When Barnabas got there and saw God's grace, he was
glad. He encouraged them so that they would continue to love God and serve Him.
Barnabas was a good man. He was full of faith and the Holy Ghost. Many people
were saved and became Christians.
[23] Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted
them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
[24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much
people was added unto the Lord.
Barnabas and Saul go to Antioch. The word "Christians" is
used for the first time.
Then Barnabas left and went to Tarsus to look for Saul.
When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They stayed there for a
whole year. They met with the other believers and taught many people.
Antioch is the first place that people who gave their lives to Christ were
called Christians.
[25] Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26] And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to
pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught
much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
During this time, prophets traveled from Jerusalem to
Antioch. One of them was named Agabus. The Holy Spirit told him that
there would be a famine and time of little food. This happened during the
days that Claudius Caesar was the ruler of the Roman Empire.
[27] And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
[28] And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit
that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass
in the days of Claudius Caesar.
The Christians sent food and supplies to the other
Christians in Judaea. They sent whatever they could afford. They sent the
food and supplies with Barnabas and Saul.
[29] Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send
relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
[30] Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and
Saul.
Acts 12
Herod kills James the brother of John and
puts Peter in prison.
King Herod did things to cause trouble for the church.
He killed the apostle James the brother of John. He killed him with a sword.[1] Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.
[2] And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.
Herod saw that the Jews were happy that he killed James. So he decided to catch Peter, too. It was during Passover time.
[3] And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
Herod caught Peter and put him in prison. He put 4 groups of soldiers to guard him. His plan was to bring him out to the Jewish people after Easter.
[4] And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
Peter was kept in prison, and all of the church prayed to God for him. They prayed continuously.
[5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
Herod was going to bring him to the Jews the next day. Peter was sleeping between 2 soldiers. He had 2 chains on him. There were guards at the door.
[6] And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.
God's angel takes Peter out of prison.
An angel from God came to Peter. A light shined in prison. The angel hit Peter on his side and woke him up. The angel told him to get up quickly. Then Peter's chains fell off from his hands.
[7] And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.
The angel told him to get dressed and put on his sandals. Peter did what the angel said. The angel told him to put his coat on and follow him.
[8] And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
Peter followed the angel out. Peter didn't think it was true. He thought it was only a vision or dream.
[9] And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.
They passed the first and second parts of the jail. Then they came to the iron gate that went out into the city. The gate opened by itself. Peter and the angel went out and went down the street. Then, the angel left.
[10] When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.
Peter understood what happened. He said that he was sure that God had sent His angel. He saved him from Herod and the Jews' plans for him.
[11] And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.
Peter decided to go to Mary's house. She was the mother of John Mark. Many people were there praying.
[12] And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
Peter knocked on the door of the gate. A woman named Rhoda heard him. She was so happy to hear him that she didn't open the gate. She ran in the house and told everyone that Peter was at the gate. They told her she was crazy. But she insisted it was Peter. They said it must be Peter's angel.
[13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
[14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
Peter kept knocking. When the others opened the door and saw him, they were amazed. But he held up his hand to tell them to be quiet. He told them how God brought him out of prison. He told them to go tell James and the others. Then he left to go someplace else.
[16] But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
[17] But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
The next day, the soldiers were upset and trying to figure out what happened to Peter.
[18] Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
Herod sent for Peter. When he found out that
Peter was gone, he questioned the guards. He commanded that all the guards be
killed. Then Herod left and went to Caesarea to stay.
[19] And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the
keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from
Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
The death of Herod.
Herod did not get along with the people in the areas
of Tyre and Sidon. But Herod's country was where Tyre and Sidon got their
food. So they made friends with the king's assistant named Blastus. They wanted
peace with Herod.
[20] And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came
with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their
friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's
country.
One day, Herod was dressed in his royal clothes. He sat
on a throne and gave a speech. The people shouted. They said he was a god,
not a man.
[21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne,
and made an oration unto them.
[22] And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and not of a
man.
Immediately, God's angel attacked Herod. He attacked
him because Herod let them say he was a god and did not give the real God the
glory. Herod died and the worms ate him.
[23] And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God
the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
Saul, Barnabas, and John Mark go back to Jerusalem.
The word of God continued to grow and multiply.
Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem after they did what God told them to
do. They brought with them John Mark.
[24] But the word of God grew and multiplied.
[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled
their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
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