This Book, which, from the first ages, hath been called,
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, is not to be considered as a
history of what was done by all the Apostles, who were
dispersed into different nations; but only a short view of
the first establishment of the Christian Church. A part of
the preaching and action of St. Peter are related in the
first twelve chapters; and a particular account of St.
Paul's apostolical labours in the subsequent chapters. It
was written by St. Luke the Evangelist, and the original in
Greek. Its history commences from the Ascension of Christ
our Lord and ends in the year sixty-three, being a brief
account of the Church for the space of about thirty years.
Acts Chapter 1
The ascension of Christ. Matthias is chosen in place of
Judas.
1:1. The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, of all
things which Jesus began to do and to teach,
1:2. Until the day on which, giving commandments by the
Holy Ghost to the apostles whom he had chosen, he was taken
up.
1:3. To whom also he shewed himself alive after his
passion, by many proofs, for forty days appearing to them,
and speaking of the kingdom of God.
1:4. And eating together with them, he commanded them, that
they should not depart from Jerusalem, but should wait for
the promise of the Father, which you have heard (saith he)
by my mouth.
1:5. For John indeed baptized with water: but you shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence.
1:6. They therefore who were come together, asked him,
saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the
kingdom of Israel?
1:7. But he said to them: It is not for you to know the
time or moments, which the Father hath put in his own
power:
1:8. But you shall receive the power of the Holy Ghost
coming upon you, and you shall be witnesses unto me in
Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, and even to the
uttermost part of the earth.
1:9. And when he had said these things, while they looked
on, he was raised up: and a cloud received him out of their
sight.
1:10. And while they were beholding him going up to heaven,
behold two men stood by them in white garments.
1:11. Who also said: Ye men of Galilee, why stand you
looking up to heaven? This Jesus who is taken up from you
into heaven, shall so come as you have seen him going into
heaven.
1:12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount that
is called Olivet, which is nigh Jerusalem, within a sabbath
day's journey.
1:13. And when they were come in, they went up into an
upper room, where abode Peter and John, James and Andrew,
Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of
Alpheus and Simon Zelotes and Jude the brother of James.
1:14. All these were persevering with one mind in prayer
with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his
brethren.
1:15. In those days Peter rising up in the midst of the
brethren, said (now the number of persons together was
about an hundred and twenty):
1:16. Men, brethren, the scripture must needs be fulfilled,
which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David
concerning Judas, who was the leader of them that
apprehended Jesus:
1:17. Who was numbered with us, and had obtained part of
this ministry.
1:18. And he indeed hath possessed a field of the reward of
iniquity, and being hanged, burst asunder in the midst: and
all his bowels gushed out.
1:19. And it became known to all the inhabitants of
Jerusalem: so that the same field was called in their
tongue, Haceldama, that is to say, The field of blood.
1:20. For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their
habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell
therein. And his bishopric let another take.
1:21. Wherefore of these men who have companied with us,
all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among
us,
1:22. Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day
wherein he was taken up from us, one of these must be made
a witness with us of his resurrection.
1:23. And they appointed two, Joseph, called Barsabas, who
was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
1:24. And praying, they said: Thou, Lord, who knowest the
heart of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast
chosen,
1:25. To take the place of this ministry and apostleship,
from which Judas hath by transgression fallen, that he
might go to his own place.
1:26. And they gave them lot, and the lot fell upon
Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Acts Chapter 2
The disciples receive the Holy Ghost. Peter's sermon to the
people. The piety of the first converts.
2:1. And when the days of the Pentecost were accomplished,
they were all together in one place:
2:2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a
mighty wind coming: and it filled the whole house where
they were sitting.
2:3. And there appeared to them parted tongues, as it were
of fire: and it sat upon every one of them.
2:4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost: and they
began to speak with divers tongues, according as the Holy
Ghost gave them to speak.
2:5. Now there were dwelling at Jerusalem, Jews, devout
men, out of every nation under heaven.
2:6. And when this was noised abroad, the multitude came
together, and were confounded in mind, because that every
man heard them speak in his own tongue.
2:7. And they were all amazed, and wondered, saying:
Behold, are not all these that speak Galilean?
2:8. And how have we heard, every man our own tongue
wherein we were born?
2:9. Parthians and Medes and Elamites and inhabitants of
Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
2:10. Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya
about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome,
2:11. Jews also, and proselytes, Cretes, and Arabians: we
have heard them speak in our own tongues the wonderful
works of God.
2:12. And they were all astonished, and wondered, saying
one to another: What meaneth this?
2:13. But others mocking, said: These men are full of new
wine.
2:14. But Peter standing up with the eleven, lifted up his
voice, and spoke to them: Ye men of Judea, and all you that
dwell in Jerusalem, be this known to you and with your ears
receive my words.
2:15. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, seeing it is
but the third hour of the day:
2:16. But this is that which was spoken of by the prophet
Joel:
2:17. And it shall come to pass, in the last days, (saith
the Lord), I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: and your young
men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams.
2:18. And upon my servants indeed and upon my handmaids
will I pour out in those days of my spirit: and they shall
prophesy.
2:19. And I will shew wonders in the heaven above, and
signs on the earth beneath: blood and fire, and vapour of
smoke.
2:20. The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon
into blood, before the great and manifest day of the Lord
to come.
2:21. And it shalt come to pass, that whosoever shall call
upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
2:22. Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of
Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and
wonders and signs, which God did by him, in the midst of
you, as you also know:
2:23. This same being delivered up, by the determinate
counsel and foreknowledge of God, you by the hands of
wicked men have crucified and slain.
By the determinate, etc... God delivered up his Son; and
his Son delivered up himself, for the love of us, and for
the sake of our salvation; and so Christ's being delivered
up was holy, and was God's own determination. But they who
betrayed and crucified him, did wickedly, following therein
their own malice and the instigation of the devil; not the
will and determination of God, who was by no means the
author of their wickedness; though he permitted it; because
he could, and did draw out of it so great a good, viz., the
salvation of man.
2:24. Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the sorrows of
hell, as it was impossible that he should be holden by it.
Having loosed the sorrow, etc... Having overcome the
grievous pains of death and all the power of hell.
2:25. For David saith concerning him: I foresaw the Lord
before my face: because he is at my right hand, that I may
not be moved.
2:26. For this my heart hath been glad, and my tongue hath
rejoiced: moreover my flesh also shall rest in hope.
2:27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell: nor
suffer thy Holy One to see corruption.
2:28. Thou hast made known to me the ways of life: thou
shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
2:29. Ye men, brethren, let me freely speak to you of the
patriarch David: that he died and was buried; and his
sepulchre is with us to this present say.
2:30. Whereas therefore he was a prophet and knew that God
hath sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his
loins one should sit upon his throne.
2:31. Foreseeing this, he spoke of the resurrection of
Christ. For neither was he left in hell: neither did his
flesh see corruption.
2:32. This Jesus hath God raised again, whereof all we are
witnesses.
2:33. Being exalted therefore by the right hand of God and
having received of the Father the promise of the Holy
Ghost, he hath poured forth this which you see and hear.
2:34. For David ascended not into heaven; but he himself
said: The Lord said to my Lord: Sit thou on my right hand,
2:35. Until I make thy enemies thy footstool.
2:36. Therefore let all the house of Israel know most
certainly that God hath made both Lord and Christ, this
same Jesus, whom you have crucified.
2:37. Now when they had heard these things, they had
compunction in their heart and said to Peter and to the
rest of the apostles: What shall we do, men and brethren?
2:38. But Peter said to them: Do penance: and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the
remission of your sins. And you shall receive the gift of
the Holy Ghost.
2:39. For the promise is to you and to your children and to
all that are far off, whomsoever the Lord our God shall
call.
2:40. And with very many other words did he testify and
exhort them, saying: Save yourselves from this perverse
generation.
2:41. They therefore that received his word were baptized:
and there were added in that day about three thousand
souls.
2:42. And they were persevering in the doctrine of the
apostles and in the communication of the breaking of bread
and in prayers.
2:43. And fear came upon every soul. Many wonders also and
signs were done by the apostles in Jerusalem: and there was
great fervor in all.
2:44. And all they that believed were together and had all
things common.
2:45. Their possessions and goods they sold and divided
them to all, according as every one had need.
2:46. And continuing daily with one accord in the temple
and breaking bread from house to house, they took their
meat with gladness and simplicity of heart:
2:47. Praising God and having favour with all the people.
And the Lord increased daily together such as should be
saved.
Acts Chapter 3
The miracle upon the lame man, followed by the conversion
of many.
3:1. Now Peter and John went up into the temple at the
ninth hour of prayer.
3:2. And a certain man who was lame from his mother's womb
was carried: whom they laid every day at the gate of the
temple, which is called Beautiful, that he might ask alms
of them that went into the temple.
3:3. He, when he had seen Peter and John, about to go into
the temple, asked to receive an alms.
3:4. But Peter with John, fastening his eyes upon him,
said: Look upon us.
3:5. But he looked earnestly upon them, hoping that he
should receive something of them.
3:6. But Peter said: Silver and gold I have none; but what
I have, I give thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, arise and walk.
3:7. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up:
and forthwith his feet and soles received strength.
3:8. And he leaping up, stood and walked and went in with
them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God.
3:9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God.
3:10. And they knew him, that it was he who sat begging
alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were
filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened
to him.
3:11. And as he held Peter and John, all the people ran to
them, to the porch which is called Solomon's, greatly
wondering.
3:12. But Peter seeing, made answer to the people: Ye men
of Israel, why wonder you at this? Or why look you upon us,
as if by our strength or power we had made this man to
walk?
3:13. The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God
of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son
Jesus, whom you indeed delivered up and denied before the
face of Pilate, when he judged he should be released.
3:14. But you denied the Holy One and the Just: and desired
a murderer to be granted unto you.
3:15. But the author of life you killed, whom God hath
raised from the dead: of which we are witnesses.
3:16. And in the faith of his name, this man, whom you have
seen and known, hath his name strengthened. And the faith
which is by him hath given this perfect soundness in the
sight of you all.
3:17. And now, brethren, I know that you did it through
ignorance: as did also your rulers.
3:18. But those things which God before had shewed by the
mouth of all the prophets, that his Christ should suffer,
he hath so fulfilled.
3:19. Be penitent, therefore, and be converted, that your
sins may be blotted out.
3:20. That when the times of refreshment shall come from
the presence of the Lord, and he shall send him who hath
been preached unto you, Jesus Christ.
3:21. Whom heaven indeed must receive, until the times of
the restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the
mouth of his holy prophets, from the beginning of the
world.
3:22. For Moses said: A prophet shall the Lord your God
raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me: him you
shall hear according to all things whatsoever he shall
speak to you.
3:23. And it shall be, that every soul which will not hear
that prophet shall be destroyed from among the people.
3:24. And all the prophets, from Samuel and afterwards, who
have spoken, have told of these days.
3:25. You are the children of the prophets and of the
testament which God made to our fathers, saying to Abraham:
And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be
blessed.
3:26. To you first, God, raising up his Son, hath sent him
to bless you: that every one may convert himself from his
wickedness.
Acts Chapter 4
Peter and John are apprehended. Their constancy. The church
is increased.
4:1. And as they were speaking to the people the priests
and the officer of the temple and the Sadducees came upon
them,
4:2. Being grieved that they taught the people and preached
in Jesus the resurrection from the dead:
4:3. And they laid hands upon them and put them in hold
till the next day: for it was now evening.
4:4. But many of them who had heard the word believed: and
the number of the men was made five thousand.
4:5. And it came to pass on the morrow, that their princes
and ancients and scribes were gathered together in
Jerusalem.
4:6. And Annas the high priest and Caiphas and John and
Alexander: and as many as were of the kindred of the high
priest.
4:7. And setting them in the midst, they asked: By what
power or by what name, have you done this?
4:8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them:
Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear.
4:9. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed
done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made
whole:
4:10. Be it known to you all and to all the people of
Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of
Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the
dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you,
whole.
4:11. This is the stone which was rejected by you the
builders, which is become the head of the corner.
4:12. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is
no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be
saved.
4:13. Now seeing the constancy of Peter and of John,
understanding that they were illiterate and ignorant men,
they wondered: and they knew them that they had been with
Jesus.
4:14. Seeing the man also who had been healed, standing
with them, they could say nothing against it.
4:15. But they commanded them to go aside out of the
council: and they conferred among themselves,
4:16. Saying: What shall we do to these men? For indeed a
miracle hath been done by them, known to all the
inhabitants of Jerusalem. It is manifest: and we cannot
deny it.
4:17. But that it may be no farther spread among the
people, let us threaten them that they speak no more in
this name to any man.
4:18. And calling them, they charged them not to speak at
all, nor teach in the name of Jesus.
4:19. But Peter and John answering, said to them: If it be
just, in the sight of God, to hear you rather than God,
judge ye.
4:20. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen
and heard.
4:21. But they, threatening, sent them away, not finding
how they might punish them, because of the people: for all
men glorified what had been done, in that which had come to
pass.
4:22. For the man was above forty years old, in whom that
miraculous cure had been wrought.
4:23. And being let go, they came to their own company and
related all that the chief priests and ancients had said to
them.
4:24. Who having heard it, with one accord lifted up their
voice to God and said: Lord, thou art he that didst make
heaven and earth, the sea and all things that are in them.
4:25. Who, by the Holy Ghost, by the mouth of our father
David, thy servant, hast said: Why did the Gentiles rage:
and the people meditate vain things?
4:26. The kings of the earth stood up: and the princes
assembled together against the Lord and his Christ.
4:27. For of a truth there assembled together in this city
against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people
of Israel,
4:28. To do what thy hand and thy counsel decreed to be
done.
4:29. And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant
unto thy servants that with all confidence they may speak
thy word,
4:30. By stretching forth thy hand to cures and signs and
wonders, to be done by the name of thy holy Son, Jesus.
4:31. And when they had prayed, the place was moved wherein
they were assembled: and they were all filled with the Holy
Ghost: and they spoke the word of God with confidence.
4:32. And the multitude of believers had but one heart and
one soul. Neither did any one say that aught of the things
which he possessed was his own: but all things were common
unto them.
4:33. And with great power did the Apostles give testimony
of the resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord: and great
grace was in them all.
4:34. For neither was there any one needy among them. For
as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and
brought the price of the things they sold,
4:35. And laid it down before the feet of the apostles. And
distribution was made to every one, according as he had
need.
4:36. And Joseph, who, by the apostles, was surnamed
Barnabas (which is, by interpretation, The son of
consolation), a Levite, a Cyprian born,
4:37. Having land, sold it and brought the price and laid
it at the feet of the Apostles.
Acts Chapter 5
The judgment of God upon Ananias and Saphira. The apostles
are cast into prison.
5:1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Saphira his
wife, sold a piece of land,
5:2. And by fraud kept back part of the price of the land,
his wife being privy thereunto: and bringing a certain part
of it, laid it at the feet of the apostles.
5:3. But Peter said: Ananias, why hath Satan tempted thy
heart, that thou shouldst lie to the Holy Ghost and by
fraud keep part of the price of the land?
5:4. Whilst it remained, did it not remain to thee? And
after it was sold, was it not in thy power? Why hast thou
conceived this thing in thy heart? Thou hast not lied to
men, but to God.
5:5. And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and gave
up the ghost. And there came great fear upon all that heard
it.
5:6. And the young men rising up, removed him, and carrying
him out, buried him.
5:7. And it was about the space of three hours after, when
his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.
5:8. And Peter said to her: Tell me, woman, whether you
sold the land for so much? And she said: Yea, for so much.
5:9. And Peter said unto her: Why have you agreed together
to tempt the spirit of the Lord? Behold the feet of them
who have buried thy husband are at the door: and they shall
carry thee out,
5:10. Immediately, she fell down before his feet and gave
up the ghost. And the young men coming in found her dead:
and carried her out and buried her by her husband.
5:11. And there came great fear upon the whole church and
upon all that heard these things.
5:12. And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and
wonders wrought among the people. And they were all with
one accord in Solomon's porch.
5:13. But of the rest no man durst join himself unto them:
but the people magnified them.
5:14. And the multitude of men and women who believed in
the Lord was more increased:
5:15. Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the
streets and laid them on beds and couches, that, when Peter
came, his shadow at the least might overshadow any of them
and they might be delivered from their infirmities.
5:16. And there came also together to Jerusalem a multitude
out of the neighbouring cities, bringing sick persons and
such as were troubled with unclean spirits: who were all
healed.
5:17. Then the high priest rising up, and all they that
were with him (which is the heresy of the Sadducees) were
filled with envy.
5:18. And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in
the common prison.
5:19. But an angel of the Lord by night, opening the doors
of the prison and leading them out, said:
5:20. Go, and standing speak in the temple to the people
all the words of this life.
5:21. Who having heard this, early in the morning, entered
into the temple and taught. And the high priest coming, and
they that were with him, called together the council and
all the ancients of the children of Israel: and they sent
to the prison to have them brought.
5:22. But when the ministers came and opening the prison
found them not there, they returned and told,
5:23. Saying: The prison indeed we found shut with all
diligence, and the keepers standing before the door: but
opening it, we found no man within.
5:24. Now when the officer of the temple and the chief
priests heard these words, they were in doubt concerning
them, what would come to pass.
5:25. But one came and told them: Behold, the men whom you
put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the
people.
5:26. Then went the officer with the ministers and brought
them without violence: for they feared the people, lest
they should be stoned.
5:27. And when they had brought them, they set them before
the council. And the high priest asked them,
5:28. Saying: Commanding, we commanded you that you should
not teach in this name. And behold, you have filled
Jerusalem with your doctrine: and you have a mind to bring
the blood of this man upon us.
5:29. But Peter and the apostles answering, said: We ought
to obey God rather than men.
5:30. The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom you
put to death, hanging him upon a tree.
5:31. Him hath God exalted with his right hand, to be
Prince and Saviour. to give repentance to Israel and
remission of sins.
5:32. And we are witnesses of these things: and the Holy
Ghost, whom God hath given to all that obey him.
5:33. When they had heard these things, they were cut to
the heart: and they thought to put them to death.
5:34. But one in the council rising up, a Pharisee, named
Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, respected by all the people,
commanded the men to be put forth a little while.
5:35. And he said to them: Ye men of Israel, take heed to
yourselves what you intend to do, as touching these men.
5:36. For before these days rose up Theodas, affirming
himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four
hundred, joined themselves. Who was slain: and all that
believed him were scattered and brought to nothing.
5:37. After this man, rose up Judas of Galilee, in the days
of the enrolling, and drew away the people after him. He
also perished: and all, even as many as consented to him,
were dispersed.
5:38. And now, therefore, I say to you: Refrain from these
men and let them alone. For if this council or this work be
of men, it will come to nought:
5:39. But if it be of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest
perhaps you be found even to fight against God. And they
consented to him.
5:40. And calling in the apostles, after they had scourged
them, they charged them that they should not speak at all
in the name of Jesus. And they dismissed them.
5:41. And they indeed went from the presence of the
council, rejoicing that they were accounted worthy to
suffer reproach for the name of Jesus.
5:42. And every day they ceased not, in the temple and from
house to house, to teach and preach Christ Jesus.
Acts Chapter 6
The ordination of the seven deacons. The zeal of Stephen.
6:1. And in those days, the number of the disciples
increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against
the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the
daily ministration.
Greeks... So they called the Jews that were born and
brought up in Greece.
6:2. Then the twelve, calling together the multitude of the
disciples, said: It is not reason that we should leave the
word of God and serve tables.
6:3. Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men
of good reputation, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom
we may appoint over this business.
6:4. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and
to the ministry of the word.
6:5. And the saying was liked by all the multitude. And
they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy
Ghost, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor, and Timon and
Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch.
6:6. These they set before the apostles: and they praying,
imposed hands upon them.
6:7. And the word of the Lord increased: and the number of
the disciples was multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A
great multitude also of the priests obeyed the faith.
6:8. And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude, did great
wonders and signs among the people.
6:9. Now there arose some, of that which is called the
synagogue of the Libertines and of the Cyrenians and of the
Alexandrians and of them that were of Cilicia and Asia,
disputing with Stephen.
6:10. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the
spirit that spoke.
6:11. Then they suborned men to say they had heard him
speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against God.
6:12. And they stirred up the people and the ancients and
the scribes. And running together, they took him and
brought him to the council.
6:13. And they set up false witnesses, who said: This man
ceaseth not to speak words against the holy place and the
law.
6:14. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth
shall destroy this place and shall change the traditions
which Moses delivered unto us.
6:15. And all that sat in the council, looking on him, saw
his face as if it had been the face of an angel.
Acts Chapter 7
Stephen's speech before the council. His martyrdom.
7:1. Then the high priest said: Are these things so?
7:2. Who said: Ye men, brethren and fathers, hear. The God
of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in
Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charan.
7:3. And said to him: Go forth out of thy country and from
thy kindred: and come into the land which I shall shew
thee.
7:4. Then he went out of the land of the Chaldeans and
dwelt in Charan. And from thence, after his father was
dead, he removed him into this land, wherein you now dwell.
7:5. And he gave him no inheritance in it: no, not the pace
of a foot. But he promised to give it him in possession,
and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.
7:6. And God said to him: That his seed should sojourn in a
strange country, and that they should bring them under
bondage and treat them evil four hundred years.
7:7. And the nation which they shall serve will I judge
(said the Lord): and after these things they shall go out
and shall serve me in this place.
7:8. And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so
he begot Isaac and circumcised him the eighth day: and
Isaac begot Jacob: and Jacob, the twelve patriarchs.
7:9. And the patriarchs, through envy, sold Joseph into
Egypt. And God was with him,
7:10. And delivered him out of all his tribulations: and he
gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharao, the king
of Egypt. And he appointed him governor over Egypt and
over all his house.
7:11. Now there came a famine upon all Egypt and Chanaan,
and great tribulation: and our fathers found no food.
7:12. But when Jacob had heard that there was corn in
Egypt, he sent our fathers first.
7:13. And at the second time, Joseph was known by his
brethren: and his kindred was made known to Pharao.
7:14. And Joseph sending, called thither Jacob, his father,
and all his kindred, seventy-five souls.
7:15. So Jacob went down into Egypt. And he died, and our
fathers.
7:16. And they were translated into Sichem and were laid in
the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the
sons of Hemor, the son of Sichem.
7:17. And when the time of the promise drew near, which God
had promised to Abraham, the people increased and were
multiplied in Egypt.
7:18. Till another king arose in Egypt, who knew not
Joseph.
7:19. This same, dealing craftily with our race, afflicted
our fathers, that they should expose their children, to the
end they might not be kept alive.
7:20. At the same time was Moses born: and he was
acceptable to God. Who was nourished three months in his
father's house.
7:21. And when he was exposed, Pharao's daughter took him
up and nourished him for her own son.
7:22. And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the
Egyptians: and he was mighty in his words and in his deeds.
7:23. And when he was full forty years old, it came into
his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.
7:24. And when he had seen one of them suffer wrong, he
defended him: and striking the Egyptian, he avenged him who
suffered the injury.
7:25. And he thought that his brethren understood that God
by his hand would save them. But they understood it not.
7:26. And the day following, he shewed himself to them when
they were at strife and would have reconciled them in
peace, saying: Men, ye are brethren. Why hurt you one
another?
7:27. But he that did the injury to his neighbour thrust
him away, saying: Who hath appointed thee prince and judge
over us:
7:28. What! Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst yesterday kill
the Egyptian?
7:29. And Moses fled upon this word: and was a stranger in
the land of Madian, where he begot two sons.
7:30. And when forty years were expired, there appeared to
him, in the desert of mount Sina, an angel in a flame of
fire in a bush.
7:31. And Moses seeing it wondered at the sight. And as he
drew near to view it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
saying:
7:32. I am the God of thy fathers: the God of Abraham, the
God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. And Moses being
terrified durst not behold.
7:33. And the Lord said to him: Loose the shoes from thy
feet: for the place wherein thou standest is holy ground.
7:34. Seeing, I have seen the affliction of my people which
is in Egypt: and I have heard their groaning and am come
down to deliver them. And now come: and I will send thee
into Egypt.
7:35. This Moses, whom they refused, saying: Who hath
appointed thee prince and judge? Him God sent to be prince
and redeemer, by the hand of the angel who appeared to him
in the burning bush.
7:36. He brought them out, doing wonders and signs in the
land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the desert, forty
years.
7:37. This is that Moses who said to the children of
Israel: A prophet shall God raise up to you of your own
brethren, as myself. Him shall you hear.
7:38. This is he that was in the church in the wilderness,
with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sina and with our
fathers. Who received the words of life to give unto us.
7:39. Whom our fathers would not obey: but thrust him away
and in their hearts turned back into Egypt,
7:40. Saying to Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For as
for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we
know not what is become of him.
7:41. And they made a calf in those days and offered
sacrifices to the idol and rejoiced in the works of their
own hands.
7:42. And God turned and gave them up to serve the host of
heaven, as it is written in the books of the prophets: Did
you offer victims and sacrifices to me for forty years, in
the desert, O house of Israel?
7:43. And you took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch and
the star of your god Rempham, figures which you made to
adore them. And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
7:44. The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers
in the desert, as God ordained for them, speaking to Moses,
that he should make it according to the form which he had
seen.
7:45. Which also our fathers receiving, brought in with
Jesus, into the possession of the Gentiles: whom God drove
out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David,
Jesus... That is Josue, so called in Greek.
7:46. Who found grace before God and desired to find a
tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
7:47. But Solomon built him a house,
7:48. Yet the most High dwelleth not in houses made by
hands, as the prophet saith:
Dwelleth not in houses, etc... That is, so as to stand in
need of earthly dwellings, or to be contained, or
circumscribed by them. Though, otherwise by his immense
divinity, he is in our houses; and every where else; and
Christ in his humanity dwelt in houses; and is now on our
altars.
7:49. Heaven is my throne and the earth my footstool. What
house will you build me (saith the Lord)? Or what is the
place of my resting?
7:50. Hath not my hand made all these things?
7:51. You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,
you always resist the Holy Ghost. As your fathers did, so
do you also.
7:52. Which of the prophets have not your fathers
persecuted? And they have slain them who foretold of the
coming of the Just One: of whom you have been now the
betrayers and murderers.
7:53. Who have received the law by the disposition of
angels and have not kept it.
7:54. Now hearing these things, they were cut to the heart:
and they gnashed with their teeth at him.
7:55. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up
steadfastly to heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus
standing on the right hand of God. And he said: Behold, I
see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the
right hand of God.
7:56. And they, crying out with a loud voice, stopped their
ears and with one accord ran violently upon him.
7:57. And casting him forth without the city. they stoned
him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the
feet of a young man, whose name was Saul.
7:58. And they stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: Lord
Jesus, receive my spirit.
7:59. And falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice,
saying: Lord, lay not his sin to their charge: And when he
had said this, he fell asleep in the Lord. And Saul was
consenting to his death.
Acts Chapter 8
Philip converts the Samaritans and baptizes the eunuch.
8:1. And at that time, there was raised a great persecution
against the church which was at Jerusalem. And they were
all dispersed through the countries of Judea, and Samaria,
except the apostles.
8:2. And devout men took order for Stephen's funeral and
made great mourning over him.
8:3. But Saul made havock of the church, entering in from
house to house: and dragging away men and women, committed
them to prison.
8:4. They therefore that were dispersed went about
preaching the word of God.
8:5. And Philip, going down to the city of Samaria,
preached Christ unto them.
8:6. And the people with one accord were attentive to those
things which were said by Philip, hearing, and seeing the
miracles which he did.
8:7. For many of them who had unclean spirits, crying with
a loud voice, went out.
8:8. And many, taken with the palsy, and that were lame,
were healed.
8:9. There was therefore great joy in that city. Now there
was a certain man named Simon who before had been a
magician in that city, seducing the people of Samaria,
giving out that he was some great one:
8:10. To whom they all gave ear, from the least to the
greatest, saying: This man is the power of God, which is
called great.
8:11. And they were attentive to him, because, for a long
time, he had bewitched them with his magical practices.
8:12. But when they had believed Philip preaching of the
kingdom of God, in the name of Jesus Christ, they were
baptized, both men and women.
8:13. Then Simon himself believed also and, being baptized,
he adhered to Philip. And being astonished, wondered to see
the signs and exceeding great miracles which were done.
8:14. Now, when the apostles, who were in Jerusalem, had
heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent
unto them Peter and John.
8:15. Who, when they were come, prayed for them that they
might receive the Holy Ghost.
8:16. For he was not as yet come upon any of them: but they
were only baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
8:17. Then they laid their hands upon them: and they
received the Holy Ghost.
They laid their hands upon them, etc... The apostles
administered the sacrament of confirmation, by imposition
of hands, and prayer; and the faithful thereby received the
Holy Ghost. Not but they had received the grace of the Holy
Ghost at their baptism: yet not that plenitude of grace and
those spiritual gifts which they afterwards received from
bishops in the sacrament of confirmation, which
strengthened them to profess their faith publicly.
8:18. And when Simon saw that, by the imposition of the
hands of the apostles, the Holy Ghost was given, he offered
them money,
8:19. Saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I
shall lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. But
Peter said to him:
8:20. Keep thy money to thyself, to perish with thee:
because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be
purchased with money.
8:21. Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter. For thy
heart is not right in the sight of God.
8:22. Do penance therefore for this thy wickedness: and
pray to God, that perhaps this thought of thy heart may be
forgiven thee.
8:23. For I see thou art in the gall of bitterness and in
the bonds of iniquity.
8:24. Then Simon answering, said: Pray you for me to the
Lord that none of these things which you have spoken may
come upon me.
8:25. And they indeed, having testified and preached the
word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem: and preached the
gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.
8:26. Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying:
Arise, go towards the south, to the way that goeth down
from Jerusalem into Gaza: this is desert.
8:27. And rising up, he went. And behold, a man of
Ethiopia, an eunuch, of great authority under Candace the
queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge over all her
treasures, had come to Jerusalem to adore.
8:28. And he was returning, sitting in his chariot and
reading Isaias the prophet.
8:29. And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near and join
thyself to this chariot.
8:30. And Philip running thither, heard him reading the
prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou
understandest what thou readest?
8:31. Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me? And
he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
8:32. And the place of the scripture which he was reading
was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter: and like
a lamb without voice before his shearer, so openeth he not
his mouth.
8:33. In humility his judgment was taken away. His
generation who shall declare, for his life shall be taken
from the earth?
8:34. And the eunuch answering Philip, said: I beseech
thee, of whom doth the prophet speak this? Of himself, or
of some other man?
8:35. Then Philip, opening his mouth and beginning at this
scripture, preached unto him Jesus.
8:36. And as they went on their way, they came to a certain
water. And the eunuch said: See, here is water: What doth
hinder me from being baptized?
8:37. And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy
heart, thou mayest. And he answering, said: I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
If thou believest with all thy heart... The scripture many
times mentions only one disposition, as here belief, when
others equally necessary are not expressed, viz., a sorrow
for sins, a firm hope, and the love of God. Moreover,
believing with the whole heart signifies a belief of every
thing necessary for salvation.
8:38. And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they
went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch. And
he baptized him.
8:39. And when they were come up out of the water, the
Spirit of the Lord took away Philip: and the eunuch saw him
no more. And he went on his way rejoicing.
8:40. But Philip was found in Azotus: and passing through,
he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to
Caesarea.
Acts Chapter 9
Paul's conversion and zeal. Peter heals Eneas and raises up
Tabitha to life.
9:1. And Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and
slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the
high priest
9:2. And asked of him letters to Damascus, to the
synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way,
he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
9:3. And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he
drew nigh to Damascus. And suddenly a light from heaven
shined round about him.
9:4. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to
him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
9:5. Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom
thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the
goad.
9:6. And he, trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what
wilt thou have me to do?
9:7. And the Lord said to him: Arise and go into the city;
and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the
men who went in company with him stood amazed, hearing
indeed a voice but seeing no man.
9:8. And Saul arose from the ground: and when his eyes were
opened, he saw nothing. But they, leading him by the hands,
brought him to Damascus.
9:9. And he was there three days without sight: and he did
neither eat nor drink.
9:10. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named
Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision: Ananias,
And he said: Behold I am here, Lord.
9:11. And the Lord said to him: Arise and go into the
street that is called Strait and seek in the house of
Judas, one named Saul of Tarsus. For behold he prayeth.
9:12. (And he saw a man named Ananias coming in and putting
his hands upon him, that he might receive his sight.)
9:13. But Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard by many of
this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints in
Jerusalem.
9:14. And here he hath authority from the chief priests to
bind all that invoke thy name.
9:15. And the Lord said to him: Go thy way: for this man is
to me a vessel of election, to carry my name before the
Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
9:16. For I will shew him how great things he must suffer
for my name's sake.
9:17. And Ananias went his way and entered into the house.
And laying his hands upon him, he said: Brother Saul, the
Lord Jesus hath sent me, he that appeared to thee in the
way as thou camest, that thou mayest receive thy sight and
be filled with the Holy Ghost.
9:18. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it were
scales: and he received his sight. And rising up, he was
baptized.
9:19. And when he had taken meat, he was strengthened. And
he was with the disciples that were at Damascus, for some
days.
9:20. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogues,
that he is the son of God.
9:21. And all that heard him were astonished and said: Is
not this he who persecuted in Jerusalem those that called
upon this name and came hither for that intent, that he
might carry them bound to the chief priests?
9:22. But Saul increased much more in strength and
confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, affirming that
this is the Christ.
9:23. And when many days were passed, the Jews consulted
together to kill him.
9:24. But their lying in wait was made known to Saul. And
they watched the gates also day and night, that they might
kill him.
9:25. But the disciples, taking him in the night, conveyed
him away by the wall, letting him down in a basket.
9:26. And when he was come into Jerusalem, he essayed to
join himself to the disciples: and they all were afraid of
him, not believing that he was a disciple.
9:27. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles
and told them how he had seen the Lord, and that he had
spoken to him: and how in Damascus he had dealt confidently
in the name of Jesus.
9:28. And he was with them, coming in and going out in
Jerusalem and dealing confidently in the name of the Lord.
9:29. He spoke also to the Gentiles and disputed with the
Greeks. But they sought to kill him.
9:30. Which when the brethren had known, they brought him
down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.
9:31. Now, the church had peace throughout all Judea and
Galilee and Samaria: and was edified, walking in the fear
of the Lord: and was filled with the consolation of the
Holy Ghost.
9:32. And it came to pass that Peter, as he passed through,
visiting all, came to the saints who dwelt at Lydda.
9:33. And he found there a certain man named Eneas, who had
kept his bed for eight years, who was ill of the palsy.
9:34. And Peter said to him: Eneas, the Lord Jesus Christ
healeth thee. Arise and make thy bed. And immediately he
arose.
9:35. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him: who
were converted to the Lord.
9:36. And in Joppe there was a certain disciple named
Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This
woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
9:37. And it came to pass in those days that she was sick
and died. Whom when they had washed, they laid her in an
upper chamber.
9:38. And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppe, the
disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent unto him two
men, desiring him that he would not be slack to come unto
them.
9:39. And Peter rising up went with them. And when he was
come, they brought him into the upper chamber. And all the
widows stood about him, weeping and shewing him the coats
and garments which Dorcas made them.
9:40. And they all being put forth, Peter, kneeling down,
prayed. And turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise.
And she opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up.
9:41. And giving her his hand, he lifted her up. And when
he had called the saints and the widows, he presented her
alive.
9:42. And it was made known throughout all Joppe. And many
believed in the Lord.
9:43. And it cane to pass that he abode many days in Joppe,
with one Simon a tanner.
Acts Chapter 10
Cornelius is received into the church. Peter's vision.
10:1. And there was a certain man in Caesarea, named
Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian
band:
10:2. A religious man, and fearing God with all his house,
giving much alms to the people and always praying to God.
10:3. This man saw in a vision manifestly, about the ninth
hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him and
saying to him: Cornelius.
10:4. And he, beholding him. being seized with fear, said:
What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy
alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God.
10:5. And now send men to Joppe: and call hither one Simon,
who is surnamed Peter.
10:6. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by
the sea side. He will tell thee what thou must do.
10:7. And when the angel who spoke to him was departed, he
called two of his household servants and a soldier who
feared the Lord, of them that were under him.
10:8. To whom when he had related all, he sent them to
Joppe.
10:9. And on the next day, whilst they were going on their
journey and drawing nigh to the city, Peter went up to the
higher parts of the house to pray, about the sixth hour.
10:10. And being hungry, he was desirous to taste somewhat.
And as they were preparing, there came upon him an ecstasy
of mind.
10:11. And he saw the heaven opened and a certain vessel
descending, as it were a great linen sheet let down by the
four corners from heaven to the earth:
10:12. Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts and
creeping things of the earth and fowls of the air.
10:13. And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter. Kill
and eat.
10:14. But Peter said: Far be it from me. For I never did
eat any thing that is common and unclean.
10:15. And the voice spoke to him again the second time:
That which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common.
10:16. And this was done thrice. And presently the vessel
was taken up into heaven.
10:17. Now, whilst Peter was doubting within himself what
the vision that he had seen should mean, behold the men who
were sent from Cornelius, inquiring for Simon's house,
stood at the gate.
10:18. And when they had called, they asked if Simon, who
is surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
10:19. And as Peter was thinking of the vision, the Spirit
said to him: Behold three men seek thee.
10:20. Arise, therefore: get thee down and go with them,
doubting nothing: for I have sent them.
10:21. Then Peter, going down to the men, said: Behold, I
am he whom you seek. What is the cause for which you are
come?
10:22. Who said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man and one
that feareth God, and having good testimony from all the
nation of the Jews, received an answer of an holy angel, to
send for thee into his house And to hear words of thee.
10:23. Then bringing them in, he lodged them. And the day
following, he arose and went with them: and some of the
brethren from Joppe accompanied him.
10:24. And the morrow after, he entered into Caesarea. And
Cornelius waited for them, having called together his
kinsmen and special friends.
10:25. And it came to pass that when Peter was come in,
Cornelius came to meet him and falling at his feet adored.
10:26. But Peter lifted him up, saying: Arise: I myself
also am a man.
10:27. And talking with him, he went in and found many that
were come together.
10:28. And he said to them: you know how abominable it is
for a man that is a Jew to keep company or to come unto one
of another nation: but God hath shewed to me, to call no
man common or unclean.
10:29. For which cause, making no doubt, I came when I was
sent for. I ask, therefore, for what cause you have sent
for me?
10:30. And Cornelius said: Four days ago, unto this hour, I
was praying in my house, at the ninth hour and behold a man
stood before me in white apparel and said:
10:31. Cornelius, thy prayer is heard and thy alms are had
in remembrance in the sight of God.
10:32. Send therefore to Joppe: and call hither Simon, who
is surnamed Peter. He lodgeth in the house of Simon a
tanner, by the sea side.
10:33. Immediately therefore I sent to thee: and thou hast
done well in coming. Now, therefore, all we are present in
thy sight to hear all things whatsoever are commanded thee
by the Lord.
10:34. And Peter opening his mouth, said: in very deed I
perceive that God is not a respecter of persons.
10:35. But in every nation, he that feareth him and worketh
justice is acceptable to him.
In every nation, etc... That is to say, not only Jews, but
Gentiles also, of what nation soever, are acceptable to
God, if they fear him and work justice. But then true faith
is always to be presupposed, without which (saith St. Paul,
Heb. 11. 6) it is impossible to please God. Beware then of
the error of those, who would infer from this passage, that
men of all religions may be pleasing to God. For since none
but the true religion can be from God, all other religions
must be from the father of lies, and therefore highly
displeasing to the God of truth.
10:36. God sent the word to the children of Israel,
preaching peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all).
10:37. You know the word which hath been published through
all Judea: for it began from Galilee, after the baptism
which John preached.
10:38. Jesus of Nazareth: how God anointed him with the
Holy Ghost and with power, who went about doing good and
healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was
with him.
10:39. And we are witnesses of all things that he did in
the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem: whom they killed,
hanging him upon a tree.
10:40. Him God raised up the third day and gave him to be
made manifest,
10:41. Not to all the people, but to witnesses preordained
by God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him, after
he arose again from the dead.
10:42. And he commanded us to preach to the people and to
testify that it is he who was appointed by God to be judge
of the living and of the dead.
10:43. To him all the prophets give testimony, that by his
name all receive remission of sins, who believe in him.
10:44. While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy
Ghost fell on all them that heard the word.
10:45. And the faithful of the circumcision, who came with
Peter, were astonished for that the grace of the Holy Ghost
was poured out upon the Gentiles also.
10:46. For they heard them speaking with tongues and
magnifying God.
10:47. Then Peter answered: Can any man forbid water, that
these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy
Ghost, as well as we?
10:48. And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of
the Lord Jesus Christ. Then they desired him to tarry with
them some days.
Acts Chapter 11
Peter defends his having received the Gentiles into the
church.
11:1. And the apostles and brethren, who were in Judea,
heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God.
11:2. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that
were of the circumcision contended with him,
11:3. Saying: Why didst thou go in to men uncircumcised and
didst eat with them?
11:4. But Peter began and declared to them the matter in
order, saying:
11:5. I was in the city of Joppe praying: and I saw in an
ecstasy of mind a vision, a certain vessel descending, as
it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners.
And it came even unto me.
11:6. Into which looking, I considered and saw fourfooted
creatures of the earth and beasts and creeping things and
fowls of the air.
11:7. And I heard also a voice saying to me: Arise, Peter.
Kill and eat.
11:8. And I said: Not so, Lord: for nothing common or
unclean hath ever entered into my mouth.
11:9. And the voice answered again from heaven: What God
hath made clean, do not thou call common.
11:10. And this was done three times. And all were taken up
again into heaven.
11:11. And behold, immediately there were three men come to
the house wherein I was, sent to me from Caesarea.
11:12. And the Spirit said to me that I should go with
them, nothing doubting. And these six brethren went with me
also: and we entered into the man's house.
11:13. And he told us how he had seen an angel in his
house, standing and saying to him: Send to Joppe and call
hither Simon, who is surnamed Peter,
11:14. Who shall speak to thee words whereby thou shalt be
saved, and all thy house.
11:15. And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Ghost fell
upon them, as upon us also in the beginning.
11:16. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how that he
said: John indeed baptized with water but you shall be
baptized with the Holy Ghost.
11:17. If then God gave them the same grace as to us also
who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ: who was I, that
could withstand God?
11:18. Having heard these things, they held their peace and
glorified God, saying: God then hath also to the Gentiles
given repentance, unto life.
11:19. Now they who had been dispersed by the persecution
that arose on occasion of Stephen went about as far as
Phenice and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to none,
but to the Jews only.
11:20. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who,
when they were entered into Antioch, spoke also to the
Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.
11:21. And the hand of he Lord was with them: and a great
number believing, were converted to the Lord.
11:22. And the tidings came to the ears of the church that
was at Jerusalem, touching these things: and they sent
Barnabas as far as Antioch.
11:23. Who, when he was come and had seen the grace of God,
rejoiced. And he exhorted them all with purpose of heart to
continue in the Lord.
11:24. For he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and
of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.
11:25. And Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul: whom, when
he had found, he brought to Antioch.
11:26. And they conversed there in the church a whole year:
and they taught a great multitude, so that at Antioch the
disciples were first named Christians.
11:27. And in these days there came prophets from Jerusalem
to Antioch.
11:28. And one of them named Agabus, rising up, signified
by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over the
whole world, which came to pass under Claudius.
11:29. And the disciples, every man according to his
ability, purposed to send relief to the brethren who dwelt
in Judea.
11:30. Which also they did, sending it to the ancients, by
the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Acts Chapter 12
Herod's persecution. Peter's deliverance by an angel.
Herod's punishment.
12:1. And at the same time, Herod the king stretched forth
his hands, to afflict some of the church.
12:2. And he killed James, the brother of John, With the
sword.
12:3. And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to
take up Peter also. Now it was in the days of the Azymes.
Azymes... The festival of the unleavened bread, or the
pasch, which answers to our Easter.
12:4. And when he had apprehended him, he cast him into
prison, delivering him to four files of soldiers, to be
kept, intending, after the pasch, to bring him forth to the
people.
12:5. Peter therefore was kept in prison. But prayer was
made without ceasing by the church unto God for him.
12:6. 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.
12:7. And behold an angel of the Lord stood by him and a
light shined in the room. And he, striking Peter on the
side, raised him up, saying: Arise quickly. And the chains
fell off from his hands.
12:8. And the angel said to him: Gird thyself and put on
thy sandals. And he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy
garment about thee and follow me,
12:9. And going out, he followed him. And he knew not that
it was true which was done by the angel: but thought he saw
a vision.
12:10. And passing through the first and the second ward,
they came to the iron gate that leadeth to the city which
of itself opened to them. And going out, they passed on
through one street. And immediately the angel departed from
him.
12:11. And Peter coming to himself, said: Now I know in
very deed 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.
12:12. And considering, he came to the house of Mary the
mother of John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were
gathered together and praying.
12:13. And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a
damsel came to hearken. whose name was Rhode.
12:14. And as soon as she knew Peter's voice, she opened
not the gate for joy: but running in she told that Peter
stood before the gate.
12:15. But they said to her: Thou art mad. But she affirmed
that it was so. Then said they: It is his angel.
12:16. But Peter continued knocking. And when they had
opened, they saw him and were astonished.
12:17. But he, beckoning to them with his hand to hold
their peace, told how the Lord had brought him out of
prison. And he said: Tell these things to James and to the
brethren. And going out, he went into another place.
12:18. Now when day was come, there was no small stir among
the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
12:19. And when Herod had sought for him and found him not,
having examined the keepers, he commanded they should be
put to death. And going down from Judea to Caesarea, he
abode there.
12:20. And he was angry with the Tyrians and the Sidonians.
But they with one accord came to him: and, having gained
Blastus who was the king's chamberlain, they desired peace,
because their countries were nourished by him.
12:21. And upon a day appointed, Herod being arrayed in
kingly apparel, sat in the judgment seat and made an
oration to them.
12:22. And the people made acclamation, saying: It is the
voice of a god, and not of a man.
12:23. And forthwith an angel of the Lord struck him,
because he had not given the honour to God: and, being
eaten up by worms, he gave up the ghost.
12:24. But the word of the Lord increased and multiplied.
12:25. And Barnabas and Saul, returned from Jerusalem,
having fulfilled their ministry, taking with them John who
was surnamed Mark.
Acts Chapter 13
Saul and Barnabas are sent forth by the Holy Ghost. They
preach in Cyprus and in Antioch of Pisidia.
13:1. Now there were in the church which was at Antioch
prophets and doctors, among whom was Barnabas and Simon who
was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene and Manahen who was
the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
13:2. And as they were ministering to the Lord and fasting,
the Holy Ghost said to them: Separate me Saul and Barnabas,
for the work whereunto I have taken them.
13:3. Then they fasting and praying and imposing their
hands upon them, sent them away.
13:4. So they, being sent by the Holy Ghost, went to
Seleucia: and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
13:5. And when they were come to Salamina, they preached
the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had
John also in the ministry.
13:6. And when they had gone through the whole island, as
far as Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a
false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-Jesu:
13:7. Who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a prudent
man. He, sending for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the
word of God.
13:8. But Elymas the magician (for so his name is
interpreted) withstood them, seeking to turn away the
proconsul from the faith.
13:9. Then Saul, otherwise Paul, filled with the Holy
Ghost, looking upon him,
13:10. Said: O full of all guile and of all deceit, child
of the devil, enemy of all justice, thou ceases not to
pervert the right ways of the Lord.
13:11. And now behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee:
and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a time. And
immediately there fell a mist and darkness upon him: and
going about, he sought some one to lead him by the hand.
13:12. Then the proconsul, when he had seen what was done,
believed, admiring at the doctrine of the Lord.
13:13. Now when Paul and they that were with him had sailed
from Paphos, they came to Perge in Pamphylia. And John
departing from them, returned to Jerusalem.
13:14. But they, passing through Perge, came to Antioch in
Pisidia: and, entering into the Synagogue on the sabbath
day, they sat down.
13:15. And after the reading of the law and the prophets,
the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Ye men,
brethren, if you have any word of exhortation to make to
the people, speak.
13:16. Then Paul rising up and with his hand bespeaking
silence, said: Ye men of Israel and you that fear God, give
ear.
13:17. The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers
and exalted the people when they were sojourners in the
land of Egypt: And with an high arm brought them out from
thence:
13:18. And for the space of forty years endured their
manners in the desert:
13:19. And, destroying seven nations in the land of
Chaanan, divided their land among them by lot.
13:20. As it were, after four hundred and fifty years. And
after these things, he gave unto them judges, until Samuel
the prophet.
13:21. And after that they desired a king: and God gave
them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin,
forty years.
13:22. And when he had removed him, he raised them up David
to be king: to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found
David, the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart,
who shall do all my wills.
13:23. Of this man's seed, God, according to his promise,
hath raised up to Israel a Saviour Jesus:
13:24. John first preaching, before his coming, the baptism
of penance to all the people of Israel.
13:25. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said: I
am not he whom you think me to be. But behold, there cometh
one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to
loose.
13:26. Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and
whosoever among you fear God: to you the word of this
salvation is sent.
13:27. For they that inhabited Jerusalem and the rulers
thereof, not knowing him, nor the voices of the prophets
which are read every sabbath, judging him, have fulfilled
them.
13:28. And finding no cause of death in him, they desired
of Pilate that they might kill him.
13:29. And when they had fulfilled all things that were
written of him, taking him down from the tree, they laid
him in a sepulchre.
13:30. But God raised him up from the dead the third day.
13:31. Who was seen for many days by them who came up with
him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who to this present are his
witnesses to the people.
13:32. And we declare unto you that the promise which was
made to our fathers,
13:33. This same God hath fulfilled to our children,
raising up Jesus, as in the second psalm also is written:
Thou art my Son: this day have I begotten thee.
13:34. And to shew that he raised him up from the dead, not
to return now any more to corruption, he said thus: I will
give you the holy things of David, faithful.
I will give you the holy, etc... These are the words of the
prophet Isaias, 55. 3. According to the Septuagint, the
sense is: I will faithfully fulfil the promises I made to
David.
13:35. And therefore, in another place also, he saith: Thou
shalt not suffer thy holy one to see corruption.
13:36. For David, when he had served in his generation,
according to the will of God, slept: and was laid unto his
fathers and saw corruption.
13:37. But he whom God hath raised from the dead saw no
corruption.
13:38. Be it known therefore to you, men, brethren, that
through him forgiveness of sins is preached to you: and
from all the things from which you could not be justified
by the law of Moses.
13:39. In him every one that believeth is justified.
13:40. Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you which is
spoken in the prophets:
13:41. Behold, ye despisers, and wonder and perish: for I
work a work in your days, a work which you will not
believe, if any man shall tell it you.
13:42. And as they went out, they desired them that on the
next sabbath they would speak unto them these words.
13:43. And when the synagogue was broken up, many of the
Jews and of the strangers who served God followed Paul and
Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue
in the grace of God.
13:44. But the next sabbath day, the whole city almost came
together, to hear the word of God.
13:45. And the Jews, seeing the multitudes, were filled
with envy and contradicted those things which were said by
Paul, blaspheming.
13:46. Then Paul and Barnabas said boldly: To you it
behoved us first to speak the word of God: but because you
reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life,
behold we turn to the Gentiles.
13:47. For so the Lord hath commanded us: I have set thee
to be the light of the Gentiles: that thou mayest be for
salvation unto the utmost part of the earth.
13:48. And the Gentiles hearing it were glad and glorified
the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to life
everlasting believed.
13:49. And the word of the Lord was published throughout
the whole country.
13:50. But the Jews stirred up religious and honourable
women and the chief men of the city: and raised persecution
against Paul and Barnabas: and cast them out of their
coasts.
13:51. But they, shaking off the dust of their feet against
them, came to Iconium.
13:52. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the
Holy Ghost.
Acts Chapter 14
Paul and Barnabas preach in Iconium and Lystra. Paul heals
a cripple. They are taken for gods. Paul is stoned. They
preach in Derbe and Perge.
14:1. And it came to pass in Iconium that they entered
together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a
very great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks did
believe.
14:2. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and incensed the
minds of the Gentiles against the brethren.
14:3. A long time therefore they abode there, dealing
confidently in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of
his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their
hands.
14:4. And the multitude of the city was divided. And some
of them indeed held with the Jews, but some with the
apostles.
14:5. And when there was an assault made by the Gentiles
and the Jews with their rulers, to use them contumeliously
and to stone them:
14:6. They, understanding it, fled to Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia, and to the whole country round about:
and were there preaching the gospel.
14:7. And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in
his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had
walked.
14:8. This same heard Paul speaking. Who looking upon him
and seeing that he had faith to be healed,
14:9. Said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet.
And he leaped up and walked.
14:10. And when the multitudes had seen what Paul had done,
they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian tongue, saying:
The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.
14:11. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul,
Mercury: because he was chief speaker.
14:12. The priest also of Jupiter that was before the city,
bringing oxen and garlands before the gate, would have
offered sacrifice with the people.
14:13. Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul had
heard, rending their clothes, they leaped out among the
people, crying,
14:14. And saying: Ye men, why do ye these things? We also
are mortals, men like unto you, preaching to you to be
converted from these vain things to the living God, who
made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things
that are in them:
14:15. Who in times past, suffered all nations to walk in
their own ways.
14:16. Nevertheless he left not himself without testimony,
doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful Seasons,
filling our hearts with food and gladness.
14:17. And speaking these things, they scarce restrained
the people from sacrificing to them.
14:18. Now there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and
Iconium: and, persuading the multitude and stoning Paul,
drew him out of the city, thinking him to be dead.
14:19. But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose
up and entered into the city: and the next day he departed
with Barnabas to Derbe.
14:20. And when they had preached the gospel to that city
and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to
Iconium and to Antioch:
14:21. Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting
them to continue in the faith: and that through many
tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.
14:22. And when they had ordained to them priests in every
church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to
the Lord, in whom they believed.
14:23. And passing through Pisidia, they came into
Pamphylia.
14:24. And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perge,
they went down into Attalia.
14:25. And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they
had been delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which
they accomplished.
14:26. And when they were come and had assembled the
church, they related what great things God had done with
them and how he had opened the door of faith to the
Gentiles.
14:27. And they abode no small time with the disciples.
Acts Chapter 15
A dissension about circumcision. The decision and letter of
the council of Jerusalem.
15:1. And some, coming down from Judea, taught the
brethren: That, except you be circumcised after the manner
of Moses, you cannot be saved.
15:2. And when Paul and Barnabas had no small contest with
them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain
others of the other side should go up to the apostles and
priests to Jerusalem, about this question.
15:3. They therefore, being brought on their way by the
church, passed through Phenice and Samaria, relating the
conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to
all the brethren.
15:4. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were
received by the church and by the apostles and ancients,
declaring how great things God had done with them.
15:5. But there arose of the sect of the Pharisees some
that believed, saying: They must be circumcised and be
commanded to observe the law of Moses.
15:6. And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider
of this matter.
15:7. And when there had been much disputing, Peter, rising
up, said to them: Men, brethren, you know that in former
days God made choice among us, that by my mouth the
Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
15:8. And God, who knoweth the hearts, gave testimony,
giving unto them the Holy Ghost, as well as to us:
15:9. And put no difference between us and them, purifying
their hearts by faith.
15:10. Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon
the necks of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we
have been able to bear?
15:11. But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we
believe to be saved, in like manner as they also.
15:12. And all the multitude held their peace: and they
heard Barnabas and Paul telling what great signs and
wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
15:13. And after they had held their peace, James answered,
saying: Men, brethren, hear me.
15:14. Simon hath related how God first visited to take to
the Gentiles, a people to his name.
15:15. And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it
is written:
15:16. After these things I will return and will rebuild
the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down: and the
ruins thereof I will rebuild. And I will set it up:
15:17. That the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and
all nations upon whom my name is invoked, saith the Lord,
who doth these things.
15:18. To the Lord was his own work known from the
beginning of the world.
15:19. For which cause, judge that they who from among the
Gentiles are converted to God are not to be disquieted:
15:20. But that we write unto them, that they refrain
themselves from the pollutions of idols and from
fornication and from things strangled and from blood.
15:21. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that
preach him in the synagogues, where he is read every
sabbath.
15:22. Then it pleased the apostles and ancients, with the
whole church, to choose men of their own company and to
send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas, who
was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the
brethren.
15:23. Writing by their hands: The apostles and ancients,
brethren, to the brethren of the Gentiles that are at
Antioch and in Syria and Cilicia, greeting.
15:24. Forasmuch as we have heard that some going out from
us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to
whom we gave no commandment:
15:25. It hath seemed good to us, being assembled together,
to choose out men and to send them unto you, with our well
beloved Barnabas and Paul:
15:26. Men that have given their lives for the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ.
15:27. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who
themselves also will, by word of mouth, tell you the same
things.
15:28. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us
to lay no further burden upon you than these necessary
things:
15:29. That you abstain from things sacrificed to idols and
from blood and from things strangled and from fornication:
from which things keeping yourselves, you shall do well.
Fare ye well.
From blood, and from things strangled... The use of these
things, though of their own nature indifferent, was here
prohibited, to bring the Jews more easily to admit of the
society of the Gentiles; and to exercise the latter in
obedience. But this prohibition was but temporary, and has
long since ceased to oblige; more especially in the western
churches.
15:30. They therefore, being dismissed, went down to
Antioch and, gathering together the multitude, delivered
the epistle.
15:31. Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the
consolation.
15:32. But Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves,
with many words comforted the brethren and confirmed them.
15:33. And after they had spent some time there, they were
let go with peace by the brethren unto them that had sent
them.
15:34. But it seemed good unto Silas to remain there: and
Judas alone departed to Jerusalem.
15:35. And Paul and Barnabas continued at Antioch, teaching
and preaching, with many others, the word of the Lord.
15:36. And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas: Let us
return and visit our brethren in all the cities wherein we
have preached the word of the Lord, to see how they do.
15:37. And Barnabas would have taken with them John also,
that was surnamed Mark.
15:38. But Paul desired that he (as having departed from
them out of Pamphylia and not gone with them to the work)
might not be received.
15:39. And there arose a dissension so that they departed
one from another. And Barnabas indeed, taking Mark, sailed
to Cyprus.
15:40. But Paul, choosing Silas, departed, being delivered
by the brethren to the grace of God.
15:41. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming
the churches, commanding them to keep the precepts of the
apostles and the ancients.
Acts Chapter 16
Paul visits the churches. He is called to preach in
Macedonia. He is scourged at Philippi.
16:1. And he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, there
was a certain disciple there named Timothy, the son of a
Jewish woman that believed: but his father was a Gentile.
16:2. To this man the brethren that were in Lystra and
Iconium gave a good testimony.
16:3. Him Paul would have to go along with him: and taking
him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in
those places. For they all knew that his father was a
Gentile.
16:4. And as they passed through the cities, they delivered
unto them the decrees for to keep, that were decreed by the
apostles and ancients who were at Jerusalem.
16:5. And the churches were confirmed in faith and
increased in number daily.
16:6. And when they had passed through Phrygia and the
country of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Ghost
to preach the word in Asia.
16:7. And when they were come into Mysia, they attempted to
go into Bithynia: and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them
not.
16:8. And when they had passed through Mysia, they went
down to Troas.
16:9. And a vision was shewed to Paul in the night, which
was a man of Macedonia standing and beseeching him and
saying: Pass over into Macedonia and help us.
16:10. And as soon as he had seen the vision, immediately
we sought to go into Macedonia: being assured that God had
called us to preach the gospel to them.
16:11. And sailing from Troas, we came with a straight
course to Samothracia, and the day following to Neapolis.
16:12. And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city
of part of Macedonia, a colony. And we were in this city
some days conferring together.
16:13. And upon the Sabbath day, we went forth without the
gate by a river side, where it seemed that there was
prayer: and sitting down, we spoke to the women that were
assembled.
16:14. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple,
of the city of Thyatira, one that worshipped God, did hear:
whose heart the Lord opened to attend to those things which
were said by Paul.
16:15. And when she was baptized, and her household, she
besought us, saying: If you have judged me to be faithful
to the Lord, come into my house and abide there. And she
constrained us.
16:16. And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain
girl having a pythonical spirit met us, who brought to her
masters much gain by divining.
A pythonical spirit... That is, a spirit pretending to
divine, and tell fortunes.
16:17. This same following Paul and us, cried out, saying:
These men are the servants of the Most High God, who preach
unto you the way of salvation.
16:18. And this she did many days. But Paul being grieved,
turned and said to the spirit: I command thee, in the name
of Jesus Christ, to go from her. And he went out the same
hour.
16:19. But her masters, seeing that the hope of their gain
was gone, apprehending Paul and Silas, brought them into
the market place to the rulers.
16:20. And presenting them to the magistrates, they said:
These men disturb our city, being Jews:
16:21. And preach a fashion which it is not lawful for us
to receive nor observe, being Romans.
16:22. And the people ran together against them: and the
magistrates, rending off their clothes, commanded them to
be beaten with rods.
16:23. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they
cast them into prison, charging the gaoler to keep them
diligently.
16:24. Who having received such a charge, thrust them into
the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks.
16:25. And at midnight, Paul and Silas, praying, praised
God. And they that were in prison heard them.
16:26. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that
the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately
all the doors were opened and the bands of all were loosed.
16:27. And the keeper of the prison, awakening out of his
sleep and seeing the doors of the prison open, drawing his
sword, would have killed himself, supposing that the
prisoners had been fled.
16:28. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying: Do thyself
no harm, for we all are here.
16:29. Then calling for a light, he went in: and trembling,
fell down at the feet of Paul and Silas.
16:30. And bringing them out, he said: Masters, what must I
do, that I may be saved?
16:31. But they said: believe in the Lord Jesus: and thou
shalt be saved, and thy house.
16:32. And they preached the word of the Lord to him and to
all that were in his house.
16:33. And he, taking them the same hour of the night,
washed their stripes: and himself was baptized, and all his
house immediately.
16:34. And when he had brought them into his own house, he
laid the table for them: and rejoiced with all his house,
believing God.
16:35. And when the day was come, the magistrates sent the
serjeants, saying: Let those men go.
16:36. And the keeper of the prison told these words to
Paul: The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now
therefore depart. And go in peace.
16:37. But Paul said to them: They have beaten us publicly,
uncondemned, men that are Romans, and have cast us into
prison. And now do they thrust us out privately? Not so:
but let them come.
16:38. And let us out themselves. And the serjeants told
these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid:
hearing that they were Romans.
16:39. And coming, they besought them: and bringing them
out, they desired them to depart out of the city.
16:40. And they went out of the prison and entered into the
house of Lydia: and having seen the brethren, they
comforted them and departed.
Acts Chapter 17
Paul preaches to the Thessalonians and Bereans. His
discourse to the Athenians.
17:1. And when they had passed through Amphipolis and
Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a
synagogue of the Jews.
17:2. And Paul, according to his custom, went in unto them.
And for three sabbath days he reasoned with them out of the
scriptures:
17:3. Declaring and insinuating that the Christ was to
suffer and to rise again from the dead; and that this is
Jesus Christ, whom I preach to you.
17:4. And some of them believed and were associated to Paul
and Silas: and of those that served God and of the Gentiles
a great multitude: and of noble women not a few.
17:5. But the Jews, moved with envy and taking unto them
some wicked men of the vulgar sort and making a tumult, set
the city in an uproar: and besetting Jason's house, sought
to bring them out unto the people.
17:6. And not finding them, they drew Jason and certain
brethren to the rulers of the city, crying: They that set
the city in an uproar are come hither also:
City. Urbem... In the Greek, the world.
17:7. Whom Jason hath received. And these all do contrary
to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another
king, Jesus.
17:8. And they stirred up the people: and the rulers of the
city, hearing these things,
17:9. And having taken satisfaction of Jason and of the
rest, they let them go.
17:10. But the brethren immediately sent away Paul and
Silas by night unto Berea. Who, when they were come
thither, went into the synagogue of the Jews.
17:11. Now these were more noble than those in
Thessalonica, who received the word with all eagerness,
daily searching the scriptures, whether these things were
so.
More noble... The Jews of Berea are justly commended, for
their eagerly embracing the truth, and searching the
scriptures, to find out the texts alleged by the apostle:
which was a far more generous proceeding than that of their
countrymen at Thessalonica, who persecuted the preachers of
the gospel, without examining the grounds they alleged for
what they taught.
17:12. And many indeed of them believed: and of honourable
women that were Gentiles and of men, not a few.
17:13. And when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that
the word of God was also preached by Paul at Berea, they
came thither also, stirring up and troubling the multitude.
17:14. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul, to
go unto the sea: but Silas and Timothy remained there.
17:15. And they that conducted Paul brought him as far as
Athens: and receiving a commandment from him to Silas and
Timothy, that they should come to him with all speed, they
departed.
17:16. Now whilst Paul waited for them at Athens, his
spirit was stirred within him, seeing the city wholly given
to idolatry.
17:17. He disputed, therefore, in the synagogue with the
Jews and with them that served God: and in the market
place, every day, with them that were there.
17:18. And certain philosophers of the Epicureans and of
the Stoics disputed with him. And some said: What is it
that this word sower would say? But others: He seemeth to
be a setter forth of new gods. Because he preached to them
Jesus and the resurrection.
17:19. And taking him, they brought him to the Areopagus,
saying: May we know what this new doctrine is, which thou
speakest of?
17:20. For thou bringest in certain new things to our ears.
We would know therefore what these things mean.
17:21. (Now all the Athenians and strangers that were there
employed themselves in nothing else, but either in telling
or in hearing some new thing.)
17:22. But Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus,
said: Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you
are too superstitious.
17:23. For passing by and seeing your idols, I found an
altar also, on which was written: To the Unknown God. What
therefore you worship without knowing it, that I preach to
you:
17:24. God, who made the world and all things therein, he
being Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples
made with hands.
Dwelleth not in temples... God is not contained in temples;
so as to need them for his dwelling, or any other uses, as
the heathens imagined. Yet by his omnipresence, he is both
there and everywhere.
17:25. Neither is he served with men's hands, as though he
needed any thing: seeing it is he who giveth to all life
and breath and all things:
17:26. And hath made of one, all mankind, to dwell upon the
whole face of the earth, determining appointed times and
the limits of their habitation.
17:27. That they should seek God, if haply they may feel
after him or find him, although he be not far from every
one of us.
17:28. For in him we live and move and are: as some also of
your own poets said: For we are also his offspring.
17:29. Being therefore the offspring of God, we must not
suppose the divinity to be like unto gold or silver or
stone, the graving of art and device of man.
17:30. And God indeed having winked at the times of this
ignorance, now declareth unto men that all should every
where do penance.
17:31. Because he hath appointed a day wherein he will
judge the world in equity, by the man whom he hath
appointed: giving faith to all, by raising him up from the
dead.
17:32. And when they had heard of the resurrection of the
dead, some indeed mocked. But others said: We will hear
thee again concerning this matter.
17:33. So Paul went out from among them.
17:34. But certain men, adhering to him, did believe: among
whom was also Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named
Damaris and others with them.
Acts Chapter 18
Paul founds the church of Corinth and preaches at Ephesus
and in other places. Apollo goes to Corinth.
18:1. After these things, departing from Athens, he came to
Corinth.
18:2. And finding a certain Jew, named Aquila, born in
Pontus, lately come from Italy, with Priscilla his wife
(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart
from Rome), he came to them.
18:3. And because he was of the same trade, he remained
with them and wrought. (Now they were tentmakers by trade.)
18:4. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath,
bringing in the name of the Lord Jesus. And he persuaded
the Jews and the Greeks.
18:5. And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia,
Paul was earnest in preaching, testifying to the Jews that
Jesus is the Christ.
18:6. But they gainsaying and blaspheming, he shook his
garments and said to them: Your blood be upon your own
heads: I am clean. From henceforth I will go unto the
Gentiles.
18:7. And departing thence, he entered into the house of a
certain man, named Titus Justus, one that worshipped God,
whose house was adjoining to the synagogue.
18:8. And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in
the Lord, with all his house. And many of the Corinthians
hearing, believed and were baptized.
18:9. And the Lord said to Paul in the night, by a vision:
Do not fear, but speak. And hold not thy peace,
18:10. Because I am with thee and no man shall set upon
thee, to hurt thee. For I have much people in this city.
18:11. And he stayed there a year and six months, teaching
among them the word of God.
18:12. But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews
with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the
judgment seat,
18:13. Saying: This man persuadeth men to worship God
contrary to the law.
18:14. And when Paul was beginning to open his mouth,
Gallio said to the Jews: If it were some matter of
injustice or an heinous deed, O Jews, I should with reason
bear with you.
18:15. But if they be questions of word and names and of
your law, look you to it. I will not be judge of such
things.
18:16. And he drove them from the judgment seat.
18:17. And all laying hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the
synagogue, beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio
cared for none of those things.
18:18. But Paul, when he had stayed yet many days, taking
his leave of the brethren, sailed thence into Syria (and
with him Priscilla and Aquila), having shorn his head in
Cenchrae. For he had a vow.
18:19. And he came to Ephesus and left them there. But he
himself, entering into the synagogue, disputed with the
Jews.
18:20. And when they desired him that he would tarry a
longer time, he consented not:
18:21. But taking his leave and saying: I will return to
you again, God willing, he departed from Ephesus.
18:22. And going down to Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem
and saluted the church: and so came down to Antioch.
18:23. And after he had spent some time there, he departed
and went through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, in
order, confirming all the disciples.
18:24. Now a certain Jew, named Apollo, born at Alexandria,
an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, one mighty in the
scriptures.
18:25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord: and
being fervent in spirit, spoke and taught diligently the
things that are of Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.
18:26. This man therefore began to speak boldly in the
synagogue. Whom when Priscilla and Aquila had heard, they
took him to them and expounded to him the way of the Lord
more diligently.
18:27. And whereas he was desirous to go to Achaia, the
brethren exhorting wrote to the disciples to receive him.
Who, when he was come, helped them much who had believed.
18:28. For with much vigour he convinced the Jews openly,
shewing by the scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.
Acts Chapter 19
Paul establishes the church at Ephesus. The tumult of the
silversmiths.
19:1. And it came to pass, while Apollo was at Corinth,
that Paul, having passed through the upper coasts, came to
Ephesus and found certain disciples.
19:2. And he said to them: Have you received the Holy Ghost
since ye believed? But they said to him: We have not so
much as heard whether there be a Holy Ghost.
19:3. And he said: In what then were you baptized? Who
said: In John's baptism.
19:4. Then Paul said: John baptized the people with the
baptism of penance saying: That they should believe in him,
who was to come after him, that is to say, in Jesus.
19:5. Having heard these things, they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.
19:6. And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy
Ghost came upon them: and they spoke with tongues and
prophesied.
19:7. And all the men were about twelve.
19:8. And entering into the synagogue, he spoke boldly for
the space of three months, disputing and exhorting
concerning the kingdom of God.
19:9. But when some were hardened and believed not,
speaking evil of the way of the Lord before the multitude,
departing from them, he separated the disciples, disputing
daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
19:10. And this continued for the space of two years, so
that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both
Jews and Gentiles.
19:11. And God wrought by the hand of Paul more than common
miracles.
19:12. So that even there were brought from his body to the
sick, handkerchiefs and aprons: and the diseases departed
from them: and the wicked spirits went out of them.
19:13. Now some also of the Jewish exorcists, who went
about, attempted to invoke over them that had evil spirits
the name of the Lord Jesus, saying: I conjure you by Jesus,
whom Paul preacheth.
19:14. And there were certain men, seven sons of Sceva, a
Jew, a chief priest, that did this.
19:15. But the wicked spirit, answering, said to them:
Jesus I know: and Paul I know. But who are you?
19:16. And the man in whom the wicked spirit was, leaping
upon them and mastering them both, prevailed against them,
so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
19:17. And this became known to all the Jews and the
Gentiles that dwelt a Ephesus. And fear fell on them all:
and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
19:18. And many of them that believed came, confessing and
declaring their deeds
19:19. And many of them who had followed curious arts
brought together their books and burnt them before all.
And, counting the price of them, they found the money to be
fifty thousand pieces of silver.
19:20. So mightily grew the word of God and was confirmed.
19:21. And when these things were ended, Paul purposed in
the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and
Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying: After I have been
there, I must see Rome also.
19:22. And sending into Macedonia two of them that
ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained
for a time in Asia.
19:23. Now at that time there arose no small disturbance
about the way of the Lord.
19:24. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith,
who made silver temples for Diana, brought no small gain to
the craftsmen.
19:25. Whom he calling together with the workmen of like
occupation, said: Sirs, you know that our gain is by this
trade.
19:26. And you see and hear that this Paul, by persuasion
hath drawn away a great multitude, not only of Ephesus, but
almost of all Asia, saying: they are not gods which are
made by hands.
19:27. So that not only this our craft is in danger to be
set at nought, but also the temple of great Diana shall be
reputed for nothing! Yea, and her majesty shall begin to be
destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
19:28. Having heard these things, they were full of anger
and cried out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians!
19:29. And the whole city was filled with confusion. And
having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia,
Paul's companions, they rushed with one accord into the
theatre.
19:30. And when Paul would have entered in unto the people,
the disciples suffered him not.
19:31. And some also of the rulers of Asia, who were his
friends, sent unto him, desiring that he would not venture
himself into the theatre.
19:32. Now some cried one thing, some another. For the
assembly was confused: and the greater part knew not for
what cause they were come together.
19:33. And they drew forth Alexander out of the multitude,
the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander, beckoning
with his hand for silence, would have given the people
satisfaction,
19:34. But as soon as they perceived him to be a Jew, all
with one voice, for the space of about two, hours, cried
out: Great is Diana of the Ephesians!
19:35. And when the town clerk had appeased the multitudes,
he said: Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth
not that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the
great Diana and of Jupiter's offspring?
19:36. For as much therefore as these things cannot be
contradicted, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing
rashly.
19:37. For you have brought hither these men, who are
neither guilty of sacrilege nor of blasphemy against your
goddess.
19:38. But if Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him
have a matter against any man, the courts of justice are
open: and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one
another.
19:39. And if you inquire after any other matter, it may be
decided in a lawful assembly.
19:40. For we are even in danger to be called in question
for this day's uproar, there being no man guilty (of whom
we may give account) of this concourse. And when he had
said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
Acts Chapter 20
Paul passes through Macedonia and Greece. He raises a dead
man to life at Troas. His discourse to the clergy of
Ephesus.
20:1. And after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling to him
the disciples and exhorting them, took his leave and set
forward to go into Macedonia.
20:2. And when he had gone over those parts and had
exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece:
20:3. Where, when he had spent three months, the Jews laid
wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria. So he
took a resolution to return through Macedonia.
20:4. And there accompanied him Sopater, the son of
Pyrrhus, of Berea: and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus
and Secundus: and Gaius of Derbe and Timothy: and of Asia,
Tychicus and Trophimus.
20:5. These, going before, stayed for us at Troas.
20:6. But we sailed from Philippi after the days of the
azymes and came to them to Troas in five days, where we
abode seven days.
20:7. And on the first day of the week, when we were
assembled to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, being
to depart on the morrow. And he continued his speech until
midnight.
And on the first day of the week... Here St. Chrysostom and
many other interpreters of the scripture explain, that the
Christians even at this time, must have changed the sabbath
into the first day of the week, (the Lord's day,) as all
Christians now keep it. This change was undoubtedly made by
the authority of the church; hence the exercise of the
power, which Christ had given to her: for he is Lord of the
sabbath.
20:8. And there were a great number of lamps in the upper
chamber where we were assembled.
20:9. And a certain young man named Eutychus, sitting on
the window, being oppressed with a deep sleep (as Paul was
long preaching), by occasion of his sleep fell from the
third loft down and was taken up dead.
20:10. To whom, when Paul had gone down, he laid himself
upon him and, embracing him, said: Be not troubled, for his
soul is in him.
20:11. Then going up and breaking bread and tasting and
having talked a long time to them, until daylight, so he
departed.
20:12. And they brought the youth alive and were not a
little comforted.
20:13. But we going aboard the ship, sailed to Assos, being
there to take in Paul. For so he had appointed, himself
purposing to travel by land.
20:14. And when he had met with us at Assos, we took him in
and came to Mitylene.
20:15. And sailing thence, the day following we came over
against Chios: and the next day we arrived at Samos: and
the day following we came to Miletus.
20:16. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, lest he
should be stayed any time in Asia. For he hasted. if it
were possible for him, to keep the day of Pentecost at
Jerusalem.
20:17. And sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called the
ancients of the church.
20:18. And when they were come to him and were together, he
said to them: You know from the first day that I came into
Asia, in what manner I have been with you, for all the
time.
20:19. Serving the Lord with all humility and with tears
and temptations which befell me by the conspiracies of the
Jews:
20:20. How I have kept back nothing that was profitable to
you, but have preached it to you, and taught you publicly,
and from house to house,
20:21. Testifying both to Jews and Gentiles penance towards
God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
20:22. And now, behold, being bound in the spirit, I go to
Jerusalem: not knowing the things which shall befall me
there:
20:23. Save that the Holy Ghost in every city witnesseth to
me, saying: That bands and afflictions wait for me at
Jerusalem.
20:24. But I fear none of these things, neither do I count
my life more precious than myself, so that I may consummate
my course and the ministry of the word which I received
from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of
God.
20:25. And now behold, I know that all you, among whom I
have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face
no more.
20:26. Wherefore I take you to witness this day that I am
clear from the blood of all men.
20:27. For I have not spread to declare unto you all, the
counsel of God.
20:28. Take heed to yourselves and to the whole flock,
wherein the Holy Ghost hath placed you bishops, to rule the
Church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.
20:29. I know that after my departure ravening wolves will
enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
20:30. And of your own selves shall arise men speaking
perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
20:31. Therefore watch, keeping in memory that for three
years I ceased not with tears to admonish every one of you,
night and day.
20:32. And now I commend you to God and to the word of his
grace, who is able to build up and to give an inheritance
among all the sanctified.
20:33. I have not coveted any man's silver, gold or
apparel, as
20:34. You yourselves know. For such things as were needful
for me and them that are with me, these hands have
furnished.
20:35. I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring
you ought to support the weak and to remember the word of
the Lord Jesus, how he said: It is a more blessed thing to
give, rather than to receive.
20:36. And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he
prayed with them all.
20:37. And there was much weeping among them all. And
falling on the neck of Paul, they kissed him,
20:38. Being grieved most of all for the word which he had
said, that they should see his face no more. And they
brought him on his way to the ship.
Acts Chapter 21
Paul goes up to Jerusalem. He is apprehended by the Jews in
the temple.
21:1. And when it came to pass that, being parted from
them, we set sail, we came with a straight course to Coos,
and the day following to Rhodes: and from thence to Patara.
21:2. And when we had found a ship sailing over to Phenice,
we went aboard and set forth.
21:3. And when we had discovered Cyprus, leaving it on the
left hand, we sailed into Syria, and came to Tyre: for
there the ship was to unlade her burden.
21:4. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days:
who said to Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go
up to Jerusalem.
21:5. And the days being expired, departing we went
forward, they all bringing us on our way, with their wives
and children, till we were out of the city. And we kneeled
down on the shore: and we prayed.
21:6. And when we had bid one another farewell, we took
ship. And they returned home.
21:7. But we, having finished the voyage by sea, from Tyre
came down to Ptolemais: and saluting the brethren, we abode
one day with them.
21:8. And the next day departing, we came to Caesarea. And
entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was
one of the seven, we abode with him.
The evangelist... That is, the preacher of the gospel; the
same that before converted the Samaritans, and baptized the
eunuch, chap. 8., being one of the first seven deacons.
21:9. And he had four daughters, virgins, who did prophesy.
21:10. And as we tarried there for some days, there came
from Judea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
21:11. Who, when he was come to us, took Paul's girdle: and
binding his own feet and hands, he said: Thus saith the
Holy Ghost: The man whose girdle this is, the Jews shall
bind in this manner in Jerusalem and shall deliver him into
the hands of the Gentiles.
21:12. Which when we had heard, both we and they that were
of that place desired him that he would not go up to
Jerusalem.
21:13. Then Paul answered and said: What do you mean,
weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am ready not only to
be bound, but to die also in Jerusalem, for the name of the
Lord Jesus.
21:14. And when we could not persuade him, we ceased,
saying: The will of the Lord be done.
21:15. And after those days, being prepared, we went up to
Jerusalem.
21:16. And there went also with us some of the disciples
from Caesarea, bringing with them one Mnason a Cyprian, an
old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
21:17. And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren
received us gladly.
21:18. And the day following, Paul went in with us unto
James: and all the ancients were assembled.
21:19. Whom when he had saluted, he related particularly
what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his
ministry.
21:20. But they hearing it, glorified God and said to him:
Thou seest, brother, how many thousands there are among the
Jews that have believed: and they are all zealous for the
law.
21:21. Now they have heard of thee that thou teachest those
Jews, who are among the Gentiles to depart from Moses:
saying that they ought not to circumcise their children,
nor walk according to the custom.
21:22. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come
together: for they will hear that thou art come.
21:23. Do therefore this that we say to thee. We have four
men, who have a vow on them.
21:24. Take these and sanctify thyself with them: and
bestow on them, that they may shave their heads. And all
will know that the things which they have heard of these
are false: but that thou thyself also walkest keeping the
law.
Keeping the law... The law, though now no longer
obligatory, was for a time observed by the Christian Jews:
to bury, as it were, the synagogue with honour.
21:25. But, as touching the Gentiles that believe, we have
written, decreeing that they should only refrain themselves
from that which has been offered to idols and from blood
and from things strangled and from fornication.
21:26. Then Paul took the men and, the next day being
purified with them, entered into the temple, giving notice
of the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an
oblation should be offered for every one of them.
21:27. But when the seven days were drawing to an end,
those Jews that were of Asia, when they saw him in the
temple, stirred up all the people and laid hands upon him,
crying out:
21:28. Men of Israel, help: This is the man that teacheth
all men every where against the people and the law and this
place; and moreover hath brought in Gentiles into the
temple and hath violated this holy place.
21:29. (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the
city with him. whom they supposed that Paul had brought
into the temple.)
21:30. And he whole city was in an uproar: and the people
ran together. And taking Paul, they drew him out of the
temple: and immediately the doors were shut.
21:31. And as they went about to kill him, it was told the
tribune of the band that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
21:32. Who, forthwith taking with him soldiers and
centurions, ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune
and the soldiers, they left off beating Paul.
21:33. Then the tribune, coming near, took him and
commanded him to be bound with two chains: and demanded who
he was and what he had done.
21:34. And some cried one thing, some another, among the
multitude. And when he could not know the certainty for the
tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
21:35. And when he was come to the stairs, it fell out that
he was carried by the soldiers, because of the violence of
the people.
21:36. For the multitude of the people followed after,
crying: Away with him!
21:37. And as Paul was about to be brought into the castle,
he saith to the tribune: May I speak something to thee? Who
said: Canst thou speak Greek?
21:38. Art not thou that Egyptian who before these days
didst raise a tumult and didst lead forth into the desert
four thousand men that were murderers?
21:39. But Paul said to him: I am a Jew of Tarsus in
Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city. And I beseech thee,
suffer me to speak to the people.
21:40. And when he had given him leave, Paul standing on
the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people. And a
great silence being made, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew
tongue, saying:
Acts Chapter 22
Paul declares to the people the history of his conversion.
He escapes scourging by claiming the privilege of a Roman
citizen.
22:1. Men, brethren and fathers, hear ye the account which
I now give unto you.
22:2. (And when they heard that he spoke to them in the
Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence.)
22:3. And he saith: I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia,
but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel,
taught according to the truth of the law of the fathers,
zealous for the law, as also all you are this day:
22:4. Who persecuted this way unto death, binding and
delivering into prisons both men and women,
22:5. As the high priest doth bear me witness and all the
ancients. From whom also receiving letters to the brethren,
I went to Damascus, that I might bring them bound from
thence to Jerusalem to be punished.
22:6. And it came to pass, as I was going and drawing nigh
to Damascus, at mid-day, that suddenly from heaven there
shone round about me a great light:
22:7. And falling on the ground, I heard a voice saying to
me: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
22:8. And I answered: Who art thou, Lord? And he said to
me: I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
22:9. And they that were with me saw indeed the light: but
they heard not the voice of him that spoke with me.
Heard not the voice... That is, they distinguished not the
words; though they heard the voice. Acts 9. 7.
22:10. And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said
to me: Arise and go to Damascus; and there it shall be told
thee of all things that thou must do.
22:11. And whereas I did not see for the brightness of that
light, being led by the hand by my companions, I came to
Damascus,
22:12. And one Ananias, a man according to the law, having
testimony of all the Jews who dwelt there,
22:13. Coming to me and standing by me, said to me: Brother
Saul, look up. And I, the same hour, looked upon him.
22:14. But he said: The God of our fathers hath preordained
thee that thou shouldst know his will and see the Just One
and shouldst hear the voice from his mouth.
Just One... Our Saviour, who appeared to St. Paul, Acts 9.
17.
22:15. For thou shalt be his witness to all men of those
things which thou hast seen and heard.
22:16. And now why tarriest thou? Rise up and be baptized
and wash away thy sins, invoking his name.
22:17. And it came to pass, when I was come again to
Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a
trance,
22:18. And saw him saying unto me: Make haste and get thee
quickly out of Jerusalem: because they will not receive thy
testimony concerning me.
22:19. And I said: Lord, they know that I cast into prison
and beat in every synagogue them that believed in thee.
22:20. And when the blood of Stephen thy witness was shed,
I stood by and consented: and kept the garments of them
that killed him.
22:21. And he said to me: Go, for unto the Gentiles afar
off will I send thee.
22:22. And they heard him until this word and then lifted
up their voice, saying: Away with such an one from the
earth. For it is not fit that he should live.
22:23. And as they cried out and threw off their garments
and cast dust into the air,
22:24. The tribune commanded him to be brought into the
castle, and that he should be scourged and tortured: to
know for what cause they did so cry out against him.
22:25. And when they had bound him with thongs, Paul saith
to the centurion that stood by him: Is it lawful for you to
scourge a man that is a Roman and uncondemned?
22:26. Which the centurion hearing, went to the tribune and
told him, saying: What art thou about to do? For this man
is a Roman citizen.
22:27. And the tribune coming, said to him: Tell me. Art
thou a Roman? But he said: Yea.
22:28. And the tribune answered: I obtained the being free
of this city with a great sum. And Paul said: But I was
born so.
22:29. Immediately therefore they departed from him that
were about to torture him. The tribune also was afraid
after he understood that he was a Roman citizen and because
he had bound him.
22:30. But on the next day, meaning to know more diligently
for what cause he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him
and commanded the priests to come together and all the
council: and, bringing forth Paul, he set him before them.
Acts Chapter 23
Paul stands before the council. The Jews conspire his
death. He is sent away to Cesarea.
23:1. And Paul, looking upon the council, said: Men,
brethren, I have conversed with all good conscience before
God until this present day.
23:2. And the high priest, Ananias, commanded them that
stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
23:3. Then Paul said to him: God shall strike thee, thou
whited wall. For, sittest thou to judge me according to the
law and, contrary to the law, commandest me to be struck?
23:4. And they that stood by said: Dost thou revile the
high priest of God?
23:5. And Paul said: I knew not, brethren, that he is the
high priest. For it is written: Thou shalt not speak evil
of the prince of thy people.
23:6. And Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees
and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council: Men,
brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees: concerning
the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in
question.
23:7. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension
between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the multitude
was divided.
23:8. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,
neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
23:9. And there arose a great cry. And some of the
Pharisees rising up, strove, saying: We find no evil in
this man. What if a spirit hath spoken to him, or an angel?
23:10. And when there arose a great dissension, the
tribune, fearing lest Paul should be pulled in pieces by
them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him by
force from among them and to bring him into the castle.
23:11. And the night following, the Lord standing by him,
said: Be constant: for as thou hast testified of me in
Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
23:12. And when day was come, some of the Jews gathered
together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that
they would neither eat nor drink till they killed Paul.
23:13. And they were more than forty men that had made this
conspiracy.
23:14. Who came to the chief priests and the ancients and
said: We have bound ourselves under a great curse that we
will eat nothing till we have slain Paul.
23:15. Now therefore do you with the council signify to the
tribune, that he bring him forth to you, as if you meant to
know something more certain touching him. And we, before he
come near, are ready to kill him.
23:16. Which when Paul's sister's son had heard, of their
lying in wait, he came and entered into the castle and told
Paul.
23:17. And Paul, calling to him one of the centurions,
said: Bring this young man to the tribune: for he hath some
thing to tell him.
23:18. And he, taking him, brought him to the tribune and
said: Paul, the prisoner, desired me to bring this young
man unto thee, who hath some thing to say to thee.
23:19. And the tribune, taking him by the hand, went aside
with him privately and asked him: What is it that thou hast
to tell me?
23:20. And he said: The Jews have agreed to desire thee
that thou wouldst bring forth Paul to-morrow into the
council, as if they meant to inquire some thing more
certain touching him.
23:21. But do not thou give credit to them: for there lie
in wait for him more than forty men of them, who have bound
themselves by oath neither to eat nor to drink, till they
have killed him. And they are now ready, looking for a
promise from thee.
23:22. The tribune therefore dismissed the young man,
charging him that he should tell no man that he had made
known these things unto him.
23:23. Then having called two centurions, he said to them:
Make ready two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea:
and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, for the
third hour of the night.
23:24. And provide beasts, that they may set Paul on and
bring him safe to Felix the governor.
23:25. (For he feared lest perhaps the Jews might take him
away by force and kill him: and he should afterwards be
slandered, as if he was to take money.) And he wrote a
letter after this manner:
23:26. Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor,
Felix, greeting:
23:27. This man, being taken by the Jews and ready to be
killed by them, I rescued, coming in with an army,
understanding that he is a Roman.
23:28. And meaning to know the cause which they objected
unto him, I brought him forth into their council.
23:29. Whom I found to be accused concerning questions of
their law; but having nothing laid to his charge worthy of
death or of bands.
23:30. And when I was told of ambushes that they had
prepared for him, I sent him to thee, signifying also to
his accusers to plead before thee. Farewell.
23:31. Then the soldiers, according as it was commanded
them, taking Paul, brought him by night to Antipatris.
23:32. And the next day, leaving the horsemen to go with
him, they returned to the castle.
23:33. Who, when they were come to Caesarea and had
delivered the letter to the governor, did also present Paul
before him.
23:34. And when he had read it and had asked of what
province he was and understood that he was of Cilicia:
23:35. I will hear thee, said he, when thy accusers come.
And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
Acts Chapter 24
Paul defends his innocence before Felix the governor. He
preaches the faith to him.
24:1. And after five days, the high priest, Ananias, came
down with some ancients and one Tertullus, an orator, who
went to the governor against Paul.
24:2. And Paul being called for, Tertullus began to accuse
him, saying: Whereas, through thee we live in much peace
and many things are rectified by thy providence,
24:3. We accept it always and in all places, most excellent
Felix, with all thanksgiving.
24:4. But that I be no further tedious to thee, I desire
thee of thy clemency to hear us in a few words.
24:5. We have found this to be a pestilent man and raising
seditions among all the Jews throughout the world: and
author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
24:6. Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom,
we having apprehended, would also have judged according to
our law.
24:7. But Lysias the tribune, coming upon us with great
violence, took him away out of our hands;
24:8. Commanding his accusers to come to thee. Of whom thou
mayest thyself, by examination, have knowledge of all these
things whereof we accuse him.
24:9. And the Jews also added and said that these things
were so.
24:10. Then Paul answered (the governor making a sign to
him to speak): Knowing that for many years thou hast been
judge over this nation, I will with good courage answer for
myself.
24:11. For thou mayest understand that there are yet but
twelve days since I went up to adore in Jerusalem:
24:12. And neither in the temple did they find me disputing
with any man or causing any concourse of the people:
neither in the synagogues, nor in the city.
24:13. Neither can they prove unto thee the things whereof
they now accuse me.
24:14. But this I confess to thee that according to the way
which they call a heresy, so do I serve the Father and my
God, believing all things which are written in the law and
the prophets:
24:15. Having hope in God, which these also themselves look
for, that there shall be a resurrection of the just and
unjust.
24:16. And herein do I endeavour to have always a
conscience without offence, towards God and towards men.
24:17. Now after many years, I came to bring alms to my
nation and offerings and vows.
24:18. In which I was found purified in the temple: neither
with multitude nor with tumult.
24:19. But certain Jews of Asia, who ought to be present
before thee and to accuse, if they had anything against me:
24:20. Or let these men themselves say if they found in me
any iniquity, when standing before the council,
24:21. Except it be for this one voice only that I cried,
standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the
dead am I judged this day by you.
24:22. And Felix put them off, having most certain
knowledge of this way, saying: When Lysias the tribune
shall come down, I will hear you.
24:23. And he commanded a centurion to keep him: and that
he should be easy and that he should not prohibit any of
his friends to minister unto him.
24:24. And after some days, Felix, coming with Drusilla his
wife, who was a Jew, sent for Paul and heard of him the
faith that is in Christ Jesus.
24:25. And as he treated of justice and chastity and of the
judgment to come, Felix, being terrified, answered: For
this time, go thy way: but when I have a convenient time, I
will send for thee.
24:26. Hoping also withal that money should be given him by
Paul: for which cause also oftentimes sending for him, he
spoke with him.
24:27. But when two years were ended, Felix had for
successor Portius Festus. And Felix being willing to shew
the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Acts Chapter 25
Paul appeals to Caesar. King Agrippa desires to hear him.
25:1. Now when Festus was come into the province, after
three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Cesarea.
25:2. And the chief priests and principal men of the Jews
went unto him against Paul: and they besought him,
25:3. Requesting favour against him, that he would command
him to be brought to Jerusalem, laying wait to kill him in
the way.
25:4. But Festus answered: That Paul was kept in Caesarea:
and that he himself would very shortly depart thither.
25:5. Let them, therefore, saith he, among you that are
able, go down with me and accuse him, if there be any crime
in the man.
25:6. And having tarried among them no more than eight or
ten days, he went down to Caesarea. And the next day, he
sat in the judgment seat and commanded Paul to be brought.
25:7. Who being brought, the Jews stood about him, who were
come down from Jerusalem, objecting many and grievious
causes, which they could not prove:
25:8. Paul making answer for himself: Neither against the
law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against
Caesar, have I offended in any thing.
25:9. But Festus, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure,
answering Paul, said: Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem and
there be judged of these things before me?
25:10. Then Paul said: I stand at Caesar's judgment seat,
where I ought to be judged. To the Jews I have done no
injury, as thou very well knowest.
25:11. For if I have injured them or have committed any
thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die. But if there be
none of these things whereof they accuse me, no man may
deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.
25:12. Then Festus, having conferred with the council,
answered: Hast thou appealed to Caesar? To Caesar shalt
thou go.
25:13. And after some days, king Agrippa and Bernice came
down to Caesarea, to salute Festus.
25:14. And as they tarried there many days, Festus told the
king of Paul, saying: A certain man was left prisoner by
Felix.
25:15. About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief
priests and the ancients of the Jews came unto me, desiring
condemnation against him.
25:16. To whom I answered: it is not the custom of the
Romans to condemn any man, before that he who is accused
have his accusers present and have liberty to make his
answer, to clear himself of the things laid to his charge.
25:17. When therefore they were come hither, without any
delay, on the day following, sitting in the judgment seat,
I commanded the man to be brought.
25:18. Against whom, when the accusers stood up, they
brought no accusation of this which I thought ill of:
25:19. But had certain questions of their own superstition
against him, and of one Jesus deceased, whom Paul affirmed
to be alive.
25:20. I therefore being in a doubt of this manner of
question, asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem and
there be judged of these things.
25:21. But Paul, appealing to be reserved unto the hearing
of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept, till I might send
him to Caesar.
25:22. And Agrippa said to Festus: I would also hear the
man, myself. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
25:23. And on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice were
come with great pomp and had entered into the hall of
audience with the tribunes and principal men of the city,
at Festus' commandment, Paul was brought forth.
25:24. And Festus saith: King Agrippa and all ye men who
are here present with us, you see this man, about whom all
the multitude of the Jews dealt with me at Jerusalem,
requesting and crying out that he ought not to live any
longer.
25:25. Yet have I found nothing that he hath committed
worthy of death. But forasmuch as he himself hath appealed
to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
25:26. Of whom I have nothing certain to write to my lord.
For which cause, I have brought him forth before you, and
especially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, examination
being made, I may have what to write.
25:27. For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner
and not to signify the things laid to his charge.
Acts Chapter 26
Paul gives an account to Agrippa of his life, conversion
and calling.
26:1. Then Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to
speak for thyself. Then Paul, stretching forth his hand,
began to make his answer.
26:2. I think myself happy, O king Agrippa, that I am to
answer for myself this day before thee, touching all the
things whereof I am accused by the Jews.
26:3. Especially as thou knowest all, both customs and
questions, that are among the Jews. Wherefore I beseech
thee to hear me patiently.
26:4. And my life indeed from my youth, which was from the
beginning among my own nation in Jerusalem, all the Jews do
know:
26:5. Having known me from the beginning (if they will give
testimony) that according to the most sure sect of our
religion I lived, a Pharisee.
26:6. And now for the hope of the promise that was made by
God to the fathers, do I stand subject to judgment:
26:7. Unto which, our twelve tribes, serving night and day,
hope to come. For which hope, O king, I am accused by the
Jews.
26:8. Why should it be thought a thing incredible that God
should raise the dead?
26:9. And I indeed did formerly think that I ought to do
many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
26:10. Which also I did at Jerusalem: and many of the
saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority
of the chief priests. And when they were put to death, I
brought the sentence.
26:11. And oftentimes punishing them, in every synagogue, I
compelled them to blaspheme: and being yet more mad against
them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
26:12. Whereupon, when I was going to Damascus with
authority and permission of the chief priest,
26:13. At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from
heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round
about me and them that were in company with me.
26:14. And when we were all fallen down on the ground, I
heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew tongue: Saul,
Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick
against the good.
26:15. And I said: Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord
answered: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
26:16. But rise up and stand upon thy feet: for to this end
have I appeared to thee, that I may make thee a minister
and a witness of those things which thou hast seen and of
those things wherein I will appear to thee,
26:17. Delivering thee from the people and from the nations
unto which now I send thee:
26:18. To open their eyes, that they may be converted from
darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that
they may receive forgiveness of sins and a lot among the
saints, by the faith that is in me.
26:19. Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not incredulous to
the heavenly vision.
26:20. But to them first that are at Damascus and at
Jerusalem, and unto all the country of Judea, and to the
Gentiles did I preach, that they should do penance and turn
to God, doing works worthy of penance.
26:21. For this cause, the Jews, when I was in the temple,
having apprehended me, went about to kill me.
26:22. But being aided by the help of God, I stand unto
this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no
other thing than those which the prophets and Moses did say
should come to pass:
26:23. That Christ should suffer and that he should be the
first that should rise from the dead and should shew light
to the people and to the Gentiles.
26:24. As he spoke these things and made his answer, Festus
said with a loud voice: Paul, thou art beside thyself: much
learning doth make thee mad.
26:25. And Paul said: I am not mad, most excellent Festus,
but I speak words of truth and soberness.
26:26. For the king knoweth of these things, to whom also I
speak with confidence. For I am persuaded that none of
these things are hidden from him. For neither was any of
these things done in a corner.
26:27. Believest thou the prophets, O king Agrippa? I know
that thou believest.
26:28. And Agrippa said to Paul: In a little thou
persuadest me to become a Christian.
26:29. And Paul said: I would to God that both in a little
and in much, not only thou, but also all that hear me this
day, should become such as I also am, except these bands.
26:30. And the king rose up, and the governor and Bernice
and they that sat with them.
26:31. And when they were gone aside, they spoke among
themselves, saying: This man hath done nothing worthy of
death or of bands.
26:32. And Agrippa said to Festus: This man might have been
set at liberty, if he had not appealed to Caesar.
Acts Chapter 27
Paul is shipped for Rome. His voyage and shipwreck.
27:1. And when it was determined that he should sail into
Italy and that Paul, with the other prisoners, should be
delivered to a centurion, named Julius, of the band
Augusta,
27:2. Going on board a ship of Adrumetum, we launched,
meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia, Aristarchus, the
Macedonian of Thessalonica, continuing with us.
27:3. And the day following, we came to Sidon. And Julius,
treating Paul courteously, permitted him to go to his
friends and to take care of himself.
27:4. And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under
Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
27:5. And sailing over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we
came to Lystra, which is in Lycia.
27:6. And there, the centurion, finding a ship of
Alexandria sailing into Italy, removed us into it.
27:7. And when for many days we had sailed slowly and were
scarce come over against Gnidus, the wind not suffering us,
we sailed near Crete by Salmone.
27:8. And with much ado sailing by it, we came into a
certain place, which is called Good-havens, nigh to which
was the city of Thalassa.
27:9. And when much time was spent and when sailing now was
dangerous, because the fast was now past, Paul comforted
them,
27:10. Saying to them: Ye men, I see that the voyage
beginneth to be with injury and much damage, not only of
the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
27:11. But the centurion believed the pilot and the master
of the ship, more than those things which were said by
Paul.
27:12. And whereas it was not a commodious haven to winter
in, the greatest part gave counsel to sail thence, if by
any means they might reach Phenice, to winter there, which
is a haven of Crete, looking towards the southwest and
northwest.
27:13. And the south wind gently blowing, thinking that
they had obtained their purpose, when they had loosed from
Asson, they sailed close by Crete.
27:14. But not long after, there arose against it a
tempestuous wind, called Euroaquilo.
27:15. And when the ship was caught and could not bear up
against the wind, giving up the ship to the winds, we were
driven.
27:16. And running under a certain island that is called
Cauda, we had much work to come by the boat.
27:17. Which being taken up, they used helps, undergirding
the ship: and fearing lest they should fall into the
quicksands, they let down the sail yard and so were driven.
27:18. And we, being mightily tossed with the tempest, the
next day they lightened the ship.
27:19. And the third day they cast out with their own hands
the tacking of the ship.
27:20. And when neither sun nor stars appeared for many
days and no small storms lay on us, all hope of our being
saved was now taken away.
27:21. And after they had fasted a long time, Paul standing
forth in the midst of them, said: You should indeed, O ye
men, have hearkened unto me and not have loosed from Crete
and have gained this harm and loss.
27:22. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer. For there
shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but only of
the ship.
27:23. For an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve,
stood by me this night,
27:24. Saying: Fear not, Paul, thou must be brought before
Caesar; and behold, God hath given thee all them that sail
with thee.
27:25. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe
God, that it shall so be, as it hath been told me.
27:26. And we must come unto a certain island.
27:27. But after the fourteenth night was come, as we were
sailing in Adria, about midnight, the shipmen deemed that
they discovered some country.
27:28. Who also sounding, found twenty fathoms: and going
on a little further, they found fifteen fathoms.
27:29. Then fearing lest we should fall upon rough places,
they cast four anchors out of the stern: and wished for the
day.
27:30. But as the shipmen sought to fly out of the ship,
having let down the boat into the sea, under colour, as
though they would have cast anchors out of the forepart of
the ship,
27:31. Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers:
Except these stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.
27:32. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat and
let her fall off.
27:33. And when it began to be light, Paul besought them
all to take meat, saying: This day is the fourteenth day
that you have waited and continued fasting, taking nothing.
27:34. Wherefore, I pray you to take some meat for your
health's sake: for there shall not an hair of the head of
any of you perish.
27:35. And when he had said these things, taking bread, he
gave thanks to God in the sight of them all. And when he
had broken it, he began to eat.
27:36. Then were they all of better cheer: and they also
took some meat.
27:37. And we were in all in the ship two hundred
threescore and sixteen souls.
27:38. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the
ship, casting the wheat into the sea.
27:39. And when it was day, they knew not the land. But
they discovered a certain creek that had a shore, into
which they minded, if they could, to thrust in the ship.
27:40. And when they had taken up the anchors, they
committed themselves to the sea, loosing withal the rudder
bands. And hoisting up the mainsail to the wind, they made
towards shore.
27:41. And when we were fallen into a place where two seas
met, they run the ship aground. And the forepart indeed,
sticking fast, remained unmoveable: but the hinder part was
broken with the violence of the sea.
27:42. And the soldiers' counsel was that they should kill
the prisoners, lest any of them, swimming out should
escape.
27:43. But the centurion, willing to save Paul, forbade it
to be done. And he commanded that they who could swim
should cast themselves first into the sea and save
themselves and get to land.
27:44. And the rest, some they carried on boards and some
on those things that belonged to the ship. And so it came
to pass that every soul got safe to land.
Acts Chapter 28
Paul, after three months' stay in Melita, continues his
voyage and arrives at Rome. His conference there with the
Jews.
28:1. And when we had escaped, then we knew that the island
was called Melita. But the barbarians shewed us no small
courtesy.
28:2. For kindling a fire, they refreshed us all, because
of the present rain and of the cold.
28:3. And when Paul had gathered together a bundle of
sticks and had laid them on the fire, a viper, coming out
of the heat, fastened on his hand.
28:4. And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging on his
hand, they said one to another: Undoubtedly this man is a
murderer, who, though he hath escaped the sea, yet
vengeance doth not suffer him to live.
28:5. And he indeed, shaking off the beast into the fire,
suffered no harm.
28:6. But they supposed that he would begin to swell up and
that he would suddenly fall down and die. But expecting
long and seeing that there came no harm to him, changing
their minds, they said that he was a god.
28:7. Now in these places were possessions of the chief man
of the island, named Publius: who, receiving us for three
days, entertained us courteously.
28:8. And it happened that the father of Publius lay sick
of a fever and of a bloody flux. To whom Paul entered in.
And when he had prayed and laid his hands on him, he healed
him.
28:9. Which being done, all that had diseases in the island
came and were healed.
28:10. Who also honoured us with many honours: and when we
were to set sail, they laded us with such things as were
necessary.
28:11. And after three months, we sailed in a ship of
Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was
the Castors.
28:12. And when we were come to Syracusa, we tarried there
three days.
28:13. From thence, compassing by the shore, we came to
Rhegium: and after one day, the south wind blowing, we came
the second day to Puteoli:
28:14. Where, finding brethren, we were desired to tarry
with them seven days. And so we went to Rome.
28:15. And from thence, when the brethren had heard of us,
they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum and the Three
Taverns. Whom when Paul saw, he gave thanks to God and
took courage.
28:16. And when we were come to Rome, Paul was suffered to
dwell by himself, with a soldier that kept him.
28:17. And after the third day, he called together the
chief of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said to
them: Men, brethren, I, having done nothing against the
people or the custom of our fathers, was delivered prisoner
from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
28:18. Who, when they had examined me, would have released
me, for that there was no cause of death in me.
28:19. But the Jews contradicting it, I was constrained to
appeal unto Caesar: not that I had anything to accuse my
nation of.
28:20. For this cause therefore I desired to see you and to
speak to you. Because that for the hope of Israel, I am
bound with this chain.
28:21. But they said to him: We neither received letters
concerning thee from Judea: neither did any of the brethren
that came hither relate or speak any evil of thee.
28:22. But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest:
for as concerning this sect, we know that it is every where
contradicted.
28:23. And when they had appointed him a day, there came
very many to him unto his lodgings. To whom he expounded,
testifying the kingdom of God and persuading them
concerning Jesus, out of the law of Moses and the prophets,
from morning until evening.
28:24. And some believed the things that were said: but
some believed not.
28:25. And when they agreed not among themselves, they
departed, Paul speaking this one word: Well did the Holy
Ghost speak to our fathers by Isaias the prophet,
28:26. Saying: Go to this people and say to them: With the
ear you shall hear and shall not understand: and seeing you
shall see and shall not perceive.
28:27. For the heart of this people is grown gross, and
with their ears have they heard heavily and their eyes they
have shut, lest perhaps they should see with their eyes and
hear with their ears and understand with their heart and
should be converted: and I should heal them.
28:28. Be it known therefore to you that this salvation of
God is sent to the Gentiles: and they will hear it.
28:29. And when he had said these things, the Jews went out
from him, having much reasoning among themselves.
28:30. And he remained two whole years in his own hired
lodging: and he received all that came in to him,
28:31. Preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things
which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence,
without prohibition.
The text in this file was taken with permission from Catholic Software's Douay Bible program, a complete multimedia Bible for the PC. The complete product description follows:
Douay Bible ME: A multimedia Bible. Text and footnotes are from the 1899 version of the Douay-Rheims Bible. Supports unlimited cut and paste as well as searches. It also has a concordance, topical index, and maps. These features make it powerful and easy to use. Music and color photography make it a visual and auditory feast. However, if your computer doesn't support multimedia, you can suppress these features at installation time. Available for DOS, Windows, or Windows 95. $85.00. Order from: Catholic Software, P.O. Box 1914, Murray, KY 42071. Phone: 1-502-753-8198.
