Part 29 (2/2)

And Saul was certain days with the disciples at Damascus. (20)And straightway he preached Jesus, in the synagogues, that he is the Son of G.o.d. (21)And all that heard him were amazed, and said: Is not this he who destroyed in Jerusalem those who call on this name? And he came hither for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests.

(22)But Saul was more strengthened, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

(23)And when many days were completed, the Jews took counsel to kill him. (24)But their lying in wait became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates day and night to kill him. (25)But the disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.

(26)And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, attempted to join himself to the disciples; and all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. (27)But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and related fully to them how he saw the Lord in the way, and that he spoke to him, and how he preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28)And he was with them, going in and out at Jerusalem, (29)and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus; and was speaking and disputing against the Grecian Jews; but they were attempting to slay him. (30)And the brethren, learning it, brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

(31)The church therefore, throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

(32)And it came to pa.s.s that Peter, going through them all, came down also to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. (33)And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had lain upon a pallet eight years, who was palsied. (34)And Peter said to him: Aeneas, Jesus the Christ makes thee whole; arise, and make thy bed. And immediately he arose. (35)And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him; and they turned to the Lord.

(36)And there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which interpreted is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works, and of alms, which she did. (37)And it came to pa.s.s in those days, that she was sick, and died. And having washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38)And as Lydda was near to Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent to him two men, entreating that he would not delay to come to them.

(39)And Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40)But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up. (41)And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42)And it became known throughout all Joppa; and many believed on the Lord.

(43)And it came to pa.s.s, that he remained many days in Joppa, with one Simon, a tanner.

X.

THERE was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band; (2)devout, and one that feared G.o.d with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to G.o.d always. (3)He saw in a vision, distinctly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of G.o.d coming in to him, and saying to him: Cornelius!

(4)And fixing his eyes on him, he was afraid, and said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before G.o.d. (5)And now send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter. (6)He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.

(7)And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius was gone, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him; (8)and having told them all these things, he sent them to Joppa.

(9)On the morrow, as they were journeying, and drawing near to the city, Peter went up upon the house-top to pray, about the sixth hour.

(10)And he became very hungry, and desired to eat. While they now were making ready, there fell upon him a trance; (11)and he beholds heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as a great sheet, bound by four corners, and let down upon the earth; (12)wherein were all the fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth, and birds of the air. (13)And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter; slay, and eat. (14)But Peter said: Not so, Lord; for I never ate anything common or unclean. (15)And a voice came to him again, the second time: What G.o.d cleansed, call not thou common. (16)This was done thrice; and the vessel was taken up again into heaven.

(17)And while Peter was doubting in himself what the vision might be which he saw, behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, came and stood before the gate; (18)and calling they asked, whether Simon, who is surnamed Peter, lodges here.

(19)While Peter was earnestly considering the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold, men are seeking thee. (20)But arise, and go down, and go with them, making no scruple; because I have sent them.

(21)Peter went down to the men, and said: Behold, I am he whom ye seek. What is the cause for which ye are here? (22)And they said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man, and one that fears G.o.d, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from G.o.d by a holy angel to send for thee to his house; and to hear words from thee.

(23)He called them in, therefore, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went forth with them, and certain brethren from Joppa went with him. (24)And on the morrow after, they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his kinsmen and near friends. (25)And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and did reverence to him. (26)But Peter raised him, saying: Stand up; I myself also am a man. (27)And while talking with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (28)And he said to them: Ye know that it is unlawful[10:28] for a Jew to keep company with, or come to, one of another nation; but G.o.d showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (29)Wherefore I also came without delay, when sent for. I ask therefore for what reason did ye send for me?

(30)And Cornelius said: Four days ago I was fasting unto this hour, and at the ninth hour was praying in my house; and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, (31)and said: Cornelius, thy prayer was heard, and thine alms were remembered before G.o.d. (32)Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter; he lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea-side; who, when he comes will speak to thee. (33)Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou didst well in coming hither. Now therefore we are all present before G.o.d, to hear all things that are commanded thee from the Lord.

(34)And Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth I perceive that G.o.d is not a respecter of persons; (35)but in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him. (36)The word which he sent to the sons of Israel, publis.h.i.+ng glad tidings of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), (37)ye know; the thing which was done throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the immersion which John preached; Jesus of Nazareth, (38)how G.o.d anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the Devil; because G.o.d was with him. (39)And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, hanging him on a tree. (40)Him G.o.d raised on the third day, and showed him openly; (41)not to all the people, but to witnesses before appointed by G.o.d, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (42)And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he who has been appointed by G.o.d to be Judge of the living and dead.

(43)To him all the prophets bear witness, that through his name every one who believes on him shall receive remission of sins.

(44)While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. (45)And those of the circ.u.mcision who believed, as many as came with Peter, were astonished, that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. (46)For they heard them speaking with tongues, and magnifying G.o.d.

Then answered Peter: (47)Can any one forbid the water, that these should not be immersed, who received the Holy Spirit even as we also?

(48)And he commanded that they should be immersed in the name of the Lord. Then they entreated him to remain certain days.

<script>