JESUS Taken Up into Heaven

   In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that JESUS began to do and to teach until the day HE was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through THE HOLY SPIRIT to the apostles HE had chosen. After HIS suffering, HE showed HIMSELF to these men and gave many convincing proofs that HE was alive. HE appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of GOD. On one occasion, while HE was eating with them, HE gave them this command: "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift MY FATHER promised, which you have heard ME speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with THE HOLY SPIRIT."

       So when they met together, they asked HIM, "LORD, are YOU at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?"

       HE said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates THE FATHER has set by HIS own authority. But you will receive power when THE HOLY SPIRIT comes on you; and you will be MY witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

       After HE said this, HE was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid HIM from their sight.

       They were looking intently up into the sky as HE was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same JESUS, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen HIM go into heaven."

The Book of Acts: chapter 1, verses 1 - 11

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

       Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day's walk from the city. When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of JESUS, and with HIS brothers.

       In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) and said, "Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which THE HOLY SPIRIT spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested JESUS--he was one of our number and shared in this ministry."

       (With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

       "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms,

       " 'May his place be deserted;

              let there be no one to dwell in it,'

and,

       " 'May another take his place of leadership.'

Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time THE LORD JESUS went in and out among us, beginning from John's baptism to the time when JESUS was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of HIS resurrection."

       So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, "LORD, YOU know everyone's heart. Show us which of these two YOU have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs." Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

The Book of Acts: chapter 1, verses 12 - 26

THE HOLY SPIRIT Comes at Pentecost

   When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one lace. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with THE HOLY SPIRIT and began to speak in other tongues as THE SPIRIT enabled them.

       Now there were staying in Jerusalem GOD-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs--we hear them declaring the wonders of GOD in our own tongues!" Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?"

       Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine."

The Book of Acts: chapter 2, verses 1 - 13

Peter Addresses the Crowd

       Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

       " 'In the last days, GOD says,

              I will pour out MY SPIRIT on all people.

       Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

              your young men will see visions,

              your old men will dream dreams.

       Even on MY servants, both men and women,

              I will pour out MY SPIRIT in those days,

              and they will prophesy.

       I will show wonders in the heaven above

              and signs on the earth below,

              blood and fire and billows of smoke.

       The sun will be turned to darkness

              and the moon to blood

              before the coming of the great and glorious day of THE LORD.

       And everyone who calls

              on the name of THE LORD will be saved.'

       "Men of Israel, listen to this: JESUS OF NAZARETH was a man accredited by GOD to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which GOD did among you through HIM, as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by GOD'S set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put HIM to death by nailing HIM to the cross. But GOD raised HIM from the dead, freeing HIM from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on HIM. David said about HIM:

       " 'I saw THE LORD always before me.

              Because HE is at my right hand,

              I will not be shaken.

       Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

              my body also will live in hope,

       because YOU will not abandon me to the grave,

              nor will YOU let YOUR HOLY ONE see decay.

       YOU have made known to me the paths of life;

              YOU will fill me with joy in YOUR presence.'

       "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet and knew that GOD had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of THE CHRIST, that HE was not abandoned to the grave, nor did HIS body see decay. GOD has raised this JESUS to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. Exalted to the right hand of GOD, HE has received from THE FATHER the promised HOLY SPIRIT and has poured out what you now see and hear. For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,

       " 'THE LORD said to my LORD:

              "Sit at MY right hand

       until I make your enemies

              a footstool for your feet." '

       "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: GOD has made this JESUS, whom you crucified, both LORD and CHRIST."

       When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

       Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of JESUS CHRIST for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of THE HOLY SPIRIT. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off--for all whom THE LORD OUR GOD will call."

       With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

The Book of Acts: chapter 2, verses 14 - 41

The Fellowship of the Believers

       They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising GOD and enjoying the favor of all the people. And THE LORD added to their number daily those who were being saved.

The Book of Acts: chapter 2, verses 42 - 47

Peter Heals the Crippled Beggar

   One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer--at three in the afternoon. Now a man crippled from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, "Look at us!" So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

       Then Peter said, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, walk." Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man's feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising GOD. When all the people saw him walking and praising GOD, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

The Book of Acts: chapter 3, verses 1 - 10

Peter Speaks to the Onlookers

       While the beggar held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he said to them: "Men of Israel, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB, THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS, has glorified HIS servant JESUS. You handed HIM over to be killed, and you disowned HIM before Pilate, though he had decided to let HIM go. You disowned THE HOLY AND RIGHTEOUS ONE and asked that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, but GOD raised HIM from the dead. We are witnesses of this. By faith in the name of JESUS, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is JESUS' name and the faith that comes through HIM that has given this complete healing to him, as you can all see.

       "Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how GOD fulfilled what HE had foretold through all the prophets, saying that HIS CHRIST would suffer. Repent, then, and turn to GOD, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from THE LORD, and that HE may send THE CHRIST, who has been appointed for you--even JESUS. HE must remain in heaven until the time comes for GOD to restore everything, as HE promised long ago through HIS holy prophets. For Moses said, 'THE LORD YOUR GOD will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'

       "Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant GOD made with your fathers. HE said to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.' When GOD raised up HIS servant, HE sent HIM first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

The Book of Acts: chapter 3, verses 11 - 26

Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin

   The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in JESUS the resurrection of the dead. They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

       The next day the rulers, elders and teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and the other men of the high priest's family. They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: "By what power or what name did you do this?"

       Then Peter, filled with THE HOLY SPIRIT, said to them: "Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH, whom you crucified but whom GOD raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. HE is

       " 'the stone you builders rejected,

              which has become the capstone.'

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved."

       When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with JESUS. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. "What are we going to do with these men?" they asked. "Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name."

       Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of JESUS. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in GOD'S sight to obey you rather than GOD. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard."

       After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising GOD for what had happened. For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

The Book of Acts: chapter 4, verses 1 - 22

The Believers' Prayer

       On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to GOD. "SOVEREIGN LORD," they said, "YOU made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. YOU spoke by THE HOLY SPIRIT through the mouth of YOUR servant, our father David:

       " 'Why do the nations rage

          and the peoples plot in vain?

       The kings of the earth take their stand

          and the rulers gather together

       against THE LORD

          and against HIS ANOINTED ONE.'

Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against YOUR holy servant JESUS, whom YOU anointed. They did what YOUR power and will had decided beforehand should happen. Now, LORD, consider their threats and enable YOUR servants to speak YOUR word with great boldness. Stretch out YOUR hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of  YOUR holy servant JESUS."

       After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with THE HOLY SPIRIT and spoke the word of GOD boldly.

The Book of Acts: chapter 4, verses 23 - 31

The Believers Share Their Possessions

       All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of THE LORD JESUS, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

       Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles' feet.

The Book of Acts: chapter 4, verses 32 - 37

Ananias and Sapphira

       Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife's full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles' feet.

       Then Peter said, "Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to THE HOLY SPIRIT and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn't it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn't the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to GOD."

       When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

       About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her, "Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?"

       "Yes," she said, "that is the price."

       Peter said to her, "How could you agree to test THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also."

       At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

The Book of Acts: chapter 5, verses 1 - 11

The Apostles Heal Many

       The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in THE LORD and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.

The Book of Acts: chapter 5, verses 12 - 16

The Apostles Persecuted

       Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of THE LORD opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. "Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."

       At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

       When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin--the full assembly of the elders of Israel--and sent to the jail for the apostles. But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, "We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

       Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

       Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. "We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name," he said. "Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man's blood."

       Peter and the other apostles replied: "We must obey GOD rather than men! THE GOD OF OUR FATHERS raised JESUS from the dead--whom you had killed by hanging HIM on a tree. GOD exalted HIM to HIS own right hand as Prince and Savior that HE might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. We are witnesses of these things, and so is THE HOLY SPIRIT, whom GOD has given to those who obey HIM."

       When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed them: "Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered. Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from GOD, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against GOD."

       His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of JESUS, and let them go.

       The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that JESUS is THE CHRIST.

The Book of Acts: chapter 5, verses 17 - 42

The Choosing of the Seven

       In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of GOD in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of THE SPIRIT and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

       This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of THE HOLY SPIRIT; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

       So the word of GOD spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

The Book of Acts: chapter 6, verses 1 - 7

Stephen Seized

       Now Stephen, a man full of GOD'S grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)--Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, but they could not stand up against his wisdom or THE SPIRIT by whom he spoke.

       Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, "We have heard Stephen speak words of blasphemy against Moses and against GOD."

       So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. They produced false witnesses, who testified, "This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this JESUS OF NAZARETH will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us."

       All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

The Book of Acts: chapter 6, verses 8 - 15

Stephen's Speech to the Sanhedrin

   Then the high priest asked him, "Are these charges true?"

       To this he replied: "Brothers and fathers, listen to me! THE GOD OF GLORY appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 'Leave your country and your people,' GOD said, 'and go to the land I will show you.'

       "So he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After the death of his father, GOD sent him to this land where you are now living. He gave him no inheritance here, not even a foot of ground. But GOD promised him that he and his descendants after him would possess the land, even though at that time Abraham had no child. GOD spoke to him in this way: 'Your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,' GOD said, 'and afterward they will come out of that country and worship ME in this place.' Then HE gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. And Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him eight days after his birth. Later Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

       "Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But GOD was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. HE gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

       "Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our fathers could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.

       "As the time drew near for GOD to fulfill HIS promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.

       "At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father's house. When he was placed outside, Pharaohs daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

       "When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. Moses thought that his own people would realize that GOD was using him to rescue them, but they did not. The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?'

       "But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

       "After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard THE LORD'S voice: 'I AM THE GOD OF YOUR FATHERS, THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, ISAAC AND JACOB.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.

       "Then THE LORD said to him, 'Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have indeed seen the oppression of MY people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.'

       "This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by GOD HIMSELF, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert.

       "This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'GOD will send you a prophet like me from your own people.' He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.

       "But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt--we don't know what has happened to him!' That was the time they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and held a celebration in honor of what their hands made. But GOD turned away and gave them over to the worship of the heavenly bodies. This agrees with what is written in the book of the prophets:

       " 'Did you bring ME sacrifices and offerings

              forty years in the desert, O house of Israel?

       You have lifted up the shrine of Molech

              and the star of your god Rephan,

              the idols you made to worship.

       Therefore I will send you into exile' beyond Babylon.

       "Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as GOD directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations GOD drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed GOD'S favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for THE GOD OF JACOB. But it was Solomon who built the house for HIM.

       "However, THE MOST HIGH does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says:

       " 'Heaven is MY throne,

              and the earth is MY footstool.

       What kind of hose will you build for ME?

                                                 says THE LORD.

              Or where will MY resting lace be?

       Has not MY hand made all these things?'

       "You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist THE HOLY SPIRIT! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of THE RIGHTEOUS ONE. And now you have betrayed and murdered HIM--you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

The Book of Acts: chapter 7, verses 1 - 53

The Stoning of Stephen

       When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of THE HOLY SPIRIT, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of GOD, and JESUS standing at the right hand of GOD. "Look," he said, "I see heaven open and THE SON OF MAN standing at the right hand of GOD."

       At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

       While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "LORD JESUS, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "LORD, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.

   And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

The Book of Acts: chapter 7, verses 54 - 60 & chapter 8, verse 1

The Church Persecuted and Scattered

       On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

The Book of Acts: chapter 8, verses 1 - 3

Philip in Samaria

       Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed THE CHRIST there. When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

The Book of Acts: chapter 8, verses 4 - 8

Simon the Sorcerer

       Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of GOD and the name of JESUS CHRIST, they were baptized, both men and women. Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

       When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of GOD, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive THE HOLY SPIRIT, because THE HOLY SPIRIT had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of THE LORD JESUS. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received THE HOLY SPIRIT.

       Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of GOD with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before GOD. Repent of this wickedness and pray to THE LORD. Perhaps HE will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

       Then Simon answered, "Pray to THE LORD for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."

       When they had testified and proclaimed the word of THE LORD, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samarian villages.

The Book of Acts: chapter 8, verses 9 - 25

Philip and the Ethiopian

       Now an angel of THE LORD said to Philip, "Go south to the road--the desert road--that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." So he started out, and on his way he wet an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. THE SPIRIT told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

       Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked.

       "How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

       The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:

       "HE was led like a sheep to the slaughter,

          and as a lamb before the shearer is silent,

          so HE did not open HIS mouth.

       In HIS humiliation HE was deprived of justice.

          Who can speak of HIS descendants?

          For HIS life was taken from the earth."

       The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about JESUS.

       As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

The Book of Acts: chapter 8, verses 26 - 40

Saul's Conversion

   Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against THE LORD'S disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute ME?"

       "Who are YOU, LORD?" Saul asked.

       "I AM JESUS, whom you are persecuting," HE replied. "Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

       The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

       In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. THE LORD called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"

       "Yes. LORD," he answered.

       THE LORD told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

       "LORD," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

       But THE LORD said to Ananias, "Go! This man is MY chosen instrument to carry MY name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for MY name."

       Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, THE LORD--JESUS, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here--has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with THE HOLY SPIRIT." Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

The Book of Acts: chapter 9, verses 1 - 19

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

       Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. At once he began to preach in the synagogues that JESUS is THE SON OF GOD. All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that JESUS is THE CHRIST.

       After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their place. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

       When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen THE LORD and that THE LORD had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of JESUS. So Paul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of THE LORD. He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

       Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by THE HOLY SPIRIT, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of THE LORD.

The Book of Acts: chapter 9, verses 19 - 31

Aeneas Dorcas

       As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, a paralytic who had been bedridden for eight years. "Aeneas," Peter said to him, "JESUS CHRIST heals you. Get up and take care of your mat." Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to THE LORD.

       In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which, when translated, is Dorcas), who was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Please come at once!"

       Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

       Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in THE LORD. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

The Book of Acts: chapter 9, verses 32 - 43

Cornelius Calls for Peter

   At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. He and all his family were devout and GOD-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to GOD regularly. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of GOD, who came to him and said, "Cornelius!"

       Cornelius stared at him in fear. "What is it, LORD?" he asked.

       The angel answered, "Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before GOD. Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea."

       When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.

The Book of Acts: chapter 10, verses 1 - 8

Peter's Vision

       About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roof to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles of the earth and birds of the air. Then a voice told him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."

       "Surely not, LORD!" Peter replied. "I have never eaten anything impure or unclean."

       The voice spoke to him a second time, "Do not call anything impure that GOD has made clean."

       This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

       While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon's house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.

       While Peter was still thinking about the vision, THE SPIRIT said to him, "Simon, three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them."

       Peter went down and said to the men, "I'm the one you're looking for. Why have you come?"

       The men replied, "We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and GOD-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say." Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.

The Book of Acts: chapter 10, verses 9 - 23

Peter at Cornelius's House

       The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along. The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. But Peter made him get up. "Stand up," he said, "I am only a man myself."

       Talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But GOD has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?"

       Cornelius answered: "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, 'Cornelius, GOD has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.' So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of GOD to listen to everything THE LORD has commanded you to tell us."

       Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that GOD does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear HIM and do what is right. You know the message GOD sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through JESUS CHRIST, who is LORD of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached--how GOD anointed JESUS OF NAZARETH with THE HOLY SPIRIT and power, and how HE went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because GOD was with HIM.

       "We are witnesses of everything HE did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed HIM by hanging HIM on a tree, but GOD raised HIM from the dead on the third day and caused HIM to be seen. HE was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom GOD had already chosen--by us who ate and drank with HIM after HE rose from the dead. HE commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that HE is THE ONE whom GOD appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about HIM that everyone who believes in HIM receives forgiveness of sins through HIS name."

       While Peter was still speaking these words, THE HOLY SPIRIT came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of THE HOLY SPIRIT had been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising GOD.

       Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received THE HOLY SPIRIT just as we have." So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of JESUS CHRIST. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

The Book of Acts: chapter 10, verses 9 - 23

Peter Explains His Actions

   The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of GOD. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."

       Peter began and explained everything to them precisely as it had happened: "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'

       "I replied, 'Surely not, LORD! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'

       "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that GOD has made clean.' This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.

       "Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. THE SPIRIT told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'

       "As I began to speak, THE HOLY SPIRIT came on them as HE had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what THE LORD had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with THE HOLY SPIRIT.' So if GOD gave them the same gift as HE gave us, who believed in THE LORD JESUS CHRIST, who was I to think that I could oppose GOD?"

       When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised GOD, saying, "So then, GOD has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."

The Book of Acts: chapter 11, verses 1 - 18