35 Then Philip opened his mouth, 3 And as he journeyed, he came and began at the same scripture, and near Damascus; and suddenly there preached unto him Jesus. shined round about him a light from

36 And as they went on their way, heaven: they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water;

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, what doth hinder me to be baptized? why persecutest thou me?

37 And Philip said, If thou believest | 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? with all thine heart, thou mayest. And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom And he answered, and said, I believe thou persecutest; It is hard for thee that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. to kick against the pricks.3

38 And he commanded the chariot. 6 And he, trembling and astonished, to stand still; and they went down said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to both into the water, both Philip and do? And the Lord said unto him, the eunuch; and he baptized him.

39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azo'tus; and, passing through, he preached in all the cities, till he came to Cesare'a.7 Questions. Who became at this time 8 great persecutor of the church?

Who preached the gospel in Samaria ?
Of what country was Samaria the capital?
What miracles did Philip perform?
What notorious person was in Samaria at

this time?

How did he seek to obtain the gift of the

Holy Ghost?

What did Peter say to him?

To whom was Philip sent to preach?
What was the eunuch reading?

Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened he saw no man; but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Dainas'

cus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damas/cus named Anani as; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Anani'as. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the

What confession did he make before he was house of Judas for one called Saul of baptized?

Whence did Philip go?

CHAP. IX.

1 Saul, going toward Damascus, is called to the apostleship; 18 is bap tized by Ananias, 20 and boldly preacheth Jesus Christ.

AND Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

2 And desired of him letters to Damas'cus2 to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.

Tar sus; for, behold, he prayeth,

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

have heard by many of this man, how 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests, to bind all that call on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel' unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

7 Casarea (of Palestine) one of the principal cities of Samaria, situated on the coast of the Mediterra/nean sea; about 52 miles, and a little to the west of north, from Jerusalem. 17 And Ananias went his way, and Here Herod Agrippa was smitten with a fatal entered into the house and, putting disease; here Cornelius and Philip resided, his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, and here Paul was confined two years before

he was sent to Rome.

1 Letters of license or permission. 2 Damascus.

3 It is hard for thee to kick against the sharp points or goads, or in other words, to

A very ancient and noted fight against me and my religion, when with

city, the metropolis of Syria. It was situated out injuring my cause you endanger your own in a pleasant plain between mount Lebanon soul.

on the west, and mount Hermon on the south,

about 160 miles north east of Jerusalem.

4 Vessel, servant or minister.

5 Gentiles, heathen nations.

the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared 31 Then had the churches rest unto thee in the way, as thou camest, throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and hath sent me, that thou mightest re- Samaria, and were edified; and walkceive thy sight, and be filled with the ing in the fear of the Lord, and in the Holy Ghost. comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damas'cus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God."

32 ¶ And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lyd'da.

33 And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said unto him, Ene'as, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole; arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this 35 And all that dwelt in Lyd'da and name in Jerusalem, and came hither Sar'on saw him, and turned to the for that intent, that he might bring Lord. them bound unto the chief priests?

36 Now there was at Jop'pa a cer22 But Saul increased the more intain disciple named Tab'itha, which, strength, and confounded the Jews by interpretation, is called Dor'cas; which dwelt at Damascus, proving this woman was full of good works that this is very Christ." and alms-deeds which she did.

23 T And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill

him:

24 But their laying await was known of Saul; and they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

26 ¶ And when Saul was come to Jerusalem he assayed to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraidf him, and believed not that he was a disciple.

27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them, how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoke to him, and how he had preached boluy at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians; but they went about to slay him.

30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesare'a, and sent him forth to Tarsus.9

6 This name, the name of Jesus. 7 That Jesus is the very Christ, the siah.

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.

38 And forasmuch as Lyd'da was nigh to Jop'pa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

39 Then 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 shewing the 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 him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and, when she saw Peter, she sat up.

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

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

43 And it came to pass, that he tar. ried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Questions. To what place was Saul going Mes-when the Lord appeared to him?

8 From Paul's conversion till the time he Paul was born of Jewish parents, but was at here visits Jerusalem, it was more than three the same time a Roman citizen from privileges years. See Gal. i. 17, 18, which this city enjoyed. Here probably Paul 9 Tarsus, one of the principal cities in Cili-was instructed in Grecian literature, and hence eia. It was rich and populous, and noted for he went to Jerusalem to complete his studies its schools of literature and philosophy. Here under Gama liel.

15 And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath 1 Cornelius sendeth for Peter. 34 Pe-cleansed, that call not thou common. ter preacheth. 44 The Holy Ghost 16 This was done thrice; and the falleth on the hearers; 48 They are vessel was received up again into heabaptized.

THERE was a certain man in Ce- 17 Now, while Peter doubted in sare a called Cornelius, a centurion' himself what this vision, which he had of the band called the Italian band, seen should mean, behold, the men 2 A devout man, and one that feared which were sent from Cornelius had God with all his house, which gave made inquiry for Simon's house, and much alms to the people, and prayed stood before the gate, to God alway:

2 Ninth hour, about three in the afternoon. 3 Sixth hour, about twelve at noon. The devout Jews had three stated hours of prayer; not call any man common or unclean. thus David seys, Evening, morning, and at 29 Therefore came I unto you withnoon will I pray. Psalm 1v. 17. out gainsaying, as soon as I was sent

for; I ask, therefore, for what intent which believed, were astonished, as ye have sent for me many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

32 Send, therefore, to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter: he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner, by the sea-side; who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

33 Immediately, therefore, I sent to thee; and thou hast well done, that thou art come. Now, therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

36 The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ; (he is Lord of all ;)

37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Jude'a, and began from Galilee, after the baptism, which John preached.

33 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things, which he did, both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, and hanged on a tree;

40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify, that it is he, which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.4

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Thien prayed they him to tarry certain days.

Questions. What did Cornelius see in a vision?

What did Peter see?

What was he commanded to do?

To whom did he go and preach?
What was taught to Peter by his vision of
the animals? See v. 28, 34, 35.

What occurred while Peter was preaching t
Why were the Jews astonished?

In whose name were the converts baptized?
See verse 48; and chap. viii. verse 16.

CHAP. XI.

1 Peter is accused for going to the Gentiles. 19 The gospel is preached,

&c.

AND the apostles and brethren that were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision, contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with

them.

4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

5 I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

6 Upon the which, when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

43 To him give all the prophets wit- 7 And I heard a voice saying unto ness, that, through his naine, whoso-me, Arise, Peter; slay, and eat. ever believeth in him, shall receive remission of sins.

44 ¶ While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all, them which heard the word.

45 And they of the circumcisions 4 Quick, &c. The living and the dead. 5 They of the circumcision; that is, the Jews.

8 But I said, Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call thou not common.

10 And this was done three times; and all were drawn up again into hea

ven.

11 And, behold, immediately there 24 For he was a good man, and full were three men already come unto of the Holy Ghost, and of faith; and the house where 1 was, sent from much people was added unto the Lord. Cesare'a unto me. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tar

12 And the Spirit bade me go with sus, for to seek Saul. them, nothing doubting. Moreover, 26 And, when he had found him, he these six brethren accompanied me, brought him unto Antioch. And it and we entered into the man's house came to pass, that a whole year they 13 And he shewed us, how he had assembled themselves with the church, seen an angel in his house, which and taught much people. And the stood and said unto him, Send men to disciples were called Christians first Joppa, and call for Simon, whose sur- in Antioch. name is Peter:

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And, as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.

28 And there stood up one of them named Ag'abus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great dearth3 throughout all the world; which came to pass in the days of Clau'dius Ce'sar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea;

17 Forasmuch, then, as God gave them the like gift, as he did unto us, 30 Which also they did, and sent who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; it to the elders by the hands of Barwhat was I that I could withstand nabas and Saul, God?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution, that arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phenice, and Cy'prus, and An'tioch, preaching the word to none, but unto the Jews only.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyre'ne, which, when they were come to An'tioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the Lord.

22 T Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Bar'nabas that he should go as far as An'tioch;

23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

1 Antioch, the capital of Syria. It was a large and flourishing city situated on both sides of the river Orontes about 12 miles from! the Mediterranean sea. Here the disciples of our Lord were first called Christians.

2 Cyrene, a country and city in the north of Africa, a considerable distance west of Egypt. Simon, who assisted our Saviour in bearing his cross was from this place,

circumcision contend with Peter!
Questions. Why did they that were of the

How were they affected when they had heard his defence?

What is said of Barnabas?

Where were the disciples of our Lord first called Christians?

1

What was foretold by Ag'abus?

CHAP. XII.

Herod persecuteth the Christians. 20 his pride and miscrable death. NOW, about that time, Her'od the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

2 And he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

4 And, when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions' of soldiers to keep him, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

5 Peter, therefore, was kept in prison; but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night

2 Easter. This term should have been translated passover.