The Readable Bible: Acts

Acts of the Apostles

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Acts of the Apostles

Establishing God’s Church

Translated and Edited by Rodney S. Laughlin Brendan I. Kennedy, PhD

Birmingham, Alabama

The Readable Bible: Acts of the Apostles

Iron Stream

An imprint of Iron Stream Media 100 Missionary Ridge Birmingham, AL 35242 www.ironstreammedia.com

Copyright © 2022 by Rodney S. Laughlin

The Readable Bible text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic, or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred verses without express written permission of the publisher provided that (a) the verses quoted do not account for more than 25 percent of the total work in which they are quoted, (b) no more than 25 percent of a book of the Bible is quoted, (c) all quotations conform accurately to The Readable Bible text, and (d) one of the following credit lines appears on the copyright page or title page of the work:

Scripture quotations marked TRB are taken from The Readable Bible®. Copyright © 2022 by Rodney S. Laughlin, Leawood, Kansas. Used by permission of Iron Stream Media.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from The Readable Bible®. Copyright © 2022 by Rodney S. Laughlin, Leawood, Kansas. Used by permission of Iron Stream Media.

When quotations from The Readable Bible text are used in not-for-sale media (e.g., church bulletins, orders of service, newsletters, digital presentations), a copyright notice is not required, but the initials “TRB” must appear at the end of each quotation. Websites and blogs may quote up to five hundred verses without express written permission provided they include the initials “TRB” at the end of each quotation and provided that the verses quoted account for not more than 25 percent of any web page upon which they appear and that no more than 25 percent of a book of the Bible is quoted.

Quotations not covered by the above guidelines must be approved in writing by Iron Stream Media. Send requests to info@ironstreammedia.com or to the address above.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022938636

Cover design: twoline | | Studio

Interior designer/illustrator: Clyde Adams (www.clydeadams.com)

Map geographic features courtesy of Bible Mapper (www.biblemapper.com).

Typeface: Veritas AE from Altered Ego Fonts, a division of Aespire

Book

Jewish Calendar

Familiar Verses

on Time

Jewish Day

Index

Herod Family

in Acts

Note on Quotations of Old Testament Scripture

on Dates of Events

Note on Spurious Text

Notes

Notes

and Presentation

Nonliteral Words and Phrases

Acts of the Apostles

and tables are

italics

Part 1. The Gospel Takes Hold in Jerusalem

Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Jewish

3

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

Preaches to the Spectators

Peter and John Arrested and Tried

Believers Pray

Believers Share Their Possessions

The Lie of Ananias and Sapphira

Apostles Evangelize, Heal, and Are Arrested

4

5

Acts 6

Seven Chosen to Serve 12

Arrested

Stephen’s Defense Before the Sanhedrin

13 Acts 7

13

A. Abraham Followed God 13

B. Joseph Followed God

14

C. Moses Followed God 14

D. Joshua, King David, and King Solomon Followed God

16

E. You Too Should Follow God 16 Stephen Stoned to Death

Part 2. The Gospel Spreads Despite Persecution Acts 8

A. To Samaria: A Sorcerer Believes

16

17

Map & Table: The Early Spread of the Gospel 18 19

B. To Africa: An Ethiopian Believes

C. To Damascus: Saul Is Converted and Evangelizes

19 Acts 9

20

& Table: Paul’s Pre-Missionary Life 22 23

D. Throughout Samaria and Judea

Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Dorcas 24

10

The Visions of Cornelius and Peter

Gentiles Believe and Receive the Holy Spirit

Acts 11

Peter Justifies Evangelizing the Gentiles 26

To Phoenicia, Cypress, and Antioch

Acts 12

28 Death of Agrippa I 29

Peter Arrested by Herod Agrippa I and Rescued by an Angel

Part 3. The Gospel Spreads Through Missionary Journeys

Acts 13

A. Paul’s First Missionary Journey 30

To Cyprus: The Proconsul Believes

30

To Pamphylia: Paul Evangelizes, Many Believe, but He Must Flee 31 Map & Table: Paul’s First Missionary Journey

To Galatia

32 33

Acts 14

34

Iconium: Paul Evangelizes but Must Flee 34

Lystra: Paul Heals a Lame Man and Is Attacked

35

34 Derbe: Many Believe 35 Return to Antioch in Syria

Acts 15

The Council at Jerusalem

36

The Question: Is Circumcision Required for Salvation? 36 The Decision: Circumcision Is Not Required for Salvation

36

B. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey 38

Acts 16

To Lystra: Timothy Recruited 38 To Macedonia

38

To Philippi: Lydia Believes; Paul and Silas Arrested but Escape 39 Map & Table: Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

40 41 Acts 17

To Thessalonica: Paul Evangelizes; Many Believe; Some Are Arrested

42

To Berea: Paul and Silas Evangelize 43

To Athens: Paul Preaches About Their Unknown God, and Many Believe

43

18

To Corinth: Paul Evangelizes Then Returns to Jerusalem

C. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

& Table: Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

Acts 19

To Ephesus: Paul Evangelizes, Many Believe, and Followers of Artemis Riot

Acts 20

To Troas: Paul Raises Eutychus and Says Good-Bye to the Ephesian Elders

50 Acts 21

Paul Returns to Jerusalem Despite Warnings

Arrives in Jerusalem

Attacked in the Temple

Paul’s Testimony to the Nonbelieving Jews

Acts 22 Acts 23

Paul Before the Sanhedrin

56

Plot to Kill Paul 56

D. Paul Taken to Felix in Caesarea

Paul’s Trial Before Felix

Paul’s Trial Before Festus

57 Acts 24

57 Acts 25

59

Paul Appears Before Herod Agrippa II 60 Acts 26 Acts 27

E. Paul Taken to Rome

62

Paul Shipwrecked on Malta 63

Map & Table: Paul Taken to Rome

F. Paul in Rome

65 Acts 28

66

Additional Travels of Paul 68

Preface

To the Reader

One day I was standing in an airport bookstore looking for a book to read. I asked myself, “Why am I looking for something to read when I have a Bible in my briefcase?” I answered, “The Bible is hard to read. I want to read something easier.” Then I asked myself, “Why is it so hard to read? You’re a seminary graduate, a former pastor, a Bible teacher!” Thus began a quest that has led to The Readable Bible—the Bible as it would look if Moses, Joshua, Matthew, Mark, Paul, and the other writers had been sitting in front of a computer when God spoke through them.

It seems to me that the Bible is hard to read because all material is presented in sentence format. Today we use tables to present census information and charts for genealogies. When we want something built, we draw up a specification document. Law codes are organized in outline form. We use bullet points, bold text, and other aids to help us grasp information. Yet in today’s Bibles, all the information is still presented in sentence format in plain text. Surely those men of old would have used modern formats if they had known about them when God spoke through them. Modern formatting does not change the information; it simply presents it in a way that makes it easier to grasp. The Readable Bible brings you the biblical text in modern formats.

You may struggle with the idea of Scripture in modern formats. Actually, all of today’s Bibles present the text in a form much different from that of the original manuscripts. Consider how many format changes that were developed over the past two thousand years led to the format considered normal today. Each change was radical in its time:

• Vowels: The earliest Hebrew manuscripts have no vowels; they were added hundreds of years later.

• Capital Letters: The Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament manuscripts have no uppercase and lowercase letters.

• Punctuation: The original manuscripts have no punctuation (no commas or periods!).

• Chapter Numbers: These were not common in Bibles until the thirteenth century AD.

• Verse Numbers: The first verse-numbering system was developed over a thousand years after the last Bible book was written. It had one-third of today’s verse numbers, making verses three or four times longer. Today’s Christian Bible numbering system was not developed until the sixteenth century.

• Paragraphs: The first paragraphed King James Bible was published in the mid-1800s.

So presenting the words of Scripture in tables, cascading the text of long, complex sentences, and using other modern formatting techniques is simply continuing the long-term trend of making the Bible easier to understand.

Our hope is that people who have never read the Bible will decide to read this version because it is so approachable. Please give a copy to someone who struggles to understand the Bible and, especially, to those who do not read the Bible.

Acknowledgments

My thanks to all the members of our editing team, our volunteer development team, and the many others who have donated funds and worked to bring The Readable Bible to completion.

A big “thank you” to my designer and partner in this project, Clyde Adams, for joining me in this faith venture. He has turned the translation into well-laid-out text and my formatting concepts into reality. The maps, tables, charts, book layout, and cover are all his work.

Most of all, I thank my wife, Rebecca, for her ideas, her love, and her strong support of this endeavor over the past twelve years.

Dedication

And now I dedicate to our Lord this translation of his holy Word, humbly asking him to grant that it may bring forth fruit to his glory and the building up of his people.

Spring 2022

Introduction to Acts

Acts is the second half of Luke’s history of Christianity that began with the Gospel of Luke. It is the record of the church’s growth over the thirty years after the death and resurrection of Jesus. We read how the apostles were the first to spread the good news that Jesus rose from the dead and then how other believers took the gospel throughout the Mediterranean world. We also see how members of idolatrous religions and Jews who rejected Jesus strove to oppose the gospel message.

The story of Acts begins with the birth of the church at the coming of the promised Holy Spirit (Acts 1–2). It then follows the activities of the Jerusalem church—led by Peter, James, and John—until persecution drives the church underground and the action shifts to areas outside the city (Acts 8).

In chapter 13 the narrative concentrates on the activities of Paul and his associates as they teach and serve in their home church in Antioch and travel as missionaries on several journeys through modern-day Turkey, Macedonia, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Italy. Finally, Acts ends with Paul under house arrest in the city of Rome, awaiting a trial before Caesar over false charges of insurrection (Acts 21–28).

Several themes are apparent in Luke’s writing.

First, Acts emphasizes the need for people to have faith, to become disciples of Christ. Thus there are more than three dozen stories or mentions of evangelism (i.e., the telling of the gospel by preaching and/or personal witness).

Second, Acts also emphasizes that believers who tell the story of Jesus will be opposed, even persecuted. We read about persecution over a dozen times. Many people opposed Jesus, and many opposed his followers, because the gospel challenges all the false beliefs to which people cling for salvation. Those who spread the gospel pay a price.

Third, the Holy Spirit is the ultimate driver of all the events recorded in Acts. The church begins with the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Jesus’ followers in Acts 2. The Spirit empowered the church’s preaching and witness in Jerusalem, guided its first missionaries to lands relatively close to Israel, set apart Paul and his companions for their special mission to lands and peoples still farther away, guided the church on questions of administrationa and theology,b and enabled Paul to resolutely assert his rights, get free passage to Rome as a prisoner, and proclaim the gospel to kings and governors on the way.

a See Acts 6.

b See Acts 15.

c See Acts 24–26, 28.

And fourth, the gospel spreads and spreads. All the results of the gospel witness in Acts are summed up in six verses:

6:7 The word of God spread, and the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

9:31 Then the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria . . . grew in number.

12:24 But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.

16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew in numbers daily.

19:20 In this way the word of the Lord flourished and prevailed.

28:28 Therefore be advised that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!

The message of Acts is clear. If believers will tell others about salvation in Jesus Christ, many will believe. As we see in Acts, and as it still is today, one may pay a price for spreading the gospel. But it will prevail.

Before You Read

Before reading the text, please browse the glossary. You will find interesting information about words that appear frequently in this book, as well as important information regarding the words “Jesus” and “Christ.”

Words in italics are additions to the biblical text. Text enclosed in brackets is spurious—not in the oldest, most reliable manuscripts. Read “Note on Spurious Text” in the back of the book for more information.

Read lists in the text from top to bottom in the first column then the next column.

In the context of commands, rules, and regulations, “shall,” “must,” and “are/is” are equal terms, all with the same strength of command.

We encourage you to read “Translation Notes” and “Format and Presentation Notes” in the back of the book. They are easy reading and will increase your understanding of the text.

Remember, Jesus was and is Jewish. The disciples and the women around him were Jewish. So “Jews” in the text oftentimes refers not to all Jews but only to those who opposed Jesus.

Last of all, each time you sit down to read the good news of Jesus the Messiah, pray Lord,

open my eyes to see Jesus; open my mind to understand Jesus; open my will to obey Jesus; open my emotions to enjoy Jesus; open my whole being to trust that his death paid the price for my sin; and open my soul and spirit to serve Jesus as my Savior, my Lord.

Acts of the Apostles Part 1. The Gospel Takes Hold in Jerusalem

Acts 1

Baptism of the Holy Spirit Promised

1 In my first account,a O Theophilus,b I wrote about all that Jesusc began to do and to teach, 2 until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 3 After his suffering, he presented himself alive to them with many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and talking about things concerning the kingdom of God. 4 Once, when they were assembled together,d he instructed them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift the Father promised, which you have heard about from me. 5 For John baptized withe water, but in a few daysf you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

The Ascension

6 So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”

7 He answered, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After he said these things, he was taken up while they were looking, and a cloud hid him from their sight.g 10 And as they were staring into the sky as he was going, suddenly two men dressed in white robes stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you watched him go into heaven.”

Matthias Replaces Judas

12 Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives h (which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey i away). 13 When they arrived, they (i.e., Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James) went upstairs into the upper room where they were staying. 14 Along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers, they all continually united in prayer.j

a “First account” (literally, “the first account”): a reference to the Gospel of Luke. Acts and the Gospel of Luke were originally one document.

b Theophilus was either a person’s name or an honorary title for the recipient (as it means “lover of God”).

c See “Jesus” in the glossary.

d Or “were eating together.”

e Or “in.” Twice in this verse.

f Literally, “after not many days.”

g Literally, “took him from their eyes” or “received him from their eyes.”

h Literally, “hill called Olivet.”

i “Sabbath day’s journey”: Orthodox Jews limit their Sabbath journeys to about three thousand feet.

j Literally, “continually prayed with one accord.”

15

In those days, Peter stood up in the midst of the believers (a group numbering abouta 120) and said, 16 “Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled (i e , the one of which the Holy Spirit prophesied long ago by the mouth of King David concerning Judas Iscariot, who became the guide for those who arrested Jesus). 17 He was numbered with us and allotted a share of this ministry.”

Death of Judas

Judas acquired a field with the reward of his wickedness, and there, having fallen headlong, his body burst openb in the middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem so that in their own language, Aramaic, the field was called Akeldama (that is, Field of Blood).

18

20 “It is written in the book of Psalms: ‘Let his camp be deserted, and let no one dwell in it,’ c and, ‘let another take his office.’ d

21 Therefore it is necessary to choose from the men who have been with us during the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us,e 22 beginning from John’s baptism until the day when he was taken up from us. One of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

23 So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (a.k.a. Justus) and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 25 to take on the role of this ministry and this apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 Then they cast lots,f and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

2 Acts

Pentecost: The Holy Spirit Comes

1 When the day of Pentecost came, the believers g were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came out of heaven a sound like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw h what seemed to be tongues like fire distributing themselves, and one settled on each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them to speak.i

a Literally, “the number of names together in the same place.”

b Literally, “he burst open.” This happened to him after he hung himself. See Matthew 27:5–10.

c See Psalm 69:25.

d See Psalm 109:8.

e Literally, “came in and went out among us.”

f “Casting lots”: throwing an object to make a decision based on how the object lands.

g Literally, “they.”

h Literally, “There appeared to them.”

i Literally, “in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

5 Now there were God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven staying in Jerusalem. 6 When this sound occurred, a crowd gathered together, bewildered because each one heard his own language being spoken. 7 They were amazed and astonished, saying, “Look! Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How is it that we each are hearing our native language? a 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya around Cyrene; and visitors from Rome

11 (both Jews by blood and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the mighty works of God in our own languages!” 12 They were all amazed and perplexed, and they asked one another, “What does this mean?”

13 But others mocked them and said, “They are full of sweet wine.”

Pentecost: Peter Preaches

14 Then Peter stood up with the eleven other apostles, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd:

“People of Judea and all you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you.b Listen carefully to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! c 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel hundreds of years ago, 17 when God said,

‘In the last days: d I will pour out my Spirit on all people.e And your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

18 I will pour out my Spirit in those days even upon my male and female servants, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heavens above and miraculous signs on the earth below— blood and fire and clouds of smoke, 20 the sun turned to darkness and the moon to blood— before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21 And it will happen as it was prophesied; everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ f

22 “People of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a man authenticated to you by God by miracles and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know.

a Literally, “hearing our own tongue in which we were born.”

b Literally, “let this be known to you.”

c Literally, “only the third hour of the day.”

d Literally, “In the last days it will be that.”

e Literally, “on all flesh.”

f See Joel 2:28–32.

other than

AntiochDamascus

PONTUSCYPRUS

than

“This man was handed over to you by God’s predetermined plan and foreknowledge. You put him to death, crucified him by the hands of lawless people.

24 But God raised him up from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by death.a

25 “King David said about him:

‘I saw the Lord always before me. I will not be shaken, because he is at my right hand. 26 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoiced; my body b also will rest in hope, 27 because you, God, will not abandon my soul to Hades; you will not let your holy one rot c in a grave; 28 you have made known to me the paths of life. You will fill me with joy in your presence.’ d

29 “Brothers and sisters, I can tell you with confidence about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is here e to this day.

30 He was a prophet, and he knew that God had promised him with an oath that he would set one of his descendantsf on his throne.g

31 He spoke, having foreseen it, of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his body see decay.

32 “God has raised up this Jesus, to which we are all witnesses.

33 Therefore he was then exalted to the right hand of God.h

He has received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, and he has poured out this—which you are both seeing and hearing.

a Literally, “to be held by it.”

b Literally, “flesh.” And verse 31.

c Literally, “see decay.”

d See Psalm 16:8–11.

e Literally, “is among us.”

f Literally, “one out of the fruit of his loins.”

g See 2 Samuel 7:12–13.

h “Right hand of God”: the place of highest honor.

34 “Remember:a David did not ascend into the heavens, yet he himself said, ‘ The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ’ b

36 “Therefore let every Israelitec know for certain that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.”

37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”

38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah, for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for as many as the Lord our God will call to himself. ”

40 With many other words he testified and strongly urged them, “Be saved from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added to the church that day.

Pentecost: Fellowship Reigns

42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to mealsd together, and to prayer. 43 A sense of awe came over everyone, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done through the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They were selling property and possessions, and they were distributing the proceeds to all—as anyone had need.

46 And every day they steadfastly continued in one accord in the temple courts. They ate meals together in their homes with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM

a Literally, “For.”

b See Psalm 110:1.

c Literally, “Let all the house of Israel.”

d Literally, “breaking bread.” And verse 46.

Solomon’s Colonnade a.k.a. Solomon’s Portico

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

1 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, at three in the afternoon.a 2 And a man who was lame from birthb was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked them for money.c 4 Peter (along with John) looked straight at him and said, “Look at us!” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “I do not have silver or gold, but what I do have I will give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7 And taking him by the right hand, he helped him up,d and instantly his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 He leapt to his feet and began to walk! Then he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him—that he was the one who sat begging e at the temple entrance called the Beautiful Gate. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Preaches to the Spectators

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, the people in the temple courtyard were astonished and ran together to them at the porch called Solomon’s Colonnade.

12 When Peter saw this, he spoke to the people:

“People of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of our ancestors—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob—has glorified his servant Jesus in what you have seen You handed him over to be killed! And you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you!f

15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead.

We are witnesses of this.

16 “This man, whom you see here and know, was made strong by faith in the name of Jesus. And the faith that is through his name has completely healed him g in your presence. 17 Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets—that his Messiah would suffer.

a Literally, “at the ninth hour.”

b Literally, “from the womb of his mother.”

c Literally, “asked them to receive alms.”

d Literally, “raised him up.”

e Literally, “sat for alms.”

f Literally, “be granted to you.”

g Literally, “given him complete soundness.”

“So repent, and return to God, that your sins may be wiped away, 20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, that he may send the one who has been appointed for you, Jesus the Messiah, 21 whom heaven must take in until the time for the restoration of all things (which restoration God spoke about through the mouths of the holy prophets of long agoa).

“For Moses said, ‘ The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers; you must listen to everything he tells you. 23 And it will be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet will be completely cut off from the people of God . ’ b

24 “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel and those who came after him, as many as have spoken, have proclaimed these days. 25 And you are heirsc of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when he told Abraham, ‘ Through your offspring, all families of the earth will be blessed.’ d 26 When God raised up his servant, he sent him to you first, to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

4 Acts Peter and John Arrested and Tried

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were very disturbed because they were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 So they arrested them, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many of those who heard the message believed, so the number of men who believed grew toe about five thousand.

5 The next day the Jewish rulers, elders, and scribes met in Jerusalem. 6 Annas the high priest and Caiaphas were there along with John and Alexander and all of the high priest’s family. 7 They stood Peter and John in their midst and asked, “By what power or by what name did you do this?”

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being interrogated today because of a kind service to a man who was crippled and are being asked by what means he was healed, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus the Messiah, the Nazarene—whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead—by him this man stands before you healed. 11 Jesus is ‘ the stone that you builders rejected, which

a Literally, “from the age.”

b See Deuteronomy 18:15, 18–19.

c Or “sons.”

d See Genesis 22:18.

e Literally, “became.”

has become the cornerstone.’ a 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to humankind by which we must be saved.”

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they recognized that these men had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing there with them, they had nothing to say against them. 15 So they ordered them to leave the council, and they conferred together. 16 “What are we to do with these men?” they asked. “It is well known to everyone living in Jerusalem that they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. 17 But that it might not spread further among the people, we must warn them to no longer speak to anyone in this name.”

18 Then they called them in again and ordered them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “You must judge for yourselves whether it is right before God for us to listen to you or to God. 20 But we must speak b of what we have seen and heard.”

21 After further threats they let them go, because they could find no way they could punish them. All the people were praising God for what had happened, 22 for the man on whom the miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray

23 After being released, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God:

“Sovereign Lord, you who made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them, c

25 you who said by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David, ‘ Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Messiah.’ d

27 For truly in this city, Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel gathered to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They did what your hand and your will had decided beforehand would happen.

29 “Now, Lord, note e their threats and grant your servants the courage to speak your word with great boldness, 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

a See Psalm 118:22.

b Literally, “we are not able not to speak.”

c See Exodus 20:11.

d See Psalm 2:1–2.

e Literally, “look upon.”

31

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God boldly.

The Believers Share Their Possessions

32 The crowd of believers were one in heart and soul, and none claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.a 33 With great power the apostles continued giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s abundant grace was upon them all, 34 such that there was no one in need among them. Those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the proceeds from the sales, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they were distributed to anyone who had need.

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles also called Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

5 Acts

The Lie of Ananias and Sapphira

1 Now a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, also sold some property.b 2 He kept back some of the proceeds for himself (and his wife knew it), but he brought the remaining portion and laid it at the apostles’ feet as though it were all the proceeds.

3 So Peter asked, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart that you lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself some of the proceeds of the land sale? 4 While it remained unsold, wasn’t it yours? c And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? d Why did you plot such a thing in your heart? You have not lied just to people but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. And great fear came upon all who heard what had happened 6 Then some young men got up, wrapped him up, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me if you sold the land for this amount.”e And she replied, “Yes, for that amount.”

9 Peter said to her, “Why have you conspired to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 And immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. Then the young men came in, and finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church and over all who heard about these events.

a Literally, “but were to them all things in common.”

b Or “a property.”

c Literally, “didn’t it remain.”

d Literally, “in your authority.”

e Literally, “for so much.” And next line.