The first New Testament printed in English · Chapter 53The acts of the apostles written by S. Luke (2)
This chapter is not translated yet. You are reading the original.
When he was full forty year old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israhel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done to him, and smote the Egyptian. For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hands should give them health: but they understood not.
And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again saying: Sirs ye are brethren why hurt ye one another? But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away saying: Who made thee a ruler and a judge among us? What wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday? Then fled Moses at that word, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, Where he begat two sons.
When xl. years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina the angel of the lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it he wondered at the sight, and as he drew near to behold it. And the voice of the lord came unto him: I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Iacob. Moses trembled and durst not behold. Then said the lord to him put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. I have perfectly seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come and I will send thee into Egypt.
The same Moses whom they forsook saying: who made the a ruler and a judge: God sent both a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. This man brought them out shewing wonders and signs in Egypt, and in the reed sea, and in the wilderness xl. years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israhell: A prophet shall your lord God raise up unto you of your brethren like unto me, him shall ye hear.
This is he that was in the congregation, in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey: But cast it from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, saying unto Aaron: Make us gods to go before us. For we wot not what is become of this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypt. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
Then God turned himself, and gave them up, that they should worship the stars of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets: O ye of the house of Israhell: have ye given unto me offerings or sacrifice, by the space of xl. years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon.
Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, as he had appointed them speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen, which tabernacle our fathers received, and brought it in with Iosue into the possession of the gentiles, which gentiles God drave out before the face of our fathers unto the time of David, which found favour before God, and desired that he might find a tabernacle for the God of Iacob. And Solomon built him an house.
But he that is highest of all dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as saith the prophet: Heaven is my seat, and earth is my foot stool, what house will ye build for me saith the lord? or what resting place? hath not my hand made all these things? Ye stiffnecked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ye have allways resisted the holy ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? And they have slain them, which shewed before of the coming of that Just, whom ye have betrayed and murdered. And ye also have received a law by the ordinance of angels, and have not kept it.
When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. He being full of the holy ghost looked up with his eyes into heaven and saw the majesty of God, and Iesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: lo, I see the heavens open, and the son of man stand on the right hand of God. Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and stopped their ears and all ran upon him at once, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet named Saul. And they stoned Steven calling on and saying: lord Iesu receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: lord impute not this sin unto them, For they wote not what they do. And when he had thus spoken he fell asleep.
The .viij. Chapter.
Saul had pleasure in his death. At that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at Ierusalem, and they were all scattered abroad thorowout the regions of Iury and Samaria, except the apostles. Then devout men dressed Steven, and made great lamentation over him. Saul made havoc of the congregation entering into every house, and drew out both man and woman, and thrust them into prison. They that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then came Philip into a city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spake with one accord, in that they heard and saw the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits crying with loud voice, came out of many which were possessed of them. Many taken with palsies, and many that halted were healed. And there was great joy in that city. And there was a certain man called Simon, which beforetime in the same city, used witchcraft and bewitched the people, saying that he was a man that could do great things. Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest saying: this is that power of God, which is called great. Him they set much by, because of long time with sorcery he had deluded their wits. As soon as they believed Philips preaching of the kingdom of God and of the name of Iesu Christ, they were baptised both men and women. Then Simon himself believed and was baptised. And continued with Philip, and wondered beholding the miracles and signs, which were shewed.
When the Apostles which were at Ierusalem heard say that Samaria had received the word of God: they sent unto them Peter and Ihon, which when they were come, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost. For as yet he was come on none of them: But they were baptised only in the name of Christ Iesu. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the holy ghost.
When Simon saw that thorow laying on of the Apostles' hands on them, the holy ghost was given: he offered them money saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the holy ghost. Then said Peter unto him: Perish thou and thy money together. For thou wenest that the gift of God may be obtained with money? thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity.
Then answered Simon and said: Pray ye to the lord for me that none of these things which ye have spoken fall on me. And they when they had testified, and preached the word of the lord returned to Ierusalem and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans.
Then the angel of the lord spake unto Philip saying: Arise and go towards midday unto the way which leadeth from Ierusalem unto Gaza, which is in the desert. He arose and went on, and behold a man of Ethiopia which was gelded, and of great authority with Candace queen of the Ethiophians, which had the rule of all her treasure, came to Ierusalem for to pray. As he returned home again sitting in his chariot he read Esay the prophet.
Then the spirit said unto Philip: Go near and join thyself to yonder chariot. Philip ran to him, and heard him read Esay the prophet and said: Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said: how can I, except I had a guide? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read was this. He was led as a sheep to be slain: And like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth, in that he submitted himself, his judgement was exalted: who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. The gelded man answered Philip and said: I pray thee of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself? or of some other man?
Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Iesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the gelded man said: See here is water, what shall let me to be baptised? Philip said unto him: If thou believe with all thine heart, thou mayst. He answered saying: I believe that Iesus Christ is the son of God. And commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down both into the water: both Philip and also the gelded man. And he baptised him. As soon as they were come out of the water the spirit of the lord caught away Philip. And the gelded man saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing: but Philip was found at Azotus. And he walked thorow out the country preaching in their cities, till he came to Cesarea.
The .ix. Chapter.
Saul yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any of this way whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Ierusalem. As he went on his journey, it fortuned that he drew nigh to Damascus, and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven. And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said what art thou lord? The lord said, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest, it shall be hard for thee to kick against the prick. He both trembling and astonied said: lord what wilt thou have me to do? And the lord said unto him: Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou shalt do.
The men which accompanied him on his way stood amazed, for they heard a voice, but saw no man. Saul arose from the earth, And when he had opened his eyes he saw no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was iij. days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
There was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias, to him said the lord in a vision: Ananias. And he said: I am here lord. And the lord said to him: arise and go into the street which is called straight, and seek in the house of Iudas after one called Saul of the city of Tharsus. For behold he prayeth, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in unto him, And putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.
Ananias answered: lord I have heard by many of this man, how much hurt he hath done to thy saints at Ierusalem: and in this place he hath authority of the high priests to bind all that call on thy name. The lord said unto him: Go thy ways: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles, and kings and the children of Israhel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
Ananias went his way and entered into the house and put his hands on him and said: brother Saul, the lord that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight and be filled with the holy ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales and he received his sight, and arose and was baptised. And received meat and was comforted.
Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he preached Christ in the Synagogues how that he was the son of God. All that heard him were amazed and said: is not this he that spoiled them which called on this name in Ierusalem? And came hither for the intent that he should bring them bound unto the high priests? Saul increased in strength, And confounded the jews which dwelt at Damascus affirming that this was very Christ.
After a good while, the jews took counsel among themselves to kill him. But their layings wait were known of Saul. And they watched at the gates day and night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and put him thorow the wall and let him down in a basket.
When Saul came to Ierusalem he assayed to couple himself with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and told them how he had seen the lord in the way and had spoken with him: and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Iesu, And he had his conversation with them at Ierusalem, and quit himself boldly in the name of the lord Iesu. And he spake and disputed with the greeks and they went about to slay him. When the brethren knew of that, they brought him to Cesarea, and sent him forth to Tharsus. Then had the congregations rest thorowout all jewry and Galile and Samary, and were edified, and walked in the fear of the lord, And multiplied by the comfort of the holy ghost.
It chanced that as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Eneas, which had kept his bed viij. years sick of the palsy. Then said Peter unto him: Eneas, the lord Iesus Christ make thee whole: Arise and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and Assaron, saw him, and turned to the lord.
There was at Ioppa a certain woman (which was a disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas) she was full of good works and alms deeds, which she did. It chanced in those days that she was sick and died. When they had washed her and laid her in a chamber: Because Lydda was nigh to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him, desiring him that he would not be grieved to come unto them.
Peter arose and came with them: when he was come, they brought him into the chamber, and all the widows stood round about him weeping and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. Peter put them all forth and kneeled down and prayed and turned him to the body, and said: Tabitha, arise. She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lift her up, and called the saints and widows and shewed her alive. And it was known thorow out all Ioppa, and many believed on the lord. And it fortuned that he tarried many days in Ioppa with one Simon a tanner.
The .x. Chapter.
There was a certain man in Cesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the soldiers of Italy, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his household, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed God always. The same man saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day the angel of God coming in unto him, and saying unto him: Cornelius, when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said: what is it lord? He said unto him: Thy prayers and thy alms are come up into remembrance in the presence of God. And now send men to Ioppa, and call for one Simon named also Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do. When the Angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him, to whom he told all the matter, and sent them to Ioppa.
On the morrow as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up into the uppermost part of the house to pray, about the vj. hour. Then waxed he an hungered, and would have eaten. while they made ready for him. He fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel come down unto him, as it had been a great sheet, knit at the iiij. corners, and was let down to the earth, wherein were all manner of iiij. footed beasts of the earth and vermin and worms, and fouls of the air. And a voice spake unto him from heaven: Rise Peter Kill and eat. Peter said: God forbid lord, for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time: What God hath cleansed that make thou not common. This was done thrice, And the vessel was received up again into heaven.
While Peter mused in himself what this vision which he had seen meant, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made inquirance for Simon's house, and stood before the door. And called out one and asked whether Simon which was also called Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on this vision, the spirit said unto him: Lo, men seek thee: arise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, and doubt not. For I have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius, and said: Lo, I am he, whom ye seek, what is the cause wherefore ye are come? They said unto him: Cornelius the captain a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the people of the jews was warned by an holy angel, to send for thee in to his house, and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them.
On the morrow Peter went with them, and certain brethren from Ioppa accompanied him. And the third day entered they into Cesaria. Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen, and special friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. Peter took him up, saying: Even I myself am a man. And as he talked with him he came in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them: Ye do know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a jew to company or come unto an alien: But God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean: therefore came I unto you without scruple, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore: for what intent have ye sent for me?
And Cornelius said: This day now. iiij. days I fasted, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, and said: Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send therefore to Ioppa, and call for Simon which is also called Peter. He is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside, the which as soon as he is come, shall speak unto thee. Then sent I for thee immediately, and thou hast well done for to come. Now are we all here, present before God to hear all things that are commanded unto thee of God.
Peter opened his mought and said: Of a truth I perceive, that God is not partial, but in all people he that feareth him and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
Ye know the preaching that God sent unto the children of Israhell, preaching peace by Iesus Christe (which is lord over all things.) which preaching was published thorowout all Iewery, and began in Galile, after the baptism preached by Ihon, After that God had anointed Iesus of Nazareth with the holy ghost, and with power, he went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed with devils, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did in the land of the jewes and at Ierusalem, whom they slew, and hung on tree. Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly, not to all the people, but unto us witnesses chosen before of God, which ate and drank with him, after he arose from death. And he commanded us to preach unto the people and testify, that it is he that is ordained of God a judge of quick and dead. To him giveth all the prophets witness, that thorow his name shall receive remission of sins all that believe in him.
While Peter yet spake these words, the holy ghost fell on all them which heard his preaching. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter: can any man forbid water that these should not be baptised, which have received the holy ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptised in the name of the lord. Then prayed they him, to tarry a few days.
The .xj. Chapter.
It came to the ears of the Apostles and the brethren which were in jewry, that the heathen also had received the word of God. When Peter was come up to Ierusalem, they of the circumcision disputed with him, saying: Thou wentest in unto men uncircumcised, and atest with them.
Peter began and expounded the thing in order to them saying: I was in the city of Ioppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a large linen cloth, let down from heaven by the four corners, And it came to me: into the which when I had fastened mine eyes I considered and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and vermin and worms, and fowls of the air. I heard also a voice saying unto me: Arise Peter, slay and eat. And I said: God forbid lord, for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mought. The voice answered me again from heaven count not thou those things common, which God hath cleansed. And this was done three times. And all were taken up again into heaven.
And behold immediately were there three men come unto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea unto me. And the spirit said unto me, that I should go with them, without doubting. Moreover the six brethren accompanied me. And we entered into the man's house. And he shewed us, how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him: Send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, named also Peter he shall tell thee words, whereby both thou and all thine house shall be saved. And as I began to preach, the holy ghost fell on them, as he did on us at the beginning. Then came to my remembrance the words of the lord, how he said: Ihon baptised with water, but ye shall be baptised with the holy ghost. Forasmuch then as God gave them like gifts, as he did unto us, when we believed on the lord Iesus Christ: what was I that I should have withstood God? when they heard this, they held their peace and glorified God, saying: Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
They which were scattered abroad thorow the affliction that arose about Steven, walked thorow out till they came unto Phenice and Cypers and Antioche, preaching the word to no man, but unto the jews only. Some of them were men of Cypers and of Syrene, which when they were come into Antioch, spake unto the greeks, and preached the lord Iesus. And the hand of the lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the lord.
Tidings of this came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in Ierusalem, And they sent forth Barnabas that he should go unto Antioche. Which when he was come, and had seen the grace of the lord, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would continually cleave unto the lord. For he was a perfect man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith. And much people was added unto the lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioche. And it chanced that a whole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught much people insomuch that the disciples of Antioche were the first that were called Christen.
In those days came prophets from Ierusalem unto Antioche. There stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth throughout all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius days. Then the disciples every man according to his ability, purposed to send succour unto the brethren which dwelt in jewry, which thing they also did, and sent it to the seniors, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
The .xij. Chapter.
In that time Herod the king layed hands on certain of the congregation, to vex them. And he killed Iames the brother of Ihon with a sword: and because he saw that it pleased the jews, he proceeded further, to take Peter also. Then were the days of unleavened bread, and when he had caught him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to iiij. quaternions of soldiers to be kept, intending after ester to bring him forth to the people. Then was Peter kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing of the congregation unto God for him. When Herod would have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter between ij. soldiers, bound with two chains, And the keepers before the door kept the prison.
And behold the angel of the lord was there present, and a light shined in the lodge. And he smote Peter on the side, and stirred him up saying: arise up quickly. And the chains fell off from his hands. And the Angel said unto him: gird thyself and bind on thy sandals, And so he did. And he said unto him: cast on thy mantle about thee, and follow me. And he came out and followed him, and wist not, that it was truth which was done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron gate, that leadeth unto the city, which opened to them by his own accord. And they went out and passed thorow one street, and by and by the angel departed from him.
And when Peter was come to himself, he said: now I know of a surety, that the lord hath sent his Angel, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the waiting for of the people of the jewes. And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of one Ihon, which was called Mark also, where many were gathered together in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the entry for gladness, but ran in and told how Peter stood before the entry. And they said unto her: thou art mad. And she bare them down that it was even so. Then said they: it is his angel. Peter continued knocking: When they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonied. He beckoned unto them with his hand to hold their peace, and told them by what means the lord had brought him out of the prison. And said: go shew this unto Iames and to the brethren. And he departed and went into another place.