Jesus Now! God Is Up To Something Big

Righteous Roots In The Heart

When Faith Catches Fire

The Presence Of God

The Ministry Of The Holy Spirit

Break Open The Sky

Great Grace Upon All

The Power Of The Cross

What Does God Expect Of Me?

Leveraging Temporal Wealth for Eternal Gain

The Listener’s Bible®: NIV Edition

New International Version™  (Anglicised), Audio Edition

Holy Bible, New International Version™ (Anglicised), South Asian Audio Edition

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch1" data-usfm="ACT.1">
            <div class="label">1</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Jesus Taken Up Into Heaven</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.1.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.1.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.1.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">After his suffering, he presented himself to them 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. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.1.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.1.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">For John baptized with</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">water, but in a few days you will be baptized with</span></span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:5 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">in</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">the Holy Spirit.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.1.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.1.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then they gathered around him and asked him, &#8220;Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.1.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.1.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">He said to them: </span><span class="wj"><span class="content">&#8220;It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.</span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.1.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">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.&#8221;</span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.1.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.1.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.1.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.1.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.1.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">&#8220;Men of Galilee,&#8221; they said, &#8220;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.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.1.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.1.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day&#8217;s walk</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:12 </span><span class="ft">That is, about 5/8 mile or about 1 kilometer</span></span></span><span class="content"> from the city. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.1.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.1.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.1.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.1.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.1.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;Brothers and sisters,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:16 </span><span class="ft">The Greek word for </span><span class="fq">brothers and sisters </span><span class="ft">(<span class="tl">adelphoi</span>) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God&#8217;s family; also in 6:3; 11:29; 12:17; 16:40; 18:18, 27; 21:7, 17; 28:14, 15.</span></span></span><span class="content"> the Scripture had to be fulfilled in which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.1.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">He was one of our number and shared in our ministry.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.1.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.1.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">(With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.1.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.1.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;For,&#8221; said Peter, &#8220;it is written in the Book of Psalms:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;May his place be deserted;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">let there be no one to dwell in it,&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:20 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 69:25</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">and,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;May another take his place of leadership.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">1:20 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 109:8</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.1.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.1.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.1.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">beginning from John&#8217;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.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.1.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.1.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.1.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Then they prayed, &#8220;Lord, you know everyone&#8217;s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.1.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.1.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch2" data-usfm="ACT.2">
            <div class="label">2</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.2.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.2.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.2.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.2.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:4 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">languages</span><span class="ft">; also in verse 11</span></span></span><span class="content"> as the Spirit enabled them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.2.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.2.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.2.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.2.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Utterly amazed, they asked: &#8220;Aren&#8217;t all these who are speaking Galileans? </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.2.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.2.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:9 </span><span class="ft">That is, the Roman province by that name</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.2.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.2.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">(both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs&#8212;we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.2.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, &#8220;What does this mean?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.2.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.2.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Some, however, made fun of them and said, &#8220;They have had too much wine.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Addresses the Crowd</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.2.13"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.2.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: &#8220;Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.2.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It&#8217;s only nine in the morning! </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.2.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.2.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;In the last days, God says,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">I will pour out my Spirit on all people.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">Your sons and daughters will prophesy,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">your young men will see visions,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">your old men will dream dreams.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.2.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Even on my servants, both men and women,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="content">I will pour out my Spirit in those days,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="content">and they will prophesy.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.2.18"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">I will show wonders in the heavens above</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="content">and signs on the earth below,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="content">blood and fire and billows of smoke.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.2.19"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">The sun will be turned to darkness</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="content">and the moon to blood</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="content">before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.2.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.2.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">And everyone who calls</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.2.21"><span class="content">on the name of the Lord will be saved.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:21 </span><span class="ft">Joel 2:28-32</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.2.21"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.2.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">&#8220;Fellow Israelites, 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. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.2.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">This man was handed over to you by God&#8217;s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men,</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:23 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="fqa">of those not having the law </span><span class="ft">(that is, Gentiles)</span></span></span><span class="content"> put him to death by nailing him to the cross. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.2.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">David said about him:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;I saw the Lord always before me.</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">Because he is at my right hand,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">I will not be shaken.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.2.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.2.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.2.26"><span class="content">my body also will rest in hope,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.2.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.2.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.2.27"><span class="content">you will not let your holy one see decay.</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.2.27"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.2.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">You have made known to me the paths of life;</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.2.28"><span class="content">you will fill me with joy in your presence.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:28 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 16:8-11 (see Septuagint)</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.2.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.2.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">&#8220;Fellow Israelites, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.2.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.2.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">Seeing what was to come, he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.2.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.2.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said,</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;The Lord said to my Lord:</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="content">&#8220;Sit at my right hand</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.2.34"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.2.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">until I make your enemies</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.2.35"><span class="content">a footstool for your feet.&#8221;&#8198;&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">2:35 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 110:1</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.2.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.2.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">&#8220;Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.2.36"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.2.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, &#8220;Brothers, what shall we do?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.2.37"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.2.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">Peter replied, &#8220;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. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.2.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off&#8212;for all whom the Lord our God will call.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.2.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.2.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, &#8220;Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.2.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Fellowship of the Believers</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.2.41"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.2.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">They devoted themselves to the apostles&#8217; teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. </span></span><span class="verse v43" data-usfm="ACT.2.43"><span class="label">43</span><span class="content">Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. </span></span><span class="verse v44" data-usfm="ACT.2.44"><span class="label">44</span><span class="content">All the believers were together and had everything in common. </span></span><span class="verse v45" data-usfm="ACT.2.45"><span class="label">45</span><span class="content">They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. </span></span><span class="verse v46" data-usfm="ACT.2.46"><span class="label">46</span><span class="content">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, </span></span><span class="verse v47" data-usfm="ACT.2.47"><span class="label">47</span><span class="content">praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch3" data-usfm="ACT.3">
            <div class="label">3</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Heals a Lame Beggar</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.3.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer&#8212;at three in the afternoon. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.3.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Now a man who was lame 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. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.3.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.3.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, &#8220;Look at us!&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.3.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.3.5"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.3.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then Peter said, &#8220;Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.3.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man&#8217;s feet and ankles became strong. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.3.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.3.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">When all the people saw him walking and praising God, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.3.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">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.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter Speaks to the Onlookers</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.3.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.3.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon&#8217;s Colonnade. </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.3.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">When Peter saw this, he said to them: &#8220;Fellow Israelites, 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? </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.3.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.3.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.3.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.3.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus&#8217; name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.3.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.3.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">&#8220;Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.3.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.3.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.3.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you&#8212;even Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.3.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">Heaven must receive him until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.3.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">For Moses said, &#8216;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. </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.3.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:23 </span><span class="ft">Deut. 18:15,18,19</span></span></span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.3.23"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.3.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">&#8220;Indeed, beginning with Samuel, all the prophets who have spoken have foretold these days. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.3.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, &#8216;Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">3:25 </span><span class="ft">Gen. 22:18; 26:4</span></span></span><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.3.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">When God raised up his servant, he sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.&#8221;</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch4" data-usfm="ACT.4">
            <div class="label">4</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Peter and John Before the Sanhedrin</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.4.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.4.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.4.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.4.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.4.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.4.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">The next day the rulers, the elders and the teachers of the law met in Jerusalem. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.4.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Annas the high priest was there, and so were Caiaphas, John, Alexander and others of the high priest&#8217;s family. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.4.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: &#8220;By what power or what name did you do this?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.4.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.4.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: &#8220;Rulers and elders of the people! </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.4.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.4.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Jesus is</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;the stone you builders rejected,</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">which has become the cornerstone.&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:11 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 118:22</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.4.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.4.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.4.12"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.4.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.4.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.4.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and then conferred together. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.4.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">&#8220;What are we going to do with these men?&#8221; they asked. &#8220;Everyone living in Jerusalem knows they have performed a notable sign, and we cannot deny it. </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.4.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them to speak no longer to anyone in this name.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.4.17"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.4.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.4.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But Peter and John replied, &#8220;Which is right in God&#8217;s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.4.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.4.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.4.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.4.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Believers Pray</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.4.22"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.4.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.4.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. &#8220;Sovereign Lord,&#8221; they said, &#8220;you made the heavens and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David:</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">&#8220;&#8198;&#8216;Why do the nations rage</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">and the peoples plot in vain?</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.4.25"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">The kings of the earth rise up</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">and the rulers band together</span></span></div><div class="q1"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">against the Lord</span></span></div><div class="q2"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">and against his anointed one.</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:26 </span><span class="ft">That is, Messiah or Christ</span></span></span><span class="content">&#8217;</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">4:26 </span><span class="ft">Psalm 2:1,2</span></span></span></span></div><div class="m"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.4.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.4.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.4.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.4.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.4.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.4.30"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.4.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">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.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Believers Share Their Possessions</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.4.31"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.4.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.4.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God&#8217;s grace was so powerfully at work in them all </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.4.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.4.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.4.35"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.4.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means &#8220;son of encouragement&#8221;), </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.4.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch5" data-usfm="ACT.5">
            <div class="label">5</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Ananias and Sapphira</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.5.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.5.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">With his wife&#8217;s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles&#8217; feet.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.5.2"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.5.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Then Peter said, &#8220;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? </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.5.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Didn&#8217;t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn&#8217;t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.5.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.5.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.5.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.5.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.5.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.5.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Peter asked her, &#8220;Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.5.8"><span class="content">&#8220;Yes,&#8221; she said, &#8220;that is the price.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.5.8"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.5.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Peter said to her, &#8220;How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.5.9"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.5.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.5.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Apostles Heal Many</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.5.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.5.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon&#8217;s Colonnade. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.5.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.5.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.5.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter&#8217;s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.5.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Apostles Persecuted</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.5.16"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.5.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. </span></span><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.5.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. </span></span><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.5.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. </span></span><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.5.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">&#8220;Go, stand in the temple courts,&#8221; he said, &#8220;and tell the people all about this new life.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.5.20"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.5.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.5.21"><span class="content">When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin&#8212;the full assembly of the elders of Israel&#8212;and sent to the jail for the apostles. </span></span><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.5.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, </span></span><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.5.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">&#8220;We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.5.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were at a loss, wondering what this might lead to.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.5.24"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.5.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">Then someone came and said, &#8220;Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people.&#8221; </span></span><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.5.26"><span class="label">26</span><span class="content">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.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v26" data-usfm="ACT.5.26"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="ACT.5.27"><span class="label">27</span><span class="content">The apostles were brought in and made to appear before the Sanhedrin to be questioned by the high priest. </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.5.28"><span class="label">28</span><span class="content">&#8220;We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man&#8217;s blood.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="ACT.5.28"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="ACT.5.29"><span class="label">29</span><span class="content">Peter and the other apostles replied: &#8220;We must obey God rather than human beings! </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="ACT.5.30"><span class="label">30</span><span class="content">The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead&#8212;whom you killed by hanging him on a cross. </span></span><span class="verse v31" data-usfm="ACT.5.31"><span class="label">31</span><span class="content">God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. </span></span><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.5.32"><span class="label">32</span><span class="content">We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v32" data-usfm="ACT.5.32"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v33" data-usfm="ACT.5.33"><span class="label">33</span><span class="content">When they heard this, they were furious and wanted to put them to death. </span></span><span class="verse v34" data-usfm="ACT.5.34"><span class="label">34</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v35" data-usfm="ACT.5.35"><span class="label">35</span><span class="content">Then he addressed the Sanhedrin: &#8220;Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. </span></span><span class="verse v36" data-usfm="ACT.5.36"><span class="label">36</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v37" data-usfm="ACT.5.37"><span class="label">37</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v38" data-usfm="ACT.5.38"><span class="label">38</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.5.39"><span class="label">39</span><span class="content">But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v39" data-usfm="ACT.5.39"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.5.40"><span class="label">40</span><span class="content">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.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v40" data-usfm="ACT.5.40"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v41" data-usfm="ACT.5.41"><span class="label">41</span><span class="content">The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. </span></span><span class="verse v42" data-usfm="ACT.5.42"><span class="label">42</span><span class="content">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 Messiah.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch6" data-usfm="ACT.6">
            <div class="label">6</div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">The Choosing of the Seven</span></div><div class="p"><span class="content">  </span><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.6.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews</span><span class="note f"><span class="label">#</span><span class=" body"><span class="fr">6:1 </span><span class="ft">That is, Jews who had adopted the Greek language and culture</span></span></span><span class="content"> among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. </span></span><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.6.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, &#8220;It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. </span></span><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.6.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">Brothers and sisters, 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 </span></span><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.6.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.6.4"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.6.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">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. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.6.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.6.6"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.6.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">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.</span></span></div><div class="s1"><span class="heading">Stephen Seized</span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.6.7"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.6.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">Now Stephen, a man full of God&#8217;s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.6.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)&#8212;Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia&#8212;who began to argue with Stephen. </span></span><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.6.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.6.10"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.6.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">Then they secretly persuaded some men to say, &#8220;We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.6.11"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.6.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">So they stirred up the people and the elders and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the Sanhedrin. </span></span><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.6.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">They produced false witnesses, who testified, &#8220;This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. </span></span><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.6.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.6.14"><span class="content">  </span></span><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.6.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.</span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

New International Version

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.1">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.8.1"><span class="label">1</span><span class="content">And Saul approved of their killing him.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v1" data-usfm="ACT.8.1"><span class="content">On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.2">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v2" data-usfm="ACT.8.2"><span class="label">2</span><span class="content">Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.3">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.8.3"><span class="label">3</span><span class="content">But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v3" data-usfm="ACT.8.3"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.4">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="ACT.8.4"><span class="label">4</span><span class="content">Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.5">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="ACT.8.5"><span class="label">5</span><span class="content">Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.6">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="ACT.8.6"><span class="label">6</span><span class="content">When the crowds heard Philip and saw the signs he performed, they all paid close attention to what he said. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.7">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="ACT.8.7"><span class="label">7</span><span class="content">For with shrieks, impure spirits came out of many, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8"><span class="label">8</span><span class="content">So there was great joy in that city.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="ACT.8.8"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.9">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="ACT.8.9"><span class="label">9</span><span class="content">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, </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.10">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v10" data-usfm="ACT.8.10"><span class="label">10</span><span class="content">and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, &#8220;This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.&#8221; </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.11">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v11" data-usfm="ACT.8.11"><span class="label">11</span><span class="content">They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his sorcery. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.12">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v12" data-usfm="ACT.8.12"><span class="label">12</span><span class="content">But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.13">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.8.13"><span class="label">13</span><span class="content">Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v13" data-usfm="ACT.8.13"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.14">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v14" data-usfm="ACT.8.14"><span class="label">14</span><span class="content">When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.15">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="ACT.8.15"><span class="label">15</span><span class="content">When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.16">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="ACT.8.16"><span class="label">16</span><span class="content">because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.17">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.8.17"><span class="label">17</span><span class="content">Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v17" data-usfm="ACT.8.17"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.18">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v18" data-usfm="ACT.8.18"><span class="label">18</span><span class="content">When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles&#8217; hands, he offered them money </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.19">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.8.19"><span class="label">19</span><span class="content">and said, &#8220;Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v19" data-usfm="ACT.8.19"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.20">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v20" data-usfm="ACT.8.20"><span class="label">20</span><span class="content">Peter answered: &#8220;May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.21">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v21" data-usfm="ACT.8.21"><span class="label">21</span><span class="content">You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.22">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v22" data-usfm="ACT.8.22"><span class="label">22</span><span class="content">Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.23">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.8.23"><span class="label">23</span><span class="content">For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v23" data-usfm="ACT.8.23"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.24">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.8.24"><span class="label">24</span><span class="content">Then Simon answered, &#8220;Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.&#8221;</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v24" data-usfm="ACT.8.24"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

<div class="version vid111 iso6393eng" data-vid="111" data-iso6393="eng">
    <div class="book bkACT">
        <div class="chapter ch8" data-usfm="ACT.8.25">
            <div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.8.25"><span class="label">25</span><span class="content">After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.</span></span></div><div class="p"><span class="verse v25" data-usfm="ACT.8.25"><span class="content">  </span></span></div>
        </div>
    </div>
</div>

God Speaking: Rise Up!Sample

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