Acts 11 Cross References - Mace

¹ In the mean time, the apostles, and the brethren, who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles had likewise receiv'd the word of God. ² and when Peter was return'd to Jerusalem, the Jewish converts objected to his conduct, ³ and ask'd him, why did you go to eat with the uncircumcised? ⁴ but Peter represented the whole affair to them, ⁵ saying, as I was at prayers in Joppa, I saw something like a great sheet, tied at the four corners, which descended from heaven, and came just to me. ⁶ as I was considering it very attentively, I saw several quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. ⁷ then I heard a voice, which said, rise, Peter; kill and eat. ⁸ but I said, Lord, by no means: for I never did eat any thing impure, and defiled. ⁹ but the voice from heaven address'd it self to me again, and said, don't call that impure, which God has purified. ¹⁰ this was done three times, and then the whole scene was mounted to heaven. ¹¹ at that very instant three men, dispatch'd from Cesarea to me, were just arrived at the house, where I was. ¹² and the spirit bid me make no difficulty of going with them. these six brethren accompany'd me, and we went together to the man's house. ¹³ he told us how he had seen an angel, who had presented himself to him, and had said, send to Joppa, to fetch Simon, surnam'd Peter: ¹⁴ who will give you such instructions, as will be the means of saving both you and all your family. ¹⁵ and while I was speaking to them, the holy spirit descended upon them, as it did on us, at the beginning. ¹⁶ then I remember'd that expression of the Lord, "John baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the holy spirit." ¹⁷ if therefore God has bestow'd the same favour upon them, as on us, after we had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I make any opposition to the divine will? ¹⁸ Having heard this, they were appeas'd, and glorified God, saying, God has then granted salvation likewise to the gentiles, on the terms of their repentance. ¹⁹ In the mean time they who were dispers'd upon the persecution that arose after Stephen's time, had travell'd as far as Phenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, without preaching the gospel to any, but Jews only. ²⁰ some of them were of Cyprus and Cyrene, and upon their arrival at Antioch they address'd themselves to the Greeks, and preach'd to them the Lord Jesus. ²¹ and as the divine assistance accompany'd them, a great number of persons believed and became converts. ²² Of this the church at Jerusalem being appriz'd, they order'd Barnabas to go to Antioch; ²³ who upon his arrival there, was glad to see such effects of the divine grace, and exhorted them all to remain firmly attach'd to the christian profession: ²⁴ for he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: so that many converts were added to the church. ²⁵ at length Barnabas departed to Tarsus in quest of Saul, and having found him, he conducted him to Antioch: ²⁶ where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians. ²⁷ About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch: ²⁸ and one of them named Agabus foretold by the spirit, that there should be a great famine, thro' all the world: which accordingly happen'd in the reign of Claudius Cesar. ²⁹ then the disciples determin'd to send, each of them answerably to his abilities, some relief to the brethren residing in Judea: which they actually perform'd, ³⁰ and sent it by the hands of Saul and Barnabas to the presbyters at Jerusalem.

¹¹ and I declare unto you, that many shall come from the east and from the west, and shall sit at table with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the heavenly kingdom.

⁵ upon their entring into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting towards the right, cloathed in a long white garment: at which they were frighted.

³² and the glory of thy people Israel."

¹⁴ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John, ¹⁵ who upon their arrival, prayed for them that they might receive the holy spirit.

³⁴ then Peter thus began, now I plainly perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ but in every nation, he that feareth him, and acts justly, is acceptable to him. ³⁶ this was what he communicated to the children of Israel, proclaiming salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all mankind. ³⁷ you know, how his fame spread from Galilee through all Judea, after the baptism which John had preach'd: ³⁸ how Jesus of Nazareth divinely inspired by the holy spirit, and with miraculous power, went about doing good, and healing all that were under the oppression of the devil: because God was with him.

²⁷ when they were arrived, and had assembled the Church, they related what great things God had wrought by them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles:

³ so they set out, accompanied part of the way by the church, and pass'd thro' Phenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles, which gave great joy to all the brethren.

⁷ wherefore be kindly affected to one another, as Christ was to you, that you might glorify God. ⁸ for I tell you, that Jesus Christ was a minister to the Jews, to manifest the veracity of God in fulfilling the promises made to the fathers: ⁹ and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ." ¹⁰ and again the scripture saith, "rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people." ¹¹ and elsewhere, praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him, all ye people." ¹² besides Esaias saith, "there shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope."

¹⁷ neither went I up to Jerusalem, to those who were apostles before me: but I went immediately to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. ¹⁸ After three years, I went up to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days: ¹⁹ but other of the apostles saw I none, except James the Lord's brother. ²⁰ what I write to you, I call God to witness is all true: ²¹ afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; ²² but was personally unknown to the churches of Christ in Judea,

⁹ On the morrow as they were on their journey, and drew nigh the city, Peter went upon the leads to pray, about the sixth hour.

⁴⁵ all the Jewish converts, who came with Paul, were astonished to see that the gift of the holy spirit was diffused likewise among the Gentiles.

¹ However some that arrived from Judea, told the Gentile converts, unless you are circumcised agreeably to the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.

⁵ but some of the sect of the Pharisees who had embraced the faith, started up, pretending that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, and observe the law of Moses.

²⁰ upon hearing this, they gave glory to God: and thus address'd Paul, you see, brother, how many thousand believing Jews there are, all however zealous for the law. ²¹ now they have heard that you instruct the Jews that are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them they must not circumcise their children, nor observe the establish'd rites. ²² what then is to be done? they will necessarily be all assembled, for they can't but hear, you are come. ²³ yield then to our advice: there are four men here, who have made a vow:

¹² for till certain Jews came thither from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, for fear of those, who were for circumcision: ¹³ and the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him, insomuch that Barnabas himself was carried away with their hypocrisy. ¹⁴ but when I saw, they conformed not their conduct to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all: if you being a Jew, live after the manner of the Gentiles, and not according to that of the Jews, why do you constrain the Gentiles to judaize?

² at which the Pharisees and Scribes murmured, saying, this man gives access to men of bad character, and eats with them.

²³ then he invited them in, and they lodged there. On the morrow, Peter departed with them, and some of his brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

²⁸ said he, how unlawful it is for a Jew, to frequent a stranger, or even to go to his house: but God hath shewed me, that I should not look upon any man as common and unclean.

⁴⁸ so he directed they should be baptized in the name of the Lord. after which they desired him to stay some time with them.

¹¹ but my meaning was, not to keep company with any christian known to be vicious, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or rapacious, no not even to eat with such a one.

¹² for till certain Jews came thither from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, for fear of those, who were for circumcision:

¹⁰ whoever comes to you unaccompanied with this doctrine, don't admit him to your house, nor treat him with the common term of civility.

³ I have likewise thought proper; most excellent Theophilus, to write to you a particular account; having made a very diligent inquiry into the whole matter,

¹⁰ Now there was a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! and he said, Lord, here I am.

⁹ On the morrow as they were on their journey, and drew nigh the city, Peter went upon the leads to pray, about the sixth hour. ¹⁰ and being seiz'd with hunger, he would have had something to eat: but while they were making it ready, he fell into a trance, ¹¹ when he saw the heaven open, and something descending in the form of a great sheet, ty'd at the four corners, and let down to the earth: ¹² in it were all sorts of quadrupeds, reptiles, and birds. ¹³ and a voice said to him, rise, Peter; kill and eat. ¹⁴ but Peter said, not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. ¹⁵ and the voice spake to him again the second time, don't call that common, which God calls clean. ¹⁶ this was done thrice: and then the sheet was taken up into heaven. ¹⁷ While Peter was perplexed about the signification of this vision, the messengers from Cornelius having enquir'd out Simon's house, arriv'd at the gate, ¹⁸ and calling somebody, ask'd, whether Simon Peter lodg'd there. ¹⁹ As Peter was still pondering upon the vision, the spirit said to him, there are people below, who enquire for you. ²⁰ rise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, without hesitating: for I have sent them. ²¹ then Peter went down to the messengers; and said, I am the person you look for: what occasion brought you hither? ²² they answered, Cornelius the centurion, a man of probity and piety, one that has an universal good character among the Jews, was divinely admonish'd by an holy angel to send for you to his house, to hear what you had to say to him. ²³ then he invited them in, and they lodged there. On the morrow, Peter departed with them, and some of his brethren from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ the next day they arriv'd at Cesarea: where Cornelius expected them, having invited his kinsmen and intimate friends, to his house. ²⁵ as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and prostrated himself at his feet, ²⁶ but Peter rais'd him, saying, stand up; I am but a man, as well as you. ²⁷ and as he discours'd with him, he went in, where finding many persons assembled; you know, ²⁸ said he, how unlawful it is for a Jew, to frequent a stranger, or even to go to his house: but God hath shewed me, that I should not look upon any man as common and unclean. ²⁹ for which reason I came without demur, as soon as I knew your message: I ask therefore upon what account you sent for me? ³⁰ then Cornelius said, it is now four days ago that I was fasting, and while I was at prayers in my house, about the ninth hour, a man in bright attire presented himself before me, ³¹ and said, "Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and God has approved thine alms. ³² send therefore to Joppa, for one Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner, by the sea-side, who, when he is arriv'd, will give you information."

⁵ saying, as I was at prayers in Joppa, I saw something like a great sheet, tied at the four corners, which descended from heaven, and came just to me. ⁶ as I was considering it very attentively, I saw several quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. ⁷ then I heard a voice, which said, rise, Peter; kill and eat. ⁸ but I said, Lord, by no means: for I never did eat any thing impure, and defiled. ⁹ but the voice from heaven address'd it self to me again, and said, don't call that impure, which God has purified. ¹⁰ this was done three times, and then the whole scene was mounted to heaven. ¹¹ at that very instant three men, dispatch'd from Cesarea to me, were just arrived at the house, where I was. ¹² and the spirit bid me make no difficulty of going with them. these six brethren accompany'd me, and we went together to the man's house. ¹³ he told us how he had seen an angel, who had presented himself to him, and had said, send to Joppa, to fetch Simon, surnam'd Peter: ¹⁴ who will give you such instructions, as will be the means of saving both you and all your family.

¹⁷ at length being return'd to Jerusalem, one day as I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance.

¹ Have not I reason to glory? for now I shall mention my visions and revelations from the Lord. ² I knew a christian who above fourteen years ago, was snatch'd up even to the third heaven, whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knows. ³ but tho' I don't know whether it was in the body, or out of the body, which God only knows,

²⁰ then he closed the book, and returning it to the minister, he sat down: and as the eyes of the whole synagogue were fix'd with attention upon him,

⁴ Peter and John having their eyes upon him, Peter said, look on us.

² when observing that some of his disciples were eating with profane hands, that is, without having wash'd them, they found fault.

¹⁴ I know, being fully assured by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: it is only so to him that thinks it is unclean.

¹⁴ for the unbelieving husband is christianiz'd by the believing wife, and the unbelieving wife is christianiz'd by the believing husband: else were your children heathens: whereas they are christians.

¹⁵ and the voice spake to him again the second time, don't call that common, which God calls clean.

³⁴ then Peter thus began, now I plainly perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ but in every nation, he that feareth him, and acts justly, is acceptable to him.

⁹ making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith.

⁵ since it is sanctified by the divine permission, and by prayer.

¹³ For if the blood of goats and of bulls, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkled on the unclean, can cleanse them from external impurities; ¹⁴ how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the holy spirit offered himself a spotless victim to God, purify our souls from deadly sins, to serve the living God?

³⁸ Jesus answered him, you lay down your life for my sake! Verily, verily I say unto thee, the cock shall not crow, till thou hast denied me thrice.

¹⁷ Jesus said to him the third time, Simon son of Jonas, do you love me? Peter was grieved at his asking him the third time, "do you love me?" and he said to him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you. Jesus said to him, feed my sheep.

⁸ I besought the Lord thrice, to make him leave me.

¹⁰ Now there was a disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, to whom the Lord said in a vision, Ananias! and he said, Lord, here I am. ¹¹ and the Lord said unto him, arise, and go to the street called Straight, and enquire at the house of Judas, for one Saul of Tarsus: for he is there at prayer. ¹² (at that very instant Saul saw in a vision the said Ananias come in, and put his hand on him, to restore his sight.)

¹⁷ While Peter was perplexed about the signification of this vision, the messengers from Cornelius having enquir'd out Simon's house, arriv'd at the gate, ¹⁸ and calling somebody, ask'd, whether Simon Peter lodg'd there.

²⁰ but while he was revolving this in his mind, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, Joseph, the off-spring of David, don't make any difficulty of taking Mary for thy wife: for her pregnancy is from the holy Spirit.

¹³ but when he, the spirit of truth shall come, he will inform you of all those truths: for he will not speak from himself; but the information he shall receive will he communicate: and acquaint you with what is to come.

²⁹ then the spirit said unto Philip, go near, and advance to his chariot.

¹⁹ As Peter was still pondering upon the vision, the spirit said to him, there are people below, who enquire for you. ²⁰ rise therefore, get thee down, and go with them, without hesitating: for I have sent them.

² as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy spirit said to them, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have destin'd them.

⁴ being thus appointed missionarys by the holy spirit, they went to Seleucia, where they embark'd for Cyprus.

⁷ and after the question had been much canvass'd, Peter rose up, and said, my brethren, you know that a considerable time since God chose me from among you to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, and bring them to the faith.

⁶ but after they had travers'd Phrygia and Galatia, they were order'd by the holy spirit not to preach the gospel in Asia: ⁷ being therefore arrived in Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow it: so they pass'd by Mysia,

²² that divine justification, which by faith in Jesus Christ is extended to all, that believe; for there is no distinction:

² you would not by any pretended revelation, by any discourse or epistle ascrib'd to us, be immediately perplex'd in your minds, or under any concern for the approach of the day of the Lord.

¹⁷ the spirit and the bride say, come. let him that heareth, say, come. let him that is a-thirst, come: and whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

⁴³ so that Peter staid there a considerable time with one Simon a tanner.

³ one day about the ninth hour, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God, who addrest himself to him, and said, Cornelius! ⁴ and when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, what is it, Lord? and he said to him, thy prayers and thine alms have been observ'd and approv'd by God. ⁵ send messengers immediately to Joppa, for one Simon, whose sirname is Peter: ⁶ he lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side.

²² they answered, Cornelius the centurion, a man of probity and piety, one that has an universal good character among the Jews, was divinely admonish'd by an holy angel to send for you to his house, to hear what you had to say to him.

¹¹ said he, I know for certain, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has deliver'd me from the hands of Herod, and from what the Jews were in expectation of.

¹⁴ are not all those spirits dispatch'd as ministers to take care of those who shall belong to the christian church.

¹⁶ he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that disbelieves, shall be condemned.

¹⁰ for the son of man is come to seek, and to save that which was lost.

⁵³ so the father knew that it was at the very same hour, at which Jesus said to him, thy son is well. and he himself believed, and all his family.

⁶³ it is the action of the mind that vivifies, that of the body profits nothing: the words that I have delivered to you, spiritually understood, give life.

⁶⁸ but Simon Peter answered, Lord, to whom shall we go? you have the words of eternal life.

⁵⁰ and I know that it is a commission of eternal life: whatever therefore I say, I deliver just as the father directed me.

³¹ but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Messias, the son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his name.

³⁹ for the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

² and was a proselyte, together with all his family: he gave much alms to the people, and was assiduous in his prayers to God.

⁶ he lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea-side.

³² send therefore to Joppa, for one Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner, by the sea-side, who, when he is arriv'd, will give you information." ³³ immediately I sent to you; and you have done well to come. now here we are all in the presence of God, to hear whatever he has given you in charge.

⁴³ he is the person to whom all the prophets give this attestation, that all who believe in him, shall receive remission of sins, by his authority.

¹⁵ so that having been baptized with her family, she made us this request, if you think me sincere in my profession, pray come and lodge at my house; and she prevail'd upon us.

³¹ believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. ³² then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. ³³ at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. ³⁴ then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.

⁸ the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his family, as well as many of the Corinthians, who heard Paul, and were baptized.

¹⁶ for I am not ashamed of the gospel, since it is divinely effectual to salvation, to everyone that believes, to the Jew first, and then to the Gentile. ¹⁷ There it is that divine justification is revealed to be wholly by faith: as it is written, " the just shall live by faith."

⁹ for if you openly confess, that Jesus is the Lord, and sincerely believe, that God has raised him from the dead, you shall be saved. ¹⁰ for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

¹⁶ true, I baptized the family of Stephanas: but I don't know that I baptized any other besides.

⁹ if we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater: now this is the testimony, which God has given us of his son. ¹⁰ he that believeth on the son of God, hath the testimony of God thereto: he that does not believe God, impeaches his veracity, because he does not believe the testimony that God gave of his son. ¹¹ Now what is testified, is this, that God has given to us eternal life: and this life is by his son. ¹² he that receives the son, is intitled to life; and he that does not receive the son of God, has no title to life. ¹³ these things have I written to you, that you may know that you have eternal life, by your believing on the name of the son of God.

² when all of a sudden there came a sound from heaven, like that of an impetuous wind, which filled all the house where they were. ³ and there appeared several little flames, and sat upon each of them: ⁴ and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and began to speak in different languages, as the spirit gave them utterance. ⁵ now many devout Jews were residing at Jerusalem, who came from all quarters of the world. ⁶ and upon the rumour of this event, the multitude came together, and were confounded, every man hearing the disciples speak in his own language. ⁷ struck with astonishment and admiration, they said to one another, are not these men who are speaking, all Galileans? ⁸ how comes it then that we hear every man talking in our own native tongue? ⁹ Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, ¹⁰ Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes, ¹¹ Cretes, and Arabians, we hear them all proclaiming in our tongues the wonderful works of God. ¹² and they were all amazed, and perplex'd, saying one to another, what can the meaning of this be?

³¹ When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled, trembled; they were all filled with the holy spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

³⁴ then Peter thus began, now I plainly perceive that God is no respecter of persons: ³⁵ but in every nation, he that feareth him, and acts justly, is acceptable to him. ³⁶ this was what he communicated to the children of Israel, proclaiming salvation by Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of all mankind. ³⁷ you know, how his fame spread from Galilee through all Judea, after the baptism which John had preach'd: ³⁸ how Jesus of Nazareth divinely inspired by the holy spirit, and with miraculous power, went about doing good, and healing all that were under the oppression of the devil: because God was with him. ³⁹ we are witnesses of all his transactions, both in Judea, and at Jerusalem. however, they put him to death, even that of the cross. ⁴⁰ but God raised him up the third day, and shewed him openly, ⁴¹ not to all the people, but to those witnesses, which God had before chosen: to us, I say, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. ⁴² and he commanded us to publish, and to testify to the people, that he was the person whom God had constituted to be the judge of the living, and of the dead. ⁴³ he is the person to whom all the prophets give this attestation, that all who believe in him, shall receive remission of sins, by his authority. ⁴⁴ Peter was yet speaking, when the holy spirit descended on all that heard him. ⁴⁵ all the Jewish converts, who came with Paul, were astonished to see that the gift of the holy spirit was diffused likewise among the Gentiles. ⁴⁶ for they heard them express their praises to God in divers languages.

⁶ and Paul having given them imposition of hands, the holy spirit came upon them, and they spoke foreign languages, and prophesied:

¹¹ I indeed baptize you with water to lead you to repentance; but he that cometh after me, is my superiour, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry: he shall baptize you with the effusion of the holy Ghost, in the appearance of fire:

⁸ I indeed have baptized you with water, but he shall baptize you with the effusion of the holy Ghost.

¹⁶ he address'd himself to them all, saying, I indeed baptize you with water; but there is one coming, who is superiour to me, whose shoes I am unworthy to untie: he shall baptize you with the holy spirit, under the appearance of fire.

⁸ then they remembred his words;

²⁶ John answered them, I baptize with water: but there is one among you, whom ye know not; he it is who coming after me,

³³ I had not known him: but he that sent me to baptize with water, had told me, "upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descending and remaining on him, the same is he who baptizeth with the holy spirit."

²⁶ but the advocate, the holy spirit, whom the father will send for my sake, he will explain every thing to you, and make you remember, all that I have told you.

⁴ but these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember what I now tell you. I did not tell you so much at the beginning, because, I was then to be with you.

⁵ " for John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the holy ghost, not many days hence."

² did you receive the holy spirit, when you made profession of your faith? they answer'd, we have not so much as heard of a holy spirit. ³ what baptism then, said he, did you receive? they replied, the baptism of John. ⁴ upon which Paul said, John indeed administer'd the baptism of repentance, but with this admonition, that they should believe in him, who was to come after, that is, in Jesus the Messias.

³⁵ my constant example has shown you that the disabled should be assisted by your labours, remembring the words of the Lord Jesus, who said, "it is a greater happiness to give than to receive."

¹³ for by one spirit we have all been baptized, to be form'd into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, slaves or free; and have been all made to drink of one spirit.

⁵ he saved us not in consideration of any virtuous actions which we had done, but out of his meer mercy, by the baptism of regeneration, he form'd us anew, by the plentiful effusion of the holy spirit, ⁶ thro' Jesus Christ our saviour:

¹ This is the second letter I now write to you, my brethren, by which I would awaken your sincere attention,

¹⁴ take your due, and be gone: I will give the last the same I give you. ¹⁵ can't I do what I will with my own? because I am bountiful, are you invidious?

³⁹ you cannot defeat it; perhaps you may be found warring against heaven." To him they agreed: and

⁴⁷ then Peter said, can we refuse the water of baptism to such as have received the holy spirit as well as we?

¹⁵ and while I was speaking to them, the holy spirit descended upon them, as it did on us, at the beginning.

⁸ God who knows their hearts has granted them a testimonial, by giving them the holy spirit, even as he did to us: ⁹ making no difference between us and them, having purified their hearts by the faith.

¹⁵ God forbid. for he saith to Moses, "I will show favour to whom I will show favour, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." ¹⁶ so that this is a matter not dependent on him that wills or runs, but on God, who shews mercy.

²⁰ nay, but, O man, who art thou, to raise a dust against heaven? shall the pitcher say to him that formed it, "why hast thou made me thus?" ²¹ is not the potter the master of his own clay, of the same mass to make one vessel for use and ornament, and another for a meaner purpose? ²² if the divine Being has patiently bore with those objects of his displeasure, that had been working out their own destruction, why may he not reveal himself to make them feel his vindictive power, ²³ and display his infinite goodness to such objects of mercy, as he had prepared for glory? ²⁴ to such as we, whom he has called, both from among the Jews, and from among the Gentiles. ²⁵ as he saith himself in Osee, "I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her, beloved, which was not beloved. ²⁶ and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, ye are not my people; there shall they be called, the children of the living God."

³⁴ for who hath known the mind of the Lord, or who hath been his counsellor? ³⁵ who hath given any thing to him, and he will repay it? ³⁶ for of him, and through him, and in him are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

¹⁹ repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshment shall come from the presence of the Lord, who shall send Jesus Christ,

²⁶ it is to you that God first of all sent his son Jesus, having raised him up to bless you, provided you all renounce your iniquities.

³¹ him hath God rais'd by his power to be the author of salvation, by giving repentance to Israel, and the remission of their sins.

¹ In the mean time, the apostles, and the brethren, who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles had likewise receiv'd the word of God.

⁴⁷ for thus has the Lord commanded us, "I have appointed you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the remotest parts of the earth." ⁴⁸ when the Gentiles heard this, they received the word with joy, glorifying the Lord: and as many as were dispos'd to eternal life, believed.

²¹ remonstrating both to Jews and Gentiles the advantages of a sincere repentance, and of believing

²⁰ upon hearing this, they gave glory to God: and thus address'd Paul, you see, brother, how many thousand believing Jews there are, all however zealous for the law.

²¹ but the Lord said to me, "be gone, for I will send you far hence, even to the Gentiles." ²² Till that word, the Jews had given their attention, but then they broke out into a full cry, "out of the world with such a fellow: for it is not fit he should live."

¹⁷ by delivering you from this people, and from the Gentiles to whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, ¹⁸ and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and partake of the inheritance of the saints, by believing on me." ¹⁹ this heavenly vision, king Agrippa, I presently obey'd: ²⁰ first I warn'd the people of Damascus, of Jerusalem, of all Judea, and then the Gentiles, to repent, and turn to God, by acting suitably to their repentance.

²⁹ is God the God of the Jews only, and not of the Gentiles? surely he is of the Gentiles too; ³⁰ since it is one God, who will justify both the Jews and the Gentiles, through faith.

³⁰ What shall we hence conclude? that the Gentiles who sought not after justice, have obtained justice, even to that which is by faith:

¹² In reality there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile: they have all the same Lord, who is bountiful to all that call upon him. ¹³ "whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved."

⁹ and you Gentiles ought to glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, "for this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name ." ¹⁰ and again the scripture saith, "rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people." ¹¹ and elsewhere, praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles, and laud him, all ye people." ¹² besides Esaias saith, "there shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope." ¹³ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope through the power of the holy spirit. ¹⁴ As to myself, I am persuaded, my brethren, that you abound in goodness, and in variety of knowledge, and are able to instruct one another. ¹⁵ nevertheless, brethren, I have writ to the Gentile part of you, and admonish'd you with the greater freedom by virtue of the commission that God has given me, ¹⁶ to be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, officiating the gospel of God, that the Gentiles might be made an acceptable offering, being sanctified by the holy spirit.

¹⁸ but as we lay aside the veil, the divine light gradually informs the mind, according as we attend to that spiritual sense, which points out the Lord.

¹⁰ for religious sorrow produces that salutary repentance, which we never regret: but worldly sorrow preys upon life.

²⁴ and they glorified God upon my account.

²⁶ for you are all the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ for as many of you as have been baptized into christianity, have been invested as christians.

¹¹ Wherefore remember that you were heretofore Gentiles, being denominated the uncircumcised, by those who are the circumcised by a manual operation; ¹² that at that time ye were without all knowledge of the Messiah, being aliens from the common-wealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope, and living in the world without any true knowledge of God. ¹³ but now you who were formerly at a distance, are brought near by the death of Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ for he is our peace-maker, who hath united both Jew and Gentile, and hath by his flesh broken down the middle wall of partition ¹⁵ (which kept us at variance) by abolishing the dogmatical injunctions of the law, that having made the peace, he might incorporate the two into one new body under himself; ¹⁶ that he might reconcile both in one body unto God by the cross, wherefore he destroyed the enmity that was between them: ¹⁷ and being come, he preached the glad tidings of peace to YOU who were afar off, and to US that were nigh. ¹⁸ for thro' him both of us have access by the same spirit to the father.

⁵ which preceeding was not discover'd to men, as now it is to his holy apostles and prophets by the spirit; to wit, ⁶ "that the Gentiles should be heirs as well as the Jews, make one body together, and partake of the divine promise in Christ by the gospel." ⁷ of this I was made a minister, according to the gracious gift God bestowed on me, by the effectual operation of his influence: ⁸ upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

²⁵ with great temper and meekness informing those, who differ in opinion; because he does not know, but God may change their minds, by convincing them of the truth. ²⁶ and so they may rouze out of the snare of the devil, who leads them captive at his discretion.

¹⁶ Don't be deluded, my brethren; ¹⁷ every thing that is valuable, every gift that leads to perfection is deriv'd from heaven, it descends from that original light, which knows no change, no shadow, or decline:

⁶ but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

³⁵ upon which the Jews said among themselves, whither will he go, that we cannot find him? will he go to the dispersed Jews among the Greeks, and instruct the Greeks?

³⁶ among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus,

¹ and Saul was accessory to his death. At that time the persecution was so violent against the church at Jerusalem, they were all dispers'd through the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles, ² and some devout men who carried Stephen to his burial, making great lamentation over him. ³ as for Saul, he made havock of the Church, entring into their houses, whence he dragg'd away both men and women, to throw them into prison. ⁴ but they that were dispers'd, preach'd the gospel wherever they went.

²⁶ where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians. ²⁷ About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch:

¹ Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

⁴⁶ but Paul and Barnabas told them boldly, you indeed were the first, to whom the word of God was to be preach'd: but since you reject it, and judge your own selves unworthy of eternal life, be assur'd, we shall make the same offer to the Gentiles:

²² Then the apostles, the presbyters, and the whole church thought it proper to select some out of their own body to accompany Paul and Barnabas to Antioch: such as Judas surnam'd Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren,

³⁵ where Paul and Barnabas continued, teaching and preaching the doctrine of the Lord, with many others.

³⁹ and the contention was so sharp between them, that they separated: so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.

²² having sail'd from Ephesus, he went ashore at Cesarea, where he saluted the church, and then proceeded to Antioch.

² where finding a vessel bound to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and put off.

¹⁶ some of the disciples of Cesarea accompany'd us, bringing with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, at whose house we were to lodge.

¹¹ But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, for he was to be blamed.

³² As they were going along, they met a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: and compelled him to carry the cross.

¹⁰ Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, foreigners from Rome, Jews, and proselytes,

⁴² and every day either in the temple or in private houses they continued to preach and proclaim Jesus to be the Christ.

⁹ when some out of the several synagogues, belonging to the freed men, to the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and to those of Cilicia, and of Asia, came to dispute with Stephen.

⁵ Philip being arrived at Samaria, preached Christ to them.

³⁵ then Philip enter'd upon the subject, and show'd how the whole passage was applicable to Jesus.

²⁰ Immediately he maintained in the synagogues, that Jesus was the son of God.

²⁹ and he openly preach'd in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Hellenists, who therefore plotted against his life:

¹⁸ there certain Epicurean and Stoick philosophers encountred him: "what does this mountebank mean?" said some: "he seems to proclaim some strange deitys," said others: because he talk'd to them of Jesus and the resurrection.

²³ we preach Christ crucified, an obstacle to the Jews indeed, and to the Gentiles foolishness: but to those who believe, ²⁴ both Jews and Gentiles, he is the Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

² for I did not think I was to have any other knowledge among you, than that of Christ, a crucified saviour.

⁸ upon me, who am the meanest of all christians, is this favour bestowed, that I should proclaim to the Gentiles the undiscoverable advantages by Christ;

⁶⁶ and made an impression upon all that heard of them. what a child will this be? said they, for the divine influence does attend him.

⁴⁷ praising God, and showing benevolence to all the people. and the Lord encreased the church daily with new converts.

⁴ however, many who heard Peter's discourse, believed, to the number of about five thousand people.

¹⁴ did not venture to approach near them. the number of those who believed in the Lord, both men and women, increas'd more and more.

⁷ thus the word of God was spread; and the number of disciples encreased very much at Jerusalem; and a numerous body of priests embrac'd the faith.

³⁵ and all that dwelt at Lydda, and Saron, saw him, and became converts to the Lord.

²⁴ for he was a good man, and full of the holy spirit and of faith: so that many converts were added to the church.

¹⁹ wherefore my opinion is not to disquiet the Gentile converts: but only to write to them,

⁶ I have planted, Apollos watered: but God gave the increase. ⁷ so then, neither is he that planted any thing, nor he that watered: it is God only that gives the increase.

⁵ since the gospel we preach'd, did not consist only of words, but was fully confirm'd by miracles and gifts of the holy spirit, you yourselves being witnesses, what we did among you and for you.

⁹ how successful our arrival was among you, and how you renounc'd your idols to serve the living and true God, ¹⁰ and to expect his son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivers us from impending ruin.

³⁶ among the rest one Joseph, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolation) a Levite, and a native of Cyprus, ³⁷ sold an estate he had, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles feet.

¹⁴ Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem, heard that the Samaritans had embraced the word of God, they sent Peter and John,

²⁷ thereupon Barnabas took him with him to the apostles, and related to them how the Lord had appear'd to him on his journey, and had spoken to him, and how publickly Saul had preach'd at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

¹ Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy spirit said to them, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have destin'd them. ³ accordingly, after having fasted and prayed they gave them imposition of hands, and dismiss'd them.

² upon which Paul and Barnabas having warmly contested the point with them, it was resolved, that Paul and Barnabas and some others should go to Jerusalem to consult the apostles upon this question.

³⁵ where Paul and Barnabas continued, teaching and preaching the doctrine of the Lord, with many others. ³⁶ Some time after, Paul said to Barnabas, let us return to visit all those cities, where we have preach'd the word of the Lord, to see what condition the brethren are in. ³⁷ upon which Barnabas propos'd to take John surnam'd Mark, with them. ³⁸ but Paul did not think it proper to take one that had quitted them at Pamphylia, refusing to accompany them in their ministry. ³⁹ and the contention was so sharp between them, that they separated: so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.

⁶ but Timothy, upon his arrival here from you, brings us the agreeable news of the perseverance of your faith and charity, that you always make honourable mention of us, and that you desire to see us as ardently as we do to see you.

²⁴ Then addressing himself to his disciples, if any man, said he, would follow me, let him renounce himself, take up his cross, and so follow me.

⁵ Jesus perceiving their faith, said to the sick of the palsy, son, thy sins are forgiven.

³¹ Jesus said therefore to those Jews who believed on him, if you adhere to my doctrine, then will you be my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, ³² and the truth shall make you free.

⁴ be attach'd to me, and I shall be so to you. as the branch cannot bear fruit of it self, except it be attach'd to the vine: so neither can you, except you continue attach'd to me.

⁴³ when the assembly was separated, many Jews and religious proselytes followed after, to whom the apostles address'd themselves, and exhorted them to persevere in the divine dispensation.

²² encouraging the disciples, exhorting them to persevere in the faith, representing that it is thro' much tribulation that we must enter into the kingdom of God.

²⁶ from thence they sailed to Antioch, where they had been recommended to the favour of God, for the commission, which they had now discharg'd.

⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas, and having been recommended by the brethren to the favour of God,

²⁴ things that little affect me, nor is life so much my concern, as to finish my course, and the charge I receiv'd from the Lord Jesus, to attest the declaration of the divine favour.

³² and now, my brethren, I recommend you to God, and to his gracious dispensation, which is able to improve you, and secure to you the inheritance with those who are sanctify'd.

⁵⁸ therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye inflexibly steady, and continually surpass others in the work of the Lord, knowing that he will not leave your christian labour unrewarded.

¹⁷ was this design therefore the effect of levity? or do I design first one thing, and then another, as it best suits my worldly interest?

⁶ which is not only come to you, but to all the world; where it produces its effects, and increases, as it does also among you, ever since you sincerely embrac'd the divine favour,

³ never forgetting the effects of your faith, your charitable offices, and the constancy of your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ; of which God is our witness. ⁴ for we are persuaded, my brethren, that you are the peculiar objects of divine favour;

² a minister of God, and our collegue in preaching the gospel of Christ, that by establishing you in the faith, and by his exhortations, ³ none of you might be stagger'd by these persecutions: for you know that we are destin'd to suffer. ⁴ and even when we were with you, we foretold you, that we should be persecuted, as you know it happen'd. ⁵ not being able therefore to wait any longer, I sent Timothy to know the state of your faith, for fear the tempter should have seduc'd you, and all our labour have prov'd abortive.

⁴ when I call to mind your affliction, it makes me ardently desire the exceeding pleasure I shall have in seeing you: ⁵ especially when I reflect upon the sincerity of your faith, and the attachment your grand-mother Lois first show'd, and then your mother Eunice, examples which I am persuaded you will follow.

¹⁰ As for me, you are perfectly acquainted with my doctrine, my conduct, my designs, my temper, my benevolence, my constancy,

¹⁹ Wherefore, my brethren, since by virtue of the blood of Jesus we have the liberty of entring into the holy of holies, ²⁰ by a new and living way which he has first open'd for us, thro' the veil, that is, thro' his flesh; ²¹ and having an high priest, who is established over the house of God, ²² let us draw near with sincerity, in full assurance of faith, having our consciences purified from guilt, and our bodies washed with pure water. ²³ Let us stedfastly maintain the hope which we have avow'd, since he is faithful that has promised: ²⁴ and let us animate one another to the mutual returns of love, and kind offices: not abandoning our assemblies, ²⁵ as some do; but encourage one another: even so much the more, as you see the day approaching. ²⁶ for if we wilfully apostatize, after having received the knowledge of the truth, it is as a sin for which there is no sacrifice appointed.

³² Call to remembrance the former times, in which after ye were illuminated, you were forc'd to struggle with sufferings, ³³ some of you being expos'd to publick obloquy and persecution: whilst others had their share of affliction in seeing such treatment. ³⁴ for you were passionately affected for those who were in bonds, and were pleas'd at the seizing of your goods, knowing that you have what is more excellent and lasting. ³⁵ don't therefore quit that resolution you have, which will be attended with so great a reward. ³⁶ for it is necessary you should persevere, that after having perform'd what God has commanded, you may receive what he has promised. ³⁷ only wait but a little while, and he that is to come, will come without delay. ³⁸ the just shall have life by trusting in me, but if he revolt, he will be the object of my displeasure. ³⁹ as for us, we are not such as desert to their own destruction; but such as persevere in the faith, to the saving of our souls.

⁴ by which we have receiv'd the most inestimable promises, that thereby you might become partakers of the divine perfections, after having escap'd from the corruption of a sensual world. ⁵ Do you on your part employ all your care in adding to your faith, fortitude: to fortitude, knowledge: ⁶ to knowledge, temperance: to temperance, patience: to patience, piety: ⁷ to piety, fraternal affection: and to fraternal affection, universal benevolence. ⁸ for if you are possess'd of these virtues and improve therein, they will prevent the knowledge you have of our Lord Jesus Christ from being useless to others, and unprofitable to yourselves. ⁹ but he that is destitute of them is blind or short-sighted, having forgot he was purified from his past sins.

¹⁷ Do you then, my dear brethren, being thus forewarn'd, take care not to be seduc'd by those prophane impostors, and so lose the reward of your constancy. ¹⁸ on the contrary, may you increase in the favour, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! to him be glory both now and for ever. AMEN.

²⁸ adhere to that, my dear children, that when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

⁴ greater joy I cannot have, than to hear that my children are attach'd to the truth.

³⁵ a good man out of the good treasure produces good things: and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, produces evil things.

¹⁷ and he said to him, why do you stile me good? there is but one that is good, that is God. but if you would enter into life, keep the commandments.

⁵⁰ There was likewise present a counsellor, named Joseph, a man of probity and justice, one who had never abetted the contrivances and proceedings of the Jews.

¹² and the people were much divided about him: for some said, he is a good man: others said, not at all; but he seduces the people.

³ wherefore, brethren, chuse out of your number seven persons of good reputation, full of the holy spirit and wisdom, who may have the management of this affair:

⁵ this proposition pleased the whole assembly: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the holy spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch.

⁸ Now Stephen full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

³¹ Then the churches in all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, were unmolested and establish'd, and by their religious conduct, and the assistance of the holy spirit, grew more extensive.

²¹ and as the divine assistance accompany'd them, a great number of persons believed and became converts.

¹⁶ and 'tis my endeavour to preserve a conscience free from reproach both with respect to God, and with respect to men.

⁷ now for a wicked man no one would willingly die; but for a benefactor some have readily offer'd to die.

¹⁵ nevertheless, brethren, I have writ to the Gentile part of you, and admonish'd you with the greater freedom by virtue of the commission that God has given me,

¹¹ and the Lord said unto him, arise, and go to the street called Straight, and enquire at the house of Judas, for one Saul of Tarsus: for he is there at prayer.

³⁰ which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Cesarea, and sent him away to Tarsus.

³⁹ Paul replied, I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of that famous city: and I beg you would give me leave to speak to the people: which being granted,

¹⁹ go and instruct all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost:

²⁰ some of them were of Cyprus and Cyrene, and upon their arrival at Antioch they address'd themselves to the Greeks, and preach'd to them the Lord Jesus.

²² Of this the church at Jerusalem being appriz'd, they order'd Barnabas to go to Antioch;

²⁷ About that time some prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch:

¹ Now there were several prophets and teachers in the church of Antioch, as Barnabas, Simeon surnam'd Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² as they were ministring to the Lord, and fasting, the holy spirit said to them, separate me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have destin'd them.

²³ and after they had by prayers and fastings establish'd Pastors for them in every church, they recommended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

²⁸ but Agrippa reply'd to Paul, you almost persuade me I shall be a christian!

¹⁷ 'tis for this end I have sent you Timothy, who is my dear disciple, and a faithful christian, who will inform you how I behave my self in every church where I teach the gospel of Christ.

¹⁸ for first, I hear, that when you come together in the church, you fall into parties; and I believe it is true of some of you.

¹² For as the body is one, tho' it has many members, and all the members of that one body, tho' many, are one body: so also is the body of Christ.

²³ when therefore the whole church is assembled, and all speak different languages, if such as are either unlearned, or are unbelievers should come in, will they not say you are all mad?

¹⁵ from whom the whole family in heaven and earth are denominated his children:

¹⁴ if you suffer indignities in the cause of Christ, you are happy: for the glorious spirit of God rests upon you.

¹⁶ but whoever suffers as a christian, let him not be asham'd, but rather give thanks to God upon that account.

²⁷ but as the unction which ye have received from him, abides in you, you don't need any instruction: being then fully instructed by his unction, which is true and not fallacious, adhere to what that has taught you.

¹⁸ I counsel thee to purchase of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayst be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayst be cloathed, and that the shame of thy nakedness may not appear; and an ointment for thine eyes to make you see clear.

³⁴ wherefore I shall send you prophets, and wise men, and Scribes; you will kill some, and crucify others, many will ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city.

¹⁷ "it shall come to pass in the last days (saith God) I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men dream dreams:

³² they being also prophets, they consolated and confirm'd the brethren by several discourses.

⁴ we staid seven days with the disciples we met there: who told Paul from the holy spirit, that he should not go to Jerusalem.

⁹ he was one of the seven deacons, and had four daughters all virgins, prophetesses.

²⁸ which God has placed in the church, first apostles, next prophets, then teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, assistants, governours, interpreters of languages.

³² the prophetic gifts are to be subservient to the prophets.

¹¹ It is he then that made some, apostles: some, prophets: some, evangelists: and others, pastors, and teachers:

¹⁴ and this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, to testify to all nations, that the end will then come.

¹ At that time, Cesar Augustus published an edict, to make a register of the Roman empire.

¹ In the fifteenth year of the emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea; Herod tetrarch of Gallilee: Philip his brother tetrarch of Iturea and Trachonitis: and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene:

² where having found a Jew nam'd Aquila, a native of Pontus, who lately came from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had order'd all the Jews to quit Rome; he went to them:

¹⁰ after we had been there several days, a prophet arriv'd from Judea, one Agabus, who made us a visit.

²⁹ therefore don't be concern'd about what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; but lay aside all your anxiety: ³⁰ for it is enough that the Gentiles are so concern'd about these things: as for you, your father is acquainted with all your wants. ³¹ therefore do you rather seek the kingdom of God, and then all your necessities will be fully supply'd. ³² fear not, ye little flock, for it is your father's good pleasure to grant you the kingdom. ³³ sell your possessions and give alms. lay up for yourselves a stock not subject to decay, a treasure in the heavens that will never fail, where no thief can approach, nor moth can spoil.

⁴⁴ All that believed were united together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ so that they sold their possessions and goods, and distributed the money to every one as his occasions required.

³⁴ for there was no poor among them, because as many as bad lands or houses, sold them, and brought the value,

²⁶ where they resided a whole year with that church, and instructed abundance of disciples, and these disciples were the first that were denominated Christians.

²⁵ but now I am going to Jerusalem, to distribute charity to the converts. ²⁶ for those of Macedonia and Achaia, have thought fit to make a contribution for the poor converts at Jerusalem. ²⁷ they have thought fit, I say, and they owed them as much. for if the Gentiles have participated of their spirituals, they are bound on their side to minister to them in their temporals.

⁵ is not self-interested, is not easily provoked, nor suspects any ill;

¹ Now as to the collection for the converts at Jerusalem, do as I have directed for the churches of Galatia. ² every sabbath-day let every one of you set apart something of what he has happily gain'd, for the common treasury, that there may be no collection when I come.

² who tho' labouring under great trial of affliction, and extreme poverty, have notwithstanding with exceeding cheerfulness contributed very liberally: being forward of themselves to the utmost of their power, ³ (I bear them witness) yea, and beyond their power: ⁴ earnestly intreating me to take the gift, and the charge of conveying it to the converts at Jerusalem:

¹² for what a man gives with a ready mind, according to his abilities, is well received; but not when he goes beyond his circumstances. ¹³ my meaning is not, that you should be distress'd to relieve others, I only recommend an equality; ¹⁴ that as your present sufficiency supplies their wants, their sufficiency may supply your occasions another way: and thus there will be an equality.

¹ As to the relief of the converts, it is superfluous for me to write to you. ² for I know your generous propensity, and I mention'd it with applause to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; so that your zeal has influenc'd many others.

¹⁰ only they recommended to us to get collections for the poor in Judea: which I was very careful to do.

⁵ let your morals be free from avarice, being contented with what you have: for he hath said, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." ⁶ so that we may boldly say, " the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."

⁹ be mutually hospitable, without repining. ¹⁰ as good economists of the different dispensations of God, communicate to one another the gifts you have receiv'd. ¹¹ let a speaker deliver nothing but what is agreeable to the divine oracles: and let him that attends the poor, be active in proportion to the strength God has given him. amen.

²⁵ and Saul had executed their commission, they return'd to Jerusalem, and took with them John who was surnam'd Mark.

⁴ and being arrived at Jerusalem, they were receiv'd by the church, by the apostles, and presbyters, to whom they related all that God had done by them.

⁶ The apostles therefore, and the presbyters assembled to deliberate upon this affair.

²³ whom they charg'd with this letter. The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren, to the Gentile brethren at Antioch, in Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting.

⁴ as they pass'd through the cities, they recommended it to the faithful to observe the decisions, made by the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem.

¹⁷ At Miletus he sent a message to the pastors of the church at Ephesus, to come to him:

¹⁸ the next day Paul went with us to James, where all the pastors assembled.

³ and when I come, I shall send such as you shall approve of, who will convey letters, and your kind present to Jerusalem. ⁴ and if it be so considerable as to induce me to go, they shall accompany me.

¹⁷ for he not only complyed with my exhortation, but being more than ordinarily concern'd, he voluntarily went to you; ¹⁸ with whom I have sent one of the brethren, who is not only distinguish'd among all the churches, by his preaching the gospel, ¹⁹ but was chosen by the churches to accompany me with this collection; which service I undertook for the sake of Christ, and to encourage your generous design. ²⁰ this I did, to prevent any suspicion that might be rais'd from my having the management of so great a sum: ²¹ always considering what is virtuous, with respect to God, and with respect to men.

¹⁷ Let the presbyters that govern well receive a double salary, especially those who are employ'd in preaching and instructing.

¹⁹ don't receive any accusation against a pastor, but upon the deposition of two or three witnesses.

⁵ I left you in Crete, to regulate what was amiss, and to ordain pastors in every city, as I had appointed you,

¹⁴ Is any of you sick? let him send for the pastors of the church, to pray for him, and after giving him the unction, in the name of the Lord,

¹ I address myself to you pastors, as being a pastor myself, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and as one who is to partake of the glory, that shall hereafter be made manifest;

¹ The PRESBYTER to the lady ECLECTA and her children, whom I sincerely love, and not only I, but all true christians, ² in consideration of the true doctrine, we all profess, and in which we shall for ever persevere. ³ Grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ the son of the father, in consequence of your sincere piety, and social virtue. ⁴ It was a great satisfaction to me, to see the conduct of your children, was so agreeable to the directions, we received from the father. ⁵ and now, my lady, I beg our love may be mutual, since what I write, is no new prescription, but what was originally enjoin'd. ⁶ now love consists in the practice of the divine precepts. this is the precept you have originally receiv'd, as the rule of your conduct. ⁷ For there are many impostors started up in the world, who will not own that Jesus Christ was incarnate. such a one is an impostor and an anti-christ. ⁸ be upon your guard, that we may not lose the fruit of our labours, but that we may receive our full reward. ⁹ no renegado that deserts the doctrine of Christ, has any interest in the deity: he that adheres to the doctrine of Christ, has an interest both in the father, and in the son. ¹⁰ whoever comes to you unaccompanied with this doctrine, don't admit him to your house, nor treat him with the common term of civility. ¹¹ for he who shows that respect to such a man, is accessary to his wicked actions. ¹² I had many things to write to you, but I don't think it proper to commit them to paper and ink, because I hope to make you a visit, and deliver them by word of mouth; that so our joy may be compleat. ¹³ The children of your sister ECLECTA salute you. AMEN.

¹ The PRESBYTER to my dear Gaius, whom I truly love. ² I wish, my beloved, you may be as prosperous with regard to your health and other circumstances, as in what concerns your soul. ³ For I was greatly pleased when the brethren came and assured me of your fidelity and religious conduct. ⁴ greater joy I cannot have, than to hear that my children are attach'd to the truth. ⁵ My dear child, whatever you do in behalf of the brethren, and of those who are strangers, is commendable. ⁶ they have made a publick declaration of your charity, and you will do well to accompany them in the most effectual manner. ⁷ for they set out upon account of the gospel, and refus'd to take any thing of the Gentiles. ⁸ it behoves us to give a kind reception to such, that we may be assistant in promoting the truth. ⁹ I have writ to the church: but Diotrephes, who affects the superiority, has no regard to our representations. ¹⁰ for which reason, when I come, I shall animadvert upon his conduct, and the malicious aspersions he casts upon us: not contented with this, he will neither receive the brethren himself, nor suffer those who are better inclin'd, to do it; but drives them out of the church. ¹¹ my beloved, don't imitate vice, but virtue. he that does good, is a child of God: he that does evil, is not acquainted with God. ¹² Demetrius has the applauses of all men, and the testimony of his own virtue: we likewise certify in his behalf, and you know that our testimonial deserves credit. ¹³ I have many things to write, which I don't think fit to commit to paper and ink: ¹⁴ hoping I shall shortly see you, and then communicate them in person.