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The Acts of the Apostles




     

The Acts of the Apostles [Ma'aseh Shlichim]

Chapter 1

1 The former treatise I made, O Theophilus, concerning all Yahushua [not: Jesus] began both to do and to teach,

2 until the day in which He was received up, after He gave commandment through Yahweh's Spirit to the apostles He chose.

3 To whom He also showed Himself alive after His passion by many proofs, appearing to them by the space of forty days, and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of Yahweh.

4 Being assembled together with them, He charged them to not depart from Yerusalem, but to wait for the promise [Spirit] of the Father. He said: You heard from Me,

5 Yahchanan indeed immersed with water, but you will be immersed in Yahweh's Spirit not many days from now.

6 Therefore, when they were come together, they asked Him, saying: Master, do you at this time restore the kingdom to Yisrayah [Israel]?

7 He said to them: It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father set within His own authority.

8 You will receive power when Yahweh's Spirit is come upon you. You will be my witnesses both in Yerusalem, and in all Yahudah [Judah, Judaea] and Samaria, and to the uttermost part of the earth.

9 After He said these things, as they were looking, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.

10 While they were looking stedfastly into heaven as He went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,

11 who also said: You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Yahushua, who was received up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him going into heaven.

12 Then they returned to Yerusalem from the mount called Olivet [Olives], which is near to Yerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey off.

13 When they came in, they went up into the upper chamber, where they were abiding: Kepha [Peter], Yahchanan [John], Yaaqob [James], Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, Yaaqob the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Jude [Judas] the son of Yaaqob.

14 With one accord these all continued stedfastly in prayer, with the women, Miriam [Mary] the mother of Yahushua, and with his brothers.

15 In these days Kepha stood up in the midst of the brothers, and said (there was a multitude of persons gathered together, about a hundred and twenty):

16 Brothers, it was needful that the Scripture should be fulfilled, which Yahweh's Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas Iscariot, who was guide to those who took Yahushua.

17 For He was numbered among us, and received His portion in this ministry.

18 (Now this man obtained a field with the reward of his iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst apart in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 It became known to all the dwellers at Yerusalem, insomuch that in their language that field was called Akeldama (that is; The field of blood).)

20 It is written in the book of Psalms: Let his habitation be made desolate, and let no man dwell there. And: His office let another take.

21 Of the men therefore who have companied with us all the time the Master Yahushua went in and went out among us,

22 beginning from the immersion [baptism] of Yahchanan [John], to the day He was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of His resurrection.

23 They put forward two, Yahusef [Joseph] called Barsabbas (who was surnamed Justus), and Matthias.

24 They prayed, and said: Yahweh, you know the hearts of all men.

25 Show of these two the one you choose to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.

26 They gave lots for them. The lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Chapter 2

1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

2 Suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 There appeared to them tongues coming apart, like as of fire, and it sat upon each one of them.

4 They were all filled with Yahweh's Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues [languages], as the Spirit gave them utterance.

5 Now there were Yahudim [Jews] dwelling at Yerusalem, devout men, from every nation under heaven.

6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because every man heard them speaking in his own language.

7 They were all amazed, and marvelled, saying: Behold, are all these who speak not Galilaeans?

8 How do we hear every man in our own language where we were born?

9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, the dwellers in Mesopotamia, in Yahudah, Cappadocia, in Pontus, Asia,

10 in Phrygia, Pamphylia, in Egypt, the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners from Rome, both Yahudim, proselytes,

11 Cretans, and Arabians, we hear them speaking the mighty works of Yahweh in our tongues.

12 They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another: What does this mean?

13 But mocking, others said: They are filled with new wine.

14 Kepha, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke forth to them, saying: You men of Yahudah, and all you who dwell at Yerusalem, be this known to you, and give ear to my words.

15 These are not drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

16 This is what was spoken through the prophet Yahyl:

17 It will be in the last days; says Yahweh; I will pour forth of my Spirit upon all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

18 Yea, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days I will pour forth of my Spirit, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the heaven above, and signs on the earth beneath: Blood, fire, and vapor of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of Yahweh come (that great and notable day!).

21 It will be whosoever calls on the Name of Yahweh will be saved [Joel 2:28-32, Acts 4:12].

22 You men of Yisrayah, hear these words: Yahushua of Nazareth was approved to you of Yahweh by mighty works, wonders, and signs which Yahweh did by Him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know.

23 Being delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of Yahweh, you by the hand of lawless men did impale and kill Him.

24 Yahweh raised Him up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible that He should be held of it.

25 David said concerning Him: I saw Yahweh always before my face. He is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope,

27 because you will not leave my soul to Hades, nor will you give your Holy One to see corruption [Psalm 16:8-10].

28 You made the ways of life known to me, you will make me full of gladness with your countenance.

29 Brothers, I may say to you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30 Being a prophet (and knowing that Yahweh swore with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins He would set One upon his throne),

31 foreseeing this he spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that He was not left to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption.

32 This Yahushua Yahweh did raise up, of which we all are witnesses.

33 Being exalted by the right hand of Yahweh, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured forth this, which you see and hear.

34 David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: Yahweh said to my Master; Sit on my right hand,

35 till I make your enemies the footstool of your feet [Psalm 110:1].

36 Let all the house of Yisrayah know assuredly, Yahweh made Him both King and Messiah, this Yahushua whom you impaled.

37 When they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Kepha and the rest of the apostles: brothers, what will we do?

38 Kepha said to them: Repent! Be immersed every one of you in the Name of the Master Yahweh, [and] Yahushua the Messiah to the remission of your sins, and you will receive the gift of Yahweh's Spirit.

39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as Yahweh our Father calls to Him.

40 And he testified with many other words, and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this crooked generation.

41 Then those who received his word were immersed, and there were added to them in that day about three thousand souls.

42 They continued stedfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers.

43 Fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

44 All who believed were together, and had all things common.

45 They sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, according as any man had need.

46 Day by day, continuing stedfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 praising Yahweh, and having favor with all the people. Yahweh added to them day by day those who were saved.

Chapter 3

1 Now Kepha and Yahchanan were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.

2 A certain man who was lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of those who entered into the temple.

3 Seeing Kepha and Yahchanan about to go into the temple, he asked to receive an alm.

4 Kepha, fastening his eyes upon him, with Yahchanan, said: Look on us.

5 He gave heed to them, expecting to receive something from them.

6 Kepha said: Silver and gold I have none. What I have, I give that to you. In the Name of Yahushua the Messiah of Nazareth, walk.

7 He took him by the right hand, raised him up, and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength.

8 Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising Yahweh.

9 All the people saw him walking and praising Yahweh.

10 They took knowledge of him, that it was he who sat for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the Temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him.

11 As he held Kepha and Yahchanan, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12 When Kepha saw it, he answered to the people: You men of Yisrayah [Israel], why marvel at this man? Or why fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or righteousness we made him to walk?

13 The Father of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Yaacob [Jacob], the Father of our fathers, glorified His Servant Yahushua (whom you delivered up, and denied before the face of Pilate, when he had determined to release Him).

14 You denied the Holy and Righteous One, asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

15 and you killed the Prince of life (whom Yahweh raised from the dead, we are witnesses).

16 By faith in His Name has His Name made this man strong, whom you behold and know. Yea, the faith which is through Him gave him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

17 Now, brothers, I know you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers.

18 The things Yahweh foreshowed by the mouth of all the prophets, that His Messiah should suffer, He thus fulfilled.

19 Repent therefore, and turn, that your sins may be blotted out. So there may come seasons of refreshing from the presence of Yahweh,

20 that He may send the Messiah who is appointed for you, even Yahushua,

21 whom the heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which Yahweh spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets that were from of old.

22 Moshe indeed said: Father Yahweh will raise up to you a prophet like me from among your brothers. To Him you will hearken in all things whatsoever He will speak to you [Deuteronomy 18:15, Daniel 9:25].

23 It will be, every soul who will not hearken to that prophet, will be utterly destroyed from among the people.

24 Yea and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as spoke, they also told of these days.

25 You are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant Yahweh made with your fathers, saying to Abraham: In your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.

26 Having raised up His Servant, Yahweh sent Him to bless you first, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.

Chapter 4

1 As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them

2 (being sore troubled because they taught the people, and proclaimed in Yahushua the resurrection from the dead).

3 They laid hands on them, and put them in ward till the next day, for it was now evening.

4 Many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.

5 It came to pass the next day that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Yerusalem.

6 Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, Yochanan, Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest.

7 When they had set them in the middle, they inquired: By what power, or in what name, did you do this?

8 Filled with Yahweh's Spirit, Kepha said to them: You rulers of the people, and elders,

9 today we are examined concerning a good deed done to an impotent man, by what means this man is made whole.

10 Be it known to you all, and to all the people of Yisrayah, that in the name of Yahushua the Messiah of Nazareth (whom you impaled, whom Yahweh raised from the dead), even in Him does this man stand here before you whole.

11 He is the stone which was set at nought of you the builders, which was made the head of the corner [Psalm 118:22].

12 In no other is there salvation. There is no other Name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we can be saved. [Yahshua is a word-contraction meaning: YHWH-saves. Or: YHWH-is-salvation. Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21].

13 When they saw the boldness of Kepha and Yahchanan, and perceived they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled, and they took knowledge of them, that they were with Yahushua.

14 Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 When they commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying:

16 What will we do to these men? For indeed, that a notable miracle is wrought through them is manifest to all who dwell in Yerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us threaten them, that they speak to no man in this Name anymore.

18 They called them, and charged them to not speak at all nor teach in the Name of Yahushua.

19 Kepha and Yahchanan answered, and said to them: Whether it is right in the sight of Yahweh to hearken to you rather than to Yahweh, you judge.

20 We cannot but speak the things we saw and heard.

21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people. For all men glorified Yahweh for what was done.

22 The man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought.

23 Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders said to them.

24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to Yahweh with one accord, and said: O Master, you did make the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them.

25 By your Spirit, and by the mouth of our father David your servant, you said: Why do the Gentiles rage, and the peoples imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth set themselves in array, the rulers were gathered together against Yahweh, and against His Anointed.

27 Of a truth in this city against your holy Servant Yahushua, whom you did anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Yisrayah, were gathered together,

28 to do whatsoever your hand and your council foreordained to come to pass.

29 And now, Yahweh, look upon their threatenings. Grant to your servants to speak your Word with all boldness,

30 while you stretch forth your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the Name of your holy servant Yahushua.

31 When they prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with Yahweh's Spirit, and they spoke the word of Yahweh with boldness.

32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them said any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things common.

33 With great power the apostles gave their witness of the resurrection of the Master Yahushua, and great grace was upon them all.

34 For there was among them none who lacked. As many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.

36 Yahusef, who was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted: Son of exhortation) by the apostles, a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race,

37 having a field, sold it, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Chapter 5

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 and kept back part of the price (his wife also knowing it), brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 Kepha said: Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart to lie to Yahweh's Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 While it remained, did it not remain your own? After it was sold, was it not in your power? How is it that you conceived this thing in your heart? You did not lie to men, but to Yahweh.

5 Ananias heard these words, fell down, and gave up the spirit. Great fear came upon all who heard it.

6 The young men arose, wrapped him round, carried him out, and buried him.

7 It was about the space of three hours after, when his wife came in, not knowing what was done.

8 Kepha answered to her: Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. She said: Yea, for so much.

9 Kepha said to her: How is it that you agreed together to try the Spirit of Yahweh? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.

10 She fell down immediately at his feet, and gave up the spirit. The young men came in, found her dead, carried her out, and buried her by her husband.

11 Great fear came upon the whole assembly, and upon all who heard these things.

12 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were wrought among the people, and they were all in Solomon's porch with one accord.

13 But of the rest no man dared join himself to them, however the people magnified them.

14 Believers were the more added to the Master, multitudes both of men and women,

15 insomuch that they even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that, as Kepha came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some one of them.

16 There also came together the multitudes from the cities round about Yerusalem, bringing sick folk, and those who were vexed with unclean spirits, and they were healed every one.

17 The high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees).

18 They were filled with jealousy, laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public ward.

19 But a malak [servant] of Yahweh opened the prison doors by night, brought them out, and said:

20 Go, stand, and speak all the words of Life to the people in the temple.

21 When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. The high priest came (and those who were with him), called the council together, with all the senate of the children of Yisrayah, and sent to the prison-house to have them brought.

22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison. They returned, and told, saying:

23 The prison-house we found shut in all safety, and the keepers standing at the doors. But when we opened, we found no man within.

24 Now when the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were much perplexed concerning them and how this would grow.

25 Then one came and told them: Behold, the men whom you put in the prison are standing in the temple, teaching the people.

26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them (but without violence, for they feared the people, unless they would be stoned).

27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest asked them, saying:

28 We strictly charged you to not teach in this Name. Behold, you have filled Yerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

29 Kepha and the apostles answered, and said: We must obey Yahweh rather than men.

30 The Father of our fathers raised up Yahushua, whom you killed, hanging Him on a tree.

31 With His right hand Yahweh exalted Him to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Yisrayah, and remission of sins.

32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is Yahweh's Spirit, whom Yahweh gives to those who obey Him.

33 When they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and minded to kill them.

34 But there stood up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in honor of all the people, and commanded to put the men forth a little while.

35 He said to them: You men of Yisrayah, take heed to yourselves as touching these men, what you are about to do.

36 For before these days rose up Theudas, giving himself out to be somebody (to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves), who was killed. All were dispersed, and as many as obeyed him came to nothing.

37 After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some of the people after him. He also perished. All, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad.

38 And now I say to you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown.

39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them, unless maybe you are found even to be fighting against God.

40 To him they agreed. They called the apostles to them, beat them, charged them to not speak in the Name of Yahushua, and let them go.

41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.

42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they did not cease to teach and to preach Yahushua as the Messiah.

Chapter 6

1 Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a murmuring of the Greek Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 The twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said: It is not fit that we should leave the Word of Yahweh, and serve tables.

3 Look you out therefore, brothers, from among you seven men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 We will continue stedfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the Word.

5 The saying pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen (a man full of faith and of Yahweh's Spirit), Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus (a proselyte of Antioch),

6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands upon them.

7 The Word of Yahweh increased, and the number of the disciples in Yerusalem multiplied exceedingly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen, full of grace and power, wrought great wonders and signs among the people.

9 But there arose certain of those who were of the synagogue called the synagogue of the Libertines, and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 They were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they subordinated men, who said: We heard him speak blasphemous words against Moshe, and against Yahweh.

12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, came upon him, seized him, brought him into the council,

13 and set up false witnesses who said: This man does not cease to speak words against this holy place, and the Law.

14 We heard him say: Yahushua of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moshe delivered to us.

15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face as it was the face of a god.

Chapter 7

1 The high priest said: Are these things so?

2 He said: brothers and fathers, hearken. Yahweh of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran,

3 and said to him: Get out of your land, from your kindred, and come into the land which I will show you.

4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Haran. From there, when his father was dead, Yahweh removed him into this land, where you now dwell.

5 He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. He promised He would give it to him in possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child.

6 Yahweh spoke on this way: His seed should sojourn in a strange land four hundred years, they should bring them into bondage, and treat them ill.

7 The nation to which they will be in bondage I will judge: said Yahweh. After that they will come forth, and serve Me in this place.

8 He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham begat Isaac (and circumcised him the eighth day), Isaac begat Yaacob, and Yaacob the twelve patriarchs.

9 The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Yahusef, sold him into Egypt.

10 Yahweh was with him, delivered him out of all his afflictions, gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11 Now there came a famine over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no sustenance.

12 When Yaacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.

13 At the second time Yahusef was made known to his brothers, and Yahusef's race became known to Pharaoh.

14 Yahusef sent, and called to him Yaacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

15 Yaacob went down into Egypt. He died, himself and our fathers,

16 and they were carried over to Shechem, and laid in the tomb Abraham bought for a price in silver of the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

17 As the time of the promise drew near which Yahweh promised to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18 till there arose another king over Egypt, who did not know Yahusef.

19 The same dealt craftily with our race, and ill-treated our fathers, that they should cast out their babes to the end they might not live.

20 At which season Moshe was born, and was exceeding fair, and he was nourished three months in his father's house.

21 When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22 Moshe was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and works.

23 When he was near forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers the children of Yisrayah.

24 Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him who was oppressed, smiting the Egyptian.

25 He supposed his brothers understood that Yahweh was giving them deliverance by his hand, but they did not understand.

26 The day following he appeared to them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying: Sirs, you are brothers, why do you wrong one to another?

27 But he who did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying: Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?

28 Would you kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?

29 Moshe fled at this saying, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons.

30 When forty years were fulfilled, a malak of Yahweh appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

31 When Moshe saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he drew near to behold, there came the voice of Yahweh:

32 I am the Father of your fathers, the Father of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Yaacob. Moshe trembled, and dared not look.

33 Yahweh said to him: Loose the shoes from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.

34 I surely see the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and hear their groaning. I am come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.

35 This Moshe whom they refused (saying: Who made you a ruler and a judge?), Yahweh sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the hand of the malak who appeared to him in the bush.

36 This man led them forth, having wrought wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37 This is that Moshe, who said to the children of Yisrayah: Yahweh your Father will raise up a prophet to you from among your brothers, like to me.

38 This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the malak who spoke to him in the Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living oracles to give to us.

39 Our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and turned back to Egypt in their hearts, saying to Aaron:

40 Make us a god that will go before us. As for this Moshe, who led us forth out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what is become of him.

41 They made a calf in those days, brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands.

42 Yahweh gave them up to serve the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: Did you offer to me dead beasts and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Yisrayah?

43 You took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of the god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship them. I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, even as He appointed who spoke to Moshe, that he should make it according to the figure that he saw.

45 Which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Yahushua when they entered on the possession of the nations, that Yahweh thrust out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David

46 (who found favor in the sight of Yahweh, and asked to find a habitation for the Father of Yaacob).

47 But Solomon built Him a house.

48 However the Most High does not dwell in houses made with hands. As said the prophet:

49 The heaven is my throne, and the earth the footstool of my feet. What manner of house will you build Me: says Yahweh? Or what is the place of my rest?

50 Did my hand not make all these things?

51 You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Spirit. As your fathers did, so you do.

52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They killed those who showed before of the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.

53 You received the law as it was ordained by malaks, and did not keep it.

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 Being full of the Spirit, he looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of Yahweh, with Yahushua standing on the right hand of Yahweh, and said:

56 Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing on the right hand of Yahweh.

57 They cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord.

58 They cast him out of the city and stoned him (the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul).

59 They stoned Stephen while he called upon the King, saying: Master Yahushua, receive my spirit.

60 He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice: Yahweh, do not lay this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he died.

Chapter 8

1 Saul was consenting to his death. There arose on that day a great persecution against the assembly which was in Yerusalem, and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Yahudah and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.

3 Saul [Paul] laid waste the assembly, entering into every house, and dragging men and women committed them to prison.

4 They therefore who were scattered abroad, went about preaching the Word.

5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Messiah.

6 The multitudes gave heed with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he did.

7 From many of those who had unclean spirits, they came out, crying with a loud voice. And many who were palsied, and who were lame, were healed.

8 There was much joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man, Simon by name [Simon Magus, Simon the Magician, Simon the Sorcerer, Simon Peter, founder of christianity], who beforetime used sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, giving out that he was some great one.

10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is that power of God which is called Great.

11 They gave heed to him because of that long time he had amazed them with his sorceries.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching good tidings concerning the kingdom of Yahweh and the Name of Yahushua the Messiah, they were immersed, both men and women.

13 Simon himself also believed. Being immersed, he continued with Philip, and seeing signs and great miracles wrought, he was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Yerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of Yahweh, they sent to them Kepha and Yahchanan,

15 who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive Yahweh's Spirit.

16 As yet it was fallen upon none of them, only those who had been immersed into the Name of the Master Yahushua.

17 They laid their hands on them, and they received the Spirit.

18 Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying:

19 Give me this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Spirit.

20 Kepha said to him: Your silver perishes with you, because you thought to obtain the gift of Yahweh with money.

21 You have no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before Yahweh.

22 Repent of this your wickedness, and pray to Yahweh, if perhaps the thought of your heart will be forgiven you.

23 I regard you as a man whose influence will be like that of bitter poison, and a fetter of unrighteousness.

24 Simon answered, and said: Pray for me to God, that none of the things you said come upon me.

25 When they had testified and spoken the Word of Yahweh, they preached the evangel to many villages of the Samaritans, and returned to Yerusalem.

26 A malak [messenger] of Yahweh spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, go toward the south to the way that goes down from Yerusalem to Gaza (the same is desert).

27 He arose, and went. Behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Yerusalem to worship.

28 He was returning, sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Yermeyah.

29 The Spirit said to Philip: Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.

30 Philip ran to him, heard him reading Yermeyah the prophet, and said: Do you understand what you read?

31 He said: How can I, except someone guides me? He asked Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before his shearer is dumb, so He did not open His mouth.

33 In His humiliation His judgment was taken away. His generation who will declare? His life is taken from the earth.

34 The eunuch answered Philip, and said: I pray you, of whom does the prophet speak this? Of himself, or of some other?

35 Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached Yahushua to him.

36 As they went on the way, they came to a certain water, and the eunuch said: Behold, here is water. What hinders me to be immersed?

37 Philip said: If you believe with all your heart, you may. And he answered, and said: I believe Yahushua the Messiah is the Son of Yahweh.

38 He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he immersed him.

39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of Yahweh caught away Philip. The eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing.

40 Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through he preached the good news to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Chapter 9

32 It came to pass, as Kepha went throughout all parts, he came down to the saints who dwelt at Lydda.

33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been in his bed eight years, for he was palsied.

34 Kepha said to him: Aeneas, Yahushua the Messiah heals you. Arise, and make your bed. Straightaway he arose.

35 All who dwelt at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the King.

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha (which by interpretation is called: the gazelle). This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

37 It came to pass in those days that she fell sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber.

38 As Lydda was near to Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Kepha was there, sent two men to him, begging him: Do not delay to come on to us.

39 Kepha arose, and went with them. When he came, they brought him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which 'the gazelle' [Dorcas] made while she was with them.

40 Kepha put them all forth, kneeled down, and prayed. Turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. She opened her eyes, and when she saw Kepha, she sat up.

41 He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.

42 It became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Master.

43 It came to pass that he abode many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Chapter 10

1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

2 a devout man, one who feared Yahweh with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to Yahweh always.

3 He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, a malak of Yahweh coming in to him, and saying to him: Cornelius.

4 Fastening his eyes upon him, and being frightened, he said: What is it, Master? He said to him: Your prayers and your alms are gone up for a memorial before Yahweh.

5 Now send men to Joppa, and fetch one Simon, who is surnamed Kepha.

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

7 When the malak who spoke to him was departed, he called two of his household-servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually.

8 Having rehearsed all things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 Now the next day, as they were on their journey, and drew near to the city, Kepha went up upon the housetop to pray, about the sixth hour.

10 He became hungry, and desired to eat, but while they made ready, he fell into a trance.

11 He saw the heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet, let down by four corners upon the earth,

12 in which were all manner of fourfooted beasts, creeping things of the earth, and birds of the heaven.

13 There came a voice to him: Rise, Kepha, kill and eat.

14 Kepha said: Not so, Master, I have never eaten anything that is common and unclean.

15 A voice came to him again the second time: What Yahweh cleanses, do not make common.

16 This was done three times, and then the vessel was received up into heaven.

17 Kepha was much perplexed in himself what the vision he saw might mean. Behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, stood before the gate.

18 They called, and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Kepha, were lodging there.

19 While Kepha thought on the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold, three men seek you.

20 Arise, get down, and go with them, nothing doubting, for I sent them.

21 Kepha went down to the men, and said: Behold, I am he whom you seek. What is the reason why you are come?

22 They said: Cornelius a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears Yahweh, and well reported of by all the nation of the Yahudim, was warned of Yahweh by a malak to send for you into his house, and to hear words from you.

23 So he called them in and lodged them. The next day he arose and went forth with them, and certain of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

24 The next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his kinsmen and his near friends.

25 When it came to pass that Kepha entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Kepha raised him up, saying: Stand up. I myself am also a man.

27 As he talked with him, he went in, and found many come together.

28 He said to them: You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Yahudi to join himself or come to one of another nation. Yet to me Yahweh showed that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore I came when I was sent for, without gainsaying. I ask therefore with what intent you sent for me.

30 Cornelius said: Four days ago, until this hour, I was keeping the ninth hour of prayer in my house. Behold, a man stood before me in bright apparel, and said:

31 Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms are had in remembrance in the sight of Yahweh.

32 Send to Joppa, and call to you Simon, who is surnamed Kepha. He lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea side.

33 Forthwith therefore I sent to you, and you did well that you are come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of Yahweh, to hear all things that were commanded you of Yahweh.

34 Kepha opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth I perceive Yahweh is no respecter of persons.

35 In every nation he who fears Him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to Him.

36 The Word was sent to the children of Yisrayah, preaching good tidings of peace by Yahushua the Messiah (He is King of all).

37 That saying you yourselves know, which was published throughout all Yahudah, beginning from Galilee, after the immersion Yahchanan preached.

38 Yahweh anointed Yahushua of Nazareth with the Spirit and with power. He went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed of the devil, for Yahweh was with Him.

39 We are witnesses of all things He did both in the country of the Yahudim, and in Yerusalem. Him they killed, hanging Him on a tree.

40 Yahweh raised Him up [after] the third day, and gave Him to be made known,

41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before of Yahweh, even to us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.

42 He charged us to preach to the people, and to testify that this is He who is ordained of Yahweh to be the Judge of the living and the dead.

43 To Him all the prophets bear witness, that through His Name everyone who believes on Him will receive remission of sins.

44 While Kepha yet spoke these words, Yahweh's Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.

45 Those of the circumcision who believed were amazed (as many as came with Kepha), because on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Spirit.

46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify Yahweh. Then answered Kepha:

47 Can any man forbid the water, that these should not be immersed, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?

48 He commanded them to be immersed in the Name of Yahushua the Messiah. Then they prayed him to tarry certain days.

Chapter 11

1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were in Yahudah heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of Yahweh.

2 When Kepha was come up to Yerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him, saying:

3 You went in to men uncircumcised, and ate with them.

4 But Kepha began, and expounded the matter to them in order, saying:

5 I was in the city of Joppa praying. In a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners.

6 It came even to me, and when I had fastened my eyes, I considered, and saw the fourfooted beasts of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and birds of the heaven.

7 I heard a voice saying to me: Rise, Kepha, kill and eat.

8 But I said: Not so, Master, nothing common or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.

9 But a voice answered the second time out of heaven: What Yahweh cleanses, do not make common.

10 This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 Behold, forthwith three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Caesarea to me.

12 The Spirit asked me go with them, making no distinction. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house.

13 He told us how he saw the malak standing in his house, saying: Send to Joppa, and fetch Simon, whose surname is Kepha,

14 who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.

15 As I began to speak the Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.

16 I remembered the word of the Master, how He said: Yahchanan indeed immersed with water, but you will be immersed in the Spirit.

17 If then Yahweh gave to them the gift, like as He did also to us when we believed on the Master Yahushua the Messiah, who am I that I could withstand Yahweh?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified Yahweh, saying: To the Gentiles also Yahweh has granted repentance to life.

19 Those who were scattered abroad after the tribulation that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none save only to Yahudim.

20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they were come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks also, preaching the Master Yahushua.

21 The hand of Yahweh was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Master.

22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Yerusalem. They sent forth Barnabas as far as Antioch,

23 who was glad when he came and saw the grace of Yahweh. He exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave to the Master.

24 He was a good man, full of Yahweh's Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Master.

25 He went forth to Tarsus to seek for Saul.

26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. It came to pass, that even for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Messianics in Antioch.

27 Now in these days there came down prophets from Yerusalem to Antioch.

28 There stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great famine over all the world, which came to pass in the days of Claudius.

29 The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who dwelt in Yahudah.

30 Which they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Chapter 12

1 Now about that time Herod the king put forth his hands to afflict certain of the assembly.

2 He killed Yaaqobah [James] the brother of Yahchanan with the sword.

3 When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to seize Kepha also. Those were the days of unleavened bread.

4 He took him, put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him forth to the people.

5 Kepha therefore was kept in the prison, but prayer was made earnestly of the assembly to Yahweh for him.

6 When Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Kepha was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards before the door kept the prison.

7 Behold, a malak of Yahweh stood by him, and a light shined in the cell. He smote Kepha on the side, and awoke him, saying: Rise up quickly. His chains fell off from his hands.

8 The malak said to him: Clothe yourself, and bind on your sandals. He did so. He said to him: Cast your garment about you, and follow me.

9 He went out, and followed. He did not know that it was true which was done by the malak, but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city. It opened to them of its own accord. They went out, passed on through one street, and straightaway the malak departed from him.

11 When Kepha came to himself, he said: Now I know of a truth, Yahweh sent forth His malak and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Yahudim.

12 When he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Miriam the mother of Yahchanan whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying.

13 When he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.

14 When she knew Kepha's voice, for joy she did not open the gate, but ran in, and told that Kepha stood before the gate.

15 They said to her: You are mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. They said: It is his malak.

16 Kepha continued knocking, and when they opened, they saw him, and were amazed.

17 Beckoning to them with the hand to hold their peace, he declared to them how Yahweh brought him forth out of the prison. He said: Tell these things to James, and to the brothers. He departed, and went to another place.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Kepha.

19 Herod searched for him, and did not find him. He examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. He went down from Yahudah to Caesarea, and tarried there.

20 Now he was highly displeased with those of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's country.

21 Upon a set day Herod arrayed himself in royal apparel, sat on the throne, and made an oration to them.

22 The people shouted, saying: The voice of a god, not of a man.

23 Immediately a malak of Yahweh smote him, because he did not give Yahweh the glory. He was eaten of worms, and gave up the spirit.

24 But the Word of Yahweh grew and multiplied.








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