^12:1Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead. ^12:2So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. ^12:3Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. ^12:4Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples, who would betray him, said, ^12:5“Why wasn’t this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?” ^12:6Now he said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it. ^12:7But Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of my burial. ^12:8For you always have the poor with you, but you don’t always have me.” ^12:9A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that he was there, and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead. ^12:10But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also, ^12:11because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. ^12:12On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, ^12:13they took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet him, and cried out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” ^12:14Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, ^12:15“Don’t be afraid, daughter of Zion. Behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s colt.” ^12:16His disciples didn’t understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. ^12:17The multitude therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised him from the dead, was testifying about it. ^12:18For this cause also the multitude went and met him, because they heard that he had done this sign. ^12:19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after him.” ^12:20Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast. ^12:21These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” ^12:22Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip, and they told Jesus. ^12:23Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. ^12:24Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. ^12:25He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. ^12:26If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. ^12:27“Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time?’ But for this cause I came to this time. ^12:28Father, glorify your name!” Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, “I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.” ^12:29The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” ^12:30Jesus answered, “This voice hasn’t come for my sake, but for your sakes. ^12:31Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. ^12:32And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” ^12:33But he said this, signifying by what kind of death he should die. ^12:34The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever. How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?” ^12:35Jesus therefore said to them, “Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn’t overtake you. He who walks in the darkness doesn’t know where he is going. ^12:36While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.” Jesus said these things, and he departed and hid himself from them. ^12:37But though he had done so many signs before them, yet they didn’t believe in him, ^12:38that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” ^12:39For this cause they couldn’t believe, for Isaiah said again, ^12:40“He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.” ^12:41Isaiah said these things when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. ^12:42Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in him, but because of the Pharisees they didn’t confess it, so that they wouldn’t be put out of the synagogue, ^12:43for they loved men’s praise more than God’s praise. ^12:44Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in him who sent me. ^12:45He who sees me sees him who sent me. ^12:46I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness. ^12:47If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn’t believe, I don’t judge him. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. ^12:48He who rejects me, and doesn’t receive my sayings, has one who judges him. The word that I spoke, the same will judge him in the last day. ^12:49For I spoke not from myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. ^12:50I know that his commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Father has said to me, so I speak.”

^13:1Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that his time had come that he would depart from this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. ^13:2During supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray him, ^13:3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he came from God, and was going to God, ^13:4arose from supper, and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel, and wrapped a towel around his waist. ^13:5Then he poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. ^13:6Then he came to Simon Peter. He said to him, “Lord, do you wash my feet?” ^13:7Jesus answered him, “You don’t know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.” ^13:8Peter said to him, “You will never wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.” ^13:9Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!” ^13:10Jesus said to him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” ^13:11For he knew him who would betray him, therefore he said, “You are not all clean.” ^13:12So when he had washed their feet, put his outer garment back on, and sat down again, he said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? ^13:13You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord.’ You say so correctly, for so I am. ^13:14If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. ^13:15For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. ^13:16Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his lord, neither one who is sent greater than he who sent him. ^13:17If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. ^13:18I don’t speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’ ^13:19From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am he. ^13:20Most certainly I tell you, he who receives whomever I send, receives me; and he who receives me, receives him who sent me.” ^13:21When Jesus had said this, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, “Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me.” ^13:22The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom he spoke. ^13:23One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus’ breast. ^13:24Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.” ^13:25He, leaning back, as he was, on Jesus’ breast, asked him, “Lord, who is it?” ^13:26Jesus therefore answered, “It is he to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.” So when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. ^13:27After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” ^13:28Now no man at the table knew why he said this to him. ^13:29For some thought, because Judas had the money box, that Jesus said to him, “Buy what things we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. ^13:30Therefore having received that morsel, he went out immediately. It was night. ^13:31When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. ^13:32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him immediately. ^13:33Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you can’t come,’ so now I tell you. ^13:34A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also love one another. ^13:35By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ^13:36Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus answered, “Where I am going, you can’t follow now, but you will follow afterwards.” ^13:37Peter said to him, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” ^13:38Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won’t crow until you have denied me three times.

^14:1“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. ^14:2In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. ^14:3If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. ^14:4Where I go, you know, and you know the way.” ^14:5Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” ^14:6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. ^14:7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and have seen him.” ^14:8Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” ^14:9Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father. How do you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ ^14:10Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Father who lives in me does his works. ^14:11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me; or else believe me for the very works’ sake. ^14:12Most certainly I tell you, he who believes in me, the works that I do, he will do also; and he will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. ^14:13Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ^14:14If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it. ^14:15If you love me, keep my commandments. ^14:16I will pray to the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, that he may be with you forever,— ^14:17the Spirit of truth, whom the world can’t receive; for it doesn’t see him, neither knows him. You know him, for he lives with you, and will be in you. ^14:18I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you. ^14:19Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also. ^14:20In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. ^14:21One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him.” ^14:22Judas (not Iscariot) said to him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?” ^14:23Jesus answered him, “If a man loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our home with him. ^14:24He who doesn’t love me doesn’t keep my words. The word which you hear isn’t mine, but the Father’s who sent me. ^14:25I have said these things to you, while still living with you. ^14:26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you. ^14:27Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful. ^14:28You heard how I told you, ‘I go away, and I come to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I. ^14:29Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe. ^14:30I will no more speak much with you, for the prince of the world comes, and he has nothing in me. ^14:31But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

^15:1“I am the true vine, and my Father is the farmer. ^15:2Every branch in me that doesn’t bear fruit, he takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. ^15:3You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. ^15:4Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me. ^15:5I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. ^15:6If a man doesn’t remain in me, he is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ^15:7If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you. ^15:8“In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples. ^15:9Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love. ^15:10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and remain in his love. ^15:11I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full. ^15:12“This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you. ^15:13Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. ^15:14You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. ^15:15No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn’t know what his lord does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Father, I have made known to you. ^15:16You didn’t choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you. ^15:17“I command these things to you, that you may love one another. ^15:18If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. ^15:19If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. ^15:20Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. ^15:21But all these things will they do to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me. ^15:22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. ^15:23He who hates me, hates my Father also. ^15:24If I hadn’t done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn’t have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Father. ^15:25But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’ ^15:26“When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. ^15:27You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

^16:1“I have said these things to you so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble. ^16:2They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. ^16:3They will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. ^16:4But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you. ^16:5But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ ^16:6But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. ^16:7Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. ^16:8When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; ^16:9about sin, because they don’t believe in me; ^16:10about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; ^16:11about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged. ^16:12“I have yet many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. ^16:13However when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming. ^16:14He will glorify me, for he will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you. ^16:15All things whatever the Father has are mine; therefore I said that he takes of mine, and will declare it to you. ^16:16A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me.” ^16:17Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;’ and, ‘Because I go to the Father’?” ^16:18They said therefore, “What is this that he says, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what he is saying.” ^16:19Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, “Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?’ ^16:20Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy. ^16:21A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world. ^16:22Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. ^16:23“In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you. ^16:24Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full. ^16:25I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father. ^16:26In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you, ^16:27for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God. ^16:28I came from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” ^16:29His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you are speaking plainly, and using no figures of speech. ^16:30Now we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.” ^16:31Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? ^16:32Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. ^16:33I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

^17:1Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may also glorify you; ^17:2even as you gave him authority over all flesh, so he will give eternal life to all whom you have given him. ^17:3This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ. ^17:4I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do. ^17:5Now, Father, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed. ^17:6I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word. ^17:7Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you, ^17:8for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came from you, and they have believed that you sent me. ^17:9I pray for them. I don’t pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. ^17:10All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. ^17:11I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are. ^17:12While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled. ^17:13But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves. ^17:14I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. ^17:15I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one. ^17:16They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. ^17:17Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth. ^17:18As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world. ^17:19For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. ^17:20Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word, ^17:21that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me. ^17:22The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one; ^17:23I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me. ^17:24Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. ^17:25Righteous Father, the world hasn’t known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me. ^17:26I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

^18:1When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered. ^18:2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with his disciples. ^18:3Judas then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. ^18:4Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to him, went out, and said to them, “Who are you looking for?” ^18:5They answered him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am he.” Judas also, who betrayed him, was standing with them. ^18:6When therefore he said to them, “I am he,” they went backward, and fell to the ground. ^18:7Again therefore he asked them, “Who are you looking for?” They said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” ^18:8Jesus answered, “I told you that I am he. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,” ^18:9that the word might be fulfilled which he spoke, “Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none.” ^18:10Simon Peter therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. ^18:11Jesus therefore said to Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Father has given me, shall I not surely drink it?” ^18:12So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound him, ^18:13and led him to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priest that year. ^18:14Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one man should perish for the people. ^18:15Simon Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priest; ^18:16but Peter was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought in Peter. ^18:17Then the maid who kept the door said to Peter, “Are you also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” ^18:18Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself. ^18:19The high priest therefore asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching. ^18:20Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret. ^18:21Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said.” ^18:22When he had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with his hand, saying, “Do you answer the high priest like that?” ^18:23Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?” ^18:24Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest. ^18:25Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. They said therefore to him, “You aren’t also one of his disciples, are you?” He denied it, and said, “I am not.” ^18:26One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with him?” ^18:27Peter therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed. ^18:28They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn’t enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover. ^18:29Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” ^18:30They answered him, “If this man weren’t an evildoer, we wouldn’t have delivered him up to you.” ^18:31Pilate therefore said to them, “Take him yourselves, and judge him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,” ^18:32that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spoke, signifying by what kind of death he should die. ^18:33Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” ^18:34Jesus answered him, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?” ^18:35Pilate answered, “I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?” ^18:36Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn’t be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here.” ^18:37Pilate therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” ^18:38Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” When he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no basis for a charge against him. ^18:39But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” ^18:40Then they all shouted again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.

^19:1So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged him. ^19:2The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. ^19:3They kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they kept slapping him. ^19:4Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, “Behold, I bring him out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” ^19:5Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, “Behold, the man!” ^19:6When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw him, they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify!” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him.” ^19:7The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God.” ^19:8When therefore Pilate heard this saying, he was more afraid. ^19:9He entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. ^19:10Pilate therefore said to him, “Aren’t you speaking to me? Don’t you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?” ^19:11Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore he who delivered me to you has greater sin.” ^19:12At this, Pilate was seeking to release him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you release this man, you aren’t Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!” ^19:13When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement”, but in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.” ^19:14Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” ^19:15They cried out, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” ^19:16So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away. ^19:17He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull”, which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha”, ^19:18where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle. ^19:19Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, “JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” ^19:20Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek. ^19:21The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, “I am King of the Jews.”’” ^19:22Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” ^19:23Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. ^19:24Then they said to one another, “Let’s not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be,” that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, “They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. ^19:25But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. ^19:26Therefore when Jesus saw his mother, and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” ^19:27Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” From that hour, the disciple took her to his own home. ^19:28After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I am thirsty.” ^19:29Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at his mouth. ^19:30When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, “It is finished.” He bowed his head, and gave up his spirit. ^19:31Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn’t remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. ^19:32Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with him; ^19:33but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn’t break his legs. ^19:34However one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out. ^19:35He who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, that you may believe. ^19:36For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “A bone of him will not be broken.” ^19:37Again another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they pierced.” ^19:38After these things, Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that he might take away Jesus’ body. Pilate gave him permission. He came therefore and took away his body. ^19:39Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds. ^19:40So they took Jesus’ body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. ^19:41Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no man had ever yet been laid. ^19:42Then because of the Jews’ Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there.

^20:1Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb. ^20:2Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!” ^20:3Therefore Peter and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb. ^20:4They both ran together. The other disciple outran Peter, and came to the tomb first. ^20:5Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths lying, yet he didn’t enter in. ^20:6Then Simon Peter came, following him, and entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, ^20:7and the cloth that had been on his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself. ^20:8So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and he saw and believed. ^20:9For as yet they didn’t know the Scripture, that he must rise from the dead. ^20:10So the disciples went away again to their own homes. ^20:11But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb, ^20:12and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. ^20:13They told her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I don’t know where they have laid him.” ^20:14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn’t know that it was Jesus. ^20:15Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?” She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” ^20:16Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!” ^20:17Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” ^20:18Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her. ^20:19When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle, and said to them, “Peace be to you.” ^20:20When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Lord. ^20:21Jesus therefore said to them again, “Peace be to you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” ^20:22When he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit! ^20:23If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.” ^20:24But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn’t with them when Jesus came. ^20:25The other disciples therefore said to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe.” ^20:26After eight days again his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the middle, and said, “Peace be to you.” ^20:27Then he said to Thomas, “Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don’t be unbelieving, but believing.” ^20:28Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” ^20:29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.” ^20:30Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; ^20:31but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in his name.

^21:1After these things, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He revealed himself this way. ^21:2Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. ^21:3Simon Peter said to them, “I’m going fishing.” They told him, “We are also coming with you.” They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing. ^21:4But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus. ^21:5Jesus therefore said to them, “Children, have you anything to eat?” They answered him, “No.” ^21:6He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” They cast it therefore, and now they weren’t able to draw it in for the multitude of fish. ^21:7That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his coat around him (for he was naked), and threw himself into the sea. ^21:8But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish. ^21:9So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. ^21:10Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” ^21:11Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn’t torn. ^21:12Jesus said to them, “Come and eat breakfast.” None of the disciples dared inquire of him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. ^21:13Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. ^21:14This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead. ^21:15So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” ^21:16He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” ^21:17He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affection for me?” Peter was grieved because he asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said to him, “Lord, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. ^21:18Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don’t want to go.” ^21:19Now he said this, signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to him, “Follow me.” ^21:20Then Peter, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” ^21:21Peter seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” ^21:22Jesus said to him, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” ^21:23This saying therefore went out among the brothers, that this disciple wouldn’t die. Yet Jesus didn’t say to him that he wouldn’t die, but, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?” ^21:24This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that his witness is true. ^21:25There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.

Acts

^1:1The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, ^1:2until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. ^1:3To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God’s Kingdom. ^1:4Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. ^1:5For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” ^1:6Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?” ^1:7He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. ^1:8But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” ^1:9When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. ^1:10While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, ^1:11who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.” ^1:12Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. ^1:13When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. ^1:14All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. ^1:15In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, ^1:16“Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. ^1:17For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry. ^1:18Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. ^1:19It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ ^1:20For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell therein;’ and, ‘Let another take his office.’ ^1:21“Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, ^1:22beginning from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” ^1:23They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. ^1:24They prayed, and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen ^1:25to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.” ^1:26They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles.

^2:1Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. ^2:2Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. ^2:3Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. ^2:4They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. ^2:5Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky. ^2:6When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. ^2:7They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans? ^2:8How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? ^2:9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, ^2:10Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, ^2:11Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!” ^2:12They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” ^2:13Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.” ^2:14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. ^2:15For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. ^2:16But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: ^2:17‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. ^2:18Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. ^2:19I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke. ^2:20The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. ^2:21It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ ^2:22“Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him among you, even as you yourselves know, ^2:23him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; ^2:24whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. ^2:25For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. ^2:26Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope; ^2:27because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay. ^2:28You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ ^2:29“Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. ^2:30Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, ^2:31he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, and his flesh didn’t see decay. ^2:32This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. ^2:33Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. ^2:34For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand, ^2:35until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ ^2:36“Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” ^2:37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” ^2:38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ^2:39For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” ^2:40With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” ^2:41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. ^2:42They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. ^2:43Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ^2:44All who believed were together, and had all things in common. ^2:45They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. ^2:46Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, ^2:47praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

^3:1Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. ^3:2A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple. ^3:3Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. ^3:4Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, “Look at us.” ^3:5He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them. ^3:6But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” ^3:7He took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. ^3:8Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. ^3:9All the people saw him walking and praising God. ^3:10They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. ^3:11As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. ^3:12When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, “You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? ^3:13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. ^3:14But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, ^3:15and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses. ^3:16By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. ^3:17“Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers. ^3:18But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. ^3:19“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, ^3:20and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, ^3:21whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets. ^3:22For Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you. ^3:23It will be that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ ^3:24Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days. ^3:25You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘In your offspring will all the families of the earth be blessed.’ ^3:26God, having raised up his servant Jesus, sent him to you first to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your wickedness.”

^4:1As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, ^4:2being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. ^4:3They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening. ^4:4But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. ^4:5In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. ^4:6Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. ^4:7When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” ^4:8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, ^4:9if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, ^4:10be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole. ^4:11He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ ^4:12There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” ^4:13Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. ^4:14Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. ^4:15But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, ^4:16saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. ^4:17But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.” ^4:18They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. ^4:19But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, ^4:20for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” ^4:21When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. ^4:22For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old. ^4:23Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. ^4:24When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; ^4:25who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? ^4:26The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’ ^4:27“For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together ^4:28to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. ^4:29Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, ^4:30while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.” ^4:31When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. ^4:32The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. ^4:33With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. ^4:34For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, ^4:35and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. ^4:36Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, ^4:37having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

^5:1But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, ^5:2and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. ^5:3But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? ^5:4While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.” ^5:5Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. ^5:6The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him. ^5:7About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. ^5:8Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.” ^5:9But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” ^5:10She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. ^5:11Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things. ^5:12By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. ^5:13None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them. ^5:14More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. ^5:15They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them. ^5:16The multitude also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed. ^5:17But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, ^5:18and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. ^5:19But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, ^5:20“Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” ^5:21When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. ^5:22But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported, ^5:23“We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” ^5:24Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this. ^5:25One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” ^5:26Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them. ^5:27When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, ^5:28saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.” ^5:29But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. ^5:30The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. ^5:31God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. ^5:32We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” ^5:33But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were determined to kill them. ^5:34But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while. ^5:35He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. ^5:36For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. ^5:37After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. ^5:38Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. ^5:39But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!” ^5:40They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. ^5:41They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. ^5:42Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.

^6:1Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service. ^6:2The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables. ^6:3Therefore select from among you, brothers, seven men of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. ^6:4But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word.” ^6:5These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch; ^6:6whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. ^6:7The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. ^6:8Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. ^6:9But some of those who were of the synagogue called “The Libertines”, and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen. ^6:10They weren’t able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. ^6:11Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” ^6:12They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against him and seized him, and brought him in to the council, ^6:13and set up false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. ^6:14For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us.” ^6:15All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on him, saw his face like it was the face of an angel.

^7:1The high priest said, “Are these things so?” ^7:2He said, “Brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, ^7:3and said to him, ‘Get out of your land, and from your relatives, and come into a land which I will show you.’ ^7:4Then he came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and lived in Haran. From there, when his father was dead, God moved him into this land, where you are now living. ^7:5He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. He promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his offspring after him, when he still had no child. ^7:6God spoke in this way: that his offspring would live as aliens in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. ^7:7‘I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,’ said God, ‘and after that will they come out, and serve me in this place.’ ^7:8He gave him the covenant of circumcision. So Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the twelve patriarchs. ^7:9“The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Joseph, sold him into Egypt. God was with him, ^7:10and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. He made him governor over Egypt and all his house. ^7:11Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction. Our fathers found no food. ^7:12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers the first time. ^7:13On the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s race was revealed to Pharaoh. ^7:14Joseph sent, and summoned Jacob, his father, and all his relatives, seventy-five souls. ^7:15Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, himself and our fathers, ^7:16and they were brought back to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem. ^7:17“But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, ^7:18until there arose a different king, who didn’t know Joseph. ^7:19The same took advantage of our race, and mistreated our fathers, and forced them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn’t stay alive. ^7:20At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. He was nourished three months in his father’s house. ^7:21When he was thrown out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and reared him as her own son. ^7:22Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. He was mighty in his words and works. ^7:23But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. ^7:24Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian. ^7:25He supposed that his brothers understood that God, by his hand, was giving them deliverance; but they didn’t understand. ^7:26“The day following, he appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, ‘Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?’ ^7:27But he who did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? ^7:28Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ ^7:29Moses fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. ^7:30“When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. ^7:31When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. As he came close to see, a voice of the Lord came to him, ^7:32‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Moses trembled, and dared not look. ^7:33The Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy ground. ^7:34I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.’ ^7:35“This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—God has sent him as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. ^7:36This man led them out, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years. ^7:37This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord our God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me.’ ^7:38This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living revelations to give to us, ^7:39to whom our fathers wouldn’t be obedient, but rejected him, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, ^7:40saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods that will go before us, for as for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what has become of him.’ ^7:41They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands. ^7:42But God turned, and gave them up to serve the army of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, ‘Did you offer to me slain animals and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? ^7:43You took up the tabernacle of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship. I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’ ^7:44“Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen; ^7:45which also our fathers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David, ^7:46who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacob. ^7:47But Solomon built him a house. ^7:48However, the Most High doesn’t dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says, ^7:49‘heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?’ says the Lord. ‘Or what is the place of my rest? ^7:50Didn’t my hand make all these things?’ ^7:51“You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, so you do. ^7:52Which of the prophets didn’t your fathers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. ^7:53You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn’t keep it!” ^7:54Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. ^7:55But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, ^7:56and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” ^7:57But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. ^7:58They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. ^7:59They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” ^7:60He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

^8:1Saul was consenting to his death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. ^8:2Devout men buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over him. ^8:3But Saul ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both men and women off to prison. ^8:4Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word. ^8:5Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ. ^8:6The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which he did. ^8:7For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. ^8:8There was great joy in that city. ^8:9But there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making himself out to be some great one, ^8:10to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that great power of God.” ^8:11They listened to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his sorceries. ^8:12But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning God’s Kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. ^8:13Simon himself also believed. Being baptized, he continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, he was amazed. ^8:14Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, ^8:15who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; ^8:16for as yet he had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus. ^8:17Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. ^8:18Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, ^8:19saying, “Give me also this power, that whomever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” ^8:20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! ^8:21You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn’t right before God. ^8:22Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. ^8:23For I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” ^8:24Simon answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me.” ^8:25They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans. ^8:26But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.” ^8:27He arose and went; and behold, there was 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 Jerusalem to worship. ^8:28He was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. ^8:29The Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.” ^8:30Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” ^8:31He said, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He begged Philip to come up and sit with him. ^8:32Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this, “He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he doesn’t open his mouth. ^8:33In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.” ^8:34The eunuch answered Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?” ^8:35Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus. ^8:36As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?” ^{8:37 8:38}He commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. ^8:39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn’t see him any more, for he went on his way rejoicing. ^8:40But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.

^9:1But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, ^9:2and asked for letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. ^9:3As he traveled, he got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around him. ^9:4He fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” ^9:5He said, “Who are you, Lord?” The Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. ^9:6But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” ^9:7The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. ^9:8Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one. They led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. ^9:9He was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank. ^9:10Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” He said, “Behold, it’s me, Lord.” ^9:11The Lord said to him, “Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, ^9:12and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.” ^9:13But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. ^9:14Here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” ^9:15But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and kings, and the children of Israel. ^9:16For I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake.” ^9:17Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ^9:18Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized. ^9:19He took food and was strengthened. Saul stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus. ^9:20Immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed the Christ, that he is the Son of God. ^9:21All who heard him were amazed, and said, “Isn’t this he who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And he had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!” ^9:22But Saul increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. ^9:23When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill him, ^9:24but their plot became known to Saul. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill him, ^9:25but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. ^9:26When Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. ^9:27But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. ^9:28He was with them entering into Jerusalem, ^9:29preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. ^9:30When the brothers knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus. ^9:31So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. ^9:32As Peter went throughout all those parts, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda. ^9:33There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because he was paralyzed. ^9:34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!” Immediately he arose. ^9:35All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. ^9:36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy which she did. ^9:37In those days, she became sick, and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. ^9:38As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. ^9:39Peter got up and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. ^9:40Peter sent them all out, and knelt down and prayed. Turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. ^9:41He gave her his hand, and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. ^9:42And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. ^9:43He stayed many days in Joppa with a tanner named Simon.