81:1 Now after all these things the eleven apostles he had chosen went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had appointed them. 2 And when they saw him, they worshipped: but some still doubted. 3 And Jesus came up and spoke to them by the Holy Spirit, saying, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and upon earth. 4 Going into all the world, therefore, you all proclaim the good news. He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned. Train in discipleship the people of all nations, 5 baptizing them into the Name — that of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit — teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: 6 and lo, I am going to be with you always, even to the consummation of the age. 7 Now behold, I will send forth the Promise of my Father, which you have heard from me, upon you all: 8 but you must remain in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with this Power from on high.”


9 Jesus thus showed himself alive to both disciples and apostles after his passion through many indisputable proofs, being seen by them for over forty days, speaking of things pertaining to God’s kingdom. 10 And he then led them away one day until they were over against Bethany, where he was seen by over five hundred brethren at one time: 11 and assembling his apostles together to himself, he commanded them again that they were not to remove themselves from Jerusalem, 12 but to await the promise of the Father “which you all have heard of by way of me: 13 for John indeed baptized with water; but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 14 Therefore those accompanying him asked, saying, “Lord, are you not at this time restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 15 And he said to them, “It is not for you to know eras or destinies which the Father has himself set aside for his own prerogative. 16 But, the Holy Spirit coming upon you, you shall receive power: and you shall be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and Samaria, even to the vastness of the earth.” 17 And upon speaking these things, he lifted up his hands and he invoked a blessing upon them. 18 And it happened that as he went to bless them, he was being borne upwards while they were beholding, 19 and he parted from them, and was being carried up into the sky, 20 and a cloud withdrew him out from their eyesight. 21 And according as was his departing, so they were intently gazing into the sky. 22 And behold, two stood by them in white apparel: who then said, “Men! Galileans! Why have you all been standing here attentively gazing up into the sky? 23 This Jesus, the One having been taken up from you all into the sky, will thus in this way come back to you in the same manner as you all have with discernment seen him go up into the sky.” 24 And adoring him they returned to Jerusalem with great joy from the mount called Olivet, which is a Sabbath day’s journey near Jerusalem, 25 and for this reason all were in the temple praising and eulogizing God.


26 Now when they entered the temple, they went up into the upper chamber where they were staying, even Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, and Philip, and Thomas, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 27 These were all attending constantly, with one accord, and with one mind, to prayer and to supplication, together with the women, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.


28 And in these days, rising up in the midst of the disciples, Peter said to an assembled congregation of about one hundred and twenty persons, 29 “Men, Brothers, It is necessary that this scripture be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit previously spoke by David’s mouth concerning Judas who became a guide to those arresting Jesus; for he was numbered with us and obtained his share of this ministry.” 30 (This one had purchased a field by means of the wages of unrighteousness; and falling headlong he burst in the middle and all his entrails spilled out. 31 And it so became known to all those dwelling at Jerusalem that that field came to be called in their own language, ‘Akel Dama,’ that is, ‘Field of Blood.’) 32 For it is written in the book of Psalms,

Let his residency become deserted, And let not the one dwelling in it be.’

and,

May another take his office of overseer.’

33 “Thus it is necessary — of the men having gone with us in every time in which the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us 34 beginning from the baptism of John until the day in which he was taken up from us — for one of these to become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 35 And they put forward two: first Joseph, the one being called Barsabas, who was also called Justus, and then Matthias.


36 And having prayed, they said, “You Lord, Knower of the hearts of all, make manifest one of these two whom you chose to receive the portion of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go unto his own place.” 37 And they threw lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added together with the eleven apostles.


82:1 And fifty days after the resurrection, when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord and with one mind in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound out of the sky like as a blast of mighty rushing, sweeping, violent wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues like as of fire, being divided into parts and distributed; and it remained/stayed/continued upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with, and under the full influence of, the Holy Spirit, 5 and they began to speak in other languages as the Spirit gave to them to speak out or declare concerning solemn and weighty matters. 6 And Jews were staying in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation of those under heaven.


7 And upon this sound occurring, the multitude came together and were confounded, perplexed and amazed, 8 for they each heard them speaking in their own dialect. 9 And all were amazed, and marveled, saying one to another, “Behold, are not all these which are speaking Galileans? 10 But how are we hearing every man in his own native dialect, indigenous vernacular and idiom? 11 Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those inhabiting Mesopotamia; 12 both Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia; 13 both Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya over by Cyrene, and those resident alien Romans; 14 both Jews and their proselytes/converts, Cretans and Arabians; 15 we are hearing them speaking to us in our languages the wonderful works of God.” 16 And they were all amazed and were utterly at a loss, saying one to another, “What could this possibly be?” 17 But mocking, others said that they are filled with sweet new wine.


18 But Peter, standing with the eleven — for they had replaced Judas Iscariot with Matthias — lifted up his voice and spoke out for himself to them, 19 “Men, Jews, and all those inhabiting Jerusalem, let this be known to you and listen to my words: 20 for these are not drunk as you are presuming, for it is merely nine — the third hour of the day. 21 But this is that which has been spoken of by the prophet Joel, “And it will come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will liberally bestow my Spirit upon all flesh: 22 and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams: 23 and even upon these my male slaves and upon these my female slaves in those days I will liberally bestow forth my Spirit; 24 and they will prophesy…and it will come to pass that all whosoever shall call upon the Name of the Lord for him/herself will be saved.”


25 “Men, Israelites, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man from God, having been constituted and appointed to you all by mighty manifestations of power and miraculous wonders and extraordinary signs 26 which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves also surely know: 27 this Jesus, delivered up according to the counsel, purpose, design, decree and previous determination of God that has been pre-determinately fixed, 28 you all having taken with lawless hands, lifting him up and affixing him to a cross, murdered him by putting him to death: 29 whom God raised up from the dead, having released him from the stringent snare of death, because it was not possible for him to be vanquished under it. 30 For David said regarding him, “I was mindful of the Lord in my estimation; 31 he was vividly present in all respects while I was subject to trouble; 32 for he is at my right hand for help, in order that I should not be agitated: 33 therefore my heart became glad and rejoiced; and my tongue celebrated exceedingly for my state; 34 and in addition, my flesh also will abide upon a guarantee of security: 35 because you will not leave my soul in the invisible abode of the dead, neither will you allow your Holy One to see corruption and decay. 36 You have made known, and declared to me a way of life; 37 you will fully possess and influence me with joy, gladness and rejoicing by means of your personal presence.”


38 “Men and brethren, it is lawfully permitted for me to speak to you with plainness concerning the patriarch David, 39 that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is here with us to this day. 40 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath that of Mary, the fruit of his loins according to the flesh, God would cause the Messiah to rise up and to sit on his throne, 41 he, seeing this in advance, spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that his soul would not be left behind in the abode of the dead, neither saw his flesh corruption or decay. 42 God has raised up this Jesus from the dead, of which we are all witnesses. 43 Consequently, being raised and exalted to the right hand of God, and receiving from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has liberally bestowed, poured out and shed forth this which you are now seeing and hearing. 44 For David did not ascend into the heavens; but he said, “The Lord God said to my Lord, “You sit at my right hand until I can make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”” 45 Therefore, let all the house of Israel know with certainty, that God has made this Jesus whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ — even Messiah.”


46 And having heard, they became pierced through their heart with compunction, and said both to Peter, and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what will we do?” 47 And Peter said to them, “You all repent and be baptized every one of you into the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, because of the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the beneficent free gift of the Holy Spirit. 48 For the annunciation is for you all, and to your children — even to all those who are alien — as many as our Lord God may call to himself.” 49 And with many other such words he was solemnly and earnestly testifying, exhorting and charging, saying, “Be delivered and set free from this wicked, perverse generation.” 50 Then those gladly embracing his words with hearty assent were baptized: and about three thousand souls were added to the newly born Church that day. 51 And they were remaining constantly within the teaching of the apostles, and fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and prayers. 52 And fear came upon every soul: and many signs and wonders were taking place by means of the apostles. 53 And all those faithing were united as if in a commune, and were having all things in common — belonging equally to all; 54 and they were selling goods and possessions and were distributing the proceeds to all according as anyone was having necessity. 55 And they were remaining constantly together at the same time from day to day in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, 56 and were sharing food in simple sincerity and extreme joy of heart, celebrating and praising God, and having favor with all the people. 57 And the Lord was adding to the new Church from day to day such as were being brought within the pale of saving privilege.


83:1 Now Peter and John were going up together into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. 2 And a certain man being lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they would lay daily at the gate of the temple — that being called Beautiful — to ask alms of those entering into the temple; 3 who upon seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, was asking alms.

4 And intently looking upon him, Peter together with John said, “Look toward us.” 5 And he paid heed to them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “Silver and gold I possess not; but what I do have, this I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise and walk.” 7 And taking hold of the right hand, he pulled him up: and immediately his feet and ankle-bones were strengthened. 8 And leaping up he stood and walked; and he entered into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all of the people saw him walking and praising God: 10 and they took note of him, that this was the one that sat begging for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened to him.


11 And while the lame one, being healed, was hugging Peter and John, all the people in the portico — the one called Solomon’s — converged upon them greatly astonished. 12 And Peter, seeing this, responded to the people, “Israeli men, why do you marvel at this? Or why do you intently look to us as though we have made him to walk by our own power or piety? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob — the God of our fathers — has glorified his Servant Jesus, him whom you all denied and handed over to the face of Pilate — the one deciding to release him. 14 But you all denied the holy and just One, and asked for a man — a murderer — to be granted to you; 15 and you all killed the Prince of life, whom God raised up out of death, of which we are witnesses. 16 And upon the Faith of his Name has his Name made this one strong whom you all surely see and know: yea, the Faith — that through Him — gave to him this complete soundness before you all. 17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But that which God previously announced by the mouth of all his prophets — that Christ was to suffer — he thus fulfilled. 19 Turn around and repent, therefore, for your sins to be wiped away, so that times of rest might come from the Lord’s presence; 20 and that he may send to you all Christ Jesus, the One having been appointed for you all, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of the restoration of all, of which God spoke from of old through the mouth of all his holy prophets. 22 For Moses said to the fathers, “The Lord our God will raise up to you, from among your brothers, a prophet like me. You all shall heed him with reference to everything, whatsoever he might say to you. 23 And it will be that every soul who ventures to not heed that prophet, that one shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.” 24 Also even all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, they also proclaimed these days. 25 You all are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, “And in your Seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.” 26 To you first, God, having raised up his Servant, Jesus, sent him to bless each of you all for turning away from your iniquities.”


84:1 And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly upset because these apostles set to teach the people, and to proclaim in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 And they put their hands upon them, and took them into custody until the next day: for it was evening already. 4 But many of those hearing the word believed, and the number of the men amounted to about five thousand.


5 And it came to pass upon the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were to be convened in Jerusalem, 6 even Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were out of the high priestly family. 7 And standing them in their midst, they were inquiring, “By what power, or in what name, did you all do this?”


8 Then Peter, having been Holy Spirit filled, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people of Israel, 9 if we this day are being grilled over a good work done for a powerless man, by which this one has been restored, 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that in the Name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you all crucified, whom God raised from death, in This, this one stands before you whole. 11 This is ‘the Stone — the One having been rejected by all of you, those building — the One turning into a chief Cornerstone.’ 12 And salvation is not in any other: for neither is there another name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.”


13 And observing the boldness of Peter and John, and perceiving that they are unlearned and unskilled men, they marveled; and they recognized them, that they were with Jesus. 14 But seeing the man — the one having been healed — standing with them, they had nothing contrary to say. 15 And commanding them to go away outside, the council — they were conferring with one another — 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For that indeed a notable sign has come to pass by way of them is manifest to all those dwelling (in) Jerusalem and we are not able deny it. 17 But so that it not be spread any further among the people, let us threaten them with a threat to no longer speak to any man in this name. 18 And calling them, they charged them not to speak nor to teach at all in the Name of Jesus.


19 But Peter and John responding, said to them, “You all determine whether it is right before God to listen to you rather than God; 20 for we are not able to but speak of that which we saw and heard.” 21 And they, having further threatened them, let them go, finding no way how they might justifiably punish them on account of the people; for they were all glorifying God over that having happened. 22 For the man upon whom this sign of healing had come about was more than forty years old.


23 And being let go, they came and reported to their own all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them, 24 who when hearing, they all lifted up voice to God with one accord, and said, “Lord, you are God, the One making the heaven and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them: 25 the One saying through your servant David’s mouth, “Why is it that the Gentiles snorted? For people plotted vanity. 26 The kings of the earth took a stand, and the rulers were gathered together upon it, against the Lord and against that Christ of his:” 27 for of a truth were assembled against your holy Servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and Israel‘s people, 28 to do whatsoever your hand and your counsel foreordained to come to pass. 29 And now, O Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your slaves the ability to speak your word with all boldness 30 while you extend your hand for healing, and signs and wonders to occur through the Name of your holy Servant Jesus.” 31 And upon their praying, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.


32 Now the heart and the soul of the multitude of those believing were one: and not one was claiming any of their things to be their own; but all things to/for them were shared. 33 And with great power the apostles were putting forth the witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 For neither was anyone needy among them; for as many as were possessors of lands or houses were selling, and they were bringing the funds of that having been sold, 35 and were laying them beside the apostles’ feet: and they were distributing to each according as any one remotely had a need. 36 And Joses the ethnic Cyprian, a Levite, the one being named by the apostles, Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of exhortation), 37 selling a field belonging to him, brought and placed the proceeds beside the feet of the apostles.


85:1 Now a certain man, Ananias by name, together with Sapphira his wife, sold property. 2 And he held back some of the proceeds for himself — his wife also being aware — and bringing a certain portion, placed it beside the feet of the apostles. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, for what reason has the Adversary filled your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit, and for you to hold back for yourself from the price of the land? 4 As it was existing, did it not remain yours? Even being sold, it was within your prerogative. How is it that you have contrived for yourself this thing within your heart? For yourself you have not attempted to deceive men by a lie, but God.” 5 And Ananias, hearing these words, falling down, expired: and great fear came upon all those hearing these things. 6 And arising, the young men covered him up; and carrying him out, they buried him. 7 And then after about an interval of three hours his wife came in, having no knowledge of that just transpiring. 8 And Peter was responding to her, “Tell me if the land you sold was for so much.” And that one said, “Yes, it was for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you all were making an agreement to put the Lord’s Spirit to the test? Behold, the feet of those burying your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 And immediately she collapsed beside his feet, and expired: and entering, the young men found her dead, and carrying her out, they buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church, and upon all those hearing these things.

12 Now many signs and wonders took place among the people by way of the hands of the apostles; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s portico. 13 But not one of the rest would venture to join himself to them; however the common people were extolling them. 14 And more believers than ever were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women; 15 consequently they began to bring forth the sick and to place them on couches and pallets along the streets, so that, at least the passing shadow of Peter might shed influence upon any one of them. 16 And even the multitude was assembling in Jerusalem from the cities all around, bringing the sick and those being vexed by unclean spirits, who were all being healed.

17 Now, the high priest, and all those with him — being the sect of the Sadducees — rising up, were jealousy-filled; 18 and they put their hands upon the apostles, and placed them in a public prison. 19 But an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison overnight, and leading them out, said, 20 “Go and speak to all the people standing in the temple the words of this Life.” 21 And listening, they entered into the temple under the darkness of early dawn and were teaching.

Now appearing the high priest and those with him, they convened the council, even the whole council of the elder sons of Israel, and sent to the prison for them to be brought out. 22 But arriving the attendants found them not in the prison; and returning, they reported, 23 saying, “We found the prison in all security, having been shut, and the guards standing by the doors: but upon opening, we found no one within.” 24 Now when both the priest and the captain of the temple — and the chief priests — heard these words, they were greatly perplexed concerning them, over what this might become.

25 And someone arriving reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you all put in the prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26 Then, departing, the captain together with the officers brought them without violence; for they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And bringing them, they stood among the council.

And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not charge you all with a command not to teach in this name? Yet behold, you all have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you all intend to bring upon us the blood of this man.”


29 But Peter and the apostles responding, said, “It behooves us to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you yourselves killed by hanging him upon a tree. 31 This Prince and Savior God exalted to his right hand, to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 And we are his witnesses by these words; and also by the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to those obeying him.”

33 And those listening became infuriated, and were resolving slay them. 34 But someone standing in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel — a teacher of the law honored by all the people — commanded someone to put the apostles out awhile.

35 And he said to those remaining, “Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves regarding these men — what you are about to do. 36 For prior to these days arose Theudas who was done away with, claiming himself to be somebody, to whom were called a number of men, about four hundred; and all, as many as were persuaded by him were scattered, and became as nothing. 37 After this arose Judas the Galilean in the days of the enrollment, and caused a considerable number of people after him to revolt: he also perished, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were all dispersed. 38 For the present, I suggest to you all back off from these men, and leave them alone: for if this counsel or work is of men, it will become abrogated: 39 but if it is of God, you are not able to nullify it; lest perchance you all even be found to be fighting against God.”

40 And they were persuaded by him: then summoning and beating the apostles, they commanded them not to speak in the Name of Jesus and let them go. 41 Therefore they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored for the Name of Jesus. 42 And every day they ceased not teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus the Christ, at home and in the temple. (To be continued.)


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