The Book of Acts

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Luke’s Preface

1. The first account I authored, O Theophilus, was indeed about all that Jesus began to both do and teach^fn“teach” is literally “to teach”
2. until that day He was taken up, after having given instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He chose,
3. to whom He demonstrated Himself to be living after His suffering by many irrefutable proofs, throughout His forty days appearing to them and speaking things about the kingdom of God.

The Ascension

4. And having assembled them together, He instructed them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, saying: “What you heard from Me,
5. “because John indeed baptized you with water, but you yourselves will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days after these days.”
6. Therefore, the men assembled were asking Him, saying: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”
7. And He said to them: “It isn’t for you to know the times or seasons that the Father appointed by His own authority.
8. “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses of Me in both Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the ends of the earth.”
9. And having said these things, He was lifted into the air with them watching, and a cloud received Him, hiding Him from their sight.
10. And as they were gazing into the sky with Him departing, also behold, two men in white clothes had stood beside them,
11. men who also said: “Men,^fn“men” this Greek refers to males only. Galileans, why have you been standing here looking into heaven?  This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come back in the same way that you watched Him departing into heaven.”
12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called “Olivet”, which is near Jerusalem, a^fn“a” is literally “having a “ Sabbath day’s journey^fn“a Sabbath day’s journey” this was the distance that Rabbinic law allowed a faithful Jew to travel on a Sabbath.  The number was 2000 cubits (3000 feet), or about 0.57 miles (0.91km).  They based this number on the distance required between the people and the Ark of the Covenant in Joshua 3:4, and also on the distance of the pasture land around a city in Numbers 35:5 distant.
13. And when they entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, both Peter and John, and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

Replacing Judas

14. All these men were constantly persevering in prayer in one accord with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
15. And having stood up in the midst of the brothers (the number of the names added together was about 120)^fnThis parenthetical statement is literally: “and the multitude of both the same names added together was about 120″ Peter said in these days:
16. “Men,^fn“men” this Greek word refers to males only, never females.  Many translations remove this Greek word from their translation so that it doesn’t appear in English, even though it is present in every major version of the Greek New Testament. brothers, it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke previously through David’s mouth about Judas, the man who became a guide to the men who arrested Jesus,
17. because he was numbered among us, and a divinely cast lot gave^fn“a divinely cast lot gave” is one word in Greek.  It refers to the process of “casting lots”, which is similar in concept – though not necessarily in methodology – to the modern practice of drawing straws.  In the Old Testament before the Holy Spirit came, they would often cast lots, trusting that God would make the lot fall to the correct person.  This verse records the last time it was done by God’s followers, probably because the Holy Spirit came shortly afterward. him a part of this ministry.
18. (Therefore, this man indeed purchased a field with the reward from his unrighteousness.  And having fallen headfirst, he burst open in the middle and all his intestines poured out.
19. And it became known to all the men inhabiting Jerusalem, so that the field came to be called “Hakeldamach” in their tongue, which is translated “Field of Blood”.)
20. “For it’s *written in the book of Psalms: “Let his residence become desolate, and let there not be a man dwelling in it.”^fnPsalm 69:25 and: “Let another man take his office.”^fnquotation/allusion to Psalm 109:8
21. “Therefore, it’s necessary that from the men who accompanied us during the whole time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us
22. ” — beginning from the baptism of John until the day that He was taken up from us — it’s necessary for one of these men to become a witness of His resurrection with us.”
23. And they nominated^fn“nominated” is more literally “bid to stand by” (Thayer’s) with the idea that you tell them to step forward for consideration. two men; Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias.
24. And having prayed, they said: “Lord, you are a knower of all hearts; show us which one of these two men you chose
25. “to receive a place in this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas defected to leave for his own place.”
26. And they gave lots to them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

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Pentecost

1. And at the arrival of the Day of Pentecost, they were all together at the same place.
2. And a noise like a violently rushing wind suddenly came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.
3. And tongues like fire appeared to them, dividing themselves, and they settled on each one of them.
4. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit was giving them declarations.
5. And there were Jews dwelling in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.
6. And after this noise happened, a multitude assembled and was bewildered because each man was hearing them speaking his own language.
7. And they were wondering and were marveling, saying: “Behold, aren’t all these men who are speaking Galileans?
8. “And how are we each hearing our own language, the one in which we were born?”
9. — Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the men dwelling in Mesopotamia, both Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,
10. both Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya toward Cyrene, and the Roman men visiting (both Jews and Jewish converts),
11. Cretans, and Arabians  — They said: “We hear them speaking about the great things of God in our own tongues!”
12. And they were wondering and were perplexed, saying one to another: “What is the meaning of this?”^fn“What is the meaning of this?” is literally “What desires this to be?”
13. But sneering, others were saying: “They’re filled with sweet wine.”^fn“sweet wine” this referred to wine that had begun to ferment, but had many of the sugars from the grape juice still present.  It was highly alcoholic and thus it was easy for someone to become drunk on it.

Peter’s first sermon

14. But having stood with the other eleven, Peter raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judea, and men dwelling in all of Jerusalem; let this be known to you, and incline your ears to my words.”
15. “For it’s not as you assume, that these men are drunk, for it’s only the third hour of the day.
16. “But this is what was *spoken through the prophet Joel:
17. “And it will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.  And your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your elders will dream dreams.
18. “And indeed, I will pour out My Spirit even on My male slaves and on My female slaves in those days, and they will prophesy.
19. “And I will give miraculous wonders in heaven above, and signs on the earth below; blood, and fire, and smoky vapor.
20. “The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.
21. “And it will be that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.^fnquotation/allusion to Joel 2:28-32
22. “Men, Israelites, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene — a man *demonstrated to you to be from God by miracles, and wonders, and signs, which God did through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know —
23. “this man was betrayed in accordance with the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God; and having nailed Him to a cross through lawless hands, you killed Him.
24. “Whom God raised from the dead after He demolished the agony of death, because it wasn’t possible for Him to be held by it.
25. “For David says in reference to Him: “I was foreseeing the Lord in my presence continually, because He is at my right hand so that I wouldn’t be shaken.”
26. “My heart was gladdened because of this, and my tongue rejoices, and even my flesh will still dwell in hope,
27. “because you will not abandon my soul^fn“soul” could also be translated “life”.  The Greek word here is “ψυχή” (psuché).  It literally means “breath” and is usually translated “life”, though sometimes it’s translated “soul”.  It refers to the life: the vital force which – together with the body – enables a person to live.  It can also refer to mind, will, emotions, and desires, which together make up a person’s identity. to Hades,^fn“Hades” is literal.  Hades was the name of the Greek god of the underworld, and the word became synonymous with the underworld itself.  In Greek mythology, the underworld (Hades) was the place that all departed spirits went, whether good or bad.  It is directly equivalent to the Hebrew world “sheol”. nor will you permit your Holy One to see decay.^fn“decay” could also be translated “corruption”
28. “You made known the ways of life to me, you will fill me with gladness with your presence.^fnquotation/allusion to Psalm 16:8-11
29. “Men, brothers, it’s lawful for me to speak with boldness to you about the patriarch David, that he also died, and was buried, and his tomb is among us until this day.
30. “Being a prophet, he therefore also *knew that God swore an oath to him to sit the fruit of his loins upon his throne.^fnquotation/allusion to 2 Samuel 7:12-13
31. “Having foreseen this, he spoke about the resurrection of the Anointed, that He was neither abandoned into Hades^fn“Hades” is literal.  Hades was the name of the Greek god of the underworld, and the word became synonymous with the underworld itself.  In Greek mythology, the underworld (Hades) was the place that all departed spirits went, whether good or bad.  It is directly equivalent to the Hebrew world “sheol”. nor did His flesh see decay.^fn quotation/allusion to Psalm 16:10.  Additionally, “decay” could also be translated “corruption”
32. “God resurrected this Jesus, of which we are all witnesses.
33. “Therefore, having been both exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this Holy Spirit, which you also are seeing and hearing.
34. “For it wasn’t David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says: “The Lord said to my Lord: sit at my right hand
35. “until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.^fnquotation/allusion to Psalm 110:1
36. “Therefore, let all the house of Israel securely know that God made Him — this Jesus whom you crucified — both Lord and the Anointed.”

The response

37. And having heard this, they were pierced through the heart.  And they said to both Peter and the rest of the apostles: “Men, brothers, what should we do?!”
38. “Peter said to them: “Repent, ^fnSome manuscripts have “he declared” here and each one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus the Anointed for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39. “For this promise is for you, and for your children after you, and for all the men far off,^fn“the men far off” is literally “the men at far off” and as many as the Lord our God might call.”
40. And with many^fn“many” is literally “more” other words, he both earnestly testified and was admonishing them, saying: “Be saved from this perversely crooked generation!”
41. Therefore, the men who received his word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added on that day.
42. And they were steadfastly devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers.
43. And reverent fear was coming on every soul, and many of both wonders and miraculous signs were happening through the apostles.
44. And all the men believing were together in the same place, and they were holding all things in common.
45. And they were selling their goods and possessions and were distributing them to all, just as anyone was having a need.
46. And every day, they were both steadfastly persevering with one accord in the temple and breaking bread at each house.  They were partaking of food in both gladness and sincerity of heart,
47. praising God and having favor with the whole of the people.  And every day, the Lord was adding to the number of the men being saved.

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Healing a lame man

1. And Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer (The ninth hour.)
2. And a man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried there, whom they were setting every day at the gate^fn“gate” could also be translated “door” of the temple (the gate called “Beautiful”) for him to ask for alms from the men going into the temple,
3. who having seen Peter and John about to enter into the temple, he was begging to receive alms.
4. And having fixed his eyes on him, along with John, Peter said: “Look at us.”
5. And he was paying attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.
6. But Peter said: “Silver and gold isn’t mine, but what I do have, this I give to you: in the name of Jesus the Anointed the Nazarene, [get up and] walk.”
7. And having taken him by the right hand, he pulled him up, and his feet and his ankles were instantly strengthened.
8. And springing up, he stood and was walking.  And he entered into the temple with them, walking, and jumping, and praising God.
9. And all the people saw him walking and praising God,
10. and they were recognizing him, that this was the man begging for alms while sitting at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what happened to him.
11. And with him clinging to Peter and John, all^fn“all” is literally “every” the people ran together to them at the porch called “Solomon’s”, being utterly astonished.

Peter’s sermon in response

12. And having seen this, Peter answered to the people: “Men, Israelites, why are you marveling at this?  Or why are you staring at us like we made him able to walk by our own power or godliness?
13. “The God of Abraham, and [the God] of Isaac, and [the God] of Jacob — the God of our fathers — glorified His servant Jesus, whom you indeed handed over^fn“handed over” could also be translated “betrayed”, as the word can mean either depending on context and disowned in the presence of Pilate after he judged to release that man.
14. “But you disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked for another man, a murderer, to be granted to you.
15. “And you killed the Author of Life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses.
16. “And by^fn“by” is literally “on account of” or “on the basis of” faith in His name, His name strengthened this man whom you *see and *know.  And the faith which comes through Him gave him this perfect health in the sight of you all.
17. “And now, brothers, I *know that you did this deed in ignorance, as your rulers did also.
18. “But what God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that His Anointed is to suffer, He fulfilled this way.
19. “Therefore, repent and return for the blotting out of your sins,
20. “so that seasons of refreshment might come from the presence of the Lord, and He might send the hand-picked One to you: Jesus the Anointed,
21. “whom it’s necessary for heaven to welcome until the times of the restoration of all things, about which God spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets from ancient times.
22. “Moses indeed said that: “The Lord your God will raise up a prophet like me from among your brothers; you shall listen to Him in all things,” as many as He might say to you.
23. “And it will be that every soul^fn“soul” could also be translated “life”.  The Greek word here is “ψυχή” (psuché).  It literally means “breath” and is usually translated “life”, though sometimes it’s translated “soul”.  It refers to the life: the vital force which – together with the body – enables a person to live.  It can also refer to mind, will, emotions, and desires, which together make up a person’s identity. who doesn’t listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.^fnquotation/allusion to Deuteronomy 18:18-19
24. “And also, all the prophets from Samuel and the ones afterward — as many as spoke — they also proclaimed these days.
25. “You are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham: “And by your seed, all the families of the earth will be blessed.” ^fnquotation/allusion to Deuteronomy 18:18-19
26. “Having raised up His servant [Jesus], God sent Him to you first, blessing you by turning each of you away from your wickedness.”

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Peter and John before the Sanhedrin

1. And during their speaking to the people, it happened that the priests, and the captains of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came to them,
2. being thoroughly aggravated because of them teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection of the dead in Jesus,
3. and they laid hands on them and put them into jail until the next day, for it was already evening.
4. But many of the men who heard the word believed, and the number of the men^fn“men” this Greek word refers to males only, never females. came to about five thousand.
5. And it happened on the next day that their rulers, and elders, and scribes were assembled in Jerusalem,
6. also with Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of high-priestly descent.
7. And having stood them in their midst, they were asking: “By what power or in what name did you do this?”
8. Then having been filled by the Holy Spirit, Peter said to them: “Rulers of the people and elders,
9. “if we’re being questioned today on account of a good deed done for a sick man, or by what this man was *healed,
10. “let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus the Anointed the Nazarene — whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead — by Him, this man stands healthy in your presence.
11. “This is the stone rejected by you, the builders; it became the head corner stone.^fnquotation/allusion to Psalm 118:22
12. “And there is salvation in no one else, for nor is there another name under heaven *given among men by which it’s necessary for us to be saved.”
13. And observing the boldness of Peter and John, and having noticed that they are unlearned and untrained men, they were marveling.  And they were recognizing both of them, that they were with Jesus.
14. And seeing the man both *standing with them and that he was *healed, they were having nothing with which to contradict them.
15. And having ordered them to go outside the Sanhedrin, they were conferring with one another,
16. saying: “What should we do to these men?  For that a notable miracle has indeed happened through them is obvious to all the men dwelling in Jerusalem, and we aren’t able to deny it.
17. “But so it might not spread further among the people, we should threaten them to no longer speak on this name to any man.”
18. And having called them back, they commanded them not to speak nor to teach on the name of Jesus at all.
19. But answering, Peter and John said to them: “Whether it’s righteous in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God, you judge,
20. “for we ourselves aren’t able to not speak on what we saw and heard.”
21. And having further threatened them, they released them, finding nothing for which they could punish them because of the people, because all the people were glorifying God on account of what *happened,
22. for the man on whom this miraculous sign of healing had happened was more than forty years old.

Prayer for boldness

23. And having been released, they went to their own fellow believers and reported as much as the chief priests and elders said to them.
24. And having heard this, they raised their voices to God and said with one accord: “Master, you made heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all the things in them,^fnquotation/allusion to Psalm 146:6
25. “who spoke through the mouth of your servant, our father David, through the Holy Spirit, that: “Why do the gentiles rage, and the peoples devise vain plots?“
26. “The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers were themselves assembled together against the Lord and against His Anointed.^fnquotation/allusion to Psalm 146:6
27. “for in truth, both Herod and Pilate along with the gentiles and peoples of Israel were assembled in this city against your Holy Servant Jesus whom you anointed,
28. “to do as much as your hand and your intention appointed beforehand to happen.
29. “And now, Lord, look upon their threats and give courage to your slaves to speak your word with boldness,
30. “in the stretching out of your hand for healing, and miraculous signs, and wonders to happen through the name of your holy Servant, Jesus.”
31. And with them having prayed, the place in which they were *gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and were speaking the word of God with boldness.

Ananias and Sapphira

32. And the multitude who believed were of one heart and soul, and not even one man was claiming his possessions to be his own, but for them, all things were being owned in common.
33. And the apostles were giving testimony of the Lord Jesus’s resurrection with great power, and great grace was upon them all,
34. for among them, not even one was destitute, for as many as were owners possessing lands or houses were selling them, and they were bringing the price of the things sold,
35. and they were setting the money at the feet of the apostles, and it was being distributed to each as anyone was having a need.
36. And Joseph, the man called “Barnabas” by the apostles, (which is translated “son of encouragement”, a Levite, and a Cyprian by birth,
37. having sold a field^fn“field” could also be translated “farm”. owned by him, he brought the money and set it at the feet of the apostles.

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Ananias and Sapphira (continued)

1. And a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.
2. And he deceitfully kept back^fn“deceitfully kept back” this word can also have the sense of “embezzle” or “purloin” in other contexts.  It’s also used in Titus 2:10, there translated “embezzling”. a portion of the price, with his wife also knowing, and having brought a portion of it, he set it at the feet of the apostles.
3. But Peter said: “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit, and deceitfully keep back some of the price of the land?
4. “While remaining yours, wasn’t it certainly remaining yours?  And having been sold, wasn’t the money in your own authority?  Why did you conceive this deed in your heart?  You didn’t lie to men, but to God.”
5. And having heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last.  And great fear came on all the men hearing of this.
6. And having risen, the young men covered him.  And having carried him out, they buried him.
7. And it happened about three hours later,^fn“later” is literally “interval”, as in an interval of time. his wife also came in, not *knowing what happened.
8. And Peter replied to her: “Tell me whether you sold the land for such a price.”  And she said: “Yes, for such a price.”
9. And Peter said to her: “Why were you both agreed together to test the Lord’s Spirit?  Behold, the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out too.”
10. And she instantly fell at his feet and breathed her last.  And having entered, the young men found her dead.  And having carried her out, they buried her next to her husband.
11. And great fear came on the whole church assembly, and on all the men hearing of these things.

Miracles and converts abound

12. And many miraculous signs and wonders were happening among the people through the hands of the apostles.  And they were in one accord, all at the porch of Solomon.
13. And none of the rest was daring to join them, but the people were highly esteeming them.
14. And more men believing in the Lord were constantly added, multitudes of both men and women,
15. so that they even began to bring the sick into the streets, and to set them on bed-mats and pallets, so that during Peter’s coming, even his shadow might fall over some of them.
16. And the multitude from cities all around Jerusalem also assembled, bringing the sick, and men being afflicted by unclean spirits, who were all being healed.

Arrested, released, and brought in for questioning

17. But having risen, the high priest and all the men with him (being of the sect of the Sadducees) were filled with burning jealousy.
18. And they laid hands on the apostles and put them in a public jail.
19. But having opened the prison doors during the night, an angel from the Lord both brought them out and said:
20. “Go and stand, speak all the words of this life in the temple to the people.”
21. “And having heard this, they entered into the temple about dawn and were teaching.  And having arrived, the high priest and the men with him assembled the Sanhedrin, and all of the council of elders of the sons of Israel, and sent men to the jailhouse to bring them.
22. And having arrived, the officers didn’t find them in the prison.  And having returned, they reported this,
23. saying: “We found the jailhouse locked *shut, with all its security, and the guards *standing at the doors.  But having opened the doors, we found no one inside.
24. And when they heard these words, both the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were thoroughly perplexed about them, and what this may mean.
25. But having arrived, a man reported to them: “Behold, the men whom you put in the prison are *standing in the temple and teaching the people.
26. Then having departed, the captain (with the officers) was bringing them; not with force though, for they were fearing the people, lest they would be stoned.

Before the Sanhedrin

27. And having brought them, they stood them in the Sanhedrin.  And the high priest questioned them,
28. saying: “[Didn’t] we strongly command you with a command^fn“we strongly command you with a command” this is likely a Hebrew word usage preserved in Greek, where you repeat the word for emphasis.  While it’s translated this literally here, it’s likely that the intended meaning is “we strongly command”. not to teach on this name?  And behold, you *filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you’re resolved to bring the blood of this man upon us.”
29. But answering, Peter and the apostles said: “It’s necessary^fn” It’s necessary” also contains the nuance of what is right and proper to do. to obey God rather than men.”
30. “The God of our fathers raised Jesus from the dead, whom you killed by hanging on a tree.
31. “God exalted this One to His right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
32. “And we are witnesses of these matters, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to the men obeying Him.”
33. And having heard this, they were enraged^fn“enraged” this Greek word refers to the act of sawing something in half, and thus describes a state where someone is so enraged that he feels violently cut in half. and were intending to execute them.

The Sanhedrin deliberates and decides

34. But having stood up, a man in the Sanhedrin — a pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people — both ordered the men to be put outside a short time,
35. and said to them: “Men, Israelites, watch out for yourselves on account of these men and what you’re about to do.
36. “For before these days, Theudas rose up, he himself claiming to be someone, to whom were joined a number of men, about four hundred.  But he^fn“he” is literally “who” was put to death, and all the men being convinced by him — as many as there were — were scattered and it came to nothing.
37. “After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up on the days of the census and incited many people to revolt after him.  And this man also perished, and all the men being convinced by him — as many as there were — were dispersed.
38. “And now I tell you: withdraw from these men and release them, because if this is from men, this plan or this undertaking will be overthrown.
39. “But if it’s from God, you won’t be able to overthrow them, not when you would also be found fighting against God.”
40. And they were convinced by him.  And having summoned the apostles and beaten them, they ordered them not to speak on the name of Jesus, and released them.
41. Therefore, the apostles indeed departed from the Sanhedrin’s presence, rejoicing that they were considered worthy to be treated shamefully for the sake of The Name.^fn“The Name” even to this day, Jews say “Ha-shem” (Hebrew, translation: “the name”) to refer to God.  Thus, this is an explicit statement of Jesus’s deity.
42. And every day, both in the temple and at a house, they weren’t ceasing teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Anointed.

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