Peter Tells of God’s Grace
NOW the apostles and brothers that were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter came up into Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended against him,
3 Saying: “You went in amongst men uncircumcised, and did eat with them!”
4 ¶ But Peter explained the events in order, from the beginning to them, saying:
5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. A certain vessel descend, as a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came to me.
6 Upon which, when I had fastened mine eyes; I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and birds of the air.
7 And I heard a voice saying to me: “Rise Peter; kill and eat.”
8 But I said: “Not so, Lord: for never has anything defiled or unclean entered into my mouth.”
9 But the voice answered me again from heaven: “What God has made clean, you shall not regard as defiled.”
10 And this was done three times; and all things were drawn up again into heaven.”
11 ¶ “And behold: immediately there were three men already come to the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me.
12 And the Spirit told me go together with them, doubting nothing. Moreover these six brothers accompanied me, and we went to the man’s house.
13 And he told us: how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him: “Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is called Peter;
14 Who shall tell you words, whereby you and all your house shall be saved.”
15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them also, just as on us in the beginning.
16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said that: “John indeed baptized with water; but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
17 Therefore, if God gave them the same gift, as also to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ: who am I, that I am able to withstand God?”
18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying: “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance into life.”
Saul and Barnabas in Antioch
19 ¶ Now those which had scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose on Stephen, travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, proclaiming the word to none but the Jews alone.
20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene; who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians, proclaiming the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
22 ¶ Then news of these things, came to the ears of the congregation which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23 Who, when he arrived, and having seen the grace of God: rejoiced and encouraged them all: that with purpose of heart they continue in the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and faith; and many people were added to the Lord.
25 ¶ Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus, for to look for Saul;
26 And when he had found him, he brought him into Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they gathered themselves with the congregation, and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Relief in Judea
27 ¶ And in those days came prophets from Jerusalem into Antioch.
28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and indicated through the Spirit: that there is going to be a great famine upon all the world; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Ceasar.
29 Then the disciples, every man according to his prosperity: determined to send relief to the brothers which dwelt in Judea:
30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders through the hands of Barnabas and Saul.