Day 138 The Bible in a Year (Orthodox canon)

1 Esdras 4

1 Then the second, that had spoken of the strength of the king, began to say, 2 O ye men, do not men excel in strength, that bear rule over sea and land, and all things in them? 3 But yet the king is more mighty: for he is lord of all these things, and hath dominion over them; and whatsoever he commandeth them they do. 4 If he bid them make war the one against the other, they do it: if he send them out against the enemies, they go, and break down mountains, walls, and towers. 5 They slay and are slain, and transgress not the king's commandment: if they get the victory, they bring all to the king, as well the spoil, as all things else. 6 Likewise for those that are no soldiers, and have not to do with wars, but use husbandry, when they have reaped again that which they had sown, they bring it to the king, and compel one another to pay tribute unto the king. 7 And yet he is but one man: if he command to kill, they kill; if he command to spare, they spare; 8 if he command to smite, they smite; if he command to make desolate, they make desolate; if he command to build, they build; 9 if he command to cut down, they cut down; if he command to plant, they plant. 10 So all his people and his armies obey him: furthermore he lieth down, he eateth and drinketh, and taketh his rest: 11 and these keep watch round about him, neither may any one depart, and do his own business, neither disobey they him in any thing. 12 O ye men, how should not the king be mightiest, when in such sort he is obeyed? And he held his tongue. 13 Then the third, who had spoken of women, and of the truth, (this was Zorobabel) began to speak. 14 O ye men, it is not the great king, nor the multitude of men, neither is it wine, that excelleth: who is it then that ruleth them, or hath the lordship over them? are they not women? 15 Women have borne the king and all the people that bear rule by sea and land. 16 Even of them came they: and they nourished them up that planted the vineyards, from whence the wine cometh. 17 These also make garments for men; these bring glory unto men; and without women cannot men be. 18 Yea, and if men have gathered together gold and silver, or any other goodly thing, do they not love a woman which is comely in favour and beauty? 19 And letting all those things go, do they not gape, and even with open mouth fix their eyes fast on her; and have not all men more desire unto her than unto silver or gold, or any goodly thing whatsoever? 20 A man leaveth his own father that brought him up, and his own country, and cleaveth unto his wife. 21 He sticketh not to spend his life with his wife, and remembereth neither father, nor mother, nor country. 22 By this also ye must know that women have dominion over you: do ye not labour and toil, and give and bring all to the woman? 23 Yea, a man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to rob and to steal, to sail upon the sea and upon rivers; 24 and looketh upon a lion, and goeth in the darkness; and when he hath stolen, spoiled, and robbed, he bringeth it to his love. 25 Wherefore a man loveth his wife better than father or mother. 26 Yea, many there be that have run out of their wits for women, and become servants for their sakes. 27 Many also have perished, have erred, and sinned, for women. 28 And now do ye not believe me? is not the king great in his power? do not all regions fear to touch him? 29 Yet did I see him and Apame the king's concubine, the daughter of the admirable Bartacus, sitting at the right hand of the king, 30 and taking the crown from the king's head, and setting it upon her own head; she also struck the king with her left hand. 31 And yet for all this the king gaped and gazed upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him, he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure at him, the king was fain to flatter, that she might be reconciled to him again. 32 O ye men, how can it be but women should be strong, seeing they do thus? 33 Then the king and the princes looked one upon another: so he began to speak of the truth. 34 O ye men, are not women strong? great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the sun in his course, for he compasseth the heavens round about, and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one day. 35 Is he not great that maketh these things? therefore great is the truth, and stronger than all things. 36 All the earth calleth upon the truth, and the heaven blesseth it: all works shake and tremble at it, and with it is no unrighteous thing. 37 Wine is wicked, the king is wicked, women are wicked, all the children of men are wicked; and such are all their wicked works, and there is no truth in them; in their unrighteousness also they shall perish. 38 As for the truth, it endureth, and is always strong; it liveth and conquereth for evermore. 39 With her there is no accepting of persons or rewards: but she doeth the things that are just, and refraineth from all unjust and wicked things; and all men do well like of her works. 40 Neither in her judgment is any unrighteousness; and she is the strength, kingdom, power, and majesty of all ages. Blessed be the God of truth. 41 And with that he held his peace. And all the people then shouted, and said, Great is Truth, and mighty above all things. 42 Then said the king unto him, Ask what thou wilt more than is appointed in the writings, and we will give it thee, because thou art found wisest; and thou shalt sit next me, and shalt be called my cousin. 43 Then said he unto the king, Remember thy vow, which thou hast vowed to build Jerusalem, in the day when thou camest to thy kingdom, 44 and to send away all the vessels that were taken away out of Jerusalem, which Cyrus set apart, when he vowed to destroy Babylon, and to send them again thither. 45 Thou also hast vowed to build up the temple, which the Edomites burned when Judea was made desolate by the Chaldees. 46 And now, O lord the king, this is that which I require, and which I desire of thee, and this is the princely liberality proceeding from thyself: I desire therefore that thou make good the vow, the performance whereof with thine own mouth thou hast vowed to the King of heaven. 47 Then Darius the king stood up, and kissed him, and wrote letters for him unto all the treasurers and lieutenants and captains and governors, that they should safely convey on their way both him, and all those that go up with him to build Jerusalem. 48 He wrote letters also unto the lieutenants that were in Celosyria and Phenice, and unto them in Libanus, that they should bring cedar wood from Libanus unto Jerusalem, and that they should build the city with him. 49 Moreover he wrote for all the Jews that went out of his realm up into Jewry, concerning their freedom, that no officer, no ruler, no lieutenant, nor treasurer, should forcibly enter into their doors; 50 and that all the country which they hold should be free without tribute; and that the Edomites should give over the villages of the Jews which then they held: 51 yea, that there should be yearly given twenty talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were built; 52 and other ten talents yearly, to maintain the burnt offerings upon the altar every day, as they had a commandment to offer seventeen: 53 and that all they that went from Babylon to build the city should have free liberty, as well they as their posterity, and all the priests that went away. 54 He wrote also concerning the charges, and the priests' vestments wherein they minister; 55 and likewise for the charges of the Levites, to be given them until the day that the house were finished, and Jerusalem builded up. 56 And he commanded to give to all that kept the city pensions and wages. 57 He sent away also all the vessels from Babylon, that Cyrus had set apart; and all that Cyrus had given in commandment, the same charged he also to be done, and sent unto Jerusalem. 58 Now when this young man was gone forth, he lifted up his face to heaven toward Jerusalem, and praised the King of heaven, 59 and said, From thee cometh victory, from thee cometh wisdom, and thine is the glory, and I am thy servant. 60 Blessed art thou, who hast given me wisdom: and to thee I give thanks, O Lord of our fathers. 61 And so he took the letters, and went out, and came unto Babylon, and told it all his brethren. 62 And they praised the God of their fathers, because he had given them freedom and liberty 63 to go up, and to build Jerusalem, and the temple which is called by his name: and they feasted with instruments of musick and gladness seven days.

1 Esdras 5

1 After this were the principal men of the families chosen according to their tribes, to go up with their wives and sons and daughters, with their menservants and maidservants, and their cattle. 2 And Darius sent with them a thousand horsemen, till they had brought them back to Jerusalem safely, and with musical [instruments], tabrets and flutes. 3 And all their brethren played, and he made them go up together with them. 4 And these are the names of the men which went up, according to their families, among their tribes, after their several heads. 5 The priests, the sons of Phinees, the sons of Aaron: Jesus the son of Josedec, the son of Saraias, and Joacim the son of Zorobabel, the son of Salathiel, of the house of David, out of the kindred of Phares, of the tribe of Judah; 6 who spake wise sentences before Darius the king of Persia in the second year of his reign, in the month Nisan, which is the first month. 7 And these are they of Jewry that came up from the captivity, where they dwelt as strangers, whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon. 8 And they returned unto Jerusalem, and to the other parts of Jewry, every man to his own city, who came with Zorobabel, and Jesus, Nehemias, Zaraias, Reesaias, Enenius, Mardocheus, Beelsarus, Aspharasus, Reelius, Roimus, [and] Baana, their guides. 9 The number of them of the nation, and their governors: the sons of Phoros, two thousand an hundred seventy and two: the sons of Saphat, four hundred seventy and two: 10 The sons of Ares, seven hundred fifty and six: 11 The sons of Phaath Moab, among the sons of Jesus and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve: 12 The sons of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four: the sons of Zathui, nine hundred seventy and five: the sons of Corbe, seven hundred and five: the sons of Bani, six hundred forty and eight: 13 The sons of Bebai, six hundred thirty and three: the sons of Argai, one thousand three hundred twenty and two: 14 The sons of Adonikan, six hundred thirty and seven: the sons of Bagoi, two thousand six hundred and six: the sons of Adin, four hundred fifty and four: 15 The sons of Ater, [son] of Ezekias, ninety and two: the sons of Cilan and Azenan, threescore and seven: the sons of Azarus, four hundred thirty and two: 16 The sons of Annis, an hundred and one: the sons of Arom, thirty-two: the sons of Bassai, three hundred twenty and three: the sons of Arsiphurith, an hundred and two: 17 The sons of Beterus, three thousand and five: the sons of Bethlomon, an hundred twenty and three: 18 They of Netophah, fifty and five: they of Anathoth, an hundred fifty and eight: they of Bethsamos, forty and two: 19 They of Kiriathiarius, twenty and five: they of Caphira and Beroth, seven hundred forty and three. 20 They of Chadias and Ammidoi, four hundred twenty and two: they of Cirama and Gabbes, six hundred twenty and one: 21 They of Macalon, an hundred twenty and two: they of Betolius, fifty and two: the sons of Nephis, an hundred fifty and six: 22 The sons of Calamolalus and Onus, seven hundred twenty and five: the sons of Jerechus, two hundred forty and five: 23 The sons of Sanaas, three thousand three hundred and one. 24 The priests: the sons of Jeddu, the son of Jesus, among the sons of Sanasib, eight hundred seventy and two: the sons of Emmeruth, two hundred fifty and two: 25 The sons of Phassaron, a thousand forty and seven: the sons of Carme, two hundred and seventeen. 26 The Levites: the sons of Jessue, and Cadmiel, and Banuas, and Sudias, seventy and four. 27 The holy singers: the sons of Asaph, an hundred twenty and eight. 28 The porters: the sons of Salum, the sons of Atar, the sons of Tolman, the sons of Dacobi, the sons of Ateta, the sons of Tobis, in all an hundred thirty and nine. 29 The servants of the temple: the sons of Esau, the sons of Asipha, the sons of Tabaoth, the sons of Ceras, the sons of Sud, the sons of Phaleas, the sons of Labana, the sons of Agraba, 30 The sons of Acud, the sons of Uta, the sons of Cetab, the sons of Agaba, the sons of Subai, the sons of Anan, the sons of Cathua, the sons of Geddur, 31 The sons of Jairus, the sons of Daisan, the sons of Noeba, the sons of Chaseba, the sons of Cazera, the sons of Ozia, the sons of Phinees, the sons of Azara, the sons of Bastai, the sons of Assana, the sons of Mani, the sons of Naphisi, the sons of Acuph, the sons of Achiba, the sons of Asub, the sons of Pharacim, the sons of Basalem, 32 The sons of Meedda, the sons of Coutha, the sons of Charea, the sons of Barcue, the sons of Serar, the sons of Thomoi, the sons of Nasith, the sons of Atipha. 33 The sons of the servants of Solomon: the sons of Azaphioth, the sons of Pharira, the sons of Jeieli, the sons of Lozon, the sons of Isdael, the sons of Saphui, 34 The sons of Hagia, the sons of Phacareth, the sons of Sabi, the sons of Sarothi, the sons of Misaias, the sons of Gas, the sons of Addus, the sons of Suba, the sons of Apherra, the sons of Barodis, the sons of Saphag, the sons of Allom. 35 All the ministers of the temple, and the sons of the servants of Solomon, were three hundred seventy and two. 36 These came up from Thermeleth and Thelersas, Charaathalan leading them, and Aalar; 37 they could not shew their families or their stock, how they were of Israel: the sons of Dalan, the son of Baenan, the sons of Necodan, six hundred fifty and two. 38 And of the priests that usurped the office of the priesthood, and were not found: the sons of Obdia, the sons of Acbos, the sons of Jaddus, who married Augia one of the daughters of Phaezeldæus, and was named after his name. 39 And when the description of the kindred of these men was sought in the register, and was not found, they were removed from executing the office of the priesthood: 40 for unto them said Nehemias and Attharias, that they should not be partakers of the holy things, till there arose up an high priest clothed with doctrine and truth. 41 So of Israel, from them of twelve years old and upward, beside menservants and womenservants, they were all in number forty thousand, two thousand three hundred and sixty. 42 Their menservants and handmaids were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: the singing men and singing women, two hundred forty and five: 43 four hundred thirty and five camels, seven thousand thirty and six horses, two hundred forty and five mules, five thousand five hundred twenty and five beasts used to the yoke: 44 And certain of the chief of their families, when they came to the temple of God that is in Jerusalem, vowed to set up the house again in his own place according to their ability, 45 and to give into the holy treasury of the works a thousand pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, and an hundred priestly vestments. 46 And so dwelt the priests and the Levites and the people in Jerusalem, and in the country, the singers also and the porters; and all Israel in their villages. 47 But when the seventh month was at hand, and when the children of Israel were every man in his own place, they came altogether with one consent into the open place of the first gate which is toward the east. 48 Then stood up Jesus the son of Josedec, and his brethren the priests, and Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and his brethren, and made ready the altar of the God of Israel, 49 to offer burnt sacrifices upon it, according as it is expressly commanded in the book of Moses the man of God. 50 And there were gathered unto them out of the other nations of the land, and they erected the altar upon his own place, because all the nations of the land were at enmity with them, and oppressed them; and they offered sacrifices according to the time, and burnt offerings to the Lord both morning and evening. 51 Also they held the feast of tabernacles, as it is commanded in the law, and [offered] sacrifices daily, as was meet: 52 and after that, the continual oblations, and the sacrifice of the sabbaths, and of the new moons, and of all holy feasts. 53 And all they that had made any vow to God began to offer sacrifices to God from the first day of the seventh month, although the temple of the Lord was not yet built. 54 And they gave unto the masons and carpenters money, meat, and drink, with cheerfulness. 55 Unto them of Zidon also and Tyre they gave carrs, that they should bring cedar trees from Libanus, which should be brought by floats to the haven of Joppe, according as it was commanded them by Cyrus king of the Persians. 56 And in the second year and second month after his coming to the temple of God at Jerusalem began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and their brethren, and the priests, and the Levites, and all they that were come unto Jerusalem out of the captivity: 57 and they laid the foundation of the house of God in the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come to Jewry and Jerusalem. 58 And they appointed the Levites from twenty years old over the works of the Lord. Then stood up Jesus, and his sons and brethren, and Cadmiel his brother, and the sons of Emadabun, with the sons of Joda the son of Eliadud, with their sons and brethren, all Levites, with one accord setters forward of the business, labouring to advance the works in the house of the Lord. So the builders built the temple of the Lord. 59 And the priests stood arrayed in their vestments with musical instruments and trumpets; and the Levites the sons of Asaph had cymbals, 60 singing songs of thanksgiving, and praising the Lord, according as David the king of Israel had ordained. 61 And they sung [with] loud voices songs to the praise of the Lord, because his mercy and glory is for ever in all Israel. 62 And all the people sounded trumpets, and shouted with a loud voice, singing songs of thanksgiving unto the Lord for the rearing up of the house of the Lord. 63 Also of the priests and Levites, and of the chief of their families, the ancients who had seen the former house came to the building of this with weeping and great crying. 64 But many with trumpets and joy shouted with loud voice, 65 insomuch that the trumpets might not be heard for the weeping of the people; yet the multitude sounded marvellously, so that it was heard afar off. 66 Wherefore when the enemies of the tribe of Juda and Benjamin heard it, they came to know what the noise of trumpets [should mean]. 67 And they perceived that they that were of the captivity did build the temple unto the Lord God of Israel. 68 So they went to Zorobabel and Jesus, and to the chief of the families, and said unto them, We will build together with you. 69 For we likewise, as ye, do obey your Lord, and do sacrifice unto him from the days of Azbazareth the king of the Assyrians, who brought us hither. 70 Then Zorobabel and Jesus and the chief of the families of Israel said unto them, It is not for us and you to build together an house unto the Lord our God. 71 We ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel, according as Cyrus the king of the Persians hath commanded us. 72 But the heathen of the land lying heavy upon the inhabitants of Judea, and holding them strait, hindered their building; 73 and by their secret plots, and popular persuasions and commotions, they hindered the finishing of the building all the time that king Cyrus lived: so they were hindered from building for the space of two years, until the reign of Darius.

1 Esdras 6

1 Now in the second year of the reign of Darius, Aggeus and Zacharias the son of Addo, the prophets, prophesied unto the Jews in Jewry and Jerusalem in the name of the Lord God of Israel, which was upon them. 2 Then stood up Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Jesus the son of Josedec, and began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, the prophets of the Lord being with them, [and] helping them. 3 At the same time came unto them Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, with Sathrabuzanes and his companions, and said unto them, 4 By whose appointment do ye build this house and this roof, and perform all the other things? and who are the workmen that perform these things? 5 Nevertheless the elders of the Jews obtained favour, because the Lord had visited the captivity; 6 and they were not hindered from building, until such time as signification was given unto Darius concerning them, and an answer received. 7 The copy of the letters which Sisinnes, governor of Syria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, with their companions, rulers in Syria and Phenice, wrote and sent unto Darius; To king Darius, greeting: 8 Let all things be known unto our lord the king, that being come into the country of Judea, and entered into the city of Jerusalem, we found in the city of Jerusalem the ancients of the Jews that were of the captivity 9 building an house unto the Lord, great [and] new, of hewn and costly stones, and the timber already laid upon the walls. 10 And those works are done with great speed, and the work goeth on prosperously in their hands, and with all glory and diligence is it made. 11 Then asked we these elders, saying, By whose commandment build ye this house, and lay the foundations of these works? 12 Therefore to the intent that we might give knowledge unto thee by writing, we demanded of them who were the chief doers, and we required of them the names in writing of their principal men. 13 So they gave us this answer, We are the servants of the Lord which made heaven and earth. 14 And as for this house, it was builded many years ago by a king of Israel great and strong, and was finished. 15 But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath, and sinned against the Lord of Israel which is in heaven, he gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, king of the Chaldees; 16 who pulled down the house, and burned it, and carried away the people captives unto Babylon. 17 But in the first year that king Cyrus reigned over the country of Babylon, Cyrus the king wrote to build this house. 18 And the holy vessels of gold and of silver, that Nabuchodonosor had carried away out of the house at Jerusalem, and had set them in his own temple, those Cyrus the king brought forth again out of the temple at Babylon, and they were delivered to Zorobabel, [that is], to Sanabassarus the ruler, 19 with commandment that he should carry away the same vessels, and put them in the temple at Jerusalem; and that the temple of the Lord should be built in that place. 20 Then the same Sanabassarus, being come hither, laid the foundations of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem; and from that time to this being still building, it is not yet finished. 21 Now therefore, if it seem good unto the king, let search be made among the records of king Cyrus: 22 and if it be found that the building of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem hath been done with the consent of king Cyrus, and if our lord the king be so minded, let him signify unto us thereof. 23 Then commanded king Darius to seek among the records at Babylon: and so at Ecbatana the palace, which is in the country of Media, there was found a roll wherein these things were recorded. 24 In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, king Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be built again, where they do sacrifice with continual fire: 25 whose height shall be sixty cubits, and the breadth sixty cubits, with three rows of hewn stones, and one row of new wood of that country; and the expences thereof to be given out of the house of king Cyrus: 26 and that the holy vessels of the house of the Lord, both of gold and silver, that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house at Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, should be restored to the house at Jerusalem, and be set in the place where they were before. 27 And also he commanded that Sisinnes the governor of Syria and Phenice, and Sathrabuzanes, and their companions, and those which were appointed rulers in Syria and Phenice, should be careful not to meddle with the place, but suffer Zorobabel the servant of the Lord, and governor of Judea, and the elders of the Jews, to build the house of the Lord in that place. 28 I have commanded also to have it built up whole again; and that they look diligently to help those that be of the captivity of the Jews, till the house of the Lord be finished: 29 and out of the tribute of Celosyria and Phenice, a portion carefully to be given these men for the sacrifices of the Lord, [that is], to Zorobabel the governor, for bullocks, and rams, and lambs; 30 and also corn, salt, wine, and oil, and that continually every year without further question, according as the priests that be in Jerusalem shall signify to be daily spent: 31 that offerings may be made to the most high God for the king and for his children, and that they may pray for their lives. 32 And he commanded that whosoever should transgress, yea, or make light of any thing [herein] written, out of his own house should a tree be taken, and he thereon be hanged, and all his goods seized for the king. 33 The Lord therefore, whose name is there called upon, utterly destroy every king and nation, that stretcheth out his hand to hinder or endamage that house of the Lord in Jerusalem. 34 I Darius the king have ordained that according unto these things it be done with diligence.

Acts 10

1 Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2 a devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God. 3 At about the ninth hour of the day, he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius!” 4 He, fastening his eyes on him and being frightened, said, “What is it, Lord?” He said to him, “Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa, and get Simon, who is also called Peter. 6 He is staying with a tanner named Simon, whose house is by the seaside. 7 When the angel who spoke to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually. 8 Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey and got close to the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. 10 He became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to him, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth, 12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 13 A voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 A voice came to him again the second time, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.” 16 This was done three times, and immediately the thing was received up into heaven. 17 Now while Peter was very perplexed in himself what the vision which he had seen might mean, behold, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood before the gate, 18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men seek you. 20 But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them.” 21 Peter went down to the men, and said, “Behold, I am he whom you seek. Why have you come?” 22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house, and to listen to what you say.” 23 So he called them in and provided a place to stay. On the next day Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and his near friends. 25 When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and worshiped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.” 27 As he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together. 28 He said to them, “You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to join himself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call any man unholy or unclean. 29 Therefore I also came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?” 30 Cornelius said, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying in the house of a tanner named Simon, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God.” 34 Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; 35 but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— 37 you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. 40 God raised him up the third day and gave him to be revealed, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can anyone forbid these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just like us.” 48 He commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay some days.