The Conversion of Saul
1. But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,
2. and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3. And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.
4. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
5. And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
6. But rise, and enter into the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”
7. And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one.
8. And Saul arose from the ground, and although his eyes were open, he saw nothing. So they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
9. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
Ananias Restores Saul’s Sight
10. Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.”
11. And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying.
12. And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he may receive sight.”
13. But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints in Jerusalem.
14. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.”
15. But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of mine to bear my name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.
16. For I will show him how much he must suffer for my name sake.”
17. Then Ananias went and entered the house, and laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me so that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”
18. And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received sight. And he arose and was baptized.
19. And when he had taken food, he was strengthened. And Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.
Saul Preaches in Damascus
20. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.”
21. And all who heard were amazed and said, “Is not this he who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called on this name? And has he not come here for the purpose of bringing them bound to the chief priests?”
22. But Saul increased more and more in strength, and confounded the Jews dwelling in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.
Saul Escapes to Jerusalem
23. And after many days had passed, the Jews plotted to kill him.
24. But their plot became known to Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25. Then the disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
26. And when he came to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.
27. But 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 he had boldly preached in Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28. And he was with them, going in and out among them in Jerusalem,
29. speaking boldly in the name of the Lord, and disputing with the Hellenists. But they sought to kill him.
30. And when the brethren learned it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
The Church in Peace and Growth
31. Then the assemblies throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it was multiplied.
Peter Heals Aeneas and Raises Tabitha
32. Now as Peter went through all parts, he came down also to the saints dwelling in Lydda.
33. And he found there a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, and was paralysed.
34. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” And immediately he arose.
35. And all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which, being interpreted, is Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.
37. And it came to pass in those days that she fell sick and died. And when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.
38. And as Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, asking him not to delay in coming to them.
39. Then Peter arose and went with them. And when he had come, they brought him into the upper room. And all the widows stood around him weeping, showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.
40. But Peter put them all outside, and kneeled down and prayed. And turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes. And when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. And calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.
42. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.
43. And Peter remained many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.
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