Faith Against Fear: From Courage to Compromise

1. After this, the children of Moab, the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle. 2. Then some came who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea from Syria. Behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar” (that is, En Gedi). 3. Jehoshaphat was alarmed, and set himself to seek to Yahweh. He proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4. Judah gathered themselves together to seek help from Yahweh. They came out of all the cities of Judah to seek Yahweh. 5. Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in Yahweh’s house, before the new court; 6. and he said, “Yahweh, the God of our fathers, aren’t you God in heaven? Aren’t you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in your hand, so that no one is able to withstand you. 7. Didn’t you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the offspring of Abraham your friend forever? 8. They lived in it, and have built you a sanctuary in it for your name, saying, 9. ‘If evil comes on us—the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine—we will stand before this house, and before you (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.’ 10. Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned away from them, and didn’t destroy them; 11. behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit. 12. Our God, will you not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us. We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are on you.” 13. All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. 14. Then Yahweh’s Spirit came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the sons of Asaph, in the middle of the assembly; 15. and he said, “Listen, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you, king Jehoshaphat. Yahweh says to you, ‘Don’t be afraid, and don’t be dismayed because of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God’s. 16. Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they are coming up by the ascent of Ziz. You will find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17. You will not need to fight this battle. Set yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem. Don’t be afraid, nor be dismayed. Go out against them tomorrow, for Yahweh is with you.’” 18. Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshiping Yahweh. 19. The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice. 20. They rose early in the morning, and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. As they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Listen to me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in Yahweh your God, so you will be established! Believe his prophets, so you will prosper.” 21. When he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they go out before the army, and say, “Give thanks to Yahweh; for his loving kindness endures forever.” 22. When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck. 23. For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them: and when they had finished the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another. 24. When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped. 25. When Jehoshaphat and his people came to take their plunder, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away. They took plunder for three days, it was so much. 26. On the fourth day, they assembled themselves in Beracah Valley, for there they blessed Yahweh. Therefore the name of that place was called “Beracah Valley” to this day. 27. Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem, with Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Yahweh had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28. They came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments, harps, and trumpets to Yahweh’s house. 29. The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel. 30. So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet, for his God gave him rest all around. 31. Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32. He walked in the way of Asa his father, and didn’t turn away from it, doing that which was right in Yahweh’s eyes. 33. However the high places were not taken away, and the people had still not set their hearts on the God of their fathers. 34. Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the son of Hanani, which is included in the book of the kings of Israel. 35. After this, Jehoshaphat king of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah king of Israel. The same did very wickedly. 36. He joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish. They made the ships in Ezion Geber. 37. Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works.” The ships were wrecked, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish. 1. Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in David’s city, and Jehoram his son reigned in his place. 2. He had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, Jehiel, Zechariah, Azariah, Michael, and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3. Their father gave them great gifts of silver, of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah; but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn. 4. Now when Jehoram had risen up over the kingdom of his father, and had strengthened himself, he killed all his brothers with the sword, and also some of the princes of Israel. 5. Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6. He walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as did Ahab’s house; for he had Ahab’s daughter as his wife. He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight. 7. However Yahweh would not destroy David’s house, because of the covenant that he had made with David, and as he promised to give a lamp to him and to his children always. 8. In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a king over themselves. 9. Then Jehoram went there with his captains and all his chariots with him. He rose up by night and struck the Edomites who surrounded him, along with the captains of the chariots. 10. So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time from under his hand, because he had forsaken Yahweh, the God of his fathers. 11. Moreover he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and made the inhabitants of Jerusalem play the prostitute, and led Judah astray. 12. A letter came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, “Yahweh, the God of David your father, says, ‘Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your father, nor in the ways of Asa king of Judah, 13. but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the prostitute like Ahab’s house did, and also have slain your brothers of your father’s house, who were better than yourself, 14. behold, Yahweh will strike your people with a great plague, including your children, your wives, and all your posessions; 15. and you will have great sickness with a disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day.’” 16. Yahweh stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians who are beside the Ethiopians; 17. and they came up against Judah, broke into it, and carried away all the posessions that were found in the king’s house, including his sons and his wives; so that there was no son left him, except Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. 18. After all this Yahweh struck him in his bowels with an incurable disease. 19. In process of time, at the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness, and he died of severe diseases. His people made no burning for him, like the burning of his fathers. 20. He was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He departed without being missed; and they buried him in David’s city, but not in the tombs of the kings. 1. The inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his place, because the band of men who came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the oldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned. 2. Ahaziah was forty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. 3. He also walked in the ways of Ahab’s house, because his mother was his counselor in acting wickedly. 4. He did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, as did Ahab’s house, for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction. 5. He also followed their counsel, and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel to war against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth Gilead, and the Syrians wounded Joram. 6. He returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which they had given him at Ramah, when he fought against Hazael king of Syria. Azariah the son of Jehoram king of Judah went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick. 7. Now the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, in that he went to Joram; for when he had come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had anointed to cut off Ahab’s house. 8. When Jehu was executing judgment on Ahab’s house, he found the princes of Judah and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah, serving Ahaziah, and killed them. 9. He sought Ahaziah, and they caught him (now he was hiding in Samaria), and they brought him to Jehu, and killed him; and they buried him, for they said, “He is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought Yahweh with all his heart.” The house of Ahaziah had no power to hold the kingdom. 10. Now when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal offspring of the house of Judah. 11. But Jehoshabeath, the king’s daughter, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stealthily rescued him from among the king’s sons who were slain, and put him and his nurse in the bedroom. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of king Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him from Athaliah, so that she didn’t kill him. 12. He was with them hidden in God’s house six years while Athaliah reigned over the land.

1. The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, 2. until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3. To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God’s Kingdom. 4. Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. 5. For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6. Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7. He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. 8. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” 9. When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10. While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, 11. who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky, will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.” 12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13. When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14. All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers. 15. In these days, Peter stood up in the middle of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said, 16. “Brothers, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who took Jesus. 17. For he was counted with us, and received his portion in this ministry. 18. Now this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out. 19. It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’ 20. For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell therein;’ and, ‘Let another take his office.’ 21. “Of the men therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22. beginning from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” 23. They put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24. They prayed, and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen 25. to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.” 26. They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was counted with the eleven apostles. 1. Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2. Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3. Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them. 4. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. 5. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under the sky. 6. When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in his own language. 7. They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, aren’t all these who speak Galileans? 8. How do we hear, everyone in our own native language? 9. Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10. Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11. Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!” 12. They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13. Others, mocking, said, “They are filled with new wine.” 14. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them, “You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words. 15. For these aren’t drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day. 16. But this is what has been spoken through the prophet Joel: 17. ‘It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. 18. Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy. 19. I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke. 20. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. 21. It will be that whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ 22. “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him among you, even as you yourselves know, 23. him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; 24. whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. 25. For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. 26. Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope; 27. because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay. 28. You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29. “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30. Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, 31. he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that his soul wasn’t left in Hades, and his flesh didn’t see decay. 32. This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. 33. Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. 34. For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand, 35. until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 36. “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” 37. Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38. Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40. With many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41. Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls. 42. They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer. 43. Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44. All who believed were together, and had all things in common. 45. They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need. 46. Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47. praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Lord added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved. 1. Peter and John were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2. A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple. 3. Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive gifts for the needy. 4. Peter, fastening his eyes on him, with John, said, “Look at us.” 5. He listened to them, expecting to receive something from them. 6. But Peter said, “I have no silver or gold, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7. He took him by the right hand, and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength. 8. Leaping up, he stood, and began to walk. He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. 9. All the people saw him walking and praising God. 10. They recognized him, that it was he who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11. As the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly wondering. 12. When Peter saw it, he responded to the people, “You men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? 13. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. 14. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15. and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses. 16. By faith in his name, his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17. “Now, brothers, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18. But the things which God announced by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he thus fulfilled. 19. “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, 20. and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, 21. whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets. 22. For Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up a prophet for you from among your brothers, like me. You shall listen to him in all things whatever he says to you. 23. It will be that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’ 24. Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days. 25. You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘In your offspring will all the families of the earth be blessed.’ 26. God, having raised up his servant Jesus, sent him to you first to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your wickedness.” 1. As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them, 2. being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3. They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening. 4. But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. 5. In the morning, their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. 6. Annas the high priest was there, with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priest. 7. When they had stood Peter and John in the middle of them, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” 8. Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 9. if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10. be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in him does this man stand here before you whole. 11. He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 12. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!” 13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus. 14. Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15. But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16. saying, “What shall we do to these men? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can’t deny it. 17. But so that this spreads no further among the people, let’s threaten them, that from now on they don’t speak to anyone in this name.” 18. They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves, 20. for we can’t help telling the things which we saw and heard.” 21. When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done. 22. For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old. 23. Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them. 24. When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, “O Lord, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 25. who by the mouth of your servant, David, said, ‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? 26. The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’ 27. “For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28. to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen. 29. Now, Lord, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, 30. while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus.” 31. When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 32. The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33. With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. Great grace was on them all. 34. For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35. and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need. 36. Joses, who by the apostles was also called Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race, 37. having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira, his wife, sold a possession, 2. and kept back part of the price, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4. While you kept it, didn’t it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn’t it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to men, but to God.” 5. Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. 6. The young men arose and wrapped him up, and they carried him out and buried him. 7. About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. 8. Peter answered her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” She said, “Yes, for so much.” 9. But Peter asked her, “How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10. She fell down immediately at his feet, and died. The young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her by her husband. 11. Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things. 12. By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13. None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them. 14. More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. 15. They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might overshadow some of them. 16. The multitude also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed. 17. But the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy, 18. and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 19. But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said, 20. “Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life.” 21. When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22. But the officers who came didn’t find them in the prison. They returned and reported, 23. “We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24. Now when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this. 25. One came and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26. Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them. 27. When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priest questioned them, 28. saying, “Didn’t we strictly command you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men. 30. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. 31. God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. 32. We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” 33. But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and were determined to kill them. 34. But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while. 35. He said to them, “You men of Israel, be careful concerning these men, what you are about to do. 36. For before these days Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were dispersed, and came to nothing. 37. After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after him. He also perished, and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered abroad. 38. Now I tell you, withdraw from these men, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of men, it will be overthrown. 39. But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!” 40. They agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41. They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus’ name. 42. Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.

1. When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you; 2. put a knife to your throat, if you are a man given to appetite. 3. Don’t be desirous of his dainties, since they are deceitful food. 4. Don’t weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint. 5. Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky. 6. Don’t eat the food of him who has a stingy eye, and don’t crave his delicacies: 7. for as he thinks about the cost, so he is. “Eat and drink!” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8. The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words. 9. Don’t speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10. Don’t move the ancient boundary stone. Don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless: 11. for their Defender is strong. He will plead their case against you. 12. Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge. 13. Don’t withhold correction from a child. If you punish him with the rod, he will not die. 14. Punish him with the rod, and save his soul from Sheol. 15. My son, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine: 16. yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right. 17. Don’t let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all day long. 18. Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off. 19. Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path! 20. Don’t be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat: 21. for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags. 22. Listen to your father who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old. 23. Buy the truth, and don’t sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding. 24. The father of the righteous has great joy. Whoever fathers a wise child delights in him. 25. Let your father and your mother be glad! Let her who bore you rejoice! 26. My son, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways. 27. For a prostitute is a deep pit; and a wayward wife is a narrow well. 28. Yes, she lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among men. 29. Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes? 30. Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine. 31. Don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly. 32. In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper. 33. Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things. 34. Yes, you will be as he who lies down in the middle of the sea, or as he who lies on top of the rigging: 35. “They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I don’t feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another.”