“1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the
Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up
to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3
Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4
But Peter rehearsed [the matter] from the beginning, and expounded [it]
by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in
a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a
great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to
me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and
saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping
things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me,
Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing
common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the
voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, [that] call
not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up
again into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men
already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12
And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these
six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house: 13 And
he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said
unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;
14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be
saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us
at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he
said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the
Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as [he did]
unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could
withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace,
and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted
repentance unto life.”
“19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that
arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and
Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some
of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to
Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the
hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned
unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the
church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he
should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the
grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of
heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and
full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the
Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when
he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that
a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much
people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
“27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28
And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit
that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came
to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man
according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren
which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders
by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.” (Acts 11:1-30 AV)
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