Peter

32And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.

Peter traveled all around, visiting God's people. He also came down to God's people living in Lydda.

33And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

There he found a man named Aeneas. His body could not move. He had been lying in bed for eight years.

34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately.

Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you well. Get up and roll up your mat." Aeneas got up right away.

35And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

Everyone living in Lydda and Sharon saw him. They turned to the Lord.

36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

In the town of Joppa lived a follower named Tabitha. In Greek her name was Dorcas. She was always doing kind things and helping poor people.

37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.

At that time she got sick and died. They washed her body. Then they laid her in a room upstairs.

38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.

Lydda was near Joppa. The followers heard that Peter was in Lydda. They sent two men to ask him, "Please come to us right away."

39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.

So Peter got up and went with them. When he came, they took him to the upstairs room. All the widows stood around him, crying. Widows are women whose husbands have died. They showed him the coats and clothes Dorcas made when she was with them.

40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

Peter sent everyone out of the room. He knelt down and prayed. Then he turned toward her body and said, "Tabitha, get up." She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up.

41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

He took her hand and helped her stand up. Then he called God's people and the widows in. He showed them that she was alive.

42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.

People all over Joppa heard about this. Many of them believed in the Lord.

43And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner.

Peter stayed in Joppa for many days. He stayed with a man named Simon, who made leather from animal skins.

1There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band,

In the city of Caesarea lived a man named Cornelius. He was a centurion, a Roman officer in charge of about a hundred soldiers. He belonged to the group of soldiers called the Italian band.

2A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.

He honored God, and so did everyone in his house. He gave a lot of money to help poor people. He prayed to God all the time.

3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius.

One day, about three in the afternoon, he clearly saw a vision. In it an angel of God came to him and said, "Cornelius."

4And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.

Cornelius looked at the angel and was afraid. He asked, "What is it, Lord?" The angel said, "God has taken notice of your prayers and your gifts to the poor."

5And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter:

"Now send some men to the town of Joppa. Ask for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter."

6He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.

"He is staying with Simon, a tanner, a man who makes leather from animal skins. His house is beside the sea. Peter will tell you what you should do."

7And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;

After the angel left, Cornelius called two of his house servants. He also called a soldier who helped him and honored God.

8And when he had declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.

He told them everything that had happened. Then he sent them off to Joppa.

9On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour:

The next day the men were traveling and getting close to the city. About noon, Peter went up on the flat roof of the house to pray.

10And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

He got very hungry and wanted to eat. While the food was being made ready, he fell into a trance. That is like a dream you see while you are awake.

11And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:

He saw the sky open up. Something came down toward him, like a big sheet held by its four corners. It was let down to the ground.

12Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.

Inside the sheet were all kinds of animals that walk on four feet. There were also wild animals, crawling animals, and birds.

13And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.

Then a voice said to him, "Get up, Peter. Kill and eat."

14But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.

But Peter said, "No, Lord. I have never eaten anything that our law calls dirty or unclean."

15And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

The voice spoke to him a second time. It said, "God has made it clean. Do not call it unclean."

16This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

This happened three times. Then the sheet was taken back up into the sky.

17Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for Simon’s house, and stood before the gate,

Peter was still wondering what the vision meant. Just then the men sent by Cornelius found Simon's house. They stood at the gate.

18And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.

They called out to the people inside. They asked if Simon, who is also called Peter, was staying there.

19While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

Peter was still thinking about the vision. The Spirit said to him, "Listen, three men are looking for you."

20Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them.

"So get up and go downstairs. Go with them and do not worry at all. I sent them."

21Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?

Peter went down to the men Cornelius had sent. He said, "I am the man you are looking for. Why have you come?"

22And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee.

They said, "Cornelius the officer sent us. He is a fair man who honors God. All the Jewish people speak well of him. A holy angel from God told him to send for you. He wants to hear what you have to say."

23Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him.

So Peter invited them in, and they stayed the night. The next day Peter went with them. Some believers from Joppa went along too.

24And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near friends.

The day after that, they came into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them. He had called together his family and his close friends.

25And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

As Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him. He fell down at Peter's feet to worship him.

26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

But Peter helped him stand up. Peter said, "Stand up. I am only a man, just like you."

27And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.

Peter kept talking with him as he went inside. He found many people gathered there.

28And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

Peter said to them, "You know our Jewish rules. A Jew is not allowed to visit people from other nations or spend time with them. But God has shown me not to call anyone dirty or unclean."

29Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?

"So when you sent for me, I came without arguing. Now tell me, why did you send for me?"

30And 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,

Cornelius said, "Four days ago I had gone without food until this time of day. At three in the afternoon I was praying in my house. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood in front of me."

31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

"He said, 'Cornelius, God has heard your prayer. God has remembered your gifts to the poor.'"

32Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.

"'So send men to Joppa. Ask for Simon, who is also called Peter. He is staying at the house of Simon the tanner, beside the sea. When he comes, he will speak to you.'"

33Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.

"So I sent for you right away. It was kind of you to come. Now we are all here in front of God. We want to hear everything God told you to say."

34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

Then Peter began to speak. He said, "Now I really understand. God does not treat one kind of person better than another."

35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.

"In every nation, God welcomes anyone who honors him and does what is right."

36The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)

"God sent his message to the people of Israel. It is the good news of peace, which comes through Jesus Christ. He is Lord of everyone."

37That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;

"You know that message. It spread all through Judea. It began in Galilee, after John taught the people and baptized them in water."

38How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

"God gave Jesus of Nazareth the Holy Spirit and great power. Jesus went from place to place doing good. He healed everyone the devil had hurt, because God was with him."

39And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree:

"We saw everything Jesus did in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a wooden cross."

40Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;

"But on the third day God raised him back to life. God let him be seen."

41Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.

"Not everyone saw him. Only we saw him, the people God had chosen long before. We ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead."

42And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.

"He told us to tell the people this news. God chose him to be the judge of everyone, both the living and the dead."

43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.

"All the prophets said this about him. Prophets were people who told others what God said. Everyone who trusts in him has their sins forgiven because of him."

44While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.

While Peter was still saying these words, the Holy Spirit came on everyone who was listening.

45And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed. The gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on people who were not Jews.

46For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,

They heard these people speaking in other languages and praising God. Then Peter said,

47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

"These people have received the Holy Spirit, just as we did. No one can keep them from being baptized in water."

48And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.

So Peter told them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to stay with them for a few days.

1And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

The apostles and other believers in Judea heard some news. People who were not Jews had also believed God's message.

2And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him,

Peter went up to Jerusalem. Some Jewish believers there argued with him.

3Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

They said, "You went into the homes of men who are not Jews. You even ate with them."

4But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying,

So Peter told them the whole story. He explained it step by step, in order.

5I 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:

He said, "I was praying in the city of Joppa. God showed me a picture while I was awake. I saw something like a big sheet coming down from the sky. It was held by its four corners. It came right down to me.

6Upon 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.

"I looked at it closely. Inside were animals that walk on four feet. There were wild animals, crawling animals, and birds.

7And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.

"Then I heard a voice say to me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'

8But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth.

"I said, 'No, Lord. I have never eaten anything dirty or not allowed.'

9But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.

"The voice from the sky spoke again. It said, 'God has made these things clean. So do not call them dirty.'

10And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven.

"This happened three times. Then it was all pulled back up into the sky.

11And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me.

"Right then three men came to the house where I was staying. They had been sent to me from the city of Caesarea.

12And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house:

"The Spirit told me to go with them and not worry. These six brothers came with me too. We went into the man's house.

13And 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;

"He told us he had seen an angel standing in his house. The angel said, 'Send men to Joppa. Ask for Simon, who is also called Peter.

14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

"'He will tell you a message. That message will save you and everyone in your house.'

15And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

"When I started talking, the Holy Spirit came on them. It was just like what happened to us at the start.

16Then 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.

"Then I remembered what the Lord had said. He said, 'John washed people with water. But you will be washed with the Holy Spirit.'

17Forasmuch 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?

"God gave them the very same gift he gave us who trust the Lord Jesus Christ. So how could I stand in God's way?"

18When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

When they heard this, they stopped arguing. They praised God and said, "So God has let people who are not Jews turn to him and live."

1Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church.

Around that time, King Herod began to hurt some people in the church. The church was the group of people who followed Jesus.

2And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

He had James, the brother of John, killed with a sword.

3And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)

Herod saw that this made the Jewish leaders glad. So he arrested Peter too. It was the week called the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when people ate flat bread made without yeast.

4And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.

Herod took Peter and put him in prison. He gave him to four groups of four soldiers to guard. Herod planned to bring Peter out to the people after Passover.

5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

So Peter stayed in prison. But the church kept praying to God for him, again and again.

6And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

The night before Herod planned to bring him out, Peter was asleep. He lay between two soldiers, tied with two chains. More guards stood watch at the door.

7And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.

Then an angel of the Lord came, and a light shone in the room. An angel is a messenger sent from God. The angel tapped Peter's side and woke him. He said, "Get up, quickly!" The chains fell off Peter's hands.

8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.

The angel said, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." Peter did it. Then the angel said, "Put your coat on and follow me."

9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision.

Peter went out and followed him. He did not know that this was really happening. He thought he was seeing a picture in his mind.

10When they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.

They walked past the first guard post, and then the second one. They came to the iron gate that led into the city. The gate opened all by itself. They went out and walked down one street. Then the angel suddenly left him.

11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the LORD hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.

Then Peter understood what had happened. He said, "Now I know for sure. The Lord sent his angel and saved me from Herod. The Jewish people were waiting to see me hurt, and I am safe from all of it."

12And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

Once he understood, Peter went to Mary's house. She was the mother of John, who was also called Mark. Many people were gathered there, praying.

13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.

Peter knocked at the outer gate. A servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.

14And when she knew Peter’s voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.

She knew Peter's voice. She was so happy that she forgot to open the gate. She ran back inside and said Peter was standing outside.

15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.

They said to her, "You are out of your mind." But she kept saying it was true. Then they said, "It must be his angel."

16But Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.

Peter kept on knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they could hardly believe it.

17But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

Peter waved his hand for them to be quiet. He told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, "Tell James and the other believers about this." Then he left and went somewhere else.

18Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.

When morning came, the soldiers were very upset. They did not know what had happened to Peter.

19And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

Herod looked for Peter but could not find him. He questioned the guards and ordered that they be put to death. Then he went from Judaea down to Caesarea and stayed there.

6And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.

So the apostles and elders met together to look at this question.

7And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

They talked about it for a long time. Then Peter stood up and said, "Brothers, listen. You know what God did a good while ago. He chose me to tell the good news to Gentiles. They heard it from my mouth, and they believed."

8And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

"God knows what is inside every heart. He showed that He accepted them. He gave them the Holy Spirit, just as He gave Him to us."

9And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

"He did not treat them any differently from us. He made their hearts clean because they trusted Him."

10Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

"So why are you testing God? You want to put a yoke on the necks of these followers. A yoke is a heavy wooden bar laid on animals to make them pull. Our fathers could not carry that load. We could not carry it either."

11But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

"We believe the Lord Jesus saves us by His kindness, as a free gift. Gentiles are saved the very same way."