Part 159

8:25. And they indeed, having testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem: and preached the gospel to many countries of the Samaritans.

8:26. Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, go towards the south, to the way that goeth down from Jerusalem into Gaza: this is desert.

8:27. And rising up, he went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch, of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge over all her treasures, had come to Jerusalem to adore.

8:28. And he was returning, sitting in his chariot and reading Isaias the prophet.

8:29. And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near and join thyself to this chariot.

8:30. And Philip running thither, heard him reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest?

8:31. Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

8:32. And the place of the scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter: and like a lamb without voice before his shearer, so openeth he not his mouth.

8:33. In humility his judgment was taken away. His generation who shall declare, for his life shall be taken from the earth?

8:34. And the eunuch answering Philip, said: I beseech thee, of whom doth the prophet speak this? Of himself, or of some other man?

8:35. Then Philip, opening his mouth and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

8:36. And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water. And the eunuch said: See, here is water: What doth hinder me from being baptized?

8:37. And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answering, said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.

If thou believest with all thy heart. . .The scripture many times mentions only one disposition, as here belief, when others equally necessary are not expressed, viz., a sorrow for sins, a firm hope, and the love of God. Moreover, believing with the whole heart signifies a belief of every thing necessary for salvation.

8:38. And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch. And he baptized him.

8:39. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took away Philip: and the eunuch saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing.

8:40. But Philip was found in Azotus: and passing through, he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.

Acts Chapter 9

Paul's conversion and zeal. Peter heals Eneas and raises up Tabitha to life.

9:1. And Saul, as yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest

9:2. And asked of him letters to Damascus, to the synagogues: that if he found any men and women of this way, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

9:3. And as he went on his journey, it came to pass that he drew nigh to Damascus. And suddenly a light from heaven shined round about him.

9:4. And falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

9:5. Who said: Who art thou, Lord? And he: I am Jesus whom thou persecutest. It is hard for thee to kick against the goad.

9:6. And he, trembling and astonished, said: Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?

9:7. And the Lord said to him: Arise and go into the city; and there it shall be told thee what thou must do. Now the men who went in company with him stood amazed, hearing indeed a voice but seeing no man.

9:8. And Saul arose from the ground: and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. But they, leading him by the hands, brought him to Damascus.

9:9. And he was there three days without sight: and he did neither eat nor drink.