The Early Church

And he found there a certain man named Eneas, who had kept his bed for eight years, who was ill of the palsy.

And Peter said to him: Eneas, the Lord Jesus Christ healeth thee. Arise and make thy bed. And immediately he arose.

And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him: who were converted to the Lord.

And in Joppe there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.

And 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.

And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppe, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not be slack to come unto them.

And Peter rising up went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber. And all the widows stood about him, weeping and shewing him the coats and garments which Dorcas made them.

And they all being put forth, Peter, kneeling down, prayed. And turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes and, seeing Peter, sat up.

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

And it was made known throughout all Joppe. And many believed in the Lord.

And it cane to pass that he abode many days in Joppe, with one Simon a tanner.

And there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion of that which is called the Italian band:

A religious man, and fearing God with all his house, giving much alms to the people and always praying to God.

This man saw in a vision manifestly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him and saying to him: Cornelius.

And he, beholding him. being seized with fear, said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thy alms are ascended for a memorial in the sight of God.

And now send men to Joppe: and call hither one Simon, who is surnamed Peter.

He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side. He will tell thee what thou must do.

And when the angel who spoke to him was departed, he called two of his household servants and a soldier who feared the Lord, of them that were under him.

To whom when he had related all, he sent them to Joppe.

And on the next day, whilst they were going on their journey and drawing nigh to the city, Peter went up to the higher parts of the house to pray, about the sixth hour.

And being hungry, he was desirous to taste somewhat. And as they were preparing, there came upon him an ecstasy of mind.

And he saw the heaven opened and a certain vessel descending, as it were a great linen sheet let down by the four corners from heaven to the earth:

Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts and creeping things of the earth and fowls of the air.

And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter. Kill and eat.

But Peter said: Far be it from me. For I never did eat any thing that is common and unclean.