The Early Church

And when the multitudes had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian tongue, saying: The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men.

And they called Barnabas, Jupiter: but Paul, Mercury: because he was chief speaker.

The priest also of Jupiter that was before the city, bringing oxen and garlands before the gate, would have offered sacrifice with the people.

Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul had heard, rending their clothes, they leaped out among the people, crying,

And saying: Ye men, why do ye these things? We also are mortals, men like unto you, preaching to you to be converted from these vain things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things that are in them:

Who in times past, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.

Nevertheless he left not himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful Seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.

And speaking these things, they scarce restrained the people from sacrificing to them.

Now there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium: and, persuading the multitude and stoning Paul, drew him out of the city, thinking him to be dead.

But as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up and entered into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch:

Confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith: and that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God.

And when they had ordained to them priests in every church and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.

And passing through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia.

And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perge, they went down into Attalia.

And thence they sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been delivered to the grace of God, unto the work which they accomplished.

And when they were come and had assembled the church, they related what great things God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

And they abode no small time with the disciples.

And there they abode long time with the disciples.

And some, coming down from Judea, taught the brethren: That, except you be circumcised after the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.

And when Paul and Barnabas had no small contest with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of the other side should go up to the apostles and priests to Jerusalem, about this question.

They therefore, being brought on their way by the church, passed through Phenice and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy to all the brethren.

And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and by the apostles and ancients, declaring how great things God had done with them.

But there arose of the sect of the Pharisees some that believed, saying: They must be circumcised and be commanded to observe the law of Moses.

And the apostles and ancients assembled to consider of this matter.