Unexpectedly Chosen.

CHAPTER 14 (The Great Controversy)

The Conversion of Saul

As Saul journeyed to Damascus with letters of authority to take men or women who were preaching Jesus, and to bring them bound unto Jerusalem, evil angels exulted around him.  But as he journeyed, suddenly a light from heaven shone around him, which made the evil angels flee, and caused Saul to fall quickly to the ground.  He heard a voice saying, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  Saul inquired, Who art thou, Lord?  And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.  It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  And Saul trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?  And the Lord said, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

The men who were with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but saw no man.  As the light passed away, and Saul arose from the earth, and opened his eyes, he saw no man.  The glory of the light of heaven had blinded him.  They led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus, and he was three days without sight, neither did he eat or drink.  The Lord then sent his angel to one of the very men whom Saul hoped to make captive, and revealed to him in vision that he should go into the street called straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus; for, behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight.

Ananias feared that there was some mistake in this matter, and began to relate to the Lord what he had heard of Saul.  But the Lord said unto Ananias, Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.  For I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.  Ananias followed the directions of the Lord, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him, said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Immediately Saul received sight, and arose, and was baptized.  He then preached Christ in the synagogues, that he was the Son of God.  All who heard him were amazed, and inquired, Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem? and came hither on that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests.  But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews.  They were again in trouble.  Saul told his experience in the power of the Holy Spirit.  All were acquainted with the fact of Saul's opposition to Jesus, and his zeal in hunting out and delivering up to death all who believed on his name.  His miraculous conversion convinced many that Jesus was the Son of God.  Saul related his experience, that as he was persecuting unto the death, binding and delivering into prison, both men and women, as he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a great light from heaven shone round about him, and Jesus revealed himself to him, and taught him that he was the Son of God.  As Saul boldly preached Jesus, he carried a powerful influence with him.  He had knowledge of the scriptures, and after his conversion a divine light shone upon the prophecies concerning Jesus, which enabled him to clearly and boldly present the truth, and to correct any perversion of the scriptures.  With the Spirit of God resting upon him, he would in a clear and forcible manner carry his hearers down through the prophecies to the time of Christ's first advent, and show them that the scriptures had been fulfilled, which referred to Christ's sufferings, death and resurrection.

See Acts chap.9

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

Act 9:2  And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 

Act 9:3  And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 

Act 9:4  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 

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

Act 9:6  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 

Act 9:7  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 

Act 9:8  And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 

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

Act 9:10  And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 

Act 9:11  And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 

Act 9:12  And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 

Act 9:13  Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 

Act 9:14  And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 

Act 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 

Act 9:16  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. 

Act 9:17  And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 

Act 9:18  And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 

Act 9:19  And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 

Act 9:20  And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 

Act 9:21  But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 

Act 9:22  But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. 

Act 9:23  And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 

Act 9:24  But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 

Act 9:25  Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. 

Act 9:26  And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. 

Act 9:27  But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 

Act 9:28  And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 

Act 9:29  And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 

Act 9:30  Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 

Act 9:31  Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied. 

Paul was a chosen vessel..

Act 9:15  But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel

Act 13:2  As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 

Jer 1:5  Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. 

Joh 15:16  Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you. 

Rom 1:1  Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God

Gal 1:1  Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) 

Gal 1:15  But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 

Gal 1:16  To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood

2Ti 1:11  Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 

2Ti 2:3  Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 

2Ti 2:4  No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. 

2Ti 2:5  And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. 

2Ti 2:19  Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. 

2Ti 2:20  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. 

2Ti 2:21  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

Rev 17:14  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 

Mat 22:14  For many are called, but few are chosen. 

Mat 7:13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 

Mat 7:14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 

Mat 20:16  So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. 

Luk 13:23  Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 

Luk 13:24  Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 

Striving- watching, praying.

Luk 21:36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man. 

Striving- watching, praying earnestly.

Gen 32:25  And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. 

Gen 32:26  And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. 

Striving- wearing spiritual armor- warring in the spiritual fight.

Eph 6:10  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 

Eph 6:11  Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

Eph 6:12  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

Eph 6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

Eph 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

Eph 6:18  Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; 

Strive for spiritual food- Work of God- BELIEVE in Jesus Christ!

Joh 6:27  Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. 

Joh 6:28  Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 

Joh 6:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 

Strive- temperance in ALL THINGS. Control our bodies, bring our bodies into subjection.

1Co 9:24  Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. 

1Co 9:25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 

1Co 9:26  I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 

1Co 9:27  But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. 

Strive - work out our own salvation with fear and trembling….  KNOW that the spiritual warfare is real and we must believe, holding fast to our belief, letting our belief live in us and all we do.

Php 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 

Php 2:13  For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. 

Striving- labor according to God's will.

Col 1:26  Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: 

Col 1:27  To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: 

Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 

Col 1:29  Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. 

Strive - labor to enter into GOD's REST.

Heb 4:9  There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. 

Heb 4:10  For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. 

Heb 4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 

Strive- use DILIGENCE in living for Christ!

2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 

Satan would destroy our belief and he hacks away at it constantly, and just as hard as Satan works to destroy our belief, we must labor to continue to believe and let our lives reflect our believing.

A constant falling at the feet of our Savior, seeking His mercy, His forgiveness. A constant rising from our feet to live secure in our Savior's grace.  Living in the presence of Christ always!!!

LORD, WE BELIEVE HELP US! HELP OUR UNBELIEF!

Murdered for His Faith.

CHAPTER 13 (The Great Controversy)

The Death of Stephen

Disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem.  The word of God increased, and many of the priests were obedient unto the faith.  Stephen, full of faith, was doing great wonders and miracles among the people.  Many were angry; for the priests were turning from their traditions, and from the sacrifices and offerings, and were accepting Jesus as the great sacrifice.  Stephen, with power from on high, reproved the priests and elders, and exalted Jesus before them.  They could not withstand the wisdom and power by which he spoke, and as they found that they could prevail nothing against him, they hired men to falsely swear that they had heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.  They stirred up the people, and took Stephen, and, through false witnesses, accused him of speaking against the temple and the law.  They testified that they had heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the customs which Moses gave them.

All who sat in judgment against Stephen saw the light of the glory of God in his countenance.  His countenance was lighted up like the face of an angel.  He stood up full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and, beginning at the prophets, he brought them down to the advent of Jesus, his crucifixion, his resurrection and ascension, and showed them that the Lord dwelt not in temples made with hands.  They worshiped the temple.  Anything spoken against the temple filled them with greater indignation than if spoken against God.  The spirit of Stephen was stirred with heavenly indignation as he cried out against them for being wicked, and uncircumcised in heart.  Ye do always resist the Holy Spirit.  They observed the outward ordinances, while their hearts were corrupt, and full of deadly evil.  Stephen referred them to the cruelty of their fathers in persecuting the prophets, saying, Ye have slain them which showed before the coming of the Just One, of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers.

The chief priests and the rulers were enraged as the plain, cutting truths were spoken; and they rushed upon Stephen.  The light of heaven shone upon him, and as he looked up steadfastly into heaven, a vision of God's glory was given him, and angels hovered around him.  He cried out, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.  The people would not hear him.  They cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, and cast him out of the city, and stoned him.  And Stephen kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.

I saw that Stephen was a mighty man of God, especially raised up to fill an important place in the church.  Satan exulted as he was stoned to death; for he knew that the disciples would greatly feel his loss.  But Satan's triumph was short; for there was one standing in that company, witnessing the death of Stephen, to whom Jesus was to reveal himself.  Although he took no part in casting the stones at Stephen, yet he consented to his death.  Saul was zealous in persecuting the church of God, hunting them, seizing them in their houses, and delivering them to those who would slay them.  Satan was using Saul effectually.  But God can break the Devil's power, and set free those who are led captive by him.  Saul was a learned man, and Satan was triumphantly employing his talents to help carry out his rebellion against the Son of God, and those who believed in him.  But Jesus selected Saul as a chosen vessel to preach his name, to strengthen the disciples in their work, and more than fill the place of Stephen.  Saul was greatly esteemed by the Jews.  His zeal and his learning pleased them, and terrified many of the disciples.

See Acts chap.6&7

Act 6:1  And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. 

Act 6:2  Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. 

Act 6:3  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 

Act 6:4  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. 

Act 6:5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 

Act 6:6  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 

Act 6:7  And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 

Act 6:8  And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 

Act 6:9  Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 

Act 6:10  And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 

Act 6:11  Then they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. 

Act 6:12  And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, 

Act 6:13  And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: 

Act 6:14  For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us. 

Act 6:15  And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. 

Act 7:1  Then said the high priest, Are these things so? 

Act 7:2  And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 

Act 7:3  And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. 

Act 7:4  Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 

Act 7:5  And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no child. 

Act 7:6  And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years. 

Act 7:7  And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. 

Act 7:8  And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. 

Act 7:9  And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him, 

Act 7:10  And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 

Act 7:11  Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance. 

Act 7:12  But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 

Act 7:13  And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. 

Act 7:14  Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 

Act 7:15  So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, 

Act 7:16  And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 

Act 7:17  But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 

Act 7:18  Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. 

Act 7:19  The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. 

Act 7:20  In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months: 

Act 7:21  And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. 

Act 7:22  And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 

Act 7:23  And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 

Act 7:24  And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: 

Act 7:25  For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not. 

Act 7:26  And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? 

Act 7:27  But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? 

Act 7:28  Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday? 

Act 7:29  Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. 

Act 7:30  And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. 

Act 7:31  When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 

Act 7:32  Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. 

Act 7:33  Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground. 

Act 7:34  I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. 

Act 7:35  This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. 

Act 7:36  He brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 

Act 7:37  This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear. 

Act 7:38  This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us: 

Act 7:39  To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 

Act 7:40  Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 

Act 7:41  And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 

Act 7:42  Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? 

Act 7:43  Yea, ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. 

Act 7:44  Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen. 

Act 7:45  Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David; 

Act 7:46  Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 

Act 7:47  But Solomon built him an house. 

Act 7:48  Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 

Act 7:49  Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is the place of my rest? 

Act 7:50  Hath not my hand made all these things? 

Act 7:51  Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. 

Act 7:52  Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: 

Act 7:53  Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. 

Act 7:54  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 

Act 7:55  But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, 

Act 7:56  And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 

Act 7:57  Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, 

Act 7:58  And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. 

Act 7:59  And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 

Act 7:60  And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 

Spirit Filled Disciples!

CHAPTER 12  (The Great Controversy)

The Disciples of Christ

With mighty power the disciples preached a crucified and risen Saviour.  They healed the sick, even one who had always been lame was restored to perfect soundness, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God in the sight of all the people.  The news spread, and the people began to press around the disciples.  Many ran together, greatly astonished and amazed at the cure that had been wrought.

 When Jesus died the chief priests thought that there would be no more miracles wrought among them, that the excitement would die, and that the people would again turn to the traditions of men.  But, lo! right in their midst, the disciples were working miracles, and the people were filled with amazement, and gazed with wonder upon them.  Jesus had been crucified, and they wondered where the disciples had obtained this power.  When he was alive they thought that he imparted power to his disciples; when Jesus died, they expected those miracles would end.  Peter understood their perplexity, and said to them, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his Son Jesus, whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go.  But ye denied the Holy One, and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead, whereof we are witnesses.  Peter told them that it was faith in Jesus that had caused this perfect soundness of a man who was before a cripple. 

The chief priests and elders could not bear these words.  They laid hold of the disciples and put them in confinement.  But thousands were converted, and believed in the resurrection and ascension of Christ, by hearing only one discourse from the disciples.  The chief priests and elders were troubled.  They had slain Jesus that the minds of the people might be turned to themselves; but the matter was now worse than before.  They were openly accused by the disciples of being the murderers of the Son of God, and they could not determine to what extent these things might grow, or how they themselves would be regarded by the people.  They would gladly have put the disciples to death; but dared not for fear the people would stone them.  They called for the disciples, who were brought before the council.  The very men who eagerly cried for the blood of the Just One were there.  They had heard Peter's cowardly denial of Jesus, with cursing and swearing, as he was accused of being one of his disciples.  They thought to intimidate Peter; but he was now converted.  An opportunity was here given Peter to exalt Jesus.  He once denied him; but he could now remove the stain of that hasty, cowardly denial, and honor the name he had denied.  No cowardly fears reigned in the breast of Peter then; but with holy boldness, and in the power of the Holy Spirit, he fearlessly declared unto them that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.  This is the stone which was set at naught of you builders, which has become the head stone of the corner.  Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

The people were astonished at the boldness of Peter and John.  They took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus; for their noble, fearless conduct compared well with the appearance of Jesus when he was persecuted by his murderers.  Jesus, by one look of pity and sorrow, reproved Peter after he had denied him, and now as he boldly acknowledged his Lord, Peter was approved and blessed.  As a token of the approbation of Jesus, he was filled with the Holy Spirit.

The chief priests dared not manifest the hate they felt towards the disciples.  They commanded them to go aside out of the council, and they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.  They were afraid to have this good work spread.  If it should spread, their power would be lost, and they would be looked upon as the murderers of Jesus.  All that they dared to do was to threaten them, and command them to speak no more in the name of Jesus lest they die.  But Peter declared boldly that they could but speak the things which they had seen and heard.

By the power of Jesus the disciples continued to heal every one of the afflicted and the sick which were brought to them.  The high priests and elders, and those particularly engaged with them, were alarmed.  Hundreds were enlisting daily under the banner of a crucified, risen and ascended Saviour.  They shut the apostles up in prison, and hoped that the excitement would subside.  Satan triumphed, and the evil angels exulted; but the angels of God were sent and opened the prison doors, and, contrary to the command of the high priest and elders, bade them go into the temple, and speak all the words of this life. The council assembled and sent for their prisoners.  The officers unclosed the prison doors; but the prisoners whom they sought were not there.  They returned to the priests and elders, and said to them, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors; but when we had opened we found no man within.  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence; for they feared the people lest they should have been stoned.  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council; and the high priest asked them, Did not we straitly command you, that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.

They were hypocrites, and loved the praise of men more than they loved God.  Their hearts were hardened, and the most mighty acts wrought by the apostles only enraged them.  They knew that if the disciples preached Jesus, his crucifixion, resurrection and ascension, it would fasten guilt upon them, and proclaim them his murderers.  They were not as willing to receive the blood of Jesus as when they vehemently cried, His blood be on us, and on our children.

The apostles boldly declared that they ought to obey God rather than man.  Said Peter, The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.  And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Spirit whom God hath given to them that obey him. Then were those murderers enraged.  They wished to imbrue their hands in blood again by slaying the apostles.  They were planning how to do this, when an angel from God was sent to Gamaliel to move upon his heart to counsel the chief priest and rulers.  Said Gamaliel, Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to naught; but if it be of God ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.  The evil angels were moving upon the priests and elders to put the apostles to death; but God sent his angel to prevent it, by raising up a voice in favor of the disciples in their own ranks.

The work of the apostles was not finished.  They were to be brought before kings, to witness to the name of Jesus, and to testify to the things which they had seen and heard.  But before these chief priests and elders let them go, they beat them, and commanded them to speak no more in the name of Jesus.  They departed from the council praising God that they were accounted worthy to suffer for his dear name.  They continued their mission, preaching in the temple and in every house where they were invited.  The word of God grew and multiplied.  Satan had moved upon the chief priests and elders to hire the Roman guard to falsely say that the disciples stole Jesus while they slept.  Through this lie they hoped to conceal the facts; but, lo, springing up all around them were the mighty evidences of Jesus' resurrection.  The disciples boldly declared it, and testified to the things which they had seen and heard, and through the name of Jesus they performed mighty miracles.  They boldly placed the blood of Jesus upon those who were so willing to receive it, when they were permitted to have power over the Son of God.

I saw that the angels of God were commissioned to have a special care, and guard the sacred, important truths which were to serve as an anchor to hold the disciples of Christ through every generation.

The Holy Spirit especially rested upon the apostles, who were witnesses of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection and ascension -- important truths which were to be the hope of Israel.  All were to look to the Saviour of the world as their only hope, and walk in the way Jesus opened by the sacrifice of his own life, and keep God's law and live.  I saw the wisdom and goodness of Jesus in giving power to the disciples to carry on the same work which caused the Jews to hate and slay him.  They had power given them over the works of Satan.  They wrought signs and wonders through the name of Jesus, who was despised, and by wicked hands slain.  A halo of light and glory clustered about the time of Jesus' death and resurrection, immortalizing the sacred facts that he was the Saviour of the world.

See Acts chap.3-5

Act 3:1  Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 

Act 3:2  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; 

Act 3:3  Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. 

Act 3:4  And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 

Act 3:5  And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 

Act 3:6  Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 

Act 3:7  And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 

Act 3:8  And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 

Act 3:9  And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 

Act 3:10  And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 

Act 3:11  And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering. 

Act 3:12  And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 

Act 3:13  The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let him go. 

Act 3:14  But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you; 

Act 3:15  And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 

Act 3:16  And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 

Act 3:17  And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. 

Act 3:18  But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. 

Act 3:19  Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 

Act 3:20  And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you: 

Act 3:21  Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 

Act 3:22  For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. 

Act 3:23  And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. 

Act 3:24  Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. 

Act 3:25  Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 

Act 3:26  Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. 

Act 4:1  And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 

Act 4:2  Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 

Act 4:3  And they laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now eventide. 

Act 4:4  Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. 

Act 4:5  And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and scribes, 

Act 4:6  And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 

Act 4:7  And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done this? 

Act 4:8  Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, 

Act 4:9  If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 

Act 4:10  Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 

Act 4:11  This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 

Act 4:12  Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. 

Act 4:13  Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 

Act 4:14  And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 

Act 4:15  But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 

Act 4:16  Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. 

Act 4:17  But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. 

Act 4:18  And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 

Act 4:19  But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye. 

Act 4:20  For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. 

Act 4:21  So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men glorified God for that which was done. 

Act 4:22  For the man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shewed. 

Act 4:23  And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 

Act 4:24  And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 

Act 4:25  Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 

Act 4:26  The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 

Act 4:27  For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 

Act 4:28  For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 

Act 4:29  And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 

Act 4:30  By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus. 

Act 4:31  And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. 

Act 4:32  And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 

Act 4:33  And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 

Act 4:34  Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 

Act 4:35  And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 

Act 4:36  And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 

Act 4:37  Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 

Act 5:1  But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 

Act 5:2  And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet. 

Act 5:3  But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 

Act 5:4  Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. 

Act 5:5  And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 

Act 5:6  And the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him. 

Act 5:7  And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 

Act 5:8  And Peter answered unto her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so much. 

Act 5:9  Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 

Act 5:10  Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 

Act 5:11  And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things. 

Act 5:12  And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 

Act 5:13  And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. 

Act 5:14  And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) 

Act 5:15  Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 

Act 5:16  There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. 

Act 5:17  Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, 

Act 5:18  And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. 

Act 5:19  But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, 

Act 5:20  Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. 

Act 5:21  And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 

Act 5:22  But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, 

Act 5:23  Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 

Act 5:24  Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. 

Act 5:25  Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. 

Act 5:26  Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. 

Act 5:27  And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them, 

Act 5:28  Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. 

Act 5:29  Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 

Act 5:30  The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. 

Act 5:31  Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 

Act 5:32  And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. 

Act 5:33  When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them. 

Act 5:34  Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; 

Act 5:35  And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. 

Act 5:36  For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. 

Act 5:37  After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 

Act 5:38  And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 

Act 5:39  But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. 

Act 5:40  And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 

Act 5:41  And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 

Act 5:42  And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. 

He Went to Prepare.

CHAPTER 11  (The Great Controversy)

The Ascension of Christ

All heaven was waiting the hour of triumph when Jesus should ascend to his Father.  Angels came to receive the King of glory, and to escort him triumphantly to heaven.  After Jesus had blessed his disciples, he was parted from them, and taken up.  And as he led the way upward, the multitude of captives who were raised at his resurrection followed.  A multitude of the heavenly host was in attendance; while in heaven an innumerable number of angels awaited his coming.  As they ascended up to the holy city, the angels who escorted Jesus cried out, Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.  With rapture the angels in the city, who awaited his coming, cried out, who is this King of glory?  The escorting angels with triumph answered, The Lord strong and mighty!  The Lord mighty in battle!  Lift up your heads, O ye gates! even lift them up, ye everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in.  Again the heavenly host cried out, Who is this King of glory?  The escorting angels in melodious strains answered, The Lord of hosts!  He is the King of Glory!  And the heavenly train passed into the city.  Then all the heavenly host surrounded the Son of God, their majestic commander, and with the deepest adoration bowed, casting their glittering crowns at his feet.  And then they touched their golden harps, and in sweet, melodious strains, filled all heaven with their rich music and songs to the Lamb who was slain, yet lives again in majesty and glory.

Next I was shown the disciples as they sorrowfully gazed towards heaven to catch the last glimpse of their ascending Lord.  Two angels clothed in white apparel stood by them, and said unto them, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.  The disciples, with the mother of Jesus, witnessed the ascension of the Son of God, and they spent that night in talking over his wonderful acts, and the strange and glorious things which had transpired within a short time. Satan counselled with his angels, and with bitter hatred against God’s government, told them that while he retained his power and authority upon earth, their efforts must be tenfold stronger against the followers of Jesus.  They had prevailed nothing against Jesus; but his followers they must overthrow if possible, and carry on his work through every generation, to ensnare those who should believe in Jesus, his resurrection and ascension.  Satan related to his angels that Jesus had given his disciples power to cast them out, rebuke them, and heal those whom he should afflict.  Then Satan’s angels went forth like roaring lions, seeking to destroy the followers of Jesus.

See Psalms 24:7-10, Acts1:1-11; 1Peter 5:8

Psa 24:7  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 

Psa 24:8  Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. 

Psa 24:9  Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. 

Psa 24:10  Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.

Act 1:1  The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 

Act 1:2  Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: 

Act 1:3  To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: 

Act 1:4  And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. 

Act 1:5  For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. 

Act 1:6  When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 

Act 1:7  And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. 

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. 

Act 1:9  And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 

Act 1:10  And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 

Act 1:11  Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. 

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour

Joh 14:1  Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 

Joh 14:2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 

Joh 14:3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 

Joh 14:4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. 

Joh 14:5  Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? 

Joh 14:6  Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. 

Joh 14:7  If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. 

Joh 14:8  Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us. 

Joh 14:9  Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father? 

Joh 14:10  Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 

Joh 14:11  Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake. 

Joh 14:12  Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 

Joh 14:13  And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 

Joh 14:14  If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 

Joh 14:15  If ye love me, keep my commandments. 

Joh 14:16  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 

Joh 14:17  Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 

Joh 14:18  I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 

Joh 14:19  Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 

Joh 14:20  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 

Joh 14:21  He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 

Joh 14:22  Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world? 

Joh 14:23  Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 

Joh 14:24  He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. 

Joh 14:25  These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 

Joh 14:26  But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 

Joh 14:27  Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 

Joh 14:28  Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I. 

Joh 14:29  And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 

Joh 14:30  Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 

Joh 14:31  But that the world may know that I love the Father; and as the Father gave me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go hence.