Study Desk

The crowds, hearing his messagehis message">[fn] and seeing the signs that he was doing, paid close attention to what was said by Philip.

They paid careful attention to him because he had thrilled them for a long time with his occultic performances.

and was returning home. He was seated in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaiah.

This was the passage of Scripture he was reading:Isaiah 53:7-8;">[xr] "Like a sheep he was led away to be slaughtered, and like a lamb is silent before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth.

In his humiliation, justice was denied him. Who can describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth."Isaiah 53:7-8 (LXX)">[fn]

Then Philip opened his mouth and, starting from this Scripture, told him the good news about Jesus.Luke 24:27; Acts 18:28;">[xr]

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch went on his way rejoicing and did not see Philiphim">[fn] again.1 Kings 18:12; 2 Kings 2:16; Ezekiel 3:12,14;">[xr]

When Saul got up off the ground, he couldn't see anything, even though his eyes were open. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus.

He has seen in a visionin a vision">[fn] a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so he would see again."

So Ananias left and went to that house. He laid his hands on Saulon him">[fn] and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were traveling, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."Acts 2:4; 4:31; 8:17; 13:52; 22:12-13;">[xr]

All at once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,

All who heard him were astonished and said, "This is the man who harassed those who called on his name in Jerusalem, isn't it? Didn't he come here to bring them in chains to the high priests?"Acts 8:1,3; Galatians 1:13,23, 3;">[xr]

but his disciples took him one night and let him down through the wall by lowering him in a basket.Joshua 2:15; 1 Samuel 19:12;">[xr]

He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and widows and gave her back to them alive.

He was a devout man who feared God, as did everyone in his home. He gave many gifts to the poor among the people and always prayed to God.Acts 8:2; 10:22;">[xr]

When the angel who had spoken to him had gone, Corneliushe">[fn] summoned two of his household servants and a devout soldier, one of those who served him regularly.

The men replied, "Cornelius, a centurion and an upright and God-fearing man who is respected by the whole Jewish nation, was instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his home to hear what you have to say."Acts 10:1-2; 22:12;">[xr]

So Peterhe">[fn] invited them in, and they were his guests. The next day he got up and went with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went along with him.Acts 10:45; 11:12;">[xr]

The next day they arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called his relatives and close friends together.

When Peter was about to go in, Cornelius met him, bowed down at his feet, and began to worship him.