Philip ran to him, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and
said, "Understandest thou what thou readest?"
And he said, "How can I, except some one shall guide me?" And he
besought Philip to come up and sit with him.
Now the place of the scripture which he was reading was this,--
"He was led as a sheep to the slaughter;
And as a lamb before his shearer is dumb,
So he openeth not his mouth."
{349}
And the officer said to Philip, "I pray thee, of whom speaketh the
prophet this? of himself, or of some other?"
And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this passage of
scripture, preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on the way, they
came unto a certain water; and the officer saith, "Behold, here is
water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?"
And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down
into the water, both Philip and the officer, and he baptized him. And
when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away
Philip; and the officer saw him no more, for he went on his way
rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he
preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
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VII
PETER AND DORCAS
_How Peter Restored a Good Woman to Life_.
And it came to pass, as Peter went throughout all parts, he came down
also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, that is,
Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and deeds of charity which she
did. And it came to pass in those days, that she fell sick, and died:
and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. And as
Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there,
sent two men unto him, intreating him, "Delay not to come on unto us."
And Peter arose and went with them. And when he was come, they brought
him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and
showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with
them. But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and
turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, arise."
And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And he gave
her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the disciples and widows,
he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa: and
many believed on the Lord. And it came to pass, that he abode many days
in Joppa with one Simon a tan
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