Acts 4:18-31 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.… A heathen king had a Christian bishop brought before him, and ordered him to abjure his faith and sacrifice to the heathen idols. "My lord and king," said the bishop, "that I will not do." At this the king was furious, and said, "Do you know that your life is in my hands, and that if I liked I could kill you? I have only to sign to my servants, and you are a dead man." "I know that," answered the bishop; "but before you kill me let me tell you a story. You can decide my fate when I have finished. Suppose one of your most faithful servants falls into the hands of your enemies, and they seek to excite him to rebel against you — to make him a traitor. He, however, remains faithful, and your enemies strip him, and drive him back to his country. Say, O king, when he came to you thus, insulted and outraged for your honour, would you not provide him with your best garments,, and cover his shame with honour?" "So far, so good," said the king, "but what has all this to do with the case in hand? A pretty story enough, and well told, but I do not see the connection it has with you." Then the pious bishop answered, "Listen, sire. You may strip me of my earthly garments, but I have a Master who will clothe me with splendour, and fit me for His presence in glory. Shall I barter away my faith to save my garments?" Then the heathen king answered, "You have conquered; go in peace." Parallel Verses KJV: And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.WEB: They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. |
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