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The Bible Stories ClipArt gallery includes 352 illustrations of stories from the Jewish and Christian scriptures. See also the Hebrew Bible Illustrations and the New Testament Illustrations collections in the Religion and Mythology section.

"And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving; and she came up to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister did leave me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. But the Lord answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art anxious and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: for Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her." Luke 10:39-42 ASV <p>Illustration of Mary sitting at Jesus feet, listening to him speak, while her sister Martha runs around the house, serving people. Martha is on the left, holding a tray. Three men and one woman stand behind columns and listen to Jesus. There is a small table with cups and a pitcher on it.

Jesus Tells Martha to Stop Worrying and Be More like Mary

"And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word. But Martha was…

"And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word." Luke 10:39 ASV <p>Illustration of Mary, Martha's sister, kneels at Jesus' feet and listens to him speak. Jesus is sitting on a bench against a wall and a woman can be seen working in a kitchen in the background.

Mary Sits and Listens at Jesus' Feet

"And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at the Lord's feet, and heard his word." Luke 10:39…

"Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment." John 12:3 ASV <p>Illustration of Mary anointing Jesus' feet with perfume. The disciples stand in the background, some looking irritated.

Mary Anoints Jesus at Bethany

"Mary therefore took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus,…

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster cruse of ointment, and standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment." Luke 7:37-38 ASV <p>Illustration of Mary Magdalene drying Jesus' feet with the hair on her head, after she washed them with her tears and before she anointed them. The Pharisee named Simon is sitting next to Jesus. Several other guests sitting around a banquet table, discussing the scene. An open window in the background reveals palm trees and some buildings.

Mary Magdalene Washes Jesus' Feet with Her Tears, Wipes Them with Her Hair, and Anoints Them with Perfume

And behold, a woman who was in the city, a sinner; and when she knew that he was sitting at meat in…

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the male children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the borders thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had exactly learned of the Wise-men." Matthew 2:16 ASV <p>Illustration of Herod's soldiers murdering baby boys as their mothers weep. One soldier wrenches a boy away from his mother as a young girl tries to stop him. Mothers cry over and hold their murdered babies. The city walls and stairways are visible in the background.

The Slaughter of the Innocents - Herod Has All of the Baby Boys Killed

"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the Wise-men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and…

"And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth." Genesis 14:19 KJV

Melchizedek Blessing Abram

"And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth."…

"And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking..." Luke 5:4-6 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus standing in a boat as the disciples catch a multitude of fish. There are two boats with two disciples in each. The boats and nets are overflowing with fish. Several people can be seen watching from the shore in the background.

The Miraculous Catch of Fish - Jesus Fills the Disciples' Boats with Fish

"And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for…

"And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answered and said, Master, we toiled all night, and took nothing: but at thy word I will let down the nets. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes; and their nets were breaking..." Luke 5:4-6 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus sitting in a boat with Simon as he is performing a miracle. Simon sits in front of Jesus with his hands folded in a prayerful position. A second boat holds three fisherman, one rows with a staff while two others haul in a net full of fish. Mountains and a city can be seen in the background.

The Miraculous Draught of Fish - Jesus Fishes with His Disciples

"And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for…

"Now when Mordecai knew all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; and he came even before the king's gate: for none might enter within the king's gate clothed with sackcloth." Esther 4:1-2 <p>Mordecai stands at the king's gate and cries out at the news that all the Jews of Persia were to be destroyed.

Mordecai Cries out at the City Gates

"Now when Mordecai knew all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes,…

"And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hands, and brake them beneath the mount." Exodus 32:19 ASV <p>Illustration of Moses throwing down the stone tablets and breaking them after finding the Israelites worshiping an idol in the shape of a golden calf. One tablet lies broken on the ground and he is raising the second one, ready to smash it. Aaron stands next to him, distressed and trying to stop him. The people can be seen in the background, crowded around the golden calf. The tents are behind them.

Moses Breaks the Stone Tablets on Which the Ten Commandments are Written

"And it came to pass, as soon as he came nigh unto the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing: and…

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel." Exodus 17:6 KJV

Moses Bringing Water from the Rock

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there…

"And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses: and she said, Because I drew him out of the water." Exodus 2:10 KJV

Moses Brought Before Pharaoh's Daughter

"And the child grew, and she brought him unto Pharaoh's daughter, and he became her son. And she called…

"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed." Exodus 3:2 KJV

Moses at the Burning Bush

"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked,…

"And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses." Numbers 27:22-23 KJV

Moses Giving the Charge to Joshua

"And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest,…

"And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime and with pitch; and she put the child therein, and laid it in the flags by the river's brink. And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river; and her maidens walked along by the river-side; and she saw the ark among the flags, and sent her handmaid to fetch it." Exodus 2:3-5 ASV <p>Illustration of Miriam, Moses' sister, kneeling over him as he lies in a basket on the edge of the river. Pharaoh's daughter approaches with four of her handmaids. Two handmaids are holding feathered fans. Pharaoh's daughter is wearing a crown.

Moses is Found by Pharaoh's Daughter as Miriam Watches

"And when she could not longer hide him, she took for him an ark of bulrushes, and daubed it with slime…

"And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, the two tables of the testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God." Exodus 31:18 ASV <p>Illustration of God handing Moses the New Law on tablets of stone. Moses kneels on Mount Sinai and reaches up to God, who appears in a cloud. Five angels, three on one side of God and two on the other, play trumpets pointed down to earth. The Israelites can be seen camped at the bottom of the mountain. The golden calf is visible.

Moses Receives the Ten Commandments on Two Tablets of Stone

"And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, the two tables…

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel." Exodus 17:6 ASV <p>Illustration of the Israelites collecting water from the stream that flows after Moses strikes a rock at God's command. Moses stands at the head of the stream with his left arm raised. The staff he holds in his right hand is touching the stream of water. Men, women, and children kneel at the stream and dip jars in the flow. Several women give water to a baby. A man drinks from a jar. Some men in the background look to Moses with arms raised in a gesture of worship. Mountains are pictured in the background.

Moses Strikes the Rock and Water Flows in the Desert

"Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there…

"Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." Nehemiah 2:20 KJV

Nehemiah and his Workman

"Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants…

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:1-3 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus sitting in bed and Nicodemus standing next to him. Jesus has his left arm raised. Nicodemus is clothed in robes.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus about the Kingdom of Heaven

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came unto him…

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came unto him by night, and said to him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except one be born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:1-3 ASV <p>Illustration of Jesus sitting on the edge of a bed and Nicodemus sitting at a table at night. Jesus is gesturing towards heaven and Nicodemus is leaning in intently. Curtains drape the room behind them.

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: the same came unto him…

"Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch." Genesis 6:14 KJV

Noah Building the Ark

"Make thee an ark of gopher wood; rooms shalt thou make in the ark, and shalt pitch it within and without…

Various animals entering the Ark built by Noah because of the great flood.

Noah's Ark

Various animals entering the Ark built by Noah because of the great flood.

"And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar." Genesis 8:20 KJV

Noah's Sacrifice after the Flood

"And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and…

"And they came to the place which God had told him of. And Abraham built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. And the angel of Jehovah called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham. And he said, Here I am. And he said, Lay not thy hand upon the lad, neither do thou anything unto him. For now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son, from me." Genesis 22:9-12 <p>This sculpture is a Bronze-relief by Brunellesco. There is a similar sculpture done by Ghiberti. It can now be found in the National Museum in Florence, Italy.

Offering of Isaac

"And they came to the place which God had told him of. And Abraham built the altar there, and laid the…

"And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD:" Leviticus 2:2 KJV

The High Priest Offering Incense on the Golden Altar

"And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour…

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the laborers for a shilling a day, he sent them into his vineyard." Matthew 20:1-2 ASV <p>Illustration of the master, or householder, hiring three more workers to join the laborers already in the fields. One worker leans against a wall, while two others sit on the ground, one with a pick-axe. Workers in the background can be seen carrying grapes and working. The householder leans on a staff.

The Parable of the Householder Hiring Laborers to Work in the Vineyard

"For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that was a householder, who went out early in the morning…

"And he spake unto them this parable, saying, 'What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.'" Luke 15:3-5 ASV <p>Illustration of a shepherd with his once-lost sheep on his shoulders. He carries his shepherd's crook in his right hand and numerous sheep follow behind him. He walks through a wooded area.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep - The Shepherd Returns with the Sheep on His Shoulders

"And he spake unto them this parable, saying, 'What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost…

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." Luke 18:10 ASV <p>Illustration of a Pharisee and a publican, also referred to as a tax collector, praying in the temple. The Pharisee is dressed in full priestly costume and robes. He is standing behind the veil, within the room that holds the menorah and incense altar, and praying with his head up and chest out. The publican stands outside of the main room, head bowed, staff in hand.

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican, or the Tax Collector

"Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican." Luke 18:10…

"And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them:" Matthew 13:3-4 ASV <p>Illustration of a man sowing seed. He tosses the seed onto rocks. The plowed fields stretch out behind him. A bag of seed is sitting in the field. Birds are eating the seed that fell on the road. More birds approach in the background The man is wearing a short tunic and he is wearing a bag over his shoulder and across his body.

The Parable of the Sower - Birds Eat the Seed by the Wayside

"And he spake to them many things in parables, saying, Behold, the sower went forth to sow; and as he…

"Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field: but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares also among the wheat, and went away." Matthew 13:24-25 ASV <p>Illustration of a man and his servants sleeping under a tree after having sown a field with good wheat. The man's enemy walks through the field (left) and tosses bad seed, tares, in with the wheat. An axe, a pitcher, and a bag of seed is sitting in the foreground.

The Parable of the Tares - the Enemy Sows Bad Seed Among the Wheat

"Another parable set he before them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed…

"For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 Now while the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. 6 But at midnight there is a cry, Behold, the bridegroom! Come ye forth to meet him. 7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are going out." Matthew 25:3-8 ASV <p>Illustration of the five virgins with their lamps lit, following the bridegroom. In the background, the other five virgins knock in the dark at the closed door of the bridegroom. Flower girls and a youth with a torch walk in front of the bridegroom. Garlands are strung from the columns and ceiling.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins - Only Five Kept Their Lamps Alight

"For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: 4 but the wise took oil in their…

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For the foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps." Matthew 25:1-4 ASV <p>Illustration of ten virgin brides going to meet the bridegroom. The five in front hold lighted lamps, while the five lagging behind have no light. The writing reads "Gif ven oss af eder olja, ty våra lampor slockna" at the top, and "de tio jungfrurna" at the bottom.

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth…

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: and he reasoned within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have not where to bestow my fruits. And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, be merry." Luke 12:16-19 ASV <p>Illustration of a wealthy man, dressed in expensive robes, leaning on expensive pillows and linens, and looking over his riches. There is a chair and pitcher nearby and incense is burning in a large vase. His barns and granaries are visible in the background.

A Wealthy Man Relaxing and Surveying His Riches

"And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully:…

"Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs come and licked his sores." Luke 16:19-21 <p>Illustration of a beggar named Lazarus on the ground outside a rich man's home. His crutches are on the ground beside him and a dog is licking his foot. A large, decorative vase is sitting on the stoop.

Beggar Named Lazarus Outside the Rich Man's Gate

"Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every…

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth." Luke 12:15 ASV <p>Illustration of a greedy man, lying on a bed and watching over a box full of coins. An angel hovers in the window, reaching out to the man and showing him an hourglass.

A Greedy Man Guards His Treasure

"And he said unto them, Take heed, and keep yourselves from all covetousness: for a man's life consisteth…

"Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day: and a certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; yea, even the dogs come and licked his sores." Luke 16:19-21 ASV <p>Illustration of the rich man, sumptuously clothed in robes and eating a feast with many guests. A harpist plays in the background. Men and women eat and drink. There are arched windows in the background and an arched entryway leading to stairs. On the stairs is Lazarus, a beggar. Dogs are licking at his sores and his arms are raised in a gesture of begging.

Lazarus, the Beggar, and the Rich Man

"Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every…

"And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the LORD'S passover." Exodus 12:11

The Feast of the Passover

"And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand;…

"And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. And he called for lights and sprang in, and, trembling for fear, fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" Acts 16:27-30 ASV <p>Illustration of the jailer kneeling on one knee at Paul's feet in the jail. Paul stands above him with arms open and Silas is sitting on a bench leaning toward and reaching out for the jailer. A lamp is burning on the ground next to the jailer's sword. The door to the jail is in the corner.

Paul and Silas in Jail - the Jailer Kneels Before Paul

"And the jailor, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword and was…

"Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done." Acts 21:33 KJV

Paul Bound with Chains

"Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and…

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man in a short tunic and head wrap is raising his sword above Paul's head. A man in a robe stands nearby with his hand over his mouth. Another man stands in the background, holding a scroll and a staff. Two soldiers are standing in the background.

Paul is Beheaded at Rome by the Order of Emperor Nero

Illustration of Paul, kneeling on one knee in the city streets, head bowed, awaiting execution. A man…

"But lighting upon a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the foreship struck and remained unmoveable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, stayed them from their purpose; and commanded that they who could swim should cast themselves overboard, and get first to the land; and the rest, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. And so it came to pass, that they all escaped safe to the land." Acts 27:41-44 ASV <p>Illustration of Paul's ship wrecking in the waves on the coast of Malta. The ship can be seen sinking in the background as Paul and several soldiers swim in the violent waves. One soldier clings to a splinter of wood.

Paul is Shipwrecked on Malta

"But lighting upon a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the foreship struck…

"And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia." Acts 20:1 ASV <p>Illustration of Paul being embraced by the disciples on the docks at Ephesus. One kneels at his feet and the others cling to him. His head is surrounded in a glowing light. In the background, sailors can be seen carrying packages on to a boat, filling pails with water, raising the sails, and getting ready for the voyage. The city of Ephesus is visible in the distance.

Paul Leaves Ephesus and Says Goodbye to the Ephesian Elders

"And after the uproar ceased, Paul having sent for the disciples and exhorted them, took leave of them,…

"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious." Acts 17:22

Paul Preaching on Mars' Hill

"Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things…

"And when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band. And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail unto the places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us." Acts 27:1-2 ASV <p>Illustration of Paul, bound in chains, getting on a boat. He is being taken to Rome. A group of soldiers walks behind him.

Paul Sails to Rome as a Prisoner

"And when it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners…

"And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace, and that by the providence evils are corrected for this nation," Acts 24:1-2 ASV <p>Illustration of Paul standing before the Governor Antonius Felix. The orator Tertullus is pointing at Paul. Paul has both arms raised and is leaning away from his accusers.

Paul Stands Trial Before Governor Felix

"And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one…

"And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him." Acts 28:16 KJV

St. Paul's Arrival at Rome in Chains

"And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul…

"And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them tongues parting asunder, like as of fire; and it sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:2-4 ASV <p>Illustration of the apostles as the Holy Spirit descends upon them in the form of tongues of fire. Tiny flames float above their heads. A dove emanating light is at the top of the image. A large book sits on the left side of the image.

Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles

"And suddenly there came from heaven a sound as of the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the…

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." Acts 2:3-4 KJV

Tongues of Fire Resting on the Disciples

"And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they…

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: for as yet it was fallen upon none of them: only they had been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:14-17 ASV <p>Illustration of the apostles, Peter and John, laying their hands on the heads of three converts who are receiving the Holy Spirit. Peter has a full beard and John is bare-faced and young. A glowing dove descends from the air in between the two disciples' heads. A wine goblet sits on a table in the background. There is an arched doorway (right).

Peter and John Lay Their Hands on Baptized Converts

"Now when the apostles that were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they…

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that a good while ago God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did unto us; and he made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. Now therefore why make ye trial of God, that ye should put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, in like manner as they." Acts 15:7-11 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter, standing before the rest of the apostles, explaining to them that Jesus made no distinction between Jew and Gentile and that all should be saved by their belief and not by their adherence to the old law. The apostles and the ancients at the council decided that circumcision would no longer be required.

Peter and the Apostles Decide Not to Impose Circumcision on Christians

"And when there had been much questioning, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Brethren, ye know that…

"And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands." Acts 12:7

Peter Delivered from Prison by an Angel

"And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter…

"And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him." Acts 12:9-10 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter being led out of the door to the prison by a glowing angel with wings. Inside the door, soldiers and guards are asleep on the floor inside an arched, domed prison. The city street opens into the distance.

Peter Emerges from Prison after Being Saved by an Angel

"And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought…

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength." Acts 3:6-7 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter holding the hand of a lame beggar. The man has just been healed and is standing. His left ankle is bound and he carries a crutch over his shoulder. A woman standing next to Peter is holding an infant. Several onlookers are visible in the image.

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus…

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk. And he took him by the right hand, and raised him up: and immediately his feet and his ankle-bones received strength." Acts 3:6-7 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter and John walking up the temple steps and approaching a lame beggar. Peter has a halo over his head and reaches his right arm out over the beggar's head. The beggar looks up and reaches for Peter. He is holding his hat in his hand and his crutch has fallen on the steps. A woman holding a baby and walking with a small child ascends the stairs (left).

Peter Heals a Lame Beggar at the Temple

"But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus…

"And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and guards before the door kept the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the cell: and he smote Peter on the side, and awoke him, saying, Rise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands." Acts 12:6-7 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter seated on the prison ground between two sleeping soldiers. An angel stands over him with his hand raised.

Peter Liberated from Prison Chains by an Angel

"And when Herod was about to bring him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers,…

Peter preaches to a group of people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are men, children, and women, There are soldiers, common men, Jews, and Gentiles. Peter is informing them that all can become Christians through baptism and the Holy Spirit.

Peter Preaches to Jews and Gentiles

Peter preaches to a group of people of different ages, genders, and backgrounds. There are men, children,…

"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jonah: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 16:16-17 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter kneeling before Jesus. Jesus is telling Peter that he will build his church upon Peter and Peter will have the keys to heaven. Jesus is handing Peter a key with a cross on it. Six other disciples are standing to the side, watching. The dome of St. Peter's Basilica glows in the distant background. This scene is commonly referred to as the Confession of Peter.

Peter Publicly Professes that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God

"And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered…

"Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said unto him, Thy silver perish with thee, because thou hast thought to obtain the gift of God with money." Acts 8:18-20 ASV <p>Illustration of Simon the Sorcerer offering money to Peter. The money bag and coins are falling to the ground and Peter has his hand raised. Another apostle is walking away from the scene. A large column and curtain decorate the background.

Peter Rejects the Money of Simon the Sorcerer

"Now when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he…

"And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he went out, and followed; and he knew not that it was true which was done by the angel, but thought he saw a vision. And when they were past the first and the second guard, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth into the city; which opened to them of its own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and straightway the angel departed from him." Acts 12:8-10 ASV <p>Illustration of Peter being led out of prison by the hand of an angel. Both Peter and the angel have one hand raised to heaven in praise and celebration. Sleeping guards sit on the ground.

Peter Released from Prison by an Angel

"And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals. And he did so. And he saith unto…

"On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common." Acts 10:9-15 KJV

Peter's Vision on the Housetop

"On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop…