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The Acts of the Apostles ClipArt gallery offers 48 illustrations of the expansion of the early church as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles and the New Testament epistles.

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it. And the young men arose and wrapped him round, and they carried him out and buried him." Acts 5:5-6 ASV <p>Illustration of three men carrying the body of Ananias to be buried. Two of the men wear head wrappings. Ananias is clothed in a long tunic.

The Body of Ananias is Taken to be Buried

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that…

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that heard it." Acts 5:5 ASV <p>Illustration of Ananias lying dead on the ground. Peter, standing next to a large column, is pointing at him. A child clutches a man in a striped robe. Several onlookers appear shocked.

Ananias Struck Dead after Lying

"And Ananias hearing these words fell down and gave up the ghost: and great fear came upon all that…

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around them are the apostles, Moses, and the Virgin Mary. There are also several angels and cherubim surrounding and within the group.

The Apostles, Jesus, God, the Holy Spirit, and the Blessed Virgin Mary in Heaven

Jesus sits at the right hand of God and a dove, the Holy Spirit, hovers above them. Gathered around…

View of Ancient Corinth looking North. The Gulf of Corinth is at the left and the isthmus is center right.

The Town and Isthmus of Corinth

View of Ancient Corinth looking North. The Gulf of Corinth is at the left and the isthmus is center…

"And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter raised him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man." Acts 10:25-26 ASV <p>Illustration of Cornelius bowing before Peter. Cornelius is dressed in a centurion's uniform. Peter is wearing robes and his right arm is raised. A man in a turban and decorated robe stands to Peter's left. Several other men are kneeling as well.

Cornelius Kneels in Front of Peter

"And when it came to pass that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped…

"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, a devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, who gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God always. He saw in a vision openly, as it were about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in unto him, and saying to him, Cornelius." Acts 10:1-3 ASV <p>Illustration of Cornelius kneeling with hands clasped in prayer in front of an angel. The angel is kneeling on a rock. A small tree stands behind Cornelius.

Cornelius the Centurion is Visited by an Angel

"Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of the band called the Italian…

"But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." II Timothy 3:14-15 ASV <p>Eunice teaching her son, Timothy, while his grandmother Lois looks on.

Education of Timothy

"But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou…

An ancient epistle, or letter found in the Bible.

Epistle

An ancient epistle, or letter found in the Bible.

"But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them. And that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." II Timothy 3:14-15 ASV <p>Eunice teaches the sacred writings to her son, Timothy.

Eunice Teaches Young Timothy

"But abide thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou…

"And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked. The same heard Paul speaking, who, fastening eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be made whole, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up and walked." Acts 14:8-10 ASV <p>Illustration of Paul and Barnabas standing with arms raised, preaching to the people at Lystra. A crippled man is sitting on the ground, holding his crutch. Paul is gesturing towards the man as he heals him. A group of men watch in the background.

Paul Heals a Crippled Man at Lystra

"And at Lystra there sat a certain man, impotent in his feet, a cripple from his mother's womb, who…

Illustration of Saint John the Evangelist sitting on a rock with a writing tablet in his lap. He is writing on the tablet. An eagle, often associated with John, is perched on the ground next to him. A tall staff with a cross at the top is leaning against a rock in the background.

Saint John the Evangelist Writing

Illustration of Saint John the Evangelist sitting on a rock with a writing tablet in his lap. He is…

Illustration of Lois (Timothy's grandmother) holding a distaff. A distaff holds fibers which are spun into yarn on a spindle held in the opposite hand.

Lois Holding the Distaff

Illustration of Lois (Timothy's grandmother) holding a distaff. A distaff holds fibers which are spun…

Saint Mark sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. Scrolls rest on the table. Beside him rests a lion, the Evangelist's traditional symbol.

Saint Mark Writing

Saint Mark sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. Scrolls rest on the table. Beside him…

Saint Matthew sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. The Holy Spirit, represented as a dove, hovers over his shoulder. Books and a human skull rest on the table. The skull, presumably, is a reference to man, the Evangelist's traditional symbol.

Saint Matthew Writing

Saint Matthew sitting an a cloth-covered table writing the Gospel. The Holy Spirit, represented as a…

Saint Paul and Saint Peter in prison, one seated, both bound in chains. One man has a book on his lap. Five prisoners come before the two apostles, kneeling or holding their arms out to them. A small fountain erupts from the floor when Peter prays. The prisoners are able to be baptized in the fountain.

Paul and Peter in Prison, Baptizing Other Prisoners

Saint Paul and Saint Peter in prison, one seated, both bound in chains. One man has a book on his lap.…

"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…

Illustration of Peter being bound to an upside down cross. One man holds his upper body, while another man ties his ankles to the cross. A third man prepares to pierce Peter's feet with a large nail. Peter asked to be crucified upside down because he did not believe he was worthy of being crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

Peter Crucified on an Upside Down Cross

Illustration of Peter being bound to an upside down cross. One man holds his upper body, while another…

"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…

"And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him." Acts 8:36-38 ASV <p>Illustration of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch standing by a body of water. Philip is gesturing towards the heavens and the eunuch's hands are clasped in a gesture of worship. The eunuch's chariot and caravan can be seen in the background. A grove of trees stands behind the two men.

Philip Prepares to Baptize the Ethiopian Eunuch

"And as they went on the way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch saith, Behold, here is…

"And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship; and he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah." Acts 8:27-28 ASV <p>Illustration of the apostle Philip, sitting in a chariot with an Ethiopian treasurer, teaching him about the gospel. Philip's head has a halo behind it. The Ethiopian holds a book in his lap. The chariot is being drawn by two horses and led by a young man, standing in a river.

Philip Speaks with an Ethiopian Eunuch in His Chariot

"And he arose and went: and behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen…

This illustration of the painting by Raphael has been inverted. The painting is a cartoon created for a set of tapestries hanging in the Sistine Chapel. In the painting, Paul has been taken to the Areopagus, the high court of Athens, A basilica, buildings, and structures, and a statue of a soldier can be seen in the background. Several people are listening to the sermon. One man leans on a staff and others kneel on the steps.

Saint Paul Preaching at Athens - the Areopagus Sermon

This illustration of the painting by Raphael has been inverted. The painting is a cartoon created for…

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Acts 9:3-4 KJV

Saul Struck to the Earth on His Way to Damascus

"And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from…

"And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Acts 9:3-4 ASV <p>Illustration of Saul falling off his horse as a bright light descends from heaven. The horse is rearing on its hind legs and Saul is throwing his hands up as he falls backwards. He is dressed in a soldier's uniform. Several other soldiers stand behind him. The road to Damascus can be seen stretching into the distance.

Saul's Conversion on the Road to Damascus

"And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round…

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

Stephen Stoned to Death by His Enemies

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

"and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Acts 7:58-59 ASV <p>Illustration of Stephen being stoned to death. He is pictured wearing a deacon's vestments, lying on the ground and looking up to the sky. An angel, carrying a palm frond and the crown of martyrdom, is flying above him. Several men hold stones over their heads. A group of men in robes, including Saul of Tarsus, watch the stoning. A city can be seen in the background.

Stephen Stoned to Death as He Looks up to Heaven

"and they cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the…

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 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." Acts 7:59-60 ASV <p>Illustration of Stephen kneeling in prayer, looking up to heaven. Several men raise stones in the air, preparing to stone Stephen. The Jewish councilors can be seen in the crowd. Women hide their eyes in the background (right). The town walls can be seen on the left.

The Stoning of Stephen, the First Martyr

"And they stoned Stephen, calling upon the Lord, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60 And he…

"And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" Acts 9:3-4 ASV <p>Illustration of Saul fallen to the ground. A soldier is kneeling next to him, attempting to help him. Jesus' upper body emerges from a cloud, his arms raised and hands aimed at Saul. Rays of light descend from the cloud. A horse rears next to Saul and one of his companions attempts to control it. Several Christians are bound and being led by soldiers in the shadows of the background.

The Conversion of Paul - Saul Falls to the Ground

"And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round…