Acts

Shaliah New Testament Translation

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Commentary | Interlinear | English

Acts 1

(1) I made the first account, O Theophilus, concerning all things which Jesus began both to do and to teach, (2) until the day on which, having commanded the apostles whom he chose through the holy spirit, he was taken up. (3) To whom also he presented himself alive after his suffering, by many proofs, being seen by them through forty days and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God. (4) And while eating together with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, "which you heard from me; (5) for John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized in holy spirit not many days from now."

(6) Those then who had come together were asking him, saying, "Lord, are you at this time restoring the kingdom to Israel?" (7) But he said to them, "It is not yours to know the times or seasons which the Father set by His own authority. (8) But you will receive power when the holy spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (9) And having said these things, while they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud received him from their eyes. (10) And as they were staring into heaven while he was going, behold, two men stood beside them in white garments, (11) who also said, "Men, Galileans, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This Jesus, the one having been taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same manner in which you beheld him going into heaven."

(12) Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath's journey away. (13) And when they entered, they went up to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas of James. (14) These all were devoting themselves with one accord to prayer, with women and Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers.

(15) And in those days Peter, having stood up in the midst of the brothers, said — and a crowd of names was at the same place, about one hundred twenty — (16) "Men, brothers, it was necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled, which the holy spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David concerning Judas, the one who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus, (17) because he was counted among us and obtained the lot of this service. (18) This one indeed then acquired a field from the reward of unrighteousness, and having fallen headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his inward parts were poured out. (19) And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that that field was called in their own dialect Akeldamach, that is, 'Field of Blood.' (20) For it is written in the book of Psalms: 'Let his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one dwelling in it; and let another take his oversight.'"

(21) "It is necessary, therefore, that of the men who came together with us in all the time in which the lord Jesus went in and went out among us, (22) beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection." (23) And they put forward two: Joseph, the one called Barsabbas, who was called Justus, and Matthias. (24) And having prayed, they said, "You, Lord, knower of the hearts of all, designate the one whom You chose from these two, (25) to take the place of this service and apostleship, from which Judas turned aside, to go to his own place." (26) And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Acts 2

(1) And when the day of Pentecost was being completed, they were all together at the same place. (2) And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a violent wind being carried, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) And divided tongues, as of fire, appeared to them, and one sat upon each one of them. (4) And they were all filled with holy spirit, and began to speak in other tongues, as the spirit was giving them to speak out. (5) Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Judeans, devout men, from every nation under heaven. (6) And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together and was bewildered, because each one was hearing them speaking in his own dialect. (7) And they were amazed and marveled, saying, "Behold, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? (8) And how do we each hear in our own dialect in which we were born? (9) Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, (10) Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya toward Cyrene, and visiting Romans — (11) Judeans and proselytes — Cretans and Arabs — we hear them speaking in our tongues the magnificent things of God." (12) And they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this want to be?" (13) But others, mocking, said, "They are full of sweet new wine."

(14) But Peter, having stood with the eleven, raised his voice and spoke out to them: "Men, Judeans, and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. (15) For these are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is the third hour of the day. (16) But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: (17) 'And it will be in the last days,' says God, 'I will pour out from my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your elders will dream dreams. (18) And even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out from my spirit, and they will prophesy. (19) And I will give wonders in the heaven above and signs upon the earth below: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. (20) The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, before the great and manifest day of the Lord comes. (21) And it will be that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.'"

(22) "Men, Israelites, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power and wonders and signs, which God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know — (23) this man, delivered up by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you killed, having nailed him up by the hand of lawless men. (24) Whom God raised up, having loosed the birth-pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. (25) For David says concerning him: 'I kept the Lord before me always, because he is at my right hand, so that I might not be shaken. (26) Therefore my heart was glad and my tongue exulted; moreover, even my flesh will dwell in hope, (27) because You will not abandon my soul to Hades, nor will You give Your holy one to see decay. (28) You made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with gladness in Your presence.' (29) Men, brothers, it is permitted to speak with boldness to you concerning the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us to this day. (30) Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God swore to him with an oath to seat from the fruit of his loins [one] upon his throne, (31) having foreseen this, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was he abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. (32) This Jesus God raised up, of whom we all are witnesses. (33) Therefore, having been exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the holy spirit, he poured out this which you both see and hear. (34) For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: 'The Lord said to my lord, "Sit at My right hand, (35) until I place your enemies as a footstool of your feet."' (36) Let all the house of Israel know assuredly, therefore, that God made him both lord and Christ — this Jesus whom you crucified."

(37) And having heard this, they were pierced in the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "What should we do, men, brothers?" (38) But Peter said to them, "Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the holy spirit. (39) For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all those far away, as many as the Lord our God may call." (40) And with many other words he earnestly testified, and was urging them, saying, "Be saved from this crooked generation." (41) Those then who received his word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added in that day.

(42) And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and to the fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers. (43) And fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. (44) And all who believed were at the same place and had all things common. (45) And they were selling the properties and possessions and distributing them to all, according as anyone had need. (46) And day by day, devoting themselves with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread house by house, they were partaking of food with gladness and simplicity of heart, (47) praising God and having favor with all the people. And the lord was adding day by day those being saved to the same place.

Acts 3

(1) Now Peter and John were going up into the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. (2) And a certain man, being lame from his mother's womb, was being carried, whom they were placing daily at the gate of the temple called Beautiful, to ask alms from those entering into the temple. (3) When he saw Peter and John being about to enter into the temple, he was asking to receive alms. (4) And Peter, having looked intently at him with John, said, "Look at us." (5) And he was giving heed to them, expecting to receive something from them. (6) But Peter said, "Silver and gold I do not have; but what I have, this I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, rise and walk." (7) And having taken hold of his right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. (8) And leaping up, he stood and was walking, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping and praising God. (9) And all the people saw him walking and praising God. (10) And they were recognizing him, that this was the one sitting for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and astonishment at what had happened to him.

(11) And while he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the porch called Solomon's, utterly amazed. (12) And having seen this, Peter answered to the people: "Men, Israelites, why do you wonder at this? Or why do you look intently at us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? (13) The God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied before the face of Pilate, when that one had decided to release him. (14) But you denied the holy and righteous one, and asked that a murderer be granted to you; (15) and you killed the pioneer of the life, whom God raised from the dead, of whom we are witnesses. (16) And by faith in his name, his name strengthened this one whom you see and know, and the faith that is through him gave him this wholeness before all of you."

(17) "And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers also did. (18) But the things which God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, he fulfilled thus. (19) Repent, therefore, and turn back, so that your sins might be blotted out, (20) so that times of refreshing might come from the presence of the Lord, and he might send the one appointed for you, Christ Jesus, (21) whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from the age."

(22) "Moses indeed said: 'The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet from your brothers, like me; you will listen to him in all things, whatever he speaks to you. (23) And it will be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people.' (24) And indeed all the prophets from Samuel and those in succession, as many as spoke, also announced these days. (25) You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God established with your fathers, saying to Abraham: 'And in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.' (26) To you first, God, having raised up His servant, sent him to bless you, in turning each one away from your wickednesses."

Acts 4

(1) And while they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, (2) being distressed because they were teaching the people and announcing in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. (3) And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. (4) But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men became about five thousand.

(5) And it happened on the next day that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, (6) and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the high-priestly family. (7) And having set them in the midst, they were inquiring: "By what power or by what name did you do this?" (8) Then Peter, having been filled with holy spirit, said to them: "Rulers of the people and elders: (9) if we today are being examined for a good deed to a sick man, by what [means] this one has been healed — (10) let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by this one this man stands before you healthy. (11) This one is the stone having been despised by you the builders, the one having become the head of the corner. (12) And there is no salvation in anyone else, for neither is there another name under heaven, having been given among men, in which it is necessary for us to be saved."

(13) And observing the boldness of Peter and John, and having perceived that they were unlettered and ordinary men, they were marveling; and they were recognizing them, that they had been with Jesus. (14) And seeing the man standing with them, the one having been healed, they had nothing to say in opposition. (15) And having ordered them to go away outside the council, they were conferring with one another, (16) saying, "What should we do to these men? For indeed a known sign has happened through them, plain to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it. (17) But in order that it not be spread further among the people, let us warn them no longer to speak in this name to any man." (18) And having called them, they commanded them not to utter or to teach at all in the name of Jesus. (19) But Peter and John, having answered, said to them: "Whether it is right before God to listen to you rather than to God, you judge. (20) For we are not able not to speak what we saw and heard." (21) And having further threatened them, they released them, finding nothing as to how they might punish them, because of the people, for all were glorifying God for what had happened. (22) For the man was more than forty years old, upon whom this sign of healing had happened.

(23) And having been released, they went to their own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders said to them. (24) And having heard, with one accord they lifted a voice to God and said: "Master, You are the one who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, (25) who, through the holy spirit, by the mouth of our father David, Your servant, said: 'Why did the nations rage, and the peoples plot vain things? (26) The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together at the same place, against the Lord and against His Christ.' (27) For truly, they were gathered together in this city against Your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed — Herod and Pontius Pilate, with nations and peoples of Israel — (28) to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose foreordained to happen. (29) And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your slaves to speak Your word with all boldness, (30) while You stretch out Your hand for healing and signs and wonders to take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus." (31) And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with the holy spirit, and they were speaking the Word of God with boldness.

(32) And the multitude of those who believed had one heart and one soul, and not even one was saying that anything of the things belonging to him was his own, but all things were common to them. (33) And with great power the apostles were giving the testimony of the resurrection of the lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. (34) For neither was there anyone needy among them; for as many as were owners of fields or houses, selling them, were bringing the proceeds of the things being sold (35) and placing them at the feet of the apostles; and it was being distributed to each according as anyone had need. (36) And Joseph, the one having been called Barnabas by the apostles — which is being translated "son of encouragement" — a Levite, a Cypriot by origin, (37) having a field, having sold it, brought the money and placed it at the feet of the apostles.

Acts 5

(1) But a certain man, Ananias by name, with Sapphira his wife, sold a property. (2) And he withheld for himself from the price, his wife also being aware, and having brought a certain part, he placed it at the feet of the apostles. (3) But Peter said, "Ananias, why did the Adversary fill your heart to lie to the holy spirit and to withhold from the price of the field? (4) While it remained, was it not yours? And after it was sold, was it not in your authority? Why did you place this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God." (5) And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and expired; and great fear came upon all those hearing. (6) And the younger men, having risen, wrapped him up, and having carried him out, buried him. (7) And it happened, about three hours later, that his wife, not knowing what had happened, entered. (8) And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the field for so much." And she said, "Yes, for so much." (9) But Peter said to her, "Why did you agree together to test the spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out." (10) And immediately she fell at his feet and expired. And the young men, having entered, found her dead; and having carried her out, they buried her beside her husband. (11) And great fear came upon the whole assembly and upon all those hearing these things.

(12) And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one accord in the porch of Solomon. (13) And of the rest, no one dared to join them, but the people were magnifying them. (14) And more were being added, believing in the lord, multitudes of men and women, (15) so that they even carried the sick out into the streets and placed them on cots and mats, so that, as Peter was coming, even his shadow might overshadow some of them. (16) And the multitude from the cities around Jerusalem was coming together, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, who were all being healed.

(17) But having stood up, the high priest and all those with him — the sect of the Sadducees — were filled with zeal, (18) and laid hands on the apostles and put them in public custody. (19) But an angel of the Lord during the night opened the doors of the prison, and having led them out, said, (20) "Go, and having stood, speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life." (21) And having heard, they entered at dawn into the temple and were teaching. And the high priest, having arrived, and those with him, called together the council and all the eldership of the sons of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. (22) But the attendants, having arrived, did not find them in the prison; and having returned, they reported, (23) saying, "We found the prison shut with all security, and the guards standing at the doors; but having opened, we found no one inside." (24) And when they heard these words, both the captain of the temple and the chief priests were perplexed about them, what this might become. (25) But someone, having come, reported to them, "Behold, the men whom you put in the prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people." (26) Then the captain, having gone with the attendants, brought them, not with force, for they were fearing the people, lest they be stoned. (27) And having brought them, they set them before the council; and the high priest questioned them.

(28) "We strictly charged you not to teach in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you wish to bring this man's blood upon us." (29) But Peter and the apostles answered and said, "It is necessary to obey God rather than men. (30) The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. (31) This one God exalted by His right hand as pioneer and savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. (32) And we are witnesses of these words, and the holy spirit, which God gave to those obeying Him." (33) And having heard, they were infuriated and were wishing to kill them. (34) But a certain one, having stood up in the council — a Pharisee by name Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people — commanded the men to be put outside for a little while, (35) and said to them: "Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves concerning these men, what you are about to do. (36) For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, was attached; he was killed, and all, as many as were obeying him, were disbanded and came to nothing. (37) After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away people after him; and that one perished, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered. (38) And now I say to you: stand away from these men and let them go, because if this plan or this work is from men, it will be overthrown; (39) but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them — lest you also be found God-fighters." And they were persuaded by him. (40) And having called the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. (41) They indeed, therefore, were going rejoicing from the presence of the council, because they were considered worthy to be dishonored for the name. (42) And every day, in the temple and house by house, they were not ceasing to teach and to proclaim the good news of the Christ, Jesus.

Acts 6

(1) And in these days, with the disciples multiplying, grumbling of the Hellenists against the Hebrews happened, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily service. (2) And the twelve, having called the multitude of the disciples, said, "It is not pleasing that we, having abandoned the Word of God, should serve tables. (3) Select for yourselves, brothers, seven men from among you, well attested, full of spirit and wisdom, whom we will appoint over this need. (4) But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the service of the word." (5) And the word pleased all the multitude; and they chose for themselves Stephen, a man full of faith and holy spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch, (6) whom they set before the apostles; and having prayed, they laid hands on them. (7) And the Word of God was growing, and the number of the disciples was multiplying in Jerusalem greatly; and a great crowd of the priests were obeying the faith.

(8) And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. (9) But some of those from the synagogue called of the Freedmen, and of Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up, disputing with Stephen. (10) And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the spirit by which he was speaking. (11) Then they secretly put forward men saying, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God." (12) And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and having come upon him, they seized him and brought him into the council. (13) And they set up false witnesses saying, "This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place and the law; (14) for we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and will change the customs which Moses handed down to us." (15) And having gazed at him, all those sitting in the council saw his face like the face of an angel.

Acts 7

(1) And the high priest said, "Are these things so?" (2) And he said: "Men, brothers and fathers, hear. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, (3) and said to him, 'Go out from your land and from your relatives, and come into the land which I will show you.' (4) Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. And from there, after his father died, he moved him into this land in which you now dwell. (5) And he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a footstep, and promised to give it to him as a possession and to his seed after him, although he had no child. (6) But God spoke thus: 'His seed will be a sojourner in a foreign land, and they will enslave and mistreat them four hundred years. (7) And I will judge the nation to which they will serve,' God said, 'and after these things they will come out and serve me in this place.' (8) And he gave him a covenant of circumcision; and so he fathered Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. (9) And the patriarchs, being jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; and God was with him, (10) and He rescued him from all his afflictions, and He gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and He appointed him governor over Egypt and over all his household. (11) Then a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could not find sustenance. (12) But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers first. (13) And on the second visit, Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. (14) And Joseph, having sent, summoned Jacob his father and all the relatives, seventy-five souls. (15) And Jacob went down to Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, (16) and were carried over to Shechem and laid in the tomb which Abraham bought for a price of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

(17) "But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, (18) until another king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. (19) He took crafty counsel against our people and mistreated our fathers, forcing them to expose their infants so they would not survive. (20) At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful before God; and he was nourished for three months in his father's house. (21) And when he was exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up and brought him up as her own son. (22) And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. (23) And when he was approaching forty years of age, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel. (24) And seeing one being treated unjustly, he defended him, and struck the Egyptian, avenging the one being oppressed. (25) Now he supposed his brothers would understand that God was granting salvation through his hand; but they did not understand. (26) And on the next day he appeared to them as they were fighting, and tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, 'Men, you are brothers! Why do you wrong one another?' (27) But the one wronging his neighbor pushed him away, saying, 'Who appointed you ruler and judge over us? (28) Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' (29) And at this word Moses fled, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons."

(30) "And when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. (31) And when Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight; and as he was approaching to look, the voice of the Lord came: (32) 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.' And Moses, becoming terrified, did not dare to look. (33) And the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. (34) I have surely seen the mistreatment of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' (35) This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, 'Who appointed you ruler and judge?' — this one God sent as both ruler and redeemer, by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. (36) This man led them out, having performed wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. (37) This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel: 'God will raise up for you a prophet from among your brothers, like me.' (38) This is the one who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living oracles to give to us, (39) to whom our fathers did not want to become obedient, but thrust him away, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt, (40) saying to Aaron, 'Make gods for us who will go before us. For this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt — we do not know what has happened to him.' (41) And they made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. (42) But God turned away and gave them over to serve the host of heaven, just as it is written in the book of the prophets: 'Did you bring to me slaughtered victims and sacrifices during forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? (43) You also took up the tent of Moloch and the star of the god Rephan, the images which you made to pay homage to them; and I will remove you beyond Babylon.'"

(44) "Our fathers had the tent of testimony in the wilderness, just as the one who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern he had seen. (45) Having received it, our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they took possession of the nations whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, until the days of David, (46) who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. (47) But it was Solomon who built a house for him. (48) Yet the Most High does not dwell in hand-made houses; as the prophet says: (49) 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is a footstool of my feet. What house will you build for me,' says the Lord, 'or what is the place of my rest? (50) Did not my hand make all these things?' (51) Stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in hearts and ears! You always resist the holy spirit. Just as your fathers did, you also do. (52) Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the righteous one, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers — (53) you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it."

(54) Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they were gnashing their teeth at him. (55) But being full of holy spirit, he looked intently into heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, (56) and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened and the son of the man standing at the right hand of God." (57) But they cried out with a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; (58) and having cast him out of the city, they were stoning him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (59) And they went on stoning Stephen as he was calling upon and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." (60) Then, falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." And having said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8

(1) Now Saul was consenting to his execution. And on that day a great persecution arose against the assembly in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. (2) Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. (3) But Saul was ravaging the assembly, entering house after house; and dragging off men and women, he was committing them to prison. (4) Those therefore who were scattered went about proclaiming the word.

(5) Now Philip went down to the city of Samaria and was proclaiming the Christ to them. (6) And the crowds with one accord were paying attention to what was being said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was doing. (7) For many of those having unclean spirits were crying out with a loud voice and coming out; and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. (8) So there was great joy in that city. (9) But a certain man named Simon had previously been practicing magic in the city and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. (10) They all, from the least to the greatest, were paying attention to him, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called Great." (11) And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. (12) But when they believed Philip, who was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. (13) Even Simon himself believed; and after being baptized, he kept close to Philip, and observing signs and great miracles happening, he was amazed.

(14) Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. (15) These, having come down, prayed for them that they might receive holy spirit. (16) For it had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had merely been baptized into the name of the lord Jesus. (17) Then they laid their hands on them, and they received holy spirit. (18) Now when Simon saw that the spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, (19) saying, "Give this authority to me as well, so that on whomever I lay my hands he may receive holy spirit." (20) But Peter said to him, "May your silver be with you for destruction, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! (21) You have no part or lot in this matter, for your heart is not upright before God. (22) Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and plead with the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. (23) For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and the bond of unrighteousness." (24) And Simon answered, "Plead with the Lord for me, so that none of the things you have spoken may come upon me." (25) So they, having solemnly testified and spoken the word of the lord, were returning to Jerusalem, and were proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans.

(26) Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Rise and go toward the south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert road.) (27) So he rose and went. And behold, an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship. (28) And he was returning, sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. (29) And the spirit said to Philip, "Go near and join this chariot." (30) So Philip ran up to him, heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?" (31) And he said, "How could I, unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. (32) Now the passage of scripture which he was reading was this: "Like a sheep he was led to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he opens not his mouth. (33) In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away; who will describe his generation? For his life is taken away from the earth." (34) And the eunuch answered Philip, "I beg you, about whom does the prophet say this — about himself, or about someone else?" (35) Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture he proclaimed the good news to him about Jesus. (36) And as they went along the road, they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look, water! What prevents me from being baptized?" (38) And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. (39) And when they came up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch no longer saw him; and he went on his way rejoicing. (40) But Philip was found at Azotus; and passing through, he kept proclaiming the good news to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

Acts 9

(1) But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the lord, went to the high priest (2) and asked for letters from him to Damascus, to the synagogues, so that if he found any who were of "the Way," men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (3) And as he traveled, it happened that he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; (4) and falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" (5) And he said, "Who are you, sir?" And he said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (6) But rise and enter the city, and it will be told you what you must do." (7) And the men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice but seeing no one. (8) And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. (9) And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

(10) Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias; and the lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" And he said, "Behold, I am here, lord." (11) And the lord said to him, "Rise, go to the street called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas a man named Saul, a Tarsean; for behold, he is praying, (12) and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in and laying hands on him, so that he might regain his sight." (13) But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your holy ones in Jerusalem; (14) and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name." (15) But the lord said to him, "Go, for this one is a chosen vessel for me, to bear my name before nations and kings and sons of Israel; (16) for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name." (17) So Ananias went away and entered the house; and laying his hands on him, he said, "Saul, brother, the lord has sent me — Jesus, the one who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming — so that you might regain your sight and be filled with holy spirit." (18) And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight; and rising up, he was baptized, (19) and taking food, he was strengthened. And he was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.

(20) And immediately he was proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, that this one is the son of God. (21) And all who heard were amazed and said, "Is not this the one who destroyed those in Jerusalem who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?" (22) But Saul was increasingly strengthened and was confounding the Judeans dwelling in Damascus, proving that this one is the Christ. (23) And when many days had passed, the Judeans plotted to kill him; (24) but their plot became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates day and night, so that they might kill him; (25) but his disciples took him by night and lowered him through the wall, letting him down in a basket.

(26) And having arrived in Jerusalem, he was trying to join the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. (27) But Barnabas, having taken hold of him, brought him to the apostles, and related to them how on the road he had seen the lord, and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus. (28) And he was with them, going in and going out in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the lord. (29) And he was speaking and disputing with the Hellenists; but they were trying to kill him. (30) And having learned of it, the brothers brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. (31) So the assembly throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria was having peace, being built up and proceeding in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the holy spirit, and was being multiplied.

(32) Now it happened that Peter, as he was passing through all those places, came down also to the holy ones dwelling in Lydda. (33) And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who for eight years had been lying on a mat, paralyzed. (34) And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Rise and spread your mat for yourself." And immediately he rose. (35) And all those dwelling in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the lord. (36) Now in Joppa there was a certain female disciple named Tabitha, which being translated is called Dorcas. She was full of good works and alms which she was doing. (37) And it happened in those days that she became sick and died; and having washed her, they placed her in an upper room. (38) And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging, "Do not delay to come to us." (39) And Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they brought him up into the upper room, and all the widows stood beside him weeping and showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas was making while she was with them. (40) But Peter, having put them all outside, and kneeling down, prayed; and turning to the body, he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up. (41) And having given her his hand, he raised her up; and calling the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive. (42) And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the lord. (43) And it happened that he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner.

Acts 10

(1) Now a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, (2) devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms for the people and pleading with God continually — (3) he saw clearly in a vision about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, "Cornelius!" (4) And having gazed at him and becoming terrified, he said, "What is it, sir?" And he said to him, "Your prayers and your alms have gone up for a memorial before God. (5) And now send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon who is called Peter; (6) he is lodging with a certain Simon, a tanner, whose house is beside the sea." (7) And when the angel who was speaking to him departed, having called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those who were devoted to him, (8) and having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

(9) And on the next day, as they were traveling and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. (10) And he became hungry and wanted to eat; but while they were preparing, a trance came upon him; (11) and he sees the heaven opened and a certain object coming down like a great sheet, being let down to the earth by four corners, (12) in which were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth and the birds of the heaven. (13) And a voice came to him: "Rise, Peter, slaughter and eat." (14) But Peter said, "By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything common or unclean." (15) And the voice came to him again a second time: "What God has cleansed, you must not make common." (16) This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven. (17) And as Peter was perplexed within himself as to what the vision he had seen might be, behold, the men sent by Cornelius, having inquired for Simon's house, stood at the gate, (18) and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, called Peter, was lodging there. (19) And while Peter was pondering the vision, the spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. (20) But rise, go down, and go with them, doubting nothing, for I have sent them." (21) And Peter, having gone down, said to the men, "Behold, I am the one you are seeking. What is the reason for which you are present?" (22) And they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and fearing God, well attested by the whole nation of the Judeans, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear words from you." (23) So he invited them in and lodged them. And on the next day he rose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.

(24) And on the next day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his relatives and close friends. (25) And as Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and falling at his feet, paid him homage. (26) But Peter raised him, saying, "Stand up; I too am a man." (27) And talking with him, he entered and found many who had come together. (28) And he said to them, "You know that it is unlawful for a Jewish man to associate with or approach a foreigner; but God showed me to call no man common or unclean. (29) Therefore I came without objection when sent for. I ask, then, for what reason did you send for me?" (30) And Cornelius said, "Four days ago, until this hour, I was praying at the ninth hour in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, (31) and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer was heard, and your alms were remembered before God. (32) Send therefore to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter; he is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, beside the sea.' (33) Immediately, then, I sent to you, and you have done well in coming. Now therefore we are all present before God to hear all the things commanded you by the Lord."

(34) And opening his mouth, Peter said: "In truth I comprehend that God is not a respecter of persons, (35) but in every nation the one fearing him and working righteousness is acceptable to him. (36) The word which he sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming peace through Jesus Christ — this one is lord of all — (37) you know the word which happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John proclaimed: (38) Jesus from Nazareth, how God anointed him with holy spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. (39) And we are witnesses of all that he did, both in the country of the Judeans and in Jerusalem. Him they killed, hanging him on a tree. (40) God raised him up on the third day and gave him to become visible, (41) not to all the people, but to witnesses pre-appointed by God — to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (42) And he commanded us to proclaim to the people and to testify earnestly that this one is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead. (43) To this one all the prophets testify, that everyone believing in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."

(44) While Peter was still speaking these words, the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word. (45) And the believers from the circumcision, as many as had come with Peter, were amazed, because the gift of the holy spirit was poured out even upon the nations. (46) For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, (47) "Surely no one can prevent the water, can they, that these should not be baptized, who received the holy spirit just as we did?" (48) And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Acts 11

(1) Now the apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the nations also had received the Word of God. (2) And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision were disputing with him, (3) saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men and ate with them."

(4) But Peter began and explained to them in order, saying: (5) "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain object coming down like a great linen sheet, let down from heaven by four corners, and it came to me. (6) Gazing at it, I was observing and saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the reptiles and the birds of the heaven. (7) And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Peter; slaughter and eat.' (8) But I said, 'By no means, Lord, for never has anything common or unclean entered my mouth.' (9) But the voice answered me a second time from heaven: 'What God has cleansed, you must not make common.' (10) This happened three times, and everything was drawn up again into heaven. (11) And behold, at that very moment three men stood before the house in which we were, having been sent from Caesarea to me. (12) And the spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. (13) And he reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and summon Simon, the one called Peter, (14) who will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' (15) And as I began to speak, the holy spirit fell upon them, just as also upon us at the beginning. (16) And I remembered the word of the lord, how he said, 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized in holy spirit.' (17) If therefore God gave the same gift to them as also to us who believed on the lord Jesus Christ, who was I, able to hinder God?" (18) And having heard these things, they became silent and glorified God, saying, "Then God has given even to the nations repentance unto life."

(19) Those therefore who were scattered by the tribulation that occurred over Stephen traveled through as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Judeans only. (20) But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come to Antioch, were speaking to the Hellenists also, proclaiming the good news of the lord Jesus. (21) And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the lord. (22) And the report of this came to the ears of the assembly in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go through as far as Antioch. (23) Having arrived and seen the grace of God, he rejoiced and was urging all to remain in the lord with purpose of heart, (24) because he was a good man, full of holy spirit and faith; and a considerable crowd was added to the lord. (25) And he went out to Tarsus to search for Saul, (26) and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that for a whole year they were gathered together in the assembly and taught a considerable crowd, and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

(27) And in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28) And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and signified through the spirit that a great famine was about to come upon the whole inhabited world, which happened under Claudius. (29) And the disciples, according as anyone prospered, each of them determined to send relief to the brothers dwelling in Judea, (30) which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 12

(1) About that time Herod the king laid hands on some of those from the assembly, to harm them. (2) And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. (3) And seeing that it was pleasing to the Judeans, he proceeded to seize Peter also — and those were the days of Unleavened Bread — (4) whom, having seized, he put in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. (5) So Peter was kept in the prison, but earnest prayer was being made by the assembly to God concerning him.

(6) And when Herod was about to bring him forward, that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards before the door were keeping the prison. (7) And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell; and having struck Peter on the side, he roused him, saying, "Rise quickly!" And the chains fell off his hands. (8) And the angel said to him, "Gird yourself and bind on your sandals." And he did so. And he says to him, "Wrap your cloak around you and follow me." (9) And he went out and was following, and he did not know that what was being done by the angel was real; he thought he was seeing a vision. (10) And having passed through a first guard and a second, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them by itself; and having gone out, they went forward one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. (11) And Peter, having come to himself, said, "Now I know truly that the Lord sent His angel and delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Judeans."

(12) And having realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John, the one called Mark, where many were gathered together and praying. (13) And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. (14) And recognizing Peter's voice, from joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and reported that Peter was standing before the gate. (15) And they said to her, "You are mad." But she kept insisting that it was so. And they were saying, "It is his angel." (16) But Peter continued knocking; and having opened, they saw him and were astonished. (17) And having motioned to them with his hand to be silent, he related how the Lord led him out of the prison. And he said, "Report these things to James and the brothers." And having gone out, he went to another place.

(18) And when day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers, what then had become of Peter. (19) And Herod, having searched for him and not found him, examined the guards and commanded them to be executed; and having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he stayed there.

(20) Now he was angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians; but they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, the one over the king's bedchamber, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king's lands. (21) And on an appointed day, Herod, having put on royal clothing and sat upon the tribunal, was making a speech to them. (22) And the people were crying out, "Voice of a god, and not of a man!" (23) And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give the glory to God; and having become eaten by worms, he expired.

(24) But the Word of God was growing and multiplying. (25) And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, having fulfilled the service, having taken along John, the one called Mark.

Acts 13

(1) Now there were in Antioch, in the existing assembly, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Symeon called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. (2) And while they were ministering to the Lord and fasting, the holy spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (3) Then, having fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they released them.

(4) So they, having been sent out by the holy spirit, went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (5) And having arrived in Salamis, they proclaimed the Word of God in the synagogues of the Judeans; and they had John also as an attendant. (6) And having traversed the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a false prophet, a Judean, whose name was Bar-Jesus, (7) who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man, having summoned Barnabas and Saul, sought to hear the Word of God. (8) But Elymas the magician — for so his name is translated — was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. (9) But Saul, who is also Paul, having been filled with holy spirit, looked intently at him (10) and said, "O full of all deceit and all chicanery, son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? (11) And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun until a time." And immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him, and going around he was seeking hand-guides. (12) Then the proconsul, having seen what had happened, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the lord.

(13) And having set sail from Paphos, those around Paul came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John, having withdrawn from them, returned to Jerusalem. (14) And they, having passed through from Perga, arrived at Pisidian Antioch; and having entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, they sat down. (15) And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the synagogue leaders sent to them, saying, "Men, brothers, if there is any word of encouragement among you for the people, speak."

(16) And Paul, having risen and motioned with his hand, said: "Men of Israel and those who fear God, hear. (17) The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people during their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm He led them out of it. (18) And for about forty years He endured them in the wilderness. (19) And having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance — (20) about four hundred and fifty years — and after these things He gave judges until Samuel the prophet. (21) Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years; (22) and having removed him, He raised up David for them as king, to whom he also testified and said, 'I found David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' (23) Of this man's seed God has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus, as he promised. (24) Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. (25) And as John was completing his course, he said, 'What do you suppose I am? I am not he. But behold, one is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'"

(26) "Men, brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to us the word of this salvation has been sent. (27) For those dwelling in Jerusalem and their rulers, having not recognized him, and having judged him, fulfilled the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath. (28) And though they found no ground for death in him, they asked Pilate to have him executed. (29) And when they had completed all the things written about him, having taken him down from the tree, they placed him in a tomb. (30) But God raised him from the dead. (31) He was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses to the people. (32) And we proclaim to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers: (33) that God has fulfilled this to us their children, in raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second psalm: 'You are my son; today I have begotten you.' (34) And that He raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way: 'I will give you the holy and sure mercies of David.' (35) Therefore he says also in another place: 'You will not give your holy one to see corruption.' (36) For David, having served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption. (37) But he whom God raised up did not see corruption."

(38) "Let it be known to you, therefore, men and brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and from all things from which you were not able to be justified by the law of Moses, (39) by this one everyone who believes is justified. (40) Watch, therefore, lest what is said in the prophets come about: (41) 'Look, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work which you will never believe, even if someone declares it to you.'" (42) And as they were going out, they were urging that these words be spoken to them on the next Sabbath. (43) And when the synagogue broke up, many of the Judeans and the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were persuading them to continue in the grace of God.

(44) And on the coming Sabbath, almost the whole city was gathered to hear the word of the lord. (45) But the Judeans, having seen the crowds, were filled with jealousy and contradicted the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming. (46) And speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said: "It was necessary that the Word of God be spoken first to you; since you thrust it away and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the nations. (47) For so the Lord has commanded us: 'I have placed you as a light of nations, for you to be for salvation to the end of the earth.'" (48) And the nations, hearing this, were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the lord; and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. (49) And the word of the lord was being carried throughout all the region. (50) But the Judeans incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their boundaries. (51) But having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, they came to Iconium. (52) And the disciples were being filled with joy and holy spirit.

Acts 14

(1) And it happened in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Judeans and spoke in such a way that a great multitude of both Judeans and Greeks believed. (2) But the Judeans who were disobedient stirred up the nations and embittered their souls against the brothers. (3) So they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, who bore witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands. (4) And the multitude of the city was divided; some were with the Judeans, but others with the apostles. (5) And when an assault was made by both the nations and the Judeans with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, (6) having learned of it, they fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; (7) and there they were proclaiming the good news.

(8) And a certain man in Lystra, powerless in his feet, was sitting, lame from his mother's womb, who had never walked. (9) He heard Paul speaking; and Paul, having looked intently at him and seen that he has faith to be healed, (10) said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." And he leaped up and was walking. (11) And the crowds, having seen what Paul had done, raised their voices in Lycaonian, saying, "The gods, having become like men, have come down to us." (12) And they were calling Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, because he was the leading speaker. (13) And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was before the city, having brought bulls and garlands to the gates, with the crowds wanted to sacrifice. (14) But the apostles Barnabas and Paul, having heard of it, tore their garments and rushed out into the crowd, crying out (15) and saying, "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men of like nature with you, proclaiming the good news to you to turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all things in them. (16) In past generations he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. (17) Yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good: giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness." (18) And saying these things, they scarcely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them. (19) But Judeans arrived from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, supposing him to have died. (20a) But as the disciples surrounded him, he rose up and entered the city.

(20b) And on the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. (21) And having proclaimed the good news to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch, (22) strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations it is necessary for us to enter the kingdom of God. (23) And having appointed elders for them in every assembly, having prayed with fastings, they committed them to the lord in whom they had believed. (24) And having passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. (25) And having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; (26) and from there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they completed. (27) And having arrived and gathered the assembly together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the nations. (28) And they spent no little time with the disciples.

Acts 15

(1) And some, having come down from Judea, were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." (2) And when no little dissension and debate arose between Paul and Barnabas and them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. (3) So those, having been sent forward by the assembly, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the nations, and they were causing great joy to all the brothers. (4) And having arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. (5) But some of those from the sect of the Pharisees, having believed, rose up, saying: "It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses."

(6) And the apostles and the elders were gathered to see about this matter. (7) And after much debate, Peter, having stood up, said to them: "Men, brothers, you know that from early days God chose among you that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the gospel and believe. (8) And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the holy spirit, just as He did to us; (9) and He made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith. (10) Now therefore why are you testing God, to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (11) But through the grace of the lord Jesus we believe we are saved, in the same manner as they also are." (12) And all the multitude became silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul recounting all the signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

(13) And after they became silent, James answered, saying: "Men, brothers, listen to me. (14) Symeon has recounted how God first visited the nations, to take from them a people for His name. (15) And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written: (16) 'After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins and will restore it, (17) so that the rest of humanity may seek the Lord, even all the nations upon whom My name has been called, says the Lord, who makes these things known from of old.' (18) Known from of old. (19) Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the nations who are turning to God, (20) but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from sexual immorality and from what is strangled and from blood. (21) For Moses, from ancient generations, has in every city those who proclaim him, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath."

(22) Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men from among them and send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. (23) Having written by their hand: "The apostles and the elders, brothers, to the brothers among the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings. (24) Since we have heard that some from us, having gone out, troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, to whom we gave no orders, (25) it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose men and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26) men who have risked their lives for the name of our lord Jesus Christ. (27) We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who themselves will report the same things by word. (28) For it seemed good to the holy spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things: (29) to abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well. Farewell." (30) So those, having been sent, went down to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude, they delivered the letter. (31) And having read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement. (32) And Judas and Silas, being also prophets, encouraged the brothers with much speech and strengthened them. (33) And having spent some time, they were released with peace from the brothers to those who had sent them. (35) But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the word of the lord with many others also.

(36) And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return now and visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the lord, how they are." (37) And Barnabas wanted to take along John, the one called Mark. (38) But Paul did not think it good to take along this one, who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them into the work. (39) And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from one another. Barnabas, having taken Mark, sailed away to Cyprus; (40) but Paul, having chosen Silas, went out, having been committed by the brothers to the grace of the lord. (41) And he was passing through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.

Acts 16

(1) And he arrived in Derbe and also in Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, son of a believing Judean woman and of a Greek father. (2) He was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. (3) Paul wanted this one to go out with him, and having taken him, he circumcised him because of the Judeans in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. (4) And as they were passing through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees decided by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, to keep. (5) So the assemblies were being strengthened in the faith and increasing in number day by day.

(6) And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been prevented by the holy spirit from speaking the word in Asia. (7) And having come to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, and the spirit of Jesus did not allow them. (8) And having passed by Mysia, they went down to Troas. (9) And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain Macedonian man was standing and urging him and saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." (10) And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them.

(11) So, having set sail from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the next day to Neapolis, (12) and from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of that part of Macedonia, a Roman colony. And we were staying in that city for some days. (13) And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate beside a river, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and having sat down, we spoke to the women who had gathered. (14) And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, was listening; the Lord opened her heart to give attention to what was spoken by Paul. (15) And when she was baptized, and her household, she urged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the lord, come into my house and stay." And she prevailed upon us.

(16) And it happened, as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave girl having a spirit of Python met us, who was providing much profit to her masters by soothsaying. (17) This one, following after Paul and us, was crying out, saying, "These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation." (18) And she was doing this for many days. But Paul, having become greatly troubled, turned to the spirit and said, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And it came out that very hour. (19) And her masters, having seen that their hope of profit was gone, having seized Paul and Silas, dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers, (20) and having brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men, being Judeans, are throwing our city into confusion; (21) and they proclaim customs which are not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept or to practice." (22) And the crowd rose up together against them, and the magistrates, having torn off their clothes, ordered them to be beaten with rods. (23) And having laid many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely, (24) who, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

(25) And about midnight Paul and Silas, praying, were singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. (26) And suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were unfastened. (27) And the jailer, having become awake and seeing the prison doors open, having drawn his sword, was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped. (28) But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, "Do no harm to yourself, for we are all here." (29) And having asked for lights, he rushed in, and, trembling, fell down before Paul and Silas. (30) And having brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (31) And they said, "Believe in the lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." (32) And they spoke the word of the lord to him and to all those in his house. (33) And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed their wounds, and he was baptized immediately, he and all his household. (34) And having brought them up into his house, he set a table before them, and he rejoiced, having believed in God with all his household.

(35) And when day came, the magistrates sent the rod-bearers, saying, "Release those men." (36) And the jailer reported these words to Paul: "The magistrates have sent to release you. Now therefore, having gone out, go in peace." (37) But Paul said to them: "Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned, being Romans, they threw us into prison; and now do they throw us out secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out." (38) And the rod-bearers reported these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid, having heard that they were Romans. (39) And having come, they begged them, and having brought them out, they asked them to depart from the city. (40) And having gone out of the prison, they entered the house of Lydia; and having seen the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

Acts 17

(1) And having traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Judeans. (2) And according to Paul's custom, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures, (3) opening and setting forth that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and that "this Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ." (4) And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a great multitude of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. (5) But the Judeans, having become jealous, and having taken to themselves some wicked men of the market-loungers, and having formed a mob, were throwing the city into turmoil; and having attacked the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. (6) And not having found them, they dragged Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, crying out, "These men who have thrown the inhabited world into upheaval have come here also, (7) whom Jason has received; and these all act against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." (8) And they disturbed the crowd and the city authorities when they heard these things. (9) And having taken bond from Jason and the others, they released them.

(10) And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea; who, having arrived, went into the synagogue of the Judeans. (11) Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. (12) Therefore many of them believed, and also not a few of the prominent Greek women and men. (13) But when the Judeans of Thessalonica learned that the word of God had also been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there also, stirring up and disturbing the crowds. (14) Then immediately the brothers sent Paul away to go as far as the sea; but both Silas and Timothy remained there. (15) And those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and having received a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

(16) And while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was provoked within him, seeing the city full of idols. (17) Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Judeans and the devout worshippers, and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be present. (18) And some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were disputing with him; and some said, "What would this babbler wish to say?" But others, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign divinities," because he was proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection. (19) And having taken hold of him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is which you speak? (20) For you bring some strange things to our ears; we wish therefore to know what these things mean." (21) Now all the Athenians and the foreigners visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.

(22) And Paul, having stood in the midst of the Areopagus, said: "Men of Athens, I observe that in all things you are very religious. (23) For as I was passing through and observing your objects of worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'To an unknown god.' Whom therefore you worship without knowing, this One I proclaim to you. (24) The God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made sanctuaries, (25) nor is served by human hands as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things. (26) And He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, (27) so that they should seek the Lord, perhaps reaching out for Him and finding Him, though He is not far from each one of us; (28) for in Him we live and move and exist, as also some of your poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' (29) Therefore, being the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone, an image shaped by the art and imagination of man. (30) Therefore God, having overlooked the times of ignorance, now commands all people everywhere to repent, (31) because He has set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by a man whom He has appointed, having given proof to all by raising him from the dead."

(32) Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We will hear you again about this." (33) And so Paul went out from their midst. (34) But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts 18

(1) After these things, having departed from Athens, he came to Corinth. (2) And having found a certain Judean named Aquila, a Pontic man by origin, recently having come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife, because Claudius had commanded all the Judeans to depart from Rome, he went to them; (3) and because he was of the same trade, he remained with them and was working, for they were tentmakers by trade. (4) And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and was persuading Judeans and Greeks.

(5) And when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, earnestly testifying to the Judeans that the Christ is Jesus. (6) And when they opposed and blasphemed, having shaken out his garments, he said to them, "Your blood be upon your heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the nations." (7) And having departed from there, he entered the house of a certain man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was adjoining the synagogue. (8) And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the lord along with all his household; and many of the Corinthians, hearing, were believing and being baptized.

(9) And the lord said to Paul in a vision during the night: "Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not be silent, (10) because I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, because I have many people in this city." (11) And he remained for a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.

(12) But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Judeans with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him to the tribunal, (13) saying, "This man persuades people to worship God contrary to the law." (14) And when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Judeans, "If it were indeed a matter of wrongdoing or wicked villainy, O Judeans, I would with reason bear with you; (15) but if it is a question about a word and names and your own law, see to it yourselves; I do not wish to be a judge of these matters." (16) And he drove them from the tribunal. (17) And they all, having seized Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, were beating him in front of the tribunal; and Gallio did not care about any of these things.

(18) And Paul, having remained many more days, having taken leave of the brothers, sailed away to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having cut his hair in Cenchreae, for he had a vow. (19) And they arrived at Ephesus, and there he left them; but he himself, having entered the synagogue, reasoned with the Judeans. (20) And when they asked him to remain for a longer time, he did not consent, (21) but, having taken leave and saying, "I will return again to you, God willing," he set sail from Ephesus. (22) And having landed at Caesarea, having gone up and greeted the assembly, he went down to Antioch. (23) And having spent some time there, he departed, passing through the Galatian region and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

(24) Now a certain Judean named Apollos, an Alexandrian by origin, an eloquent man, arrived at Ephesus, being mighty in the scriptures. (25) This man had been instructed in the way of the lord; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. (26) And this man began to speak boldly in the synagogue; and when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (27) And when he wished to cross into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to receive him; and having arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace; (28) for he powerfully and publicly refuted the Judeans, showing through the scriptures that the Christ is Jesus.

Acts 19

(1) And it happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper country, came down to Ephesus and found some disciples. (2) He said to them, "Did you receive the holy spirit when you believed?" And they said to him, "No, we have not even heard whether there is a holy spirit." (3) And he said, "Into what then were you baptized?" And they said, "Into John's baptism." (4) And Paul said, "John baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus." (5) And having heard this, they were baptized into the name of the lord Jesus. (6) And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the holy spirit came upon them, and they were speaking in tongues and prophesying. (7) There were about twelve men in all.

(8) And entering the synagogue, he spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading about the things of the kingdom of God. (9) But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. (10) This continued for two years, so that all those dwelling in Asia heard the word of the lord, both Judeans and Greeks.

(11) And God was doing extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, (12) so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried from his skin to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them.

(13) And some of the itinerant Judean exorcists attempted to invoke the name of the lord Jesus over those having evil spirits, saying, "I adjure you by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims." (14) And there were seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Judean chief priest, doing this. (15) But the evil spirit answered them, "Jesus I recognize, and Paul I know; but who are you?" (16) And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaping upon them and mastering them all, prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (17) And this became known to all, both Judeans and Greeks, dwelling in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the lord Jesus was magnified.

(18) And many of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. (19) And a considerable number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all; and they counted up the value of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (20) Thus, by the might of the lord, the word was growing and prevailing.

(21) And after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the spirit, after passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome." (22) And having sent two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

(23) And about that time there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. (24) For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, making silver shrines of Artemis, was providing no little business to the craftsmen. (25) Having gathered these together, along with the workers of similar trades, he said: "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business. (26) And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but in almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that gods made with hands are not gods. (27) And there is danger not only that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be counted as nothing, and that she whom all Asia and the world worship be brought down." (28) And having heard this, they were filled with rage and cried out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (29) And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed together with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's travel companions. (30) And when Paul wanted to enter the crowd, the disciples would not allow him. (31) And some of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent to him and urged him not to venture into the theater. (32) Some shouted one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together. (33) And some of the crowd prompted Alexander, since the Judeans had put him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with his hand, wanted to make a defense to the people. (34) But when they recognized that he was a Judean, one cry arose from all of them for about two hours: "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" (35) And when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said: "Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis and of the image that fell from the sky? (36) Since these things cannot be denied, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash. (37) For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers nor blasphemers of our goddess. (38) If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another. (39) But if you seek anything further, it will be settled in the lawful assembly. (40) For we are in danger of being accused of rioting over today's events, since there is no cause concerning which we will be able to give an account of this disorderly gathering." And having said this, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 20

(1) And after the uproar had ceased, Paul, having sent for the disciples and encouraged them, took leave of them and departed for Macedonia. (2) And having gone through those regions and given them much encouragement, he came to Greece. (3) And having spent three months there, when a plot was made against him by the Judeans as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. (4) And there accompanied him Sopater the Beroean, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe and Timothy; and of the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. (5) These went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. (6) And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

(7) And on the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul was conversing with them, intending to depart on the next day, and he extended his speech until midnight. (8) And there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. (9) And a certain young man named Eutychus, sitting on the window sill, was sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul conversed at length, being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. (10) But Paul, having gone down, threw himself upon him, and embracing him said, "Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him." (11) And having gone up, and having broken the bread and eaten, he conversed with them for a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. (12) And they took the boy away alive, and were greatly comforted.

(13) And we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go on foot. (14) And when he met us at Assos, having taken him aboard, we came to Mitylene. (15) And sailing from there, on the following day we arrived opposite Chios; and on the next day we touched at Samos, and on the day after that we came to Miletus. (16) For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

(17) And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and summoned the elders of the assembly. (18) And when they came to him, he said to them: "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, (19) serving the lord with all humility and with tears and with trials which happened to me through the plots of the Judeans; (20) how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and from teaching you publicly and from house to house, (21) earnestly testifying both to Judeans and to Greeks about repentance toward God and faith toward our lord Jesus. (22) And now, behold, bound by the spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will meet me there, (23) except that the holy spirit testifies to me in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. (24) But I do not count my life as of any account, nor as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the lord Jesus, to testify fully to the gospel of the grace of God. (25) And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. (26) Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men; (27) for I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God."

(28) "Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the holy spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of God, which He obtained with the blood of His own [Son]. (29) I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; (30) and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. (31) Therefore be alert, remembering that for three years I did not cease night and day admonishing each one with tears."

(32) "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (33) I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. (34) You yourselves know that these hands served my own needs and those who were with me. (35) In everything I showed you that, working hard in this way, we must help the weak, and remember the words of the lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (36) And having said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. (37) And there was great weeping among all; and having embraced Paul, they were kissing him, (38) sorrowing most of all at the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

Acts 21

(1) And when we set sail, having torn ourselves away from them, having run a straight course, we came to Cos, and on the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. (2) And having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, having gone on board, we set sail. (3) And having sighted Cyprus and left it on the left, we were sailing to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was unloading its cargo. (4) And having found the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. (5) And when our days there were completed, having gone out, we were going, all of them accompanying us with wives and children until we were outside the city; and having knelt on the beach and prayed, (6) we said farewell to one another; and we went up into the ship, and they returned to their own homes.

(7) And having completed the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and having greeted the brothers, we stayed with them one day. (8) And on the next day, having departed, we came to Caesarea; and having entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. (9) And this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied.

(10) And while we were staying there for many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. (11) And having come to us, he took Paul's belt, and having bound his own hands and feet, said, "The holy spirit says these things: 'In this way the Judeans in Jerusalem will bind the man whose belt this is and will deliver him into the hands of the nations.'" (12) And when we heard this, both we and the local people begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. (13) Then Paul answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the lord Jesus." (14) And since he would not be persuaded, we became silent, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

(15) And after these days, having made preparations, we were going up to Jerusalem. (16) And some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, bringing us to Mnason, a certain Cypriot, an early disciple, with whom we would be lodged.

(17) And when we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. (18) And on the next day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. (19) And having greeted them, he related one by one the things which God had done among the nations through his ministry. (20) And having heard, they were glorifying God, and they said to him, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands among the Judeans there are of those who have believed, and they are all zealots for the law. (21) And they have been informed about you that you teach apostasy from Moses to all the Judeans who are among the nations, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk in the customs. (22) What then? They will certainly hear that you have come. (23) Therefore do this that we tell you: we have four men who have taken a vow upon themselves. (24) Take these men and be purified with them, and pay their expenses, so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that the things they have been told about you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk in keeping the law. (25) But concerning the nations who have believed, we have written, having decided, that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from sexual immorality." (26) Then Paul, having taken the men, on the next day, having been purified with them, entered the temple, announcing the completion of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for each one of them.

(27) And when the seven days were almost completed, the Judeans from Asia, having seen him in the temple, stirred up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, (28) crying out, "Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place; and moreover he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place." (29) For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. (30) And the whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together; and having seized Paul, they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. (31) And while they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the tribune of the cohort that the whole of Jerusalem was in an uproar. (32) And having immediately taken soldiers and centurions, he ran down upon them; and when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. (33) Then the tribune, having approached, arrested him and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and was inquiring who he might be and what he had done. (34) But some in the crowd were shouting one thing and some another; and since he could not learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. (35) And when he came to the steps, he was actually carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, (36) for the multitude of the people was following, crying out, "Away with him!"

(37) And as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the tribune, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek? (38) Are you not then the Egyptian who before these days stirred up a revolt and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Sicarii?" (39) And Paul said, "I am a Judean, a Tarsian, a citizen of no obscure city of Cilicia; and I ask you, permit me to speak to the people." (40) And having granted permission, Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people; and when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:

Acts 22

(1) "Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense which is now before you." (2) And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet. And he says: (3) "I am a Judean, having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, having been educated according to the strictness of the ancestral law, being a zealot for God, just as you all are today. (4) I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and handing over to prisons both men and women, (5) as also the high priest bears witness to me, and all the council of elders. From them also, having received letters to the brothers, I was going to Damascus, in order also to bring those who were there, having been bound, to Jerusalem, so that they might be punished."

(6) "And it happened to me, as I was journeying and drawing near to Damascus, that about noon a great light from heaven suddenly flashed around me. (7) And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' (8) And I answered, 'Who are you, sir?' And he said to me, 'I am Jesus the Nazorean, whom you are persecuting.' (9) And those who were with me saw the light but did not hear the voice of the one speaking to me. (10) And I said, 'What shall I do, lord?' And the lord said to me, 'Rise, go into Damascus, and there you will be told about all the things that have been appointed for you to do.' (11) And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, having been led by the hand by those who were with me, I came to Damascus."

(12) "And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Judeans living there, (13) having come to me and standing by me, said to me, 'Saul, brother, look up.' And in that very hour I looked up at him. (14) And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will, and to see the righteous one, and to hear a voice from his mouth; (15) for you will be a witness for him to all people of what you have seen and heard. (16) And now, why do you delay? Rise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.'"

(17) "And it happened to me, when I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance, (18) and saw him saying to me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' (19) And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that in one synagogue after another I was imprisoning and beating those who believed in you. (20) And when the blood of Stephen, your witness, was being shed, I myself was also standing by and approving, and guarding the garments of those who were killing him.' (21) And he said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away to the nations.'"

(22) And they were listening to him until this word; and they raised their voice, saying, "Away with such a one from the earth! For he is not fit to live!" (23) And while they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and throwing dust into the air, (24) the tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, saying that he should be examined by flogging, to find out the reason they were shouting against him like this. (25) But when they had stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion standing by, "Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?" (26) When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and reported it, saying, "What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen." (27) And the tribune came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?" And he said, "Yes." (28) And the tribune replied, "I bought this citizenship for a large sum." Paul said, "But I was born a citizen." (29) Then immediately those who were about to examine him withdrew from him; and the tribune was also afraid when he realized that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him. (30) And on the next day, wanting to know for certain why he was accused by the Judeans, he released him and commanded the chief priests and the whole council to assemble; and having brought Paul down, he set him before them.

Acts 23

(1) And Paul, looking intently at the council, said, "Men, brothers, I have lived my life in all good conscience before God to this day." (2) And the high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike his mouth. (3) Then Paul said to him, "God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the law, and yet unlawfully command me to be struck?" (4) And those standing by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?" (5) And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest; for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" (6) But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, "Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged." (7) And when he said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided. (8) For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. (9) And there was a great outcry; and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party, having risen up, contended, saying, "We find nothing wrong in this man; but what if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?" (10) And when a great dissension arose, the tribune, fearing that Paul might be torn apart by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and snatch him out of their midst and bring him into the barracks. (11) And on the following night the lord, having stood by him, said, "Take courage! For as you solemnly testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome."

(12) And when day came, the Judeans formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath, saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. (13) There were more than forty who had formed this plot. (14) They went to the chief priests and elders and said, "We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. (15) Now therefore, you, along with the council, notify the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly; and we are ready to kill him before he comes near." (16) But the son of Paul's sister heard of their ambush; and having come and entered the barracks, he reported it to Paul. (17) And Paul, having called one of the centurions, said, "Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to report to him." (18) So he took him and brought him to the tribune, and said, "The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, since he has something to tell you." (19) And the tribune, taking him by the hand and drawing him aside, asked, "What is it that you have to report to me?" (20) And he said, "The Judeans have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire something more exactly about him. (21) So do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor drink until they have killed him; and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you." (22) So the tribune dismissed the young man, commanding him, "Tell no one that you have reported these things to me." (23) And having called two centurions, he said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night; (24) and provide mounts, so that they may set Paul on one and bring him safely to Felix the governor." (25) And having written a letter in this form: (26) "Claudius Lysias to his most excellent governor Felix, greetings. (27) This man was seized by the Judeans and was about to be killed by them; but having come upon them with the soldiers, I rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. (28) And wanting to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. (29) I found that he was accused about questions of their law, and that there was no charge worthy of death or chains. (30) But when it was disclosed to me that a plot against the man was imminent, I sent him to you at once, also ordering his accusers to state before you what they have against him." (31) So the soldiers, according to their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. (32) And the next day, having let the horsemen go on with him, they returned to the barracks. (33) When these had entered Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. (34) And having read it and asked from what province he was, and having learned that he was from Cilicia, (35) he said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive." And he commanded him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.

Acts 24

(1) And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and an orator, a certain Tertullus; they laid information against Paul before the governor. (2) And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: "Since we enjoy much peace through you, and since reforms are being made for this nation by your foresight, (3) in every way and everywhere we welcome this, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. (4) But that I may not detain you further, I beg you to hear us briefly by your kindness. (5) For having found this man a pestilence, and a mover of dissensions among all the Judeans throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes — (6) who also attempted to profane the temple — we seized him. (8) From him you yourself, having examined him, will be able to know all these things of which we accuse him." (9) And the Judeans also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.

(10) And Paul answered — the governor having nodded to him to speak — "Knowing that for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I answer cheerfully for myself: (11) since you are able to know that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. (12) And neither in the temple did they find me arguing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor throughout the city. (13) Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. (14) But this I confess to you: that according to the Way which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is according to the law and written in the prophets, (15) having a hope in God, which these themselves also await, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. (16) In this I also exercise myself to have a blameless conscience toward God and toward men always. (17) Now after many years I came to bring gifts to my nation and offerings — (18) among which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with a disturbance — (19) which certain Judeans from Asia ought to have been present before you and to accuse, if they had anything against me. (20) Or let these men themselves say what wrong they found in me when I stood before the council, (21) except this one voice, in which I cried out while standing among them: 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged today by you.'"

(22) But Felix, having more accurate knowledge of the Way, put them off, saying, "When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case." (23) And he ordered the centurion to keep him in custody but to let him have some ease, and not to prevent any of his friends from caring for him. (24) And after some days, having arrived with Drusilla his wife, who was a Judean, Felix sent for Paul and heard him concerning faith in Christ Jesus. (25) And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix, becoming frightened, said, "Go away for now; when I find time, I will summon you." (26) At the same time he also hoped that money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also sent for him more often and conversed with him. (27) And when two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus; and wishing to gain favor with the Judeans, Felix left Paul in prison.

Acts 25

(1) Festus therefore, having arrived in the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. (2) And the chief priests and the leading men of the Judeans brought charges against Paul before him, and they were urging him, (3) asking a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem — making an ambush to kill him along the way. (4) Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly. (5) "Therefore," he said, "let the men of authority among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him." (6) And after spending among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and on the next day, having seated himself on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought. (7) And when he had arrived, the Judeans who had come down from Jerusalem surrounded him, bringing many and serious charges which they were not able to prove. (8) Paul, in his defense, said, "Neither against the law of the Judeans, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned in anything." (9) But Festus, wishing to gain favor with the Judeans, answered Paul, "Do you wish to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these things before me?" (10) But Paul said, "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Judeans, as you also know very well. (11) If then I am a wrongdoer and have done anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing in these things of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar." (12) Then Festus, having conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go."

(13) And after some days, king Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea to greet Festus. (14) And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid Paul's case before the king, saying, "There is a certain man left in prison by Felix, (15) concerning whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Judeans presented charges, asking for judgment against him. (16) I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets the accusers face to face and has opportunity to make his defense concerning the charge. (17) So when they had come together here, I made no delay, but on the next day, having sat on the tribunal, I ordered the man to be brought. (18) And the accusers, having stood up, brought no charge of the evil deeds which I was expecting. (19) But they had certain points of dispute with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, who had died, whom Paul asserted to be alive. (20) And being at a loss about an investigation into these matters, I asked whether he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning them. (21) But when Paul had appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar." (22) And Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he said, "you will hear him."

(23) So on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp, and entered the audience hall with the tribunes and the men of prominence of the city. And at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. (24) And Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man about whom the whole multitude of the Judeans petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, crying out that he must not live any longer. (25) But I found that he had done nothing deserving death. And since he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him. (26) But I have nothing definite to write to the emperor about him. Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, king Agrippa, so that after this examination I may have something to write. (27) For it seems to me unreasonable, when sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him."

Acts 26

(1) And Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to speak for yourself." Then Paul, having stretched out his hand, was making his defense: (2) "Concerning all the things of which I am accused by Judeans, king Agrippa, I consider myself blessed that I am about to make my defense before you today, (3) especially because you are a knower of all the customs and controversies among the Judeans. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently. (4) Now my manner of life from my youth, which was from the beginning among my nation in Jerusalem, all the Judeans know — (5) having known me from the beginning, if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee. (6) And now I stand being judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, (7) to which our twelve-tribe [people] earnestly serving night and day hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by Judeans, O king! (8) Why is it judged incredible among you if God raises the dead? (9) I indeed thought to myself that I must do many hostile things against the name of Jesus the Nazorean, (10) which I also did in Jerusalem; and I both shut up many of the holy ones in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were being killed, I cast my vote against them. (11) And often punishing them in all the synagogues, I was trying to compel them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly furious against them, I was persecuting them even to foreign cities."

(12) "While traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, (13) at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me. (14) And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.' (15) And I said, 'Who are you, sir?' And the lord said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (16) But rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness of both the things you have seen and the things in which I will appear to you, (17) delivering you from the people and the nations to whom I send you, (18) to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the authority of the Adversary to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a lot among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'"

(19) "Therefore, king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. (20) But I kept declaring first to those in Damascus, then in Jerusalem and all the region of Judea, and to the nations, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. (21) Because of these things the Judeans, having seized me while I was in the temple, were trying to kill me. (22) Therefore, having obtained the help that comes from God, to this day I have stood testifying to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: (23) that the Christ was to suffer, that as the first from the resurrection of the dead he would proclaim light both to the people and to the nations."

(24) And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "You are out of your mind, Paul! Your great learning is driving you mad." (25) But Paul said, "I am not mad, most excellent Festus; I am uttering true and rational words. (26) For the king knows about these things, to whom I also speak boldly; for I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from him, for this was not done in a corner. (27) King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe." (28) And Agrippa said to Paul, "In a little you are persuading me to become a Christian!" (29) And Paul said, "I would wish before God that whether in a little or in much, not only you but also all those hearing me this day might become such as I am, except for these chains." (30) And the king rose, and the governor, and Bernice, and those sitting with them. (31) And having withdrawn, they spoke to one another, saying, "This man is doing nothing worthy of death or chains." (32) And Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar."

Acts 27

(1) And when it was decided that we should sail away to Italy, they handed over both Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan cohort. (2) And having embarked in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the places along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. (3) And on the next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius, treating Paul kindly, permitted him to go to his friends to receive their care. (4) And from there, having put out to sea, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. (5) And having sailed across the sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. (6) And there the centurion, having found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, put us on board it. (7) And for many days, sailing slowly and arriving with difficulty off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us, we sailed under the lee of Crete, off Salmone. (8) And coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. (9) And when much time had passed and the voyage was already dangerous, because even the Fast had already passed, Paul advised them, (10) saying to them, "Men, I see that the voyage is about to be with injury and great loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives." (11) But the centurion was persuaded more by the pilot and the ship's owner than by the things spoken by Paul. (12) And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority decided to set sail from there, if perhaps they might be able to reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and to spend the winter there.

(13) And when a south wind blew gently, having supposed they had obtained their purpose, having weighed anchor, they were sailing along close to Crete. (14) But not long after, a tempestuous wind called the Northeaster rushed down from it. (15) And when the ship was caught and could not face the wind, having given way, we were being driven along. (16) And running under the lee of a certain small island called Cauda, we were able with difficulty to secure the ship's boat. (17) Having hoisted it up, they were using supports to undergird the ship; and fearing lest they might fall into the Syrtis, having lowered the gear, they were being driven along thus. (18) And since we were violently storm-tossed, on the next day they began to throw cargo overboard; (19) and on the third day, they threw the ship's tackle overboard with their own hands. (20) And when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm pressed upon us, all hope that we would be saved was at last being abandoned. (21) Then, after much abstinence from food, Paul, having stood up in their midst, said, "Men, you ought to have obeyed me and not to have set sail from Crete, and to have gained this injury and loss. (22) And now I exhort you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. (23) For this very night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood by me, (24) saying, 'Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who are sailing with you.' (25) Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be in this manner, according as it was spoken to me. (26) But we must be cast ashore on a certain island."

(27) And when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to suspect that some land was approaching them. (28) And having taken soundings, they found twenty fathoms; and having gone a little farther, having sounded again, they found fifteen fathoms. (29) And fearing that perhaps we might fall on rough places, having cast four anchors from the stern, they were praying for day to come. (30) And since the sailors were seeking to flee from the ship, having lowered the ship's boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, (31) Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved." (32) Then the soldiers, having cut away the ropes of the ship's boat, let it fall away. (33) And until the day was about to dawn, Paul was urging all to take food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have remained without eating, having taken nothing. (34) Therefore I exhort you to take food, for this is for your salvation; for a hair from the head of none of you will perish." (35) And having said these things, having taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and having broken it, he began to eat. (36) And all having become encouraged, they also took food. (37) And we were in all two hundred seventy-six souls in the ship. (38) And having been satisfied with food, they were lightening the ship, throwing the wheat into the sea. (39) And when day came, they did not recognize the land; but they noticed a certain bay having a beach, onto which they purposed, if possible, to drive the ship. (40) And having cast off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time having loosened the ropes of the rudders; and having hoisted the foresail to the wind, they were making for the beach. (41) And having fallen into a place of two seas, they ran the vessel aground; and the bow, having stuck fast, remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. (42) And the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any, having swum away, should escape. (43) But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prevented them from their intention, and ordered those who were able to swim, having thrown themselves off first, to go out to the land, (44) and the rest, some on planks, and some on pieces of the ship. And so it happened that all were brought safely through to the land.

Acts 28

(1) And having been brought safely through, then we learned that the island was called Malta. (2) And the native people showed us unusual kindness, for having kindled a fire, they welcomed us all, because rain had started and because of the cold. (3) And Paul, having gathered a bundle of sticks and having placed them on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened on his hand. (4) And when the native people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they were saying to one another, "Certainly this man is a murderer, whom, having been saved from the sea, Justice has not allowed to live." (5) He indeed, therefore, having shaken off the creature into the fire, suffered no harm. (6) But they were expecting him to be about to swell up or suddenly to fall down dead. But when they had waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happening to him, having changed their minds, they were saying that he was a god. (7) Now in the parts around that place were lands of the chief man of the island, named Publius, who, having received us, entertained us for three days kindly. (8) And it happened that the father of Publius was lying down, oppressed by fevers and dysentery; to whom Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid his hands on him, healed him. (9) And this having happened, the rest also on the island who had diseases were coming and being healed. (10) Who also honored us with many honors, and having set sail, put on board the things we needed.

(11) And after three months we set sail in a ship of Alexandria, having wintered in the island, with the Twin Gods as its figurehead. (12) And having put in at Syracuse, we stayed three days. (13) From there, having set sail, we arrived at Rhegium; and after one day, a south wind having sprung up, on the second day we came to Puteoli. (14) Where, having found brothers, we were asked to remain with them seven days; and so we came to Rome. (15) And from there the brothers, having heard about our affairs, came out to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns; whom, having seen, Paul, having given thanks to God, took courage. (16) And when we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.

(17) And it happened that after three days he called together the leaders of the Judeans; and when they had gathered, he said to them, "Men, brothers, I, having done nothing contrary to the people or the customs of our fathers, was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, (18) who, having examined me, were wanting to release me, because there was no ground for death in me. (19) But when the Judeans objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar — not as having any accusation against my nation. (20) For this reason, therefore, I have called you, to see you and to speak with you, for because of the hope of Israel I am wearing this chain." (21) And they said to him, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers, having arrived, report or speak any evil concerning you. (22) But we deem it worthy to hear from you what you think; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against." (23) And having appointed a day for him, many came to him at the lodging; to whom he was explaining, solemnly testifying to the kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning until evening. (24) And some indeed were persuaded by the things spoken, but others disbelieved. (25) And being in disagreement among themselves, they were departing, Paul having said one word: "The holy spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, (26) saying, 'Go to this people and say: "In hearing you will hear and never understand, and seeing you will see and never perceive. (27) For the heart of this people has become dull, and with the ears they hear heavily, and they have closed their eyes, lest they should see with the eyes and hear with the ears and understand with the heart and turn, and I will heal them."' (28) Therefore let it be known to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the nations; they will also hear."

(30) And he remained two whole years in his own rented dwelling, and was welcoming all who came to him, (31) proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, unhindered.