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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/8832.txt b/8832.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e43e852 --- /dev/null +++ b/8832.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4070 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech, +Acts, by R. F. Weymouth + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most +other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions +whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of +the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at +www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have +to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. + +Title: Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech, Acts + Third Edition 1913 + +Author: R. F. Weymouth + +Posting Date: March 14, 2015 [EBook #8832] +Release Date: September, 2005 +First Posted: August 25, 2003 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK WEYMOUTH NEW TESTAMENT--ACTS *** + + + + +Produced by Martin Ward + + + + + + + + +Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech, Acts + +Third Edition 1913 + + +R. F. Weymouth + + + + +Book 44 Acts + +001:001 My former narrative, Theophilus, dealt with all that Jesus + did and taught as a beginning, down to the day on which, + +001:002 after giving instruction through the Holy Spirit to the Apostles + whom He had chosen, He was taken up to Heaven. + +001:003 He had also, after He suffered, shown Himself alive to them + with many sure proofs, appearing to them at intervals during + forty days, and speaking of the Kingdom of God. + +001:004 And while in their company He charged them not to leave + Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father's promised gift. + "This you have heard of," He said, "from me. + +001:005 For John indeed baptized with water, but before many days + have passed you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit." + +001:006 Once when they were with Him, they asked Him, "Master, is this + the time at which you are about to restore the kingdom of Israel?" + +001:007 "It is not for you," He replied, "to know times or epochs + which the Father has reserved within His own authority; + +001:008 and yet you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come + upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all + Judaea and Samaria and to the remotest parts of the earth." + +001:009 When He had said this, and while they were looking + at Him, He was carried up, and a cloud closing beneath Him + hid Him from their sight. + +001:010 But, while they stood intently gazing into the sky as He went, + suddenly there were two men in white garments standing by them, + +001:011 who said, "Galilaeans, why stand looking into the sky? + This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into Heaven + will come in just the same way as you have seen Him + going into Heaven." + +001:012 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called + the Oliveyard, which is near Jerusalem, about a mile off. + +001:013 They entered the city, and they went up to the upper room which + was now their fixed place for meeting. Their names were Peter + and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew + and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, + and Judas the brother of James. + +001:014 All of these with one mind continued earnest in prayer, + together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, + and His brothers. + +001:015 It was on one of these days that Peter stood up in the midst + of the brethren--the entire number of persons present being + about 120--and said, + +001:016 "Brethren, it was necessary that the Scripture should be fulfilled-- + the prediction, I mean, which the Holy Spirit uttered by + the lips of David, about Judas, who acted as guide to those + who arrested Jesus. + +001:017 For Judas was reckoned as one of our number, and a share + in this ministry was allotted to him." + +001:018 (Now having bought a piece of ground with the money paid for his + wickedness he fell there with his face downwards, and, his body + bursting open, he became disembowelled. + +001:019 This fact became widely known to the people of Jerusalem, + so that the place received the name, in their language, + of Achel-damach, which means `The Field of Blood.') + +001:020 "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "`Let his encampment + be desolate: let there be no one to dwell there'; and "`His + work let another take up.' + +001:021 "It is necessary, therefore, that of the men who have been with us + all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- + +001:022 beginning from His baptism by John down to the day on which He + was taken up again from us into Heaven--one should be appointed + to become a witness with us as to His resurrection." + +001:023 So two names were proposed, Joseph called Bar-sabbas-- + and surnamed Justus--and Matthias. + +001:024 And the brethren prayed, saying, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts + of all, show clearly which of these two Thou hast chosen + +001:025 to occupy the place in this ministry and Apostleship from + which Judas through transgression fell, in order to go + to his own place." + +001:026 Then they drew lots between them. The lot fell on Matthias, + and a place among the eleven Apostles was voted to him. + +002:001 At length, on the day of the Harvest Festival, they had all met + in one place; + +002:002 when suddenly there came from the sky a sound as of a strong + rushing blast of wind. This filled the whole house where + they were sitting; + +002:003 and they saw tongues of what looked like fire distributing + themselves over the assembly, and on the head of each person + a tongue alighted. + +002:004 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak + in foreign languages according as the Spirit gave them + words to utter. + +002:005 Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every + part of the world. + +002:006 So when this noise was heard, they came crowding together, + and were amazed because everyone heard his own language spoken. + +002:007 They were beside themselves with wonder, and exclaimed, + "Are not all these speakers Galilaeans? + +002:008 How then does each of us hear his own native language + spoken by them? + +002:009 Some of us are Parthians, Medes, Elamites. Some are inhabitants + of Mesopotamia, of Judaea or Cappadocia, of Pontus or the + Asian Province, of Phrygia or Pamphylia, + +002:010 of Egypt or of the parts of Africa towards Cyrene. + Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts + from heathenism--and others are Cretans or Arabians. + +002:011 Yet we all alike hear these Galilaeans speaking in our own + language about the wonderful things which God has done." + +002:012 They were all astounded and bewildered, and asked one another, + "What can this mean?" + +002:013 But others, scornfully jeering, said, "They are brim-full + of sweet wine." + +002:014 Peter however, together with the Eleven, stood up and addressed + them in a loud voice. "Men of Judaea, and all you inhabitants + of Jerusalem," he said, "be in no uncertainty about this + matter but pay attention to what I say. + +002:015 For this is not intoxication, as you suppose, it being only + the third hour of the day. + +002:016 But that which was predicted through the Prophet Joel has happened: + +002:017 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, God says, + that I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons + and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall + see visions, and your old men shall have dreams; + +002:018 and even upon My bondservants, both men and women, at that time, + I will pour out My Spirit, and they shall prophesy. + +002:019 I will display marvels in the sky above, and signs on the earth below, + blood and fire, and pillars of smoke. + +002:020 The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, + to usher in the day of the Lord--that great and illustrious day; + +002:021 and every one who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' + +002:022 "Listen, Israelites, to what I say. Jesus, the Nazarene, + a man accredited to you from God by miracles and marvels + and signs which God did among you through Him, as you + yourselves know, Him-- + +002:023 delivered up through God's settled purpose and foreknowledge-- + you by the hands of Gentiles have nailed to a cross and have + put to death. + +002:024 But God has raised Him to life, having terminated the throes + of death, for in fact it was not possible for Him to be held + fast by death. + +002:025 For David says in reference to Him, "`I constantly fixed my + eyes upon the Lord, because He is at my right hand in order + that I may continue unshaken. + +002:026 For this reason my heart is glad and my tongue exults. + My body also shall rest in hope. + +002:027 For Thou wilt not leave me in the Unseen World forsaken, + nor give up Thy holy One to undergo decay. + +002:028 Thou hast made known to me the ways of Life: Thou wilt fill + me with gladness in Thy presence.' + +002:029 "As to the patriarch David, I need hardly remind you, brethren, + that he died and was buried, and that we still have his + tomb among us. + +002:030 Being a Prophet, however, and knowing that God had solemnly + sworn to him to seat a descendant of his upon his throne, + +002:031 with prophetic foresight he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, + to the effect that He was not left forsaken in the Unseen World, + nor did His body undergo decay. + +002:032 This Jesus, God has raised to life--a fact to which all + of us testify. + +002:033 "Being therefore lifted high by the mighty hand of God, He has + received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has + poured out this which you see and hear. + +002:034 For David did not ascend into Heaven, but he says himself, + "`The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand + +002:035 until I make thy foes a footstool under thy feet.' + +002:036 "Therefore let the whole House of Israel know beyond + all doubt that God has made Him both LORD and CHRIST-- + this Jesus whom you crucified." + +002:037 Stung to the heart by these words, they said to Peter and the rest + of the Apostles, "Brethren, what are we to do?" + +002:038 "Repent," replied Peter, "and be baptized, every one of you, + in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission + of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. + +002:039 For to you belongs the promise, and to your children, + and to all who are far off, whoever the Lord our God may call." + +002:040 And with many more appeals he solemnly warned and entreated them, + saying, "Escape from this crooked generation." + +002:041 Those, therefore, who joyfully welcomed his Message were baptized; + and on that one day about three thousand persons were + added to them; + +002:042 and they were constant in listening to the teaching of the + Apostles and in their attendance at the Communion, that is, + the Breaking of the Bread, and at prayer. + +002:043 Fear came upon every one, and many marvels and signs were done + by the Apostles. + +002:044 And all the believers kept together, and had everything in common. + +002:045 They sold their lands and other property, and distributed + the proceeds among all, according to every one's necessities. + +002:046 And, day by day, attending constantly in the Temple with one accord, + and breaking bread in private houses, they took their meals + with great happiness and single-heartedness, + +002:047 praising God and being regarded with favour by all the people. + Also, day by day, the Lord added to their number those whom + He was saving. + +003:001 One day Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the hour + of prayer--the ninth hour--and, just then, + +003:002 some men were carrying there one who had been lame from birth, + whom they were wont to place every day close to the Beautiful Gate + (as it was called) of the Temple, for him to beg from the people + as they went in. + +003:003 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple, he asked + them for alms. + +003:004 Peter fixing his eyes on him, as John did also, said, "Look at us." + +003:005 So he looked and waited, expecting to receive something from them. + +003:006 "I have no silver or gold," Peter said, "but what I have, I give you. + In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene--walk!" + +003:007 Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately + his feet and ankles were strengthened. + +003:008 Leaping up, he stood upright and began to walk, and went into + the Temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. + +003:009 All the people saw him walking and praising God; + +003:010 and recognizing him as the man who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate + of the Temple asking for alms, they were filled with awe + and amazement at what had happened to him. + +003:011 While he still clung to Peter and John, the people, awe-struck, ran up + crowding round them in what was known as Solomon's Portico. + +003:012 Peter, seeing this, spoke to the people. "Israelites," he said, + "why do you wonder at this man? Or why gaze at us, as though + by any power or piety of our own we had enabled him to walk? + +003:013 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, + has conferred this honour on His Servant Jesus, whom you + delivered up and disowned in the presence of Pilate, + when he had decided to let Him go. + +003:014 Yes, you disowned the holy and righteous One, and asked + as a favour the release of a murderer. + +003:015 The Prince of Life you put to death; but God has raised Him + from the dead, and we are witnesses as to that. + +003:016 It is His name--faith in that name being the condition-- + which has strengthened this man whom you behold and know; + and the faith which He has given has made this man sound + and strong again, as you can all see. + +003:017 "And now, brethren, I know that it was in ignorance that you + did it, as was the case with your rulers also. + +003:018 But in this way God has fulfilled the declarations He made + through all the Prophets, that His Christ would suffer. + +003:019 Repent, therefore, and reform your lives, so that the record + of your sins may be cancelled, and that there may come seasons + of revival from the Lord, + +003:020 and that He may send the Christ appointed beforehand + for you--even Jesus. + +003:021 Heaven must receive Him until those times of which God has spoken + from the earliest ages through the lips of His holy Prophets-- + the times of the reconstitution of all things. + +003:022 Moses declared, "`The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet + for you from among your brethren as He has raised me. + In all that He says to you, you must listen to Him. + +003:023 And every one, without exception, who refuses to listen to that + Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the People.' + +003:024 Yes, and all the Prophets, from Samuel onwards--all who have spoken-- + have also announced the coming of this present time. + +003:025 "You are the heirs of the Prophets, and of the Covenant which God + made with your forefathers when He said to Abraham, `And through + your posterity all the families of the world shall be blessed.' + +003:026 It is to you first that God, after raising His Servant from + the grave, has sent Him to bless you, by causing every one + of you to turn from your wickedness." + +004:001 While they were saying this to the people, the Priests, + the Commander of the Temple Guard, and the Sadducees + came upon them, + +004:002 highly incensed at their teaching the people and proclaiming + in the case of Jesus the Resurrection from among the dead. + +004:003 They arrested the two Apostles and lodged them in custody till + the next day; for it was already evening. + +004:004 But many of those who had listened to their preaching believed; + and the number of the adult men had now grown to be about 5,000. + +004:005 The next day a meeting was held in Jerusalem of their + Rulers, Elders, and Scribes, + +004:006 with Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the + other members of the high-priestly family. + +004:007 So they made the Apostles stand in the centre, and demanded + of them, "By what power or in what name have you done this?" + +004:008 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he replied, + "Rulers and Elders of the people, + +004:009 if we to-day are under examination concerning the benefit + conferred on a man helplessly lame, as to how this man + has been cured; + +004:010 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, + that through the name of Jesus the Anointed, the Nazarene, + whom *you* crucified, but whom *God* has raised from among + the dead--through that name this man stands here before you + in perfect health. + +004:011 This Jesus is the Stone treated with contempt by you the builders, + but it has been made the Cornerstone. + +004:012 And in no other is the great salvation to be found; for, in fact, + there is no second name under Heaven that has been given + among men through which we are to be saved." + +004:013 As they looked on Peter and John so fearlessly outspoken-- + and also discovered that they were illiterate persons, + untrained in the schools--they were surprised; and now they + recognized them as having been with Jesus. + +004:014 And seeing the man standing with them--the man who had been cured-- + they had no reply to make. + +004:015 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin while they + conferred among themselves. + +004:016 "What are we to do with these men?" they asked one another; + for the fact that a remarkable miracle has been performed + by them is well known to every one in Jerusalem, and we + cannot deny it. + +004:017 But to prevent the matter spreading any further among the people, + let us stop them by threats from speaking in the future + in this name to any one whatever." + +004:018 So they recalled the Apostles, and ordered them altogether + to give up speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. + +004:019 But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's + sight to listen to you instead of listening to God. + +004:020 As for us, what we have seen and heard we cannot + help speaking about." + +004:021 The Court added further threats and then let them go, + being quite unable to find any way of punishing them on account + of the people, because all gave God the glory for the thing + that had happened. + +004:022 For the man was over forty years of age on whom this miracle + of restoration to health had been performed. + +004:023 After their release the two Apostles went to their friends, + and told them all that the High Priests and Elders had said. + +004:024 And they, upon hearing the story, all lifted up their voices + to God and said, "O Sovereign Lord, it is Thou who didst make + Heaven and earth and sea, and all that is in them, + +004:025 and didst say through the Holy Spirit by the lips of our forefather + David Thy servant, "`Why have the nations stamped and raged, + and the peoples formed futile plans? + +004:026 The kings of the earth came near, and the rulers assembled + together against the Lord and against His Anointed.'" + +004:027 "They did indeed assemble in this city in hostility to Thy holy + Servant Jesus whom Thou hadst anointed--Herod and Pontius Pilate + with the Gentiles and also the tribes of Israel-- + +004:028 to do all that Thy power and Thy will had predetermined + should be done. + +004:029 And now, Lord, listen to their threats, and enable Thy servants + to proclaim Thy Message with fearless courage, + +004:030 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give + signs and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus." + +004:031 When they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled shook, + and they were, one and all, filled with the Holy Spirit, + and proceeded to tell God's Message with boldness. + +004:032 Among all those who had embraced the faith there was but one heart + and soul, so that none of them claimed any of his possessions + as his own, but everything they had was common property; + +004:033 while the Apostles with great force of conviction delivered + their testimony as to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; + and great grace was upon them all. + +004:034 And, in fact, there was not a needy man among them, + for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, + and brought the money which they realised, + +004:035 and gave it to the Apostles, and distribution was made to every + one according to his wants. + +004:036 In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas-- + signifying `Son of Encouragement'--a Levite, a native of Cyprus, + +004:037 sold a farm which he had, and brought the money and gave it + to the Apostles. + +005:001 There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, + sold some property but, + +005:002 with her full knowledge and consent, dishonestly kept back + part of the price which he received for it, though he brought + the rest and gave it to the Apostles. + +005:003 "Ananias," said Peter, "why has Satan taken possession of your heart, + that you should try to deceive the Holy Spirit and dishonestly + keep back part of the price paid you for this land? + +005:004 While it remained unsold, was not the land your own? + And when sold, was it not at your own disposal? + How is it that you have cherished this design in your heart? + It is not to men you have told this lie, but to God." + +005:005 Upon hearing these words Ananias fell down dead, and all who + heard the words were awe-struck. + +005:006 The younger men, however, rose, and wrapping the body up, + carried it out and buried it. + +005:007 About three hours had passed, when his wife came in, + knowing nothing of what had happened. + +005:008 Peter at once questioned her. "Tell me," he said, + "whether you sold the land for so much." "Yes," she replied, + "for so much." + +005:009 "How was it," replied Peter, "that you two agreed to try + an experiment upon the Spirit of the Lord? The men who have + buried your husband are already at the door, and they will + carry you out." + +005:010 Instantly she fell down dead at his feet, and the young men came + in and found her dead. So they carried her out and buried + her by her husband's side. + +005:011 This incident struck terror into the whole Church, and into + the hearts of all who heard of it. + +005:012 Many signs and marvels continued to be done among the people + by the Apostles; and by common consent they all met + in Solomon's Portico. + +005:013 But none of the others dared to attach themselves to them. + Yet the people held them in high honour-- + +005:014 and more and more believers in the Lord joined them, + including great numbers both of men and women-- + +005:015 so that they would even bring out their sick friends into + the streets and lay them on light couches or mats, in order + that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall + on one or other of them. + +005:016 The inhabitants, too, of the towns in the neighbourhood + of Jerusalem came in crowds, bringing sick persons and some + who were harassed by foul spirits, and they were cured, + one and all. + +005:017 This roused the High Priest. He and all his party--the sect + of the Sadducees--were filled with angry jealousy + +005:018 and laid hands upon the Apostles, and put them into the public jail. + +005:019 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison + doors and brought them out, and said, + +005:020 "Go and stand in the Temple, and go on proclaiming to the people + all this Message of Life." + +005:021 Having received that command they went into the Temple, + just before daybreak, and began to teach: So when the High Priest + and his party came, and had called together the Sanhedrin + as well as all the Elders of the descendants of Israel, + they sent to the jail to fetch the Apostles. + +005:022 But the officers went and could not find them in the prison. + So they came back and brought word, + +005:023 saying, "The jail we found quite safely locked, and the warders + were on guard at the doors, but upon going in we found + no one there." + +005:024 When the Commander of the Temple Guards and the High Priests heard + this statement, they were utterly at a loss with regard to it, + wondering what would happen next. + +005:025 And some one came and brought them word, saying, "The men you + put in prison are actually in the Temple, standing there, + teaching the people." + +005:026 Upon this the Commander went with the officers, and brought + the Apostles; but without using violence; for they were afraid + of being stoned by the people. + +005:027 So they brought them and made them stand in front of the Sanhedrin. + And then the High Priest questioned them. + +005:028 "We strictly forbad you to teach in that name--did we not?" he said. + "And see, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, + and are trying to make us responsible for that man's death!" + +005:029 Peter and the other Apostles replied, "We must obey God + rather than man. + +005:030 The God of our forefathers has raised Jesus to life, whom you + crucified and put to death. + +005:031 God has exalted Him to His right hand as Chief Leader and as Saviour, + to give Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. + +005:032 And we--and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him-- + are witnesses as to these things." + +005:033 Infuriated at getting this answer, they were disposed to + kill the Apostles. + +005:034 But a Pharisee of the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, + held in honour by all the people, rose from his seat and requested + that they should be sent outside the court for a few minutes. + +005:035 "Israelites," he said, "be careful what you are about to do + in dealing with these men. + +005:036 Years ago Theudas appeared, professing to be a person of importance, + and a body of men, some four hundred in number, joined him. + He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and annihilated. + +005:037 After him, at the time of the Census, came Judas, the Galilaean, + and was the leader in a revolt. He too perished, and all + his followers were scattered. + +005:038 And now I tell you to hold aloof from these men and leave + them alone--for if this scheme or work is of human origin, + it will come to nothing. + +005:039 But if it is really from God, you will be powerless to put + them down--lest perhaps you find yourselves to be actually + fighting against God." + +005:040 His advice carried conviction. So they called the Apostles in, and-- + after flogging them--ordered them not to speak in the name + of Jesus, and then let them go. + +005:041 They, therefore, left the Sanhedrin and went their way, + rejoicing that they had been deemed worthy to suffer disgrace + on behalf of the NAME. + +005:042 But they did not desist from teaching every day, + in the Temple or in private houses, and telling the Good News + about Jesus, the Christ. + +006:001 About this time, as the number of disciples was increasing, + complaints were made by the Greek-speaking Jews against + the Hebrews because their widows were habitually overlooked + in the daily ministration. + +006:002 So the Twelve called together the general body of the disciples + and said, "It does not seem fitting that we Apostles should + neglect the delivery of God's Message and minister at tables. + +006:003 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven + men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, + and we will appoint them to undertake this duty. + +006:004 But, as for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to + the delivery of the Message." + +006:005 The suggestion met with general approval, and they + selected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the + Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, + and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. + +006:006 These men they brought to the Apostles, and, after prayer, + they laid their hands upon them. + +006:007 Meanwhile God's Message continued to spread, and the number + of the disciples in Jerusalem very greatly increased, + and very many priests obeyed the faith. + +006:008 And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great marvels + and signs among the people. + +006:009 But some members of the so-called `Synagogue of the Freed-men,' + together with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men + from Roman Asia, were roused to encounter Stephen in debate. + +006:010 They were quite unable, however, to resist the wisdom and + the Spirit with which he spoke. + +006:011 Then they privately put forward men who declared, "We have heard + him speak blasphemous things against Moses and against God." + +006:012 In this way they excited the people, the Elders, and the Scribes. + At length they came upon him, seized him with violence, + and took him before the Sanhedrin. + +006:013 Here they brought forward false witnesses who declared, + "This fellow is incessantly speaking against the Holy Place + and the Law. + +006:014 For we have heard him say that Jesus, the Nazarene, will pull + this place down to the ground and will change the customs + which Moses handed down to us." + +006:015 At once the eyes of all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin + were fastened on him, and they saw his face looking just + like the face of an angel. + +007:001 Then the High Priest asked him, "Are these statements true?" + +007:002 The reply of Stephen was, "Sirs--brethren and fathers--listen to me. + God Most Glorious appeared to our forefather Abraham when + he was living in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran, + +007:003 and said to him, "`Leave your country and your relatives, + and go into whatever land I point out to you.' + +007:004 "Thereupon he left Chaldaea and settled in Haran till after + the death of his father, when God caused him to remove into + this country where you now live. + +007:005 But he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not a single square + yard of ground. And yet He promised to bestow the land + as a permanent possession on him and his posterity after him-- + and promised this at a time when Abraham was childless. + +007:006 And God declared that Abraham's posterity should for four + hundred years make their home in a country not their own, + and be reduced to slavery and be oppressed. + +007:007 "`And the nation, whichever it is, that enslaves them, + I will judge,' said God; `and afterwards they shall come out, + and they shall worship Me in this place.' + +007:008 "Then He gave him the Covenant of circumcision, and under this + Covenant he became the father of Isaac--whom he circumcised + on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, + and Jacob became the father of the twelve Patriarchs. + +007:009 "The Patriarchs were jealous of Joseph and sold him into slavery + in Egypt. But God was with him + +007:010 and delivered him from all his afflictions, and gave him favour + and wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, + who appointed him governor over Egypt and all the royal household. + +007:011 But there came a famine throughout the whole of Egypt and Canaan-- + and great distress--so that our forefathers could find no food. + +007:012 When, however, Jacob heard that there was wheat to be had, + he sent our forefathers into Egypt; that was the first time. + +007:013 On their second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, + and Pharaoh was informed of Joseph's parentage. + +007:014 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his family, + numbering seventy-five persons, to come to him, + +007:015 and Jacob went down into Egypt. There he died, and so + did our forefathers, + +007:016 and they were taken to Shechem and were laid in the tomb + which Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem + for a sum of money paid in silver. + +007:017 "But as the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise + which God had made to Abraham, the people became many times + more numerous in Egypt, + +007:018 until there arose a foreign king over Egypt who knew + nothing of Joseph. + +007:019 He adopted a crafty policy towards our race, and oppressed + our forefathers, making them cast out their infants so that they + might not be permitted to live. + +007:020 At this time Moses was born--a wonderfully beautiful child; + and for three months he was cared for in his father's house. + +007:021 At length he was cast out, but Pharaoh's daughter adopted him, + and brought him up as her own son. + +007:022 So Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, + and possessed great influence through his eloquence + and his achievements. + +007:023 "And when he was just forty years old, it occurred to him + to visit his brethren the descendants of Israel. + +007:024 Seeing one of them wrongfully treated he took his part, + and secured justice for the ill-treated man by striking + down the Egyptian. + +007:025 He supposed his brethren to be aware that by him God was sending + them deliverance; this, however, they did not understand. + +007:026 The next day, also, he came and found two of them fighting, + and he endeavoured to make peace between them. "`Sirs,' he said, + `you are brothers. Why are you wronging one another?' + +007:027 "But the man who was doing the wrong resented his interference, + and asked, "`Who appointed you magistrate and judge over us? + +007:028 Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' + +007:029 "Alarmed at this question, Moses fled from the country and went + to live in the land of Midian. There he became the father + of two sons. + +007:030 "But at the end of forty years there appeared to him in the Desert + of Mount Sinai an angel in the middle of a flame of fire + in a bush. + +007:031 When Moses saw this he wondered at the sight; but on his going + up to look further, the voice of the Lord was heard, saying, + +007:032 "`I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, + and of Jacob.' "Quaking with fear Moses did not dare gaze. + +007:033 "`Take off your shoes,' said the Lord, `for the spot on which you + are standing is holy ground. + +007:034 I have seen, yes, I have seen the oppression of My people + who are in Egypt and have heard their groans, and I have come + down to deliver them. And now I will send you to Egypt.' + +007:035 "The Moses whom they rejected, asking him, `Who appointed you + magistrate and judge?'--that same Moses we find God sending + as a magistrate and a deliverer by the help of the angel + who appeared to him in the bush. + +007:036 This was he who brought them out, after performing marvels + and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea, and in the Desert + for forty years. + +007:037 This is the Moses who said to the descendants of Israel, "`God + will raise up a Prophet for you, from among your brethren, + just as He raised me up.' + +007:038 `This is he who was among the Congregation in the Desert, + together with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai + and with our forefathers, who received ever-living utterances + to hand on to us. + +007:039 "Our forefathers, however, would not submit to him, but spurned + his authority and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. + +007:040 They said to Aaron, "`Make gods for us, to march in front of us; + for as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, + we do not know what has become of him.' + +007:041 "Moreover they made a calf at that time, and offered a sacrifice + to the idol and kept rejoicing in the gods which their own + hands had made. + +007:042 So God turned from them and gave them up to the worship + of the Host of Heaven, as it is written in the Book of + the Prophets, "'Were they victims and sacrifices which you + offered Me, forty years in the Desert, O House of Israel? + +007:043 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan-- + the images which you made in order to worship them; + and I will remove you beyond Babylon.' + +007:044 "Our forefathers had the Tent of the Testimony in the Desert, + built as He who spoke to Moses had instructed him to make it + in imitation of the model which he had seen. + +007:045 That Tent was bequeathed to the next generation of our forefathers. + Under Joshua they brought it with them when they were taking + possession of the land of the Gentile nations, whom God drove + out before them. So it continued till David's time. + +007:046 David obtained favour with God, and asked leave to provide + a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. + +007:047 But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. + +007:048 Yet the Most High does not dwell in buildings erected by men's hands. + But, as the Prophet declares, + +007:049 "`The sky is My throne, and earth is the footstool for My feet. + What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, + or what resting place shall I have? + +007:050 Did not My hand form this universe.' + +007:051 "O stiff-necked men, uncircumcised in heart and ears, + you also are continually at strife with the Holy Spirit-- + just as your forefathers were. + +007:052 Which of the Prophets did not your forefathers persecute? + Yes, they killed those who announced beforehand the advent + of the righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you + have now become-- + +007:053 you who received the Law given through angels, and yet have + not obeyed it." + +007:054 As they listened to these words, they became infuriated + and gnashed their teeth at him. + +007:055 But, full of the Holy Spirit and looking up to Heaven, Stephen saw + the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand. + +007:056 "I can see Heaven wide open," he said, "and the Son of Man + standing at God's right hand." + +007:057 Upon this, with a loud outcry they stopped their ears, + rushed upon Stephen in a body, + +007:058 dragged him out of the city, and stoned him, the witnesses + throwing off their outer garments and giving them into the care + of a young man called Saul. + +007:059 So they stoned Stephen, while he prayed, "Lord Jesus, + receive my spirit." + +007:060 Then, rising on his knees, he cried aloud, "Lord, do not reckon + this sin against them." And with these words he fell asleep. + +008:001 And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great + persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem, + and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout + Judaea and Samaria. + +008:002 A party of devout men, however, buried Stephen, and made loud + lamentation over him. + +008:003 But Saul cruelly harassed the Church. He went into house + after house, and, dragging off both men and women, + threw them into prison. + +008:004 Those, however, who were scattered abroad went from place + to place spreading the Good News of God's Message; + +008:005 while Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed + Christ there. + +008:006 Crowds of people, with one accord, gave attention to what + they heard from him, listening, and witnessing the signs + which he did. + +008:007 For, with a loud cry, foul spirits came out of many possessed by them, + and many paralytics and lame persons were restored to health. + +008:008 And there was great joy in that city. + +008:009 Now for some time past there had been a man named Simon living there, + who had been practising magic and astonishing the Samaritans, + pretending that he was more than human. + +008:010 To him people of all classes paid attention, declaring, "This man + is the Power of God, known as the great Power." + +008:011 His influence over them arose from their having been, + for a long time, bewildered by his sorceries. + +008:012 But when Philip began to tell the Good News about the Kingdom + of God and about the Name of Jesus Christ, and they embraced + the faith, they were baptized, men and women alike. + +008:013 Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained + in close attendance on Philip, and was full of amazement + at seeing such signs and such great miracles performed. + +008:014 When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had + accepted God's Message, they sent Peter and John to visit them. + +008:015 They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might + receive the Holy Spirit: + +008:016 for He had not as yet fallen upon any of them. They had only + been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. + +008:017 Then the Apostles placed their hands upon them, and they + received the Holy Spirit. + +008:018 When, however, Simon saw that it was through the laying + on of the Apostles' hands that the Spirit was bestowed, + he offered them money. + +008:019 "Give me too," he said, "that power, so that every one on whom + I place my hands will receive the Holy Spirit." + +008:020 "Perish your money and yourself," replied Peter, "because you + have imagined that you can obtain God's free gift with money! + +008:021 No part or lot have you in this matter, for your heart is not + right in God's sight. + +008:022 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray + to the Lord, in the hope that the purpose which is in your + heart may perhaps be forgiven you. + +008:023 For I perceive that you have fallen into the bitterest + bondage of unrighteousness." + +008:024 "Pray, both of you, to the Lord for me," answered Simon, + "that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." + +008:025 So the Apostles, after giving a solemn charge and delivering + the Lord's Message, travelled back to Jerusalem, making known + the Good News also in many of the Samaritan villages. + +008:026 And an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and proceed + south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza, + crossing the Desert." + +008:027 Upon this he rose and went. Now, as it happened, an Ethiopian + eunuch who was in a position of high authority with Candace, + queen of the Ethiopians, as her treasurer, had visited + Jerusalem to worship there, + +008:028 and was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot + he was reading the Prophet Isaiah. + +008:029 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go and enter that chariot." + +008:030 So Philip ran up and heard the eunuch reading the Prophet Isaiah. + "Do you understand what you are reading?" he asked. + +008:031 "Why, how can I," replied the eunuch, "unless some one explains + it to me?" And he earnestly invited Philip to come up + and sit with him. + +008:032 The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: + "Like a sheep He was led to slaughter, and just as a lamb + before its shearer is dumb so He opened not His mouth. + +008:033 In His humiliation justice was denied Him. Who will make + known His posterity? For He is destroyed from among men." + +008:034 "Pray, of whom is the Prophet speaking?" inquired the eunuch; + "of himself or of some one else?" + +008:035 Then Philip began to speak, and, commencing with that same + portion of Scripture, told him the Good News about Jesus. + +008:036 So they proceeded on their way till they came to some water; + and the eunuch exclaimed, "See, here is water; what is there + to prevent my being baptized?" + +008:037 [] + +008:038 So he stopped the chariot; and both of them--Philip and the eunuch-- + went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. + +008:039 But no sooner had they come up out of the water than the Spirit of + the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again. + With a glad heart he resumed his journey; + +008:040 but Philip found himself at Ashdod. Then visiting town + after town he everywhere made known the Good News until + he reached Caesarea. + +009:001 Now Saul, whose every breath was a threat of destruction + for the disciples of the Lord, + +009:002 went to the High Priest and begged from him letters addressed + to the synagogues in Damascus, in order that if he found + any believers there, either men or women, he might bring them + in chains to Jerusalem. + +009:003 But on the journey, as he was getting near Damascus, + suddenly there flashed round him a light from Heaven; + +009:004 and falling to the ground he heard a voice which said to him, + "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" + +009:005 "Who art thou, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you + are persecuting," was the reply. + +009:006 "But rise and go to the city, and you will be told what you + are to do. + +009:007 Meanwhile the men who travelled with Saul were standing dumb + with amazement, hearing a sound, but seeing no one. + +009:008 Then he rose from the ground, but when he had opened his eyes, + he could not see, and they led him by the arm and brought + him to Damascus. + +009:009 And for two days he remained without sight, and did not eat + or drink anything. + +009:010 Now in Damascus there was a disciple of the name of Ananias. + The Lord spoke to him in a vision, saying, "Ananias!" "I am + here, Lord," he answered. + +009:011 "Rise," said the Lord, "and go to Straight Street, and inquire + at the house of Judas for a man called Saul, from Tarsus, + for he is actually praying. + +009:012 He has seen a man called Ananias come and lay his hands upon + him so that he may recover his sight." + +009:013 "Lord," answered Ananias, "I have heard about that man from many, + and I have heard of the great mischief he has done to Thy + people in Jerusalem; + +009:014 and here he is authorized by the High Priests to arrest all + who call upon Thy name." + +009:015 "Go," replied the Lord; "he is a chosen instrument of Mine + to carry My name to the Gentiles and to kings and to the + descendants of Israel. + +009:016 For I will let him know the great sufferings which he must + pass through for My sake." + +009:017 So Ananias went and entered the house; and, laying his two + hands upon Saul, said, "Saul, brother, the Lord--even Jesus + who appeared to you on your journey--has sent me, that you + may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." + +009:018 Instantly there dropped from his eyes what seemed to be scales, + and he could see once more. Upon this he rose and received baptism; + +009:019 after which he took food and regained his strength. + Then he remained some little time with the disciples in Damascus. + +009:020 And in the synagogues he began at once to proclaim Jesus + as the Son of God; + +009:021 and his hearers were all amazed, and began to ask one another, + "Is not this the man who in Jerusalem tried to exterminate + those who called upon that Name, and came here on purpose + to carry them off in chains to the High Priests?" + +009:022 Saul, however, gained more and more influence, and as for + the Jews living in Damascus, he bewildered them with his proofs + that Jesus is the Christ. + +009:023 At length the Jews plotted to kill Saul; + +009:024 but information of their intention was given to him. + They even watched the gates, day and night, in order + to murder him; + +009:025 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through + the wall, lowering him in a hamper. + +009:026 So he came to Jerusalem and made several attempts to associate + with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, + being in doubt as to whether he himself was a disciple. + +009:027 Barnabas, however, came to his assistance. He brought Saul + to the Apostles, and related to them how, on his journey, + he had seen the Lord, and that the Lord had spoken to him, + and how in Damascus he had fearlessly taught in the name of Jesus. + +009:028 Henceforth Saul was one of them, going in and out of the city, + +009:029 and speaking fearlessly in the name of the Lord. And he often + talked with the Hellenists and had discussions with them. + +009:030 But they kept trying to take his life. On learning this, + the brethren brought him down to Caesarea, and then sent him + by sea to Tarsus. + +009:031 The Church, however, throughout the whole of Judaea, Galilee + and Samaria, had peace and was spiritually built up; + and grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and receiving + encouragement from the Holy Spirit. + +009:032 Now Peter, as he went to town after town, came down also to God's + people at Lud. + +009:033 There he found a man of the name of Aeneas, who for eight + years had kept his bed, through being paralysed. + +009:034 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. + Rise and make your own bed." He at once rose to his feet. + +009:035 And all the people of Lud and Sharon saw him; and they turned + to the Lord. + +009:036 Among the disciples at Jaffa was a woman called Tabitha, + or, as the name may be translated, `Dorcas.' Her life was + wholly devoted to the good and charitable actions which she + was constantly doing. + +009:037 But, as it happened, just at that time she was taken ill and died. + After washing her body they laid it out in a room upstairs. + +009:038 Lud, however, being near Jaffa, the disciples, who had heard + that Peter was at Lud, sent two men to him with an urgent + request that he would come across to them without delay. + +009:039 So Peter rose and went with them. On his arrival they took + him upstairs, and the widow women all came and stood by his side, + weeping and showing him the underclothing and cloaks and + garments of all kinds which Dorcas used to make while she + was still with them. + +009:040 Peter, however, putting every one out of the room, + knelt down and prayed, and then turning to the body, + he said, "Tabitha, rise." Dorcas at once opened her eyes, + and seeing Peter, sat up. + +009:041 Then, giving her his hand, he raised her to her feet and, + calling to him God's people and the widows, he / 7 gave her + back to them alive. + +009:042 This incident became known throughout Jaffa, and many believed + in the Lord; + +009:043 and Peter remained for a considerable time at Jaffa, + staying at the house of a man called Simon, a tanner. + +010:001 Now a Captain of the Italian Regiment, named Cornelius, + was quartered at Caesarea. + +010:002 He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member + of his household. He was also liberal in his charities + to the people, and continually offered prayer to God. + +010:003 About three o'clock one afternoon he had a vision, + and distinctly saw an angel of God enter his house, who called + him by name, saying, "Cornelius!" + +010:004 Looking steadily at him, and being much alarmed, he said, + "What do you want, Sir?" "Your prayers and charities," + he replied, "have gone up and have been recorded before God. + +010:005 And now send to Jaffa and fetch Simon, surnamed Peter. + +010:006 He is staying as a guest with Simon, a tanner, who has a house + close to the sea." + +010:007 So when the angel who had been speaking to him was gone, + Cornelius called two of his servants and a God-fearing soldier + who was in constant attendance on him, + +010:008 and, after telling them everything, he sent them to Jaffa. + +010:009 The next day, while they were still on their journey + and were getting near the town, about noon Peter went up + on the house-top to pray. + +010:010 He had become unusually hungry and wished for food; but, while they + were preparing it, he fell into a trance. + +010:011 The sky had opened to his view, and what seemed to be an enormous + sail was descending, being let down to the earth by ropes + at the four corners. + +010:012 In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles and birds, + +010:013 and a voice came to him which said, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat." + +010:014 "On no account, Lord," he replied; "for I have never yet eaten + anything unholy and impure." + +010:015 Again a second time a voice was heard which said, "What God + has purified, you must not regard as unholy." + +010:016 This was said three times, and immediately the sail was drawn + up out of sight. + +010:017 While Peter was greatly perplexed as to the meaning of the vision + which he had seen, just then the men sent by Cornelius, + having by inquiry found out Simon's house, + +010:018 had come to the door and had called the servant, and were asking, + "Is Simon, surnamed Peter, staying here?" + +010:019 And Peter was still earnestly thinking over the vision, + when the Spirit said to him, "Three men are now inquiring for you. + +010:020 Rise, go down, and go with them without any misgivings; + for it is I who have sent them to you." + +010:021 So Peter went down and said to the men, "I am the Simon you + are inquiring for. What is the reason of your coming?" + +010:022 Their reply was, "Cornelius, a Captain, an upright and + God-fearing man, of whom the whole Jewish nation speaks well, + has been divinely instructed by a holy angel to send for you + to come to his house and listen to what you have to say." + +010:023 Upon hearing this, Peter invited them in, and gave them a lodging. + The next day he set out with them, some of the brethren + from Jaffa going with him, + +010:024 and the day after that they reached Caesarea. There Cornelius + was awaiting their arrival, and had invited all his relatives + and intimate friends to be present. + +010:025 When Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him, and threw + himself at his feet to do him homage. + +010:026 But Peter lifted him up. "Stand up," he said; "I myself + also am but a man." + +010:027 So Peter went in and conversed with him, and found a + large company assembled. + +010:028 He said to them, "You know better than most that a Jew is + strictly forbidden to associate with a Gentile or visit him; + but God has taught me to call no one unholy or unclean. + +010:029 So for this reason, when sent for, I came without raising + any objection. I therefore ask why you sent for me." + +010:030 "Just at this hour, three days ago," replied Cornelius, "I was + offering afternoon prayer in my house, when suddenly a man + in shining raiment stood in front of me, + +010:031 who said, "`Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your + charities have been put on record before God. + +010:032 Send therefore to Jaffa, and invite Simon, surnamed Peter, + to come here. He is staying as a guest in the house of Simon, + a tanner, close to the sea.' + +010:033 "Immediately, therefore, I sent to you, and I thank you heartily + for having come. That is why all of us are now assembled here + in God's presence, to listen to what the Lord has commanded + you to say." + +010:034 Then Peter began to speak. "I clearly see," he said, + "that God makes no distinctions between one man and another; + +010:035 but that in every nation those who fear Him and live good lives + are acceptable to Him. + +010:036 The Message which He sent to the descendants of Israel, when He + announced the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ--He is + Lord of all--that Message you cannot but know; + +010:037 the story, I mean, which has spread through the length and + breadth of Judaea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism + which John proclaimed. + +010:038 It tells how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit + and with power, so that He went about everywhere doing acts + of kindness, and curing all who were being continually + oppressed by the Devil--for God was with Jesus. + +010:039 "And we are witnesses as to all that He did both in the country + of the Jews and in Jerusalem. But they even put Him + to death, by crucifixion. + +010:040 That same Jesus God raised to life on the third day, + and permitted Him to appear unmistakably, + +010:041 not to all the people, but to witnesses--men previously chosen + by God--namely, to us, who ate and drank with Him after He + rose from the dead. + +010:042 And He has commanded us to preach to the people and solemnly + declare that this is He who has been appointed by God to be + the Judge of the living and the dead. + +010:043 To Him all the Prophets bear witness, and testify that through + His name all who believe in Him receive the forgiveness + of their sins." + +010:044 While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell + on all who were listening to the Message. + +010:045 And all the Jewish believers who had come with Peter were + astonished that on the Gentiles also the gift of the Holy Spirit + was poured out. + +010:046 For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling the majesty + of God. Then Peter said, + +010:047 "Can any one forbid the use of water, and object to these persons + being baptized--men who have received the Holy Spirit just + as we did?" + +010:048 And he directed that they should be baptized in the name + of Jesus Christ. Then they begged him to remain with them + for a time. + +011:001 Now the Apostles, and the brethren in various parts of Judaea, + heard that the Gentiles also had received God's Message; + +011:002 and, when Peter returned to Jerusalem, the champions of + circumcision found fault with him. + +011:003 "You went into the houses of men who are not Jews," they said, + "and you ate with them." + +011:004 Peter, however, explained the whole matter to them + from the beginning. + +011:005 "While I was in the town of Jaffa, offering prayer," he said, + "in a trance I saw a vision. There descended what seemed + to be an enormous sail, being let down from the sky by ropes + at the four corners, and it came close to me. + +011:006 Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various + kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. + +011:007 I also heard a voice saying to me, "`Rise, Peter, kill and eat.' + +011:008 "`On no account, Lord,' I replied, `for nothing unholy or impure + has ever gone into my mouth.' + +011:009 "But a voice answered, speaking a second time from the sky, + "`What God has purified, you must not regard as unholy.' + +011:010 "This was said three times, and then everything was drawn up + again out of sight. + +011:011 "Now at that very moment three men came to the house where we were, + having been sent from Caesarea to find me. + +011:012 And the Spirit told me to accompany them without any misgivings. + There also went with me these six brethren who are now present, + and we reached the Centurion's house. + +011:013 Then he described to us how he had seen the angel come and enter + his house and say, "`Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon, surnamed Peter. + +011:014 He will teach you truths by which you and all your family + will be saved.'" + +011:015 "And," said Peter, "no sooner had I begun to speak than + the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He fell upon us + at the first. + +011:016 Then I remembered the Lord's words, how He used to say, + "`John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized + in the Holy Spirit.' + +011:017 "If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we + first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I + to be able to thwart God?" + +011:018 This statement of Peter's silenced his opponents. They extolled + the goodness of God, and said, "So, then, to the Gentiles + also God has given the repentance which leads to Life." + +011:019 Those, however, who had been driven in various directions + by the persecution which broke out on account of Stephen made + their way to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, delivering the Message + to none but Jews. + +011:020 But some of them were Cyprians and Cyrenaeans, who, on coming + to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks also and told them the Good News + concerning the Lord Jesus. + +011:021 The power of the Lord was with them, and there were a vast + number who believed and turned to the Lord. + +011:022 When tidings of this reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, + they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. + +011:023 On getting there he was delighted to see the grace which + God had bestowed; and he encouraged them all to remain, + with fixed resolve, faithful to the Lord. + +011:024 For he was a good man, and was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; + and the number of believers in the Lord greatly increased. + +011:025 Then Barnabas paid a visit to Tarsus to try to find Saul. + +011:026 He succeeded, and brought him to Antioch; and for a whole year + they attended the meetings of the Church, and taught a large + number of people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples + first received the name of `Christians.' + +011:027 At that time certain Prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch, + +011:028 one of whom, named Agabus, being instructed by the Spirit, + publicly predicted the speedy coming of a great famine + throughout the world. (It came in the reign of Claudius.) + +011:029 So the disciples decided to send relief, every one in proportion + to his means, to the brethren living in Judaea. + +011:030 This they did, forwarding their contributions to the Elders + by Barnabas and Saul. + +012:001 Now, about that time, King Herod arrested certain members + of the Church, in order to ill-treat them; + +012:002 and James, John's brother, he beheaded. + +012:003 Finding that this gratified the Jews, he proceeded to seize + Peter also; these being the days of Unleavened Bread. + +012:004 He had him arrested and lodged in jail, handing him over to + the care of sixteen soldiers; and intended after the Passover + to bring him out again to the people. + +012:005 So Peter was kept in prison; but long and fervent prayer was + offered to God by the Church on his behalf. + +012:006 Now when Herod was on the point of taking him out of prison, + that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, + bound with two chains, and guards were on duty outside the door. + +012:007 Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone + in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him + and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped + off his wrists. + +012:008 "Fasten your girdle," said the angel, "and tie on your sandals." + He did so. Then the angel said, "Throw your cloak round you, + and follow me." + +012:009 So Peter went out, following him, yet could not believe + that what the angel was doing was real, but supposed that + he saw a vision. + +012:010 And passing through the first ward and the second, they came + to the iron gate leading into the city. This opened to them + of itself; and, going out, they passed on through one of + the streets, and then suddenly the angel left him. + +012:011 Peter coming to himself said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord + has sent His angel and has rescued me from the power of Herod + and from all that the Jewish people were anticipating." + +012:012 So, after thinking things over, he went to the house of Mary, + the mother of John surnamed Mark, where a large number + of people were assembled, praying. + +012:013 When he knocked at the wicket in the door, a maidservant named + Rhoda came to answer the knock; + +012:014 and recognizing Peter's voice, for very joy she did not open + the door, but ran in and told them that Peter was standing there. + +012:015 "You are mad," they said. But she strenuously maintained + that it was true. "It is his guardian angel," they said. + +012:016 Meanwhile Peter went on knocking, until at last they opened the door + and saw that it was really he, and were filled with amazement. + +012:017 But he motioned with his hand for silence, and then described + to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. + "Tell all this to James and the brethren," he added. + Then he left them, and went to another place. + +012:018 When morning came, there was no little commotion among the soldiers, + as to what could possibly have become of Peter. + +012:019 And when Herod had had him searched for and could not find him, + after sharply questioning the guards he ordered them away + to execution. He then went down from Judaea to Caesarea + and remained there. + +012:020 Now the people of Tyre and Sidon had incurred Herod's + violent displeasure. So they sent a large deputation to wait on him; + and having secured the good will of Blastus, his treasurer, + they begged the king to be friendly with them again, + because their country was dependent on his for its food supply. + +012:021 So, on an appointed day, Herod, having arrayed himself in royal robes, + took his seat on the tribunal, and was haranguing them; + +012:022 and the assembled people kept shouting, "It is the voice of a god, + and not of a man!" + +012:023 Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not + given the glory to God, and being eaten up by worms, he died. + +012:024 But God's Message prospered, and converts were multiplied. + +012:025 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having discharged + their mission, and they brought with them John, surnamed Mark. + +013:001 Now there were in Antioch, in the Church there--as Prophets + and teachers--barnabas, Symeon surnamed `the black,' + Lucius the Cyrenaean, Manaen (who was Herod the Tetrarch's + foster-brother), and Saul. + +013:002 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, + the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me, now at once, + Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them." + +013:003 So, after fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands, + they let them go. + +013:004 They therefore, being thus sent out by the Holy Spirit, + went down to Seleuceia, and from there sailed to Cyprus. + +013:005 Having reached Salamis, they began to announce God's Message + in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John + as their assistant. + +013:006 When they had gone through the whole length of the island + as far as Paphos, they there met with a Jewish magician + and false prophet, Bar-Jesus by name, + +013:007 who was a friend of the Proconsul Sergius Paulus. + The Proconsul was a man of keen intelligence. He sent + for Barnabas and Saul, and asked to be told God's Message. + +013:008 But Elymas (or `the Magician,' for such is the meaning of the name) + opposed them, and tried to prevent the Proconsul from + accepting the faith. + +013:009 Then Saul, who is also called Paul, was filled with the + Holy Spirit, and, fixing his eyes on Elymas, + +013:010 said, "You who are full of every kind of craftiness and + unscrupulous cunning--you son of the Devil and foe to all that + is right--will you never cease to misrepresent the straight + paths of the Lord? + +013:011 The Lord's hand is now upon you, and you will be blind for a time + and unable to see the light of day." Instantly there fell + upon him a mist and a darkness, and, as he walked about, + he begged people to lead him by the hand. + +013:012 Then the Proconsul, seeing what had happened, believed, being struck + with amazement at the teaching of the Lord. + +013:013 From Paphos, Paul and his party put out to sea and sailed + to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and + returned to Jerusalem. + +013:014 But they themselves, passing through from Perga, came to + Antioch in Pisidia. Here, on the Sabbath day, they went + into the synagogue and sat down. + +013:015 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the Wardens + of the synagogue sent word to them. "Brethren," they said, + "if you have anything encouraging to say to the people, speak." + +013:016 So Paul rose, and motioning with his hand for silence, said, + "Israelites, and you others who fear God, pay attention to me. + +013:017 The God of this people of Israel chose our forefathers, + and made the people great during their stay in Egypt, + until with wondrous power He brought them out from that land. + +013:018 For a period of about forty years, He fed them, like a nurse, + in the Desert. + +013:019 Then, after overthrowing seven nations in the land of Canaan, He + divided that country among them as their inheritance for about + four hundred and fifty years; + +013:020 and afterwards He gave them judges down to the time of + the Prophet Samuel. + +013:021 Next they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son + of Kish, a Benjamite, who reigned forty years. + +013:022 After removing him, He raised up David to be their king, + to whom He also bore witness when He said, "`I have found David + the son of Jesse, a man I love, who will obey all My commands.' + +013:023 "It is from among David's descendants that God, in fulfilment + of His promise, has raised up a Saviour for Israel, even Jesus. + +013:024 Before the coming of Jesus, John had proclaimed to all the people + of Israel a baptism of repentance. + +013:025 But John, towards the end of his career, repeatedly asked + the people, "`What do you suppose me to be? I am not the Christ. + But there is One coming after me whose sandal I am not + worthy to unfasten.' + +013:026 "Brethren, descendants of the family of Abraham, and all among + you who fear God, to us has this Message of salvation been sent. + +013:027 For the people of Jerusalem and their rulers, by the judgement + they pronounced on Jesus, have actually fulfilled the predictions + of the Prophets which are read Sabbath after Sabbath, + through ignorance of those predictions and of Him. + +013:028 Without having found Him guilty of any capital offence they + urged Pilate to have Him put to death; + +013:029 and when they had carried out everything which had been written + about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him + in a tomb. + +013:030 "But God raised Him from the dead. + +013:031 And, after a few days, He appeared to the people who had gone + up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem and are now witnesses + concerning Him to the Jews. + +013:032 And we bring you the Good News about the promise made + to our forefathers, + +013:033 that God has amply fulfilled it to our children in raising up Jesus; + as it is also written in the second Psalm, `Thou art My Son: + to-day I have become Thy Father.' + +013:034 And as to His having raised Him from among the dead, never again + to be in the position of one soon to return to decay, + He speaks thus: `I will give you the holy and trustworthy + promises made to David.' + +013:035 Because in another Psalm also He says, `Thou wilt not give up + Thy Holy One to undergo decay.' + +013:036 For David, after having been useful to his own generation + in accordance with God's purpose, did fall asleep, was gathered + to his forefathers, and did undergo decay. + +013:037 But He whom God raised to life underwent no decay. + +013:038 "Understand therefore, brethren, that through this Jesus + forgiveness of sins is announced to you; + +013:039 and in Him every believer is absolved from all offences, + from which you could not be absolved under the Law of Moses. + +013:040 Beware, then, lest what is spoken in the Prophets should come + true of you: + +013:041 `Behold, you despisers, be astonished and perish, because I am + carrying on a work in your time--a work which you will utterly + refuse to believe, though it be fully declared to you.'" + +013:042 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people + earnestly begged to have all this repeated to them on + the following Sabbath. + +013:043 And, when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews + and of the devout converts from heathenism continued with Paul + and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to hold fast + to the grace of God. + +013:044 On the next Sabbath almost the whole population of the city + came together to hear the Lord's Message. + +013:045 Seeing the crowds, the Jews, filled with angry jealousy, + opposed Paul's statements and abused him. + +013:046 Then, throwing off all reserve, Paul and Barnabas said, + "We were bound to proclaim God's Message to you first. + But since you spurn it and judge yourselves to be unworthy + of the Life of the Ages--well, we turn to the Gentiles. + +013:047 For such is the Lord's command to us. "`I have placed Thee,' He says + of Christ, `as a light to the Gentiles, in order that Thou mayest + be a Saviour as far as the remotest parts of the earth.'" + +013:048 The Gentiles listened with delight and extolled the Lord's Message; + and all who were pre-destined to the Life of the Ages believed. + +013:049 So the Lord's Message spread through the whole district. + +013:050 But the Jews influenced the gentlewomen of rank who worshipped + with them, and also the leading men in the city, and stirred + up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out + of the district. + +013:051 But they shook off the dust from their feet as a protest + against them and came to Iconium; + +013:052 and as for the disciples, they were more and more filled + with joy and with the Holy Spirit. + +014:001 At Iconium the Apostles went together to the Jewish synagogue + and preached, with the result that a great number both of Jews + and Greeks believed. + +014:002 But the Jews who had refused obedience stirred up the Gentiles + and embittered their minds against the brethren. + +014:003 Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, + speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness + to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels + to be done by them. + +014:004 At length the people of the city split into parties, some siding + with the Jews and some with the Apostles. + +014:005 And when a hostile movement was made by both Gentiles and Jews, + with the sanction of their magistrates, to maltreat and stone them, + +014:006 the Apostles, having become aware of it, made their + escape into the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and Derbe, + and the neighbouring country. + +014:007 And there they continued to tell the Good News. + +014:008 Now a man who had no power in his feet used to sit in the streets + of Lystra. He had been lame from his birth and had never walked. + +014:009 After this man had listened to one of Paul's sermons, the Apostle, + looking steadily at him and perceiving that he had faith + to be cured, + +014:010 said in a loud voice, "Stand upright upon your feet!" + +014:011 So he sprang up and began to walk about. Then the crowds, + seeing what Paul had done, rent the air with their shouts + in the Lycaonian language, saying, "The gods have assumed + human form and have come down to us." + +014:012 They called Barnabas `Zeus,' and Paul, as being the + principal speaker, `Hermes.' + +014:013 And the priest of Zeus--the temple of Zeus being at the entrance + to the city--brought bullocks and garlands to the gates, + and in company with the crowd was intending to offer + sacrifices to them. + +014:014 But the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it; and tearing + their clothes they rushed out into the middle of the crowd, + exclaiming, "Sirs, why are you doing all this? + +014:015 We also are but men, with natures kindred to your own; + and we bring you the Good News that you are to turn from these + unreal things, to worship the ever-living God, the Creator + of earth and sky and sea and of everything that is in them. + +014:016 In times gone by He allowed all the nations to go their own ways; + +014:017 and yet by His beneficence He has not left His existence unattested-- + His beneficence, I mean, in sending you rain from Heaven and + fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and joyfulness." + +014:018 Even with words like these they had difficulty in preventing + the thronging crowd from offering sacrifices to them. + +014:019 But now a party of Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and, + having won over the crowd, they stoned Paul and dragged him + out of the town, believing him to be dead. + +014:020 When, however, the disciples had collected round him, + he rose and went back into the town. The next day he went + with Barnabas to Derbe; + +014:021 and, after proclaiming the Good News to the people there + and gaining a large number of converts, they retraced their + steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. + +014:022 Everywhere they strengthened the disciples by encouraging + them to hold fast to the faith, and warned them saying, + "It is through many afflictions that we must make our way + into the Kingdom of God." + +014:023 And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected + Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord + on whom their faith rested. + +014:024 Then passing through Pisidia they came into Pamphylia; + +014:025 and after telling the Message at Perga they came down to Attaleia. + +014:026 Thence they sailed to Antioch, where they had previously been + commended to the grace of God in connexion with the work + which they had now completed. + +014:027 Upon their arrival they called the Church together and proceeded + to report in detail all that God, working with them, had done, + and how He had opened for the Gentiles the door of faith. + +014:028 And they remained a considerable time in Antioch with the disciples. + +015:001 But certain persons who had come down from Judaea tried + to convince the brethren, saying, "Unless you are circumcised + in accordance with the Mosaic custom, you cannot be saved." + +015:002 Between these new comers and Paul and Barnabas there was + no little disagreement and controversy, until at last it + was decided that Paul and Barnabas and some other brethren + should go up to consult the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem + on this matter. + +015:003 So they set out, being accompanied for a short distance + by some other members of the Church; and as they passed + through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told the whole story + of the conversion of the Gentiles and inspired all the brethren + with great joy. + +015:004 Upon their arrival in Jerusalem they were cordially received + by the Church, the Apostles, and the Elders; and they reported + in detail all that God, working with them, had done. + +015:005 But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees + but were now believers, stood up in the assembly, and said, + "Yes, Gentile believers ought to be circumcised and be ordered + to keep the Law of Moses." + +015:006 Then the Apostles and Elders met to consider the matter; + +015:007 and after there had been a long discussion Peter rose to his feet. + "It is within your own knowledge," he said, "that God originally + made choice among you that from my lips the Gentiles were + to hear the Message of the Good News, and believe. + +015:008 And God, who knows all hearts, gave His testimony in their favour + by bestowing the Holy Spirit on them just as He did on us; + +015:009 and He made no difference between us and them, in that He + cleansed their hearts by their faith. + +015:010 Now, therefore, why try an experiment upon God, by laying + on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our + forefathers nor we have been able to bear? + +015:011 On the contrary, we believe that it is by the grace of the + Lord Jesus that we, as well as they, shall be saved." + +015:012 Then the whole assembly remained silent while they listened + to the statement made by Paul and Barnabas as to all + the signs and marvels that God had done among the Gentiles + through their instrumentality. + +015:013 When they had finished speaking, James said, "Brethren, + listen to me. + +015:014 Symeon has related how God first looked graciously on the Gentiles + to take from among them a People to be called by His name. + +015:015 And this is in harmony with the language of the Prophets, which says: + +015:016 "`"Afterwards I will return, and will rebuild David's fallen tent. + Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it up again; + +015:017 In order that the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord-- + even all the nations which are called by My name," + +015:018 Says the Lord, who has been making these things known from + ages long past.' + +015:019 "My judgement, therefore, is against inflicting unexpected + annoyance on those of the Gentiles who are turning to God. + +015:020 Yet let us send them written instructions to abstain from + things polluted by connexion with idolatry, from fornication, + from meat killed by strangling, and from blood. + +015:021 For Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers + in every town, being read, as he is, Sabbath after Sabbath, + in the various synagogues." + +015:022 Thereupon it was decided by the Apostles and Elders, + with the approval of the whole Church, to choose suitable + persons from among themselves and send them to Antioch, + with Paul and Barnabas. Judas, called Bar-sabbas, and Silas, + leading men among the brethren, were selected, + +015:023 and they took with them the following letter: "The Apostles + and the elder brethren send greeting to the Gentile brethren + throughout Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. + +015:024 As we have been informed that certain persons who have gone + out from among us have disturbed you by their teaching + and have unsettled your minds, without having received any + such instructions from us; + +015:025 we have unanimously decided to select certain men and send them + to you in company with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul, + +015:026 who have endangered their very lives for the sake of our + Lord Jesus Christ. + +015:027 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who are themselves + bringing you the same message by word of mouth. + +015:028 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay + upon you no burden heavier than these necessary requirements-- + +015:029 You must abstain from things sacrificed to idols, + from blood, from things strangled, and from fornication. + Keep yourselves clear of these things, and it will be well + with you. Farewell." + +015:030 They, therefore, having been solemnly sent, came down + to Antioch, where they called together the whole assembly + and delivered the letter. + +015:031 The people read it, and were delighted with the comfort + it brought them. + +015:032 And Judas and Silas, being themselves also Prophets, + gave them a long and encouraging talk, and strengthened them + in the faith. + +015:033 After spending some time there they received an affectionate + farewell from the brethren to return to those who had sent them. + +015:034 [] + +015:035 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and, + in company with many others, telling the Good News of + the Lord's Message. + +015:036 After a while Paul said to Barnabas, "Suppose we now revisit + the brethren in the various towns in which we have made known + the Lord's Message--to see whether they are prospering!" + +015:037 Barnabas, however, was bent on taking with them John, + whose other name was Mark, + +015:038 while Paul deemed it undesirable to have as their companion + one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone + on with them to the work. + +015:039 So there arose a serious disagreement between them, which resulted + in their parting from one another, Barnabas taking Mark + and setting sail for Cyprus. + +015:040 But Paul chose Silas as his travelling companion; and set out, + after being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord; + +015:041 and he passed through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the Churches. + +016:001 He also came to Derbe and to Lystra. At Lystra he found + a disciple, Timothy by name--the son of a Christian Jewess, + though he had a Greek father. + +016:002 Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, + +016:003 and Paul desiring that he should accompany him on his journey, + took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in those parts, + for they all knew that his father was a Greek. + +016:004 As they journeyed on from town to town, they handed to the brethren + for their observance the decisions which had been arrived + at by the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem. + +016:005 So the Churches went on gaining a stronger faith and growing + in numbers from day to day. + +016:006 Then Paul and his companions passed through Phrygia and Galatia, + having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Message + in the province of Asia. + +016:007 When they reached the frontier of Mysia, they were about to + enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit this. + +016:008 So, passing along Mysia, they came to Troas. + +016:009 Here, one night, Paul saw a vision. There was a Macedonian + who was standing, entreating him and saying, "Come over into + Macedonia and help us." + +016:010 So when he had seen the vision, we immediately looked + out for an opportunity of passing on into Macedonia, + confidently inferring that God had called us to proclaim + the Good News to the people there. + +016:011 Accordingly we put out to sea from Troas, and ran a straight + course to Samothrace. The next day we came to Neapolis, + +016:012 and thence to Philippi, which is a city in Macedonia, + the first in its district, a Roman colony. And there we + stayed some little time. + +016:013 On the Sabbath we went beyond the city gate to the riverside, + where we had reason to believe that there was a place for prayer; + and sitting down we talked with the women who had come together. + +016:014 Among our hearers was one named Lydia, a dealer in purple goods. + She belonged to the city of Thyateira, and was a worshipper + of the true God. The Lord opened her heart, so that she gave + attention to what Paul was saying. + +016:015 When she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, + saying, "If in your judgement I am a believer in the Lord, + come and stay at my house." And she made us go there. + +016:016 One day, as we were on our way to the place of prayer, a slave + girl met us who claimed to be inspired and was accustomed + to bring her owners large profits by telling fortunes. + +016:017 She kept following close behind Paul and the rest of us, + crying aloud, "These men are the bondservants of the Most High God, + and are proclaiming to you the way of salvation." + +016:018 This she persisted in for a considerable time, until Paul, + wearied out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I command + you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." + And it came out immediately. + +016:019 But when her owners saw that their hopes of gain were gone, + they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them off to the magistrates + in the public square. + +016:020 Then they brought them before the praetors. "These men," + they said, "are creating a great disturbance in our city. + +016:021 They are Jews, and are teaching customs which we, as Romans, + are not permitted to adopt or practise." + +016:022 The crowd, too, joined in the outcry against them, till at length + the praetors ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods; + +016:023 and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail + and bade the jailer keep them safely. + +016:024 He, having received an order like that, lodged them in the + inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. + +016:025 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns + to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, + +016:026 when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake + that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors + all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner. + +016:027 Starting up from sleep and seeing the doors of the jail wide open, + the jailer drew his sword and was on the point of killing himself, + supposing that the prisoners had escaped. + +016:028 But Paul shouted loudly to him, saying, "Do yourself no injury: + we are all here. + +016:029 Then, calling for lights, he sprang in and fell trembling + at the feet of Paul and Silas; + +016:030 and, bringing them out of the prison, he exclaimed, "O sirs, + what must I do to be saved?" + +016:031 "Believe on the Lord Jesus," they replied, "and both you + and your household will be saved." + +016:032 And they told the Lord's Message to him as well as to all + who were in his house. + +016:033 Then he took them, even at that time of night, washed their wounds, + and he and all his household were immediately baptized; + +016:034 and bringing the Apostles up into his house, he spread a meal + for them, and was filled with gladness, with his whole household, + his faith resting on God. + +016:035 In the morning the praetors sent their lictors with the order, + "Release those men." + +016:036 So the jailer brought Paul word, saying, "The praetors have sent + orders for you to be released. Now therefore you can go, + and proceed on your way in peace." + +016:037 But Paul said to them, "After cruelly beating us in public, + without trial, Roman citizens though we are, they have thrown us + into prison, and are they now going to send us away privately? + No, indeed! Let them come in person and fetch us out." + +016:038 This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed + when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. + +016:039 Accordingly they came and apologized to them; and, bringing them out, + asked them to leave the city. + +016:040 Then Paul and Silas, having come out of the prison, went to + Lydia's house; and, after seeing the brethren and encouraging them, + they left Philippi. + +017:001 Then, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they went + to Thessalonica. Here there was a synagogue of the Jews. + +017:002 Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, + and for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them + from the Scriptures, + +017:003 which he clearly explained, pointing out that it had been + necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise again from the dead, + and insisting, "The Jesus whom I am announcing to you + is the Christ." + +017:004 Some of the people were won over, and attached themselves + to Paul and Silas, including many God-fearing Greeks and not + a few gentlewomen of high rank. + +017:005 But the jealousy of the Jews was aroused, and, calling to + their aid some ill-conditioned and idle fellows, they got + together a riotous mob and filled the city with uproar. + They then attacked the house of Jason and searched for Paul + and Silas, to bring them out before the assembly of people. + +017:006 But, failing to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the other + brethren before the magistrates of the city, loudly accusing them. + "These men," they said, "who have raised a tumult throughout + the Empire, have come here also. + +017:007 Jason has received them into his house; and they all set Caesar's + authority at defiance, declaring that there is another Emperor-- + one called Jesus." + +017:008 Great was the excitement among the crowd, and among the magistrates + of the city, when they heard these charges. + +017:009 They required Jason and the rest to find substantial bail, + and after that they let them go. + +017:010 The brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea, + and they, on their arrival, went to the synagogue of the Jews. + +017:011 The Jews at Beroea were of a nobler disposition than those + in Thessalonica, for they very readily received the Message, + and day after day searched the Scriptures to see whether it + was as Paul stated. + +017:012 As the result many of them became believers, and so did not + a few of the Greeks--gentlewomen of good position, and men. + +017:013 As soon, however, as the Jews of Thessalonica learnt + that God's Message had been proclaimed by Paul at Beroea, + they came there also, and incited the mob to a riot. + +017:014 Then the brethren promptly sent Paul down to the sea-coast, + but Silas and Timothy remained behind. + +017:015 Those who were caring for Paul's safety went with him as far + as Athens, and then left him, taking a message from him to Silas + and Timothy, asking them to join him as speedily as possible. + +017:016 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was stirred + within him when he noticed that the city was full of idols. + +017:017 So he had discussions in the synagogue with the Jews and + the other worshippers, and in the market place, day after day, + with those whom he happened to meet. + +017:018 A few of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also encountered him. + Some of them asked, "What has this beggarly babbler to say?" + "His business," said others, "seems to be to cry up + some foreign gods." This was because he had been telling + the Good News of Jesus and the Resurrection. + +017:019 Then they took him and brought him up to the Areopagus, asking him, + "May we be told what this new teaching of yours is? + +017:020 For the things you are saying sound strange to us. + We should therefore like to be told exactly what they mean." + +017:021 (For all the Athenians and their foreign visitors used to devote + their whole leisure to telling or hearing about something new.) + +017:022 So Paul, taking his stand in the centre of the Areopagus, + spoke as follows: "Men of Athens, I perceive that you are + in every respect remarkably religious. + +017:023 For as I passed along and observed the things you worship, I found + also an altar bearing the inscription, `TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' + "The Being, therefore, whom you, without knowing Him, revere, + Him I now proclaim to you. + +017:024 GOD who made the universe and everything in it--He, being Lord + of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries built by men. + +017:025 Nor is He ministered to by human hands, as though He needed anything-- + but He Himself gives to all men life and breath and all things. + +017:026 He caused to spring from one forefather people of every race, + for them to live on the whole surface of the earth, and marked + out for them an appointed span of life and the boundaries + of their homes; + +017:027 that they might seek God, if perhaps they could grope for Him + and find Him. Yes, though He is not far from any one of us. + +017:028 For it is in closest union with Him that we live and move + and have our being; as in fact some of the poets in repute + among yourselves have said, `For we are also His offspring.' + +017:029 Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine + that His nature resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything + sculptured by the art and inventive faculty of man. + +017:030 Those times of ignorance God viewed with indulgence. + But now He commands all men everywhere to repent, + +017:031 seeing that He has appointed a day on which, before long, + He will judge the world in righteousness, through the + instrumentality of a man whom He has pre-destined to this work, + and has made the fact certain to every one by raising Him + from the dead." + +017:032 When they heard Paul speak of a resurrection of dead men, + some began to scoff. But others said, "We will hear you + again on that subject." + +017:033 So Paul went away from them. + +017:034 A few, however, attached themselves to him and believed, + among them being Dionysius a member of the Council, + a gentlewoman named Damaris, and some others. + +018:001 After this he left Athens and came to Corinth. + +018:002 Here he found a Jew, a native of Pontus, of the name of Aquila. + He and his wife Priscilla had recently come from Italy + because of Claudius's edict expelling all the Jews from Rome. + So Paul paid them a visit; + +018:003 and because he was of the same trade--that of tent-maker-- + he lodged with them and worked with them. + +018:004 But, Sabbath after Sabbath, he preached in the synagogue + and tried to win over both Jews and Greeks. + +018:005 Now at the time when Silas and Timothy came down from + Macedonia, Paul was preaching fervently and was solemnly + telling the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. + +018:006 But upon their opposing him with abusive language, + he shook his clothes by way of protest, and said to them, + "Your ruin will be upon your own heads. I am not responsible: + in future I will go among the Gentiles." + +018:007 So he left the place and went to the house of a person + called Titius Justus, a worshipper of the true God. + His house was next door to the synagogue. + +018:008 And Crispus, the Warden of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, + and so did all his household; and from time to time many of + the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and received baptism. + +018:009 And, in a vision by night, the Lord said to Paul, "Dismiss + your fears: go on speaking, and do not give up. + +018:010 I am with you, and no one shall attack you to injure you; + for I have very many people in this city." + +018:011 So Paul remained in Corinth for a year and six months, + teaching among them the Message of God. + +018:012 But when Gallio became Proconsul of Greece, the Jews with one accord + made a dead set at Paul, and brought him before the court. + +018:013 "This man," they said, "is inducing people to offer unlawful + worship to God." + +018:014 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said + to the Jews, "If it had been some wrongful act or piece of + cunning knavery I might reasonably have listened to you Jews. + +018:015 But since these are questions about words and names and your Law, + you yourselves must see to them. I refuse to be a judge + in such matters." + +018:016 So he ordered them out of court. + +018:017 Then the people all set upon Sosthenes, the Warden of + the synagogue, and beat him severely in front of the court. + Gallio did not concern himself in the least about this. + +018:018 After remaining a considerable time longer in Corinth, Paul took + leave of the brethren and set sail for Syria; and Priscilla + and Aquila were with him. He had shaved his head at Cenchreae, + because he was bound by a vow. + +018:019 They put in at Ephesus, and there Paul left his companions behind. + As for himself, he went to the synagogue and had a discussion + with the Jews. + +018:020 When they asked him to remain longer he did not consent, + +018:021 but took leave of them with the promise, "I will return to you, + God willing." So he set sail from Ephesus. + +018:022 Landing at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and inquired after + the welfare of the Church, and then went down to Antioch. + +018:023 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out on a tour, + visiting the whole of Galatia and Phrygia in order, + and strengthening all the disciples. + +018:024 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a native + of Alexandria, a man of great learning and well versed + in the Scriptures. + +018:025 He had been instructed by word of mouth in the way of + the Lord, and, being full of burning zeal, he used to speak + and teach accurately the facts about Jesus, though he knew + of no baptism but John's. + +018:026 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, and Priscilla + and Aquila, after hearing him, took him home and explained + God's way to him more accurately. + +018:027 Then, as he had made up his mind to cross over into Greece, + the brethren wrote to the disciples in Corinth begging them + to give him a kindly welcome. Upon his arrival he rendered + valuable help to those who through grace had believed; + +018:028 for he powerfully and in public overcame the Jews in argument, + proving to them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. + +019:001 During the stay of Apollos in Corinth, Paul, after passing + through the inland districts, came to Ephesus, where he found + a few disciples. + +019:002 "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you first believed?" + he asked them. "No," they replied, "we did not even hear + that there is a Holy Spirit." + +019:003 "Into what then were you baptized?" he asked. + "Into John's baptism," they replied. + +019:004 "John," he said, "administered a baptism of repentance, + bidding the people believe on One who was to come after him; + namely, on Jesus." + +019:005 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus; + +019:006 and when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came + on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. + +019:007 They numbered in all about twelve men. + +019:008 Afterwards he went into the synagogue. There for three months + he continued to preach fearlessly, explaining in words which + carried conviction the truths which concern the Kingdom of God. + +019:009 But some grew obstinate in unbelief and spoke evil of the new + faith before all the congregation. So Paul left them, and, + taking with him those who were disciples, held discussions + daily in Tyrannus's lecture-hall. + +019:010 This went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants + of the province of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, + heard the Lord's Message. + +019:011 God also brought about extraordinary miracles through + Paul's instrumentality. + +019:012 Towels or aprons, for instance, which Paul had handled used to be + carried to the sick, and they recovered from their ailments, + or the evil spirits left them. + +019:013 But there were also some wandering Jewish exorcists who undertook + to invoke the name of Jesus over those who had the evil spirits, + saying, "I command you by that Jesus whom Paul preaches." + +019:014 There were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew of high-priestly family, + who were doing this. + +019:015 "Jesus I know," the evil spirit answered, "and Paul I have + heard of, but who are you?" + +019:016 And the man in whom the evil spirit was sprang on two of them, + over-mastered them both, and treated them with such violence, + that they fled from the house stripped of their clothes and wounded. + +019:017 All the people of Ephesus, Jews as well as Greeks, came to know + of this. There was widespread terror, and they began to hold + the name of the Lord Jesus in high honour. + +019:018 Many also of those who believed came confessing without reserve + what their conduct had been, + +019:019 and not a few of those who had practised magical arts brought + their books together and burnt them in the presence of all. + The total value was reckoned and found to be 50,000 silver coins. + +019:020 Thus mightily did the Lord's Message spread and triumph! + +019:021 When matters had reached this point, Paul decided in his own mind + to travel through Macedonia and Greece, and go to Jerusalem. + "After that," he said, "I must also see Rome." + +019:022 But he sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, + while he himself remained for a while in Roman Asia. + +019:023 Now just at that time there arose no small commotion about + the new faith. + +019:024 There was a certain Demetrius, a silversmith, who made miniature + silver sanctuaries of Diana, a business which brought great + gain to the mechanics in his employ. + +019:025 He called his workmen together, and others who were engaged + in similar trades, and said to them, "You men well know + that our prosperity depends on this business of ours; + +019:026 and you see and hear that, not in Ephesus only but throughout + almost the whole province of Asia, this fellow Paul has led + away a vast number of people by inducing them to believe + that they are not gods at all that are made by men's hands. + +019:027 There is danger, therefore, not only that this our trade will + become of no account, but also that the temple of the great + goddess Diana will fall into utter disrepute, and that before + long she will be actually deposed from her majestic rank-- + she who is now worshipped by the whole province of Asia; + nay, by the whole world." + +019:028 After listening to this harangue, they became furiously angry + and kept calling out, "Great is the Ephesian Diana!" + +019:029 The riot and uproar spread through the whole city, + till at last with one accord they rushed into the Theatre, + dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, two Macedonians + who were fellow travellers with Paul. + +019:030 Then Paul would have liked to go in and address the people, + but the disciples would not let him do so. + +019:031 A few of the public officials, too, who were friendly to him, + sent repeated messages entreating him not to venture + into the Theatre. + +019:032 The people, meanwhile, kept shouting, some one thing and + some another; for the assembly was all uproar and confusion, + and the greater part had no idea why they had come together. + +019:033 Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews + had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand + to get silence, was prepared to make a defence to the people. + +019:034 No sooner, however, did they see that he was a Jew, than there arose + from them all one roar of shouting, lasting about two hours. + "Great is the Ephesian Diana," they said. + +019:035 At length the Recorder quieted them down. "Men of Ephesus," + he said, "who is there of all mankind that needs to be told + that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of + the great Diana and of the image which fell down from Zeus? + +019:036 These facts, then, being unquestioned, it becomes you to maintain + your self-control and not act recklessly. + +019:037 For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers + of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. + +019:038 If, however, Demetrius and the mechanics who support his + contention have a grievance against any one, there are + Assize-days and there are Proconsuls: let the persons + interested accuse one another. + +019:039 But if you desire anything further, it will have to be settled + in the regular assembly. + +019:040 For in connexion with to-day's proceedings there is danger + of our being charged with attempted insurrection, there having + been no real reason for this riot; nor shall we be able + to justify the behaviour of this disorderly mob." + +019:041 With these words he dismissed the assembly. + +020:001 When the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples; + and, after speaking words of encouragement to them, he took + his leave, and started for Macedonia. + +020:002 Passing through those districts he encouraged the disciples + in frequent addresses, and then came into Greece, and spent + three months there. + +020:003 The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be + on the point of taking ship for Syria, he decided to travel + back by way of Macedonia. + +020:004 He was accompanied as far as the province of Asia by Sopater + the Beroean, the son of Pyrrhus; by the Thessalonians, + Aristarchus and Secundus; by Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; + and by the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. + +020:005 These brethren had gone on and were waiting for us in the Troad. + +020:006 But we ourselves sailed from Philippi after the days of + Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined them in the Troad, + where we remained for a week. + +020:007 On the first day of the week, when we had met to break bread, + Paul, who was going away the next morning, was preaching to them, + and prolonged his discourse till midnight. + +020:008 Now there were a good many lamps in the room upstairs where + we all were, + +020:009 and a youth of the name of Eutychus was sitting at the window. + This lad, gradually sinking into deep sleep while Paul + preached at unusual length, overcome at last by sleep, + fell from the second floor and was taken up dead. + +020:010 Paul, however, went down, threw himself upon him, + and folding him in his arms said, "Do not be alarmed; + his life is still in him." + +020:011 Then he went upstairs again, broke bread, and took some food; + and after a long conversation which was continued till daybreak, + at last he parted from them. + +020:012 They had taken the lad home alive, and were greatly comforted. + +020:013 The rest of us had already gone on board a ship, and now we + set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there; + for so he had arranged, he himself intending to go by land. + +020:014 Accordingly, when he met us at Assos, we took him on board + and came to Mitylene. + +020:015 Sailing from there, we arrived the next day off Chios. + On the next we touched at Samos; and on the day + following reached Miletus. + +020:016 For Paul's plan was to sail past Ephesus, so as not to spend much + time in the province of Asia; since he was very desirous of being + in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of the Harvest Festival. + +020:017 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the Elders of the Church + to come to him. + +020:018 Upon their arrival he said to them, "You Elders well know, + from the first day of my setting foot in the province of Asia, + the kind of life I lived among you the whole time, + +020:019 serving the Lord in all humility, and with tears, and amid + trials which came upon me through the plotting of the Jews-- + +020:020 and that I never shrank from declaring to you anything that + was profitable, or from teaching you in public and in your homes, + +020:021 and urging upon both Jews and Greeks the necessity of turning + to God and of believing in Jesus our Lord. + +020:022 "And now, impelled by a sense of duty, I am on my way to Jerusalem, + not knowing what will happen to me there, + +020:023 except that the Holy Spirit, at town after town, testifies to me + that imprisonment and suffering are awaiting me. + +020:024 But even the sacrifice of my life I count as nothing, if only I + may perfect my earthly course, and be faithful to the duty + which the Lord Jesus has entrusted to me of proclaiming, + as of supreme importance, the Good News of God's grace. + +020:025 "And now, I know that none of you among whom I have gone + in and out proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom will any + longer see my face. + +020:026 Therefore I protest to you to-day that I am not responsible + for the ruin of any one of you. + +020:027 For I have not shrunk from declaring to you God's whole truth. + +020:028 "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which + the Holy Spirit has placed you to take the oversight for Him + and act as shepherds to the Church of God, which He has bought + with His own blood. + +020:029 I know that, when I am gone, cruel wolves will come among you + and will not spare the flock; + +020:030 and that from among your own selves men will rise up who will seek + with their perverse talk to draw away the disciples after them. + +020:031 Therefore be on the alert; and remember that, night and day, + for three years, I never ceased admonishing every one, + even with tears. + +020:032 "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace. + He is able to build you up and to give you your inheritance + among His people. + +020:033 No one's silver or gold or clothing have I coveted. + +020:034 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided + for my own necessities and for the people with me. + +020:035 In all things I have set you an example, showing you that, + by working as I do, you ought to help the weak, and to bear + in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, + "`It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" + +020:036 Having spoken thus, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all; + +020:037 and with loud lamentation they all threw their arms round his neck, + and kissed him lovingly, + +020:038 grieved above all things at his having told them that + after that day they were no longer to see his face. + And they went with him to the ship. + +021:001 When, at last, we had torn ourselves away and had set sail, + we ran in a straight course to Cos; the next day to Rhodes, + and from there to Patara. + +021:002 Finding a ship bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and + put to sea. + +021:003 After sighting Cyprus and leaving that island on our left, + we continued our voyage to Syria and put in at Tyre; + for there the ship was to unload her cargo. + +021:004 Having searched for the disciples and found them, + we stayed at Tyre for seven days; and, taught by the Spirit, + they repeatedly urged Paul not to proceed to Jerusalem. + +021:005 When, however, our time was up, we left and went on our way, + all the disciples and their wives and children coming to see + us off. Then, after kneeling down on the beach and praying, + +021:006 we took leave of one another; and we went on board, + while they returned home. + +021:007 As for us, our voyage was over when having sailed from Tyre + we reached Ptolemais. here we inquired after the welfare + of the brethren, and remained a day with them. + +021:008 On the morrow we left Ptolemais and went on to Caesarea, + where we came to the house of Philip the Evangelist, + who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. + +021:009 Now Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses; + +021:010 and during our somewhat lengthy stay a Prophet of the name + of Agabus came down from Judaea. + +021:011 When he arrived he took Paul's loincloth, and bound his own feet + and arms with it, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, `So will + the Jews in Jerusalem bind the owner of this loincloth, + and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" + +021:012 As soon as we heard these words, both we and the brethren + at Caesarea entreated Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. + +021:013 His reply was, "What can you mean by thus breaking my heart + with your grief? Why, as for me, I am ready not only to go + to Jerusalem and be put in chains, but even to die there + for the sake of the Lord Jesus." + +021:014 So when he was not to be dissuaded, we ceased remonstrating + with him and said, "The Lord's will be done!" + +021:015 A few days afterwards we loaded our baggage-cattle and continued + our journey to Jerusalem. + +021:016 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also joined our party, + and brought with them Mnason, a Cyprian, one of the early disciples, + at whose house we were to lodge. + +021:017 At length we reached Jerusalem, and there the brethren gave + us a hearty welcome. + +021:018 On the following day we went with Paul to call on James, + and all the Elders of the Church came also. + +021:019 After exchanging friendly greetings, Paul told in detail all that + God had done among the Gentiles through his instrumentality. + +021:020 And they, when they had heard his statement, gave the glory to God. + Then they said, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands + of Jews there are among those who have accepted the faith, + and they are all zealous upholders of the Law. + +021:021 Now what they have been repeatedly told about you is that you + teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, + and that you forbid them to circumcise their children + or observe old-established customs. + +021:022 What then ought you to do? They are sure to hear that you + have come to Jerusalem; + +021:023 so do this which we now tell you. We have four men here who + have a vow resting on them. + +021:024 Associate with these men and purify yourself with them, + and pay their expenses so that they can shave their heads. + Then everybody will know that there is no truth in these + stories about you, but that in your own actions you yourself + scrupulously obey the Law. + +021:025 But as for the Gentiles who have accepted the faith, we have + communicated to them our decision that they are carefully + to abstain from anything sacrificed to an idol, from blood, + from what is strangled, and from fornication." + +021:026 So Paul associated with the men; and the next day, + having purified himself with them, he went into the Temple, + giving every one to understand that the days of their purification + were finished, and there he remained until the sacrifice + for each of them was offered. + +021:027 But, when the seven days were nearly over, the Jews from + the province of Asia, having seen Paul in the Temple, + set about rousing the fury of all the people against him. + +021:028 They laid hands on him, crying out, "Men of Israel, help! help! + This is the man who goes everywhere preaching to everybody + against the Jewish people and the Law and this place. + And besides, he has even brought Gentiles into the Temple + and has desecrated this holy place." + +021:029 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with + him in the city, and imagined that Paul had brought him + into the Temple.) + +021:030 The excitement spread through the whole city, and the people rushed + in crowds to the Temple, and there laid hold of Paul and began + to drag him out; and the Temple gates were immediately closed. + +021:031 But while they were trying to kill Paul, word was taken up + to the Tribune in command of the battalion, that all Jerusalem + was in a ferment. + +021:032 He instantly sent for a few soldiers and their officers, + and came down among the people with all speed. At the sight + of the Tribune and the troops they ceased beating Paul. + +021:033 Then the Tribune, making his way to him, arrested him, + and, having ordered him to be secured with two chains, + proceeded to ask who he was and what he had been doing. + +021:034 Some of the crowd shouted one accusation against Paul + and some another, until, as the uproar made it impossible + for the truth to be ascertained with certainty, the Tribune + ordered him to be brought into the barracks. + +021:035 When Paul was going up the steps, he had to be carried + by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; + +021:036 for the whole mass of the people pressed on in the rear, + shouting, "Away with him!" + +021:037 When he was about to be taken into the barracks, Paul said + to the Tribune, "May I speak to you?" "Do you know Greek?" + the Tribune asked. + +021:038 "Are you not the Egyptian who some years ago excited the riot + of the 4,000 cut-throats, and led them out into the Desert?" + +021:039 "I am a Jew," replied Paul, "belonging to Tarsus in Cilicia, + and am a citizen of no unimportant city. Give me leave, + I pray you, to speak to the people." + +021:040 So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned + with his hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was + perfect silence he addressed them in Hebrew. + +022:001 "Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I + now make before you." + +022:002 And on hearing him address them in Hebrew, they kept all + the more quiet; and he said, + +022:003 "I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in + this city. I was carefully trained at the feet of Gamaliel + in the Law of our forefathers, and, like all of you to-day, + was zealous for God. + +022:004 I persecuted to death this new faith, continually binding + both men and women and throwing them into prison; + +022:005 as the High Priest also and all the Elders can bear me witness. + It was, too, from them that I received letters to the brethren + in Damascus, and I was already on my way to Damascus, + intending to bring those also who had fled there, in chains + to Jerusalem, to be punished. + +022:006 "But on my way, when I was now not far from Damascus, about noon + a sudden blaze of light from Heaven shone round me. + +022:007 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, "`Saul, Saul, + why are you persecuting Me?' + +022:008 "`Who art thou, Lord?' I asked. "`I am Jesus, + the Nazarene,' He replied, `whom you are persecuting.' + +022:009 "Now the men who were with me, though they saw the light, + did not hear the words of Him who spoke to me. + +022:010 And I asked, "`What am I to do, Lord?' "And the Lord said + to me, "`Rise, and go into Damascus. There you shall be told + of all that has been appointed for you to do.' + +022:011 "And as I could not see because the light had been so dazzling, + those who were with me had to lead me by the arm, and so I + came to Damascus. + +022:012 "And a certain Ananias, a pious man who obeyed the Law and bore + a good character with all the Jews of the city, + +022:013 came to me and standing at my side said, "`Brother Saul, + recover your sight.' "I instantly regained my sight and looked + up at him. + +022:014 Then he said, `The God of our forefathers has appointed you to know + His will, and to see the righteous One and hear Him speak. + +022:015 For you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you + have seen and heard. + +022:016 And now why delay? Rise, get yourself baptized, and wash off + your sins, calling upon His name.' + +022:017 "After my return to Jerusalem, and while praying in the Temple, I fell + into a trance. + +022:018 I saw Jesus, and He said to me, "`Make haste and leave + Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your + testimony about Me.' + +022:019 "`Lord,' I replied, `they themselves well know how active I was + in imprisoning, and in flogging in synagogue after synagogue + those who believe in Thee; + +022:020 and when they were shedding the blood of Stephen, Thy witness, + I was standing by, fully approving of it, and I held the clothes + of those who were killing him.' + +022:021 "`Go,' He replied; `I will send you as an Apostle to + nations far away.'" + +022:022 Until they heard this last statement the people listened + to Paul, but now with a roar of disapproval they cried out, + "Away with such a fellow from the earth! He ought not to be + allowed to live." + +022:023 And when they continued their furious shouts, throwing their + clothes into the air and flinging dust about, + +022:024 the Tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, + and be examined by flogging, in order to ascertain the reason + why they thus cried out against him. + +022:025 But, when they had tied him up with the straps, Paul said + to the Captain who stood by, "Does the Law permit you to flog + a Roman citizen--and one too who is uncondemned?" + +022:026 On hearing this question, the Captain went to report the matter + to the Tribune. "What are you intending to do?" he said. + "This man is a Roman citizen." + +022:027 So the Tribune came to Paul and asked him, "Tell me, are you + a Roman citizen?" "Yes," he said. + +022:028 "I paid a large sum for my citizenship," said the Tribune. + "But I was born free," said Paul. + +022:029 So the men who had been on the point of putting him under torture + immediately left him. And the Tribune, too, was frightened + when he learnt that Paul was a Roman citizen, for he had + had him bound. + +022:030 The next day, wishing to know exactly what charge was being + brought against him by the Jews, the Tribune ordered his chains + to be removed; and, having sent word to the High Priests and + all the Sanhedrin to assemble, he brought Paul down and made + him stand before them. + +023:001 Then Paul, fixing a steady gaze on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, + it is with a perfectly clear conscience that I have discharged + my duties before God up to this day." + +023:002 On hearing this the High Priest Ananias ordered those who were + standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. + +023:003 "Before long," exclaimed Paul, "God will strike you, + you white-washed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me + in accordance with the Law, and do you yourself actually + break the Law by ordering me to be struck?" + +023:004 "Do you rail at God's High Priest?" cried the men who stood by him. + +023:005 "I did not know, brethren," replied Paul, "that he was + the High Priest; for it is written, `Thou shalt not speak + evil of a ruler of Thy people.'" + +023:006 Noticing, however, that the Sanhedrin consisted partly + of Sadducees and partly of Pharisees, he called out loudly + among them, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees. + It is because of my hope of a resurrection of the dead that I + am on my trial." + +023:007 These words of his caused an angry dispute between the Pharisees + and the Sadducees, and the assembly took different sides. + +023:008 For the Sadducees maintain that there is no resurrection, + and neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge + the existence of both. + +023:009 So there arose a great uproar; and some of the Scribes + belonging to the sect of the Pharisees sprang to their feet + and fiercely contended, saying, "We find no harm in the man. + What if a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel----!" + +023:010 But when the struggle was becoming violent, the Tribune, + fearing that Paul would be torn to pieces by the people, + ordered the troops to go down and take him from among them + by force and bring him into the barracks. + +023:011 The following night the Lord came and stood at Paul's side, + and said, "Be of good courage, for as you have borne faithful + witness about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear + witness in Rome." + +023:012 Now, when daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and solemnly + swore not to eat or drink till they had killed Paul. + +023:013 There were more than forty of them who bound themselves + by this oath. + +023:014 They went to the High Priests and Elders and said to them, + "We have bound ourselves under a heavy curse to take no food + till we have killed Paul. + +023:015 Now therefore you and the Sanhedrin should make representations + to the Tribune for him to bring him down to you, under the + impression that you intend to inquire more minutely about him; + and we are prepared to assassinate him before he comes + near the place." + +023:016 But Paul's sister's son heard of the intended attack upon him. + So he came and went into the barracks and told Paul about it; + +023:017 and Paul called one of the Captains and said, "Take this young + man to the Tribune, for he has information to give him." + +023:018 So he took him and brought him to the Tribune, and said, "Paul, + the prisoner, called me to him and begged me to bring this + youth to you, because he has something to say to you." + +023:019 Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the + hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?" + +023:020 "The Jews," he replied, "have agreed to request you to bring + Paul down to the Sanhedrin to-morrow for the purpose of making + yourself more accurately acquainted with the case. + +023:021 I beg you not to comply; for more than forty men among them + are lying in wait for him, who have solemnly vowed that they + will neither eat nor drink till they have assassinated him; + and even now they are ready, in anticipation of receiving + that promise of you." + +023:022 So the Tribune sent the youth home, cautioning him. + "Do not let any one know that you have given me this information," + he said. + +023:023 Then, calling to him two of the Captains, he gave his orders. + "Get ready two hundred men," he said, "to march to Caesarea, + with seventy cavalry and two hundred light infantry, + starting at nine o'clock to-night." + +023:024 He further told them to provide horses to mount Paul on, + so as to bring him safely to Felix the Governor. + +023:025 He also wrote a letter of which these were the contents: + +023:026 "Claudius Lysias to his Excellency, Felix the Governor: + all good wishes. + +023:027 This man Paul had been seized by the Jews, and they were on + the point of killing him, when I came upon them with the troops + and rescued him, for I had been informed that he was + a Roman citizen. + +023:028 And, wishing to know with certainty the offense of which they + were accusing him, I brought him down into their Sanhedrin, + +023:029 and I discovered that the charge had to do with questions + of their Law, but that he was accused of nothing for which + he deserves death or imprisonment. + +023:030 But now that I have received information of an intended attack + upon him, I immediately send him to you, directing his accusers + also to state before you the case they have against him." + +023:031 So, in obedience to their orders, the soldiers took Paul + and brought him by night as far as Antipatris. + +023:032 The next day the infantry returned to the barracks, + leaving the cavalry to proceed with him; + +023:033 and, the cavalry having reached Caesarea and delivered the letter + to the Governor, they brought Paul also to him. + +023:034 Felix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; + and being told "from Cilicia," + +023:035 he said, "I will hear all you have to say, when your accusers + also have come." And he ordered him to be detained in custody + in Herod's Palace. + +024:001 Five days after this, Ananias the High Priest came down to Caesarea + with a number of Elders and a pleader called Tertullus. + They stated to the Governor the case against Paul. + +024:002 So Paul was sent for, and Tertullus began to impeach him as follows: + "Indebted as we are," he said, "to you, most noble Felix, + for the perfect peace which we enjoy, and for reforms which + your wisdom has introduced to this nation, + +024:003 in every instance and in every place we accept them + with profound gratitude. + +024:004 But--not to detain you too long--I beg you in your forbearance + to listen to a brief statement from us. + +024:005 For we have found this man Paul a source of mischief and a + disturber of the peace among all the Jews throughout the Empire, + and a ringleader in the heresy of the Nazarenes. + +024:006 He even attempted to profane the Temple, but we arrested him. + +024:007 [] + +024:008 You, however, by examining him, will yourself be able to learn + the truth as to all this which we allege against him." + +024:009 The Jews also joined in the charge, maintaining that + these were facts. + +024:010 Then, at a sign from the Governor, Paul answered, "Knowing, Sir, + that for many years you have administered justice to this nation, + I cheerfully make my defence. + +024:011 For you have it in your power to ascertain that it is not more + than twelve days ago that I went up to worship in Jerusalem; + +024:012 and that neither in the Temple nor in the synagogues, + nor anywhere in the city, did they find me disputing with any + opponent or collecting a crowd about me. + +024:013 Nor can they prove the charges which they are now + bringing against me. + +024:014 But this I confess to you--that in the way which they style a heresy, + I worship the God of our forefathers, believing everything + that is taught in the Law or is written in the Prophets, + +024:015 and having a hope directed towards God, which my accusers + themselves also entertain, that before long there will be + a resurrection both of the righteous and the unrighteous. + +024:016 This too is my own earnest endeavour--always to have a clear + conscience in relation to God and man. + +024:017 "Now after an interval of several years I came to bring alms + to my nation, and to offer sacrifices. + +024:018 While I was busy about these, they found me in the Temple purified, + with no crowd around me and no uproar; but there were certain + Jews from the province of Asia. + +024:019 They ought to have been here before you, and to have been + my prosecutors, if they have any charge to bring against me. + +024:020 Or let these men themselves say what misdemeanour they found + me guilty of when I stood before the Sanhedrin, + +024:021 unless it was in that one expression which I made use of when I + shouted out as I stood among them, "`The resurrection of the dead + is the thing about which I am on my trial before you to-day.'" + +024:022 At this point Felix, who was fairly well informed about the new faith, + adjourned the trial, saying to the Jews, "When the Tribune Lysias + comes down, I will enter carefully into the matter." + +024:023 And he gave orders to the Captain that Paul was to be kept + in custody, but be treated with indulgence, and that his personal + friends were not to be prevented from showing him kindness. + +024:024 Not long after this, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, + a Jewess, and sending for Paul, listened to him as he spoke + about faith in Christ Jesus. + +024:025 But when he dealt with the subjects of justice, self-control, + and the judgement which was soon to come, Felix became alarmed + and said, "For the present leave me, and when I can find + a convenient opportunity I will send for you." + +024:026 At the same time he hoped that Paul would give him money; + and for this reason he sent for him the oftener to + converse with him. + +024:027 But after the lapse of fully two years Felix was succeeded + by Porcius Festus; and being desirous of gratifying + the Jews, Felix left Paul still in prison. + +025:001 Festus, having entered on his duties as governor of the province, + two days later went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. + +025:002 The High Priests and the leading men among the Jews immediately + made representations to him against Paul, and begged him-- + +025:003 asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice--to have him + brought to Jerusalem. They were planning an ambush to kill + him on the way. + +025:004 Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, + and that he was himself going there very soon. + +025:005 "Therefore let those of you," he said, "who can come, + go down with me, and impeach the man, if there is anything + amiss in him." + +025:006 After a stay of eight or ten days in Jerusalem--not more-- + he went down to Caesarea; and the next day, taking his seat + on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought in. + +025:007 Upon Paul's arrival, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem + stood round him, and brought many grave charges against him + which they were unable to substantiate. + +025:008 But, in reply, Paul said, "Neither against the Jewish Law, + nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed + any offence whatever." + +025:009 Then Festus, being anxious to gratify the Jews, asked Paul, "Are you + willing to go up to Jerusalem, and there stand your trial + before me on these charges?" + +025:010 "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal," replied Paul, + "where alone I ought to be tried. The Jews have no real + ground of complaint against me, as in fact you yourself are + beginning to see more clearly. + +025:011 If, however, I have done wrong and have committed any offence for + which I deserve to die, I do not ask to be excused that penalty. + But if there is no truth in what these men allege against me, + no one has the right to give me up to them as a favour. + I appeal to Caesar." + +025:012 Then, after conferring with the Council, Festus replied, + "To Caesar you have appealed: to Caesar you shall go." + +025:013 A short time after this, Agrippa the king and Bernice came + to Caesarea to pay a complimentary visit to Festus; + +025:014 and, during their rather long stay, Festus laid Paul's case + before the king. "There is a man here," he said, "whom Felix + left a prisoner, + +025:015 about whom, when I went to Jerusalem, the High Priests + and the Elders of the Jews made representations to me, + begging that sentence might be pronounced against him. + +025:016 My reply was that it is not the custom among the Romans to give up + any one for punishment before the accused has had his accusers + face to face, and has had an opportunity of defending himself + against the charge which has been brought against him. + +025:017 "When, therefore, a number of them came here, the next day + I took my seat on the tribunal, without any loss of time, + and ordered the man to be brought in. + +025:018 But, when his accusers stood up, they did not charge him + with the misdemeanours of which I had been suspecting him. + +025:019 But they quarrelled with him about certain matters connected + with their own religion, and about one Jesus who had died, but-- + so Paul persistently maintained--is now alive. + +025:020 I was at a loss how to investigate such questions, and asked + Paul whether he would care to go to Jerusalem and there stand + his trial on these matters. + +025:021 But when Paul appealed to have his case kept for the Emperor's + decision, I ordered him to be kept in prison until I could + send him up to Caesar." + +025:022 "I should like to hear the man myself," said Agrippa. + "to-morrow," replied Festus, "you shall." Accordingly, the next day, + Agrippa and Bernice came in state + +025:023 and took their seats in the Judgement Hall, attended by the Tribunes + and the men of high rank in the city; and, at the command + of Festus, Paul was brought in. + +025:024 Then Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present + with us, you see here the man about whom the whole nation + of the Jews made suit to me, both in Jerusalem and here, + crying out that he ought not to live any longer. + +025:025 I could not discover that he had done anything for which he deserved + to die; but as he has himself appealed to the Emperor, I have + decided to send him to Rome. + +025:026 I have nothing very definite, however, to tell our Sovereign + about him. So I have brought the man before you all-- + and especially before you, King Agrippa--that after he has been + examined I may find something which I can put into writing. + +025:027 For, when sending a prisoner to Rome, it seems to me to be + absurd not to state the charges against him." + +026:001 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak + about yourself." So Paul, with outstretched arm, proceeded to + make his defence. + +026:002 "As regards all the accusations brought against me by the Jews," + he said, "I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, in being + about to defend myself to-day before you, + +026:003 who are so familiar with all the customs and speculations + that prevail among the Jews; and for this reason, I pray you, + give me a patient hearing. + +026:004 "The kind of life I have lived from my youth upwards, + as exemplified in my early days among my nation and in Jerusalem, + is known to all the Jews. + +026:005 For they all know me of old--if they would but testify to the fact-- + how, being an adherent of the strictest sect of our religion, + my life was that of a Pharisee. + +026:006 And now I stand here impeached because of my hope in the fulfilment + of the promise made by God to our forefathers-- + +026:007 the promise which our twelve tribes, worshipping day and night + with intense devotedness, hope to have made good to them. + It is on the subject of this hope, Sir, that I am accused + by the Jews. + +026:008 Why is it deemed with all of you a thing past belief if God + raises the dead to life? + +026:009 "I myself, however, thought it a duty to do many things + in hostility to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene. + +026:010 And that was how I acted in Jerusalem. Armed with authority + received from the High Priests I shut up many of God's people + in various prisons, and when they were about to be put to death + I gave my vote against them. + +026:011 In all the synagogues also I punished them many a time, + and tried to make them blaspheme; and in my wild fury I chased + them even to foreign towns. + +026:012 "While thus engaged, I was travelling one day to Damascus armed + with authority and a commission from the High Priests, + +026:013 and on the journey, at noon, Sir, I saw a light from Heaven-- + brighter than the brightness of the sun--shining around me + and around those who were travelling with me. + +026:014 We all fell to the ground; and I heard a voice which said to me + in Hebrew, "`Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? You are + finding it painful to kick against the ox-goad.' + +026:015 "`Who art Thou, Lord?' I asked. "`I am Jesus whom you + are persecuting,' the Lord replied. + +026:016 `But rise, and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you + for the very purpose of appointing you My servant and My + witness both as to the things you have already seen and as + to those in which I will appear to you. + +026:017 I will save you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, + to whom I send you to open their eyes, + +026:018 that they may turn from darkness to light and from the obedience + to Satan to God, in order to receive forgiveness of sins + and an inheritance among those who are sanctified through + faith in Me.' + +026:019 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to + the heavenly vision; + +026:020 but I proceeded to preach first to the people in Damascus, + and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, + and to the Gentiles, that they must repent and turn to God, + and live lives consistent with such repentance. + +026:021 "It was on this account that the Jews seized me in the Temple + and tried to kill me. + +026:022 Having, however, obtained the help which is from God, I have stood + firm until now, and have solemnly exhorted rich and poor alike, + saying nothing except what the Prophets and Moses predicted + as soon to happen, + +026:023 since the Christ was to be a suffering Christ, and by coming back + from the dead was then to be the first to proclaim a message + of light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." + +026:024 As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, + "You are raving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad." + +026:025 "I am not mad, most noble Festus," replied Paul; "I am speaking + words of sober truth. + +026:026 For the King, to whom I speak freely, knows about these matters. + I am not to be persuaded that any detail of them has escaped + his notice; for these things have not been done in a corner. + +026:027 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that + you believe them." + +026:028 Agrippa answered, "In brief, you are doing your best to persuade + me to become a Christian." + +026:029 "My prayer to God, whether briefly or at length," replied Paul, + "would be that not only you but all who are my hearers to-day, + might become such as I am--except these chains." + +026:030 So the King rose, and the Governor, and Bernice, and those + who were sitting with them; + +026:031 and, having withdrawn, they talked to one another and said, + "This man is doing nothing for which he deserves + death or imprisonment." + +026:032 And Agrippa said to Festus, "He might have been set at liberty, + if he had not appealed to Caesar." + +027:001 Now when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they handed + over Paul and a few other prisoners into the custody of Julius, + a Captain of the Augustan battalion; + +027:002 and going on board a ship of Adramyttium which was about + to sail to the ports of the province of Asia, we put + to sea; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, from Thessalonica, + forming one of our party. + +027:003 The next day we put in at Sidon. There Julius treated Paul + with thoughtful kindness and allowed him to visit his friends + and profit by their generous care. + +027:004 Putting to sea again, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, + because the winds were against us; + +027:005 and, sailing the whole length of the sea that lies off Cilicia + and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia. + +027:006 There Julius found an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy, + and put us on board of her. + +027:007 It took several days of slow sailing for us to come with + difficulty off Cnidus; from which point, as the wind did not + allow us to get on in the direct course, we ran under the lee + of Crete by Salmone. + +027:008 Then, coasting along with difficulty, we reached a place called + `Fair Havens,' near the town of Lasea. + +027:009 Our voyage thus far had occupied a considerable time, and the + navigation being now unsafe and the Fast also already over, + Paul warned them. + +027:010 "Sirs," he said, "I perceive that before long the voyage will + be attended with danger and heavy loss, not only to the cargo + and the ship but to our own lives also." + +027:011 But Julius let himself be persuaded by the pilot and by the owner + rather than by Paul's arguments; + +027:012 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, + the majority were in favour of putting out to sea, to try + whether they could get to Phoenix--a harbour on the coast + of Crete facing north-east and south-east--to winter there. + +027:013 And a light breeze from the south sprang up, so that + they supposed they were now sure of their purpose. + So weighing anchor they ran along the coast of Crete, + hugging the shore. + +027:014 But it was not long before a furious north-east wind, + coming down from the mountains, burst upon us and carried + the ship out of her course. + +027:015 She was unable to make headway against the gale; so we gave + up and let her drive. + +027:016 Then we ran under the lee of a little island called Cauda, + where we managed with great difficulty to secure the boat; + +027:017 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables + to undergird the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven + on the Syrtis quicksands, they lowered the gear and lay to. + +027:018 But, as the storm was still violent, the next day they began + to lighten the ship; + +027:019 and, on the third day, with their own hands they threw the ship's + spare gear overboard. + +027:020 Then, when for several days neither sun nor stars were seen + and the terrific gale still harassed us, the last ray of hope + was now vanishing. + +027:021 When for a long time they had taken but little food, + Paul, standing up among them, said, "Sirs, you ought + to have listened to me and not have sailed from Crete. + You would then have escaped this suffering and loss. + +027:022 But now take courage, for there will be no destruction of life + among you, but of the ship only. + +027:023 For there stood by my side, last night, an angel of the God + to whom I belong, and whom also I worship, + +027:024 and he said, "`Dismiss all fear, Paul, for you must stand + before Caesar; and God has granted you the lives of all who + are sailing with you.' + +027:025 "Therefore, Sirs, take courage; for I believe God, and am + convinced that things will happen exactly as I have been told. + +027:026 But we are to be stranded on a certain island." + +027:027 It was now the fourteenth night, and we were drifting through + the Sea of Adria, when, about midnight, the sailors suspected + that land was close at hand. + +027:028 So they hove the lead and found twenty fathoms of water; + and after a short time they hove again and found fifteen fathoms. + +027:029 Then for fear of possibly running on rocks, they threw out four + anchors from the stern and waited impatiently for daylight. + +027:030 The sailors, however, wanted to make their escape from the ship, + and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they + were going to lay out anchors from the bow. + +027:031 But Paul, addressing Julius and the soldiers, said, "Your lives + will be sacrificed, unless these men remain on board." + +027:032 Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the ship's boat and let + her fall off. + +027:033 And continually, up till daybreak, Paul kept urging all on board + to take some food. "This is the fourteenth day," he said, + "that you have been anxiously waiting for the storm to cease, + and have fasted, eating little or nothing. + +027:034 I therefore strongly advise you to take some food. + This is essential for your safety. For not a hair will perish + from the head of any one of you." + +027:035 Having said this he took some bread, and, after giving thanks + to God for it before them all, he broke it in pieces and began + to eat it. + +027:036 This raised the spirits of all, and they too took food. + +027:037 There were 276 of us, crew and passengers, all told. + +027:038 After eating a hearty meal they lightened the ship by throwing + the wheat overboard. + +027:039 When daylight came, they tried in vain to recognise the coast. + But an inlet with a sandy beach attracted their attention, + and now their object was, if possible, to run the ship aground + in this inlet. + +027:040 So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea, + unloosing at the same time the bands which secured + the paddle-rudders. Then, hoisting the foresail to the wind, + they made for the beach. + +027:041 But coming to a place where two seas met, they stranded the ship, + and her bow sticking fast remained immovable, while the stern + began to go to pieces under the heavy hammering of the sea. + +027:042 Now the soldiers recommended that the prisoners should be killed, + for fear some one of them might swim ashore and effect his escape. + +027:043 But their Captain, bent on securing Paul's safety, kept them + from their purpose and gave orders that those who could swim + should first jump overboard and get to land; + +027:044 and that the rest should follow, some on planks, and others + on various things from the ship. In this way they all got + safely to land. + +028:001 Our lives having been thus preserved, we discovered that + the island was called Malta. + +028:002 The strange-speaking natives showed us remarkable kindness, + for they lighted a fire and made us all welcome because of + the pelting rain and the cold. + +028:003 Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown + them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and + fastened itself on his hand. + +028:004 When the natives saw the creature hanging to his hand, they said + to one another, "Beyond doubt this man is a murderer, for, + though saved from the sea, unerring Justice does not permit + him to live." + +028:005 He, however, shook the reptile off into the fire and was unhurt. + +028:006 They expected him soon to swell with inflammation or suddenly + fall down dead; but, after waiting a long time and seeing + no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said + that he was a god. + +028:007 Now in the same part of the island there were estates + belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. + He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously + made us his guests. + +028:008 It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery + aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, + after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him. + +028:009 After this, all the other sick people in the island came + and were cured. + +028:010 They also loaded us with honours, and when at last we sailed + they put supplies on board for us. + +028:011 Three months passed before we set sail in an Alexandrian vessel, + called the `Twin Brothers,' which had wintered at the island. + +028:012 At Syracuse we put in and stayed for two days. + +028:013 From there we came round and reached Rhegium; and a day later, + a south wind sprang up which brought us by the evening + of the next day to Puteoli. + +028:014 Here we found brethren, who invited us to remain with them + for a week; and so we reached Rome. + +028:015 Meanwhile the brethren there, hearing of our movements, + came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Huts to meet us; + and when Paul saw them he thanked God and felt encouraged. + +028:016 Upon our arrival in Rome, Paul received permission to live + by himself, guarded by a soldier. + +028:017 After one complete day he invited the leading men among the Jews + to meet him; and, when they were come together, he said to them, + "As for me, brethren, although I had done nothing prejudicial + to our people or contrary to the customs of our forefathers, + I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the power + of the Romans. + +028:018 They, after they had sharply questioned me, were willing to set + me at liberty, because they found no offence in me for which I + deserve to die. + +028:019 But, at last, the opposition of the Jews compelled me to appeal + to Caesar; not however that I had any charge to bring + against my nation. + +028:020 For these reasons, then, I have invited you here, that I + might see you and speak to you; for it is for the sake of Him + who is the hope of Israel that this chain hangs upon me." + +028:021 "For our part," they replied, "we have not received any letters + from Judaea about you, nor have any of our countrymen come + here and reported or stated anything to your disadvantage. + +028:022 But we should be glad to hear from you what it is that + you believe; for as for this sect all we know is that it + is everywhere spoken against." + +028:023 So they arranged a day with him and came to him in considerable + numbers at the house of the friends who were entertaining him. + And then, with solemn earnestness, he explained to them + the subject of the Kingdom of God, endeavouring from morning + till evening to convince them about Jesus, both from the Law + of Moses and from the Prophets. + +028:024 Some were convinced; others refused to believe. + +028:025 Unable to agree among themselves, they at last left him, + but not before Paul had spoken a parting word to them, saying, + "Right well did the Holy Spirit say to your forefathers + through the Prophet Isaiah: + +028:026 "`Go to this people and tell them, you will hear and hear, + and by no means understand; and will look and look, + and by no means see. + +028:027 For this people's mind has grown callous, their hearing has + become dull, and their eyes they have closed; to prevent + their ever seeing with their eyes, or hearing with their ears, + or understanding with their minds, and turning back, + so that I might cure them.' + +028:028 "Be fully assured, therefore, that this salvation--God's salvation-- + has now been sent to the Gentiles, and that they, at any rate, + will give heed." + +028:029 [] + +028:030 After this Paul lived for fully two years in a hired house + of his own, receiving all who came to see him. + +028:031 He announced the coming of the Kingdom of God, and taught + concerning the Lord Jesus Christ without let or hindrance. + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Weymouth New Testament in Modern +Speech, Acts, by R. 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Their names were Peter + and John, James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew + and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, + and Judas the brother of James. +001:014 All of these with one mind continued earnest in prayer, + together with some women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, + and His brothers. +001:015 It was on one of these days that Peter stood up in the midst + of the brethren--the entire number of persons present being + about 120--and said, +001:016 "Brethren, it was necessary that the Scripture should be fulfilled-- + the prediction, I mean, which the Holy Spirit uttered by + the lips of David, about Judas, who acted as guide to those + who arrested Jesus. +001:017 For Judas was reckoned as one of our number, and a share + in this ministry was allotted to him." +001:018 (Now having bought a piece of ground with the money paid for his + wickedness he fell there with his face downwards, and, his body + bursting open, he became disembowelled. +001:019 This fact became widely known to the people of Jerusalem, + so that the place received the name, in their language, + of Achel-damach, which means `The Field of Blood.') +001:020 "For it is written in the Book of Psalms, "`Let his encampment + be desolate: let there be no one to dwell there'; and "`His + work let another take up.' +001:021 "It is necessary, therefore, that of the men who have been with us + all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us-- +001:022 beginning from His baptism by John down to the day on which He + was taken up again from us into Heaven--one should be appointed + to become a witness with us as to His resurrection." +001:023 So two names were proposed, Joseph called Bar-sabbas-- + and surnamed Justus--and Matthias. +001:024 And the brethren prayed, saying, "Thou, Lord, who knowest the hearts + of all, show clearly which of these two Thou hast chosen +001:025 to occupy the place in this ministry and Apostleship from + which Judas through transgression fell, in order to go + to his own place." +001:026 Then they drew lots between them. The lot fell on Matthias, + and a place among the eleven Apostles was voted to him. +002:001 At length, on the day of the Harvest Festival, they had all met + in one place; +002:002 when suddenly there came from the sky a sound as of a strong + rushing blast of wind. This filled the whole house where + they were sitting; +002:003 and they saw tongues of what looked like fire distributing + themselves over the assembly, and on the head of each person + a tongue alighted. +002:004 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak + in foreign languages according as the Spirit gave them + words to utter. +002:005 Now there were Jews residing in Jerusalem, devout men from every + part of the world. +002:006 So when this noise was heard, they came crowding together, + and were amazed because everyone heard his own language spoken. +002:007 They were beside themselves with wonder, and exclaimed, + "Are not all these speakers Galilaeans? +002:008 How then does each of us hear his own native language + spoken by them? +002:009 Some of us are Parthians, Medes, Elamites. Some are inhabitants + of Mesopotamia, of Judaea or Cappadocia, of Pontus or the + Asian Province, of Phrygia or Pamphylia, +002:010 of Egypt or of the parts of Africa towards Cyrene. + Others are visitors from Rome--being either Jews or converts + from heathenism--and others are Cretans or Arabians. +002:011 Yet we all alike hear these Galilaeans speaking in our own + language about the wonderful things which God has done." +002:012 They were all astounded and bewildered, and asked one another, + "What can this mean?" +002:013 But others, scornfully jeering, said, "They are brim-full + of sweet wine." +002:014 Peter however, together with the Eleven, stood up and addressed + them in a loud voice. "Men of Judaea, and all you inhabitants + of Jerusalem," he said, "be in no uncertainty about this + matter but pay attention to what I say. +002:015 For this is not intoxication, as you suppose, it being only + the third hour of the day. +002:016 But that which was predicted through the Prophet Joel has happened: +002:017 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, God says, + that I will pour out My Spirit upon all mankind; and your sons + and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall + see visions, and your old men shall have dreams; +002:018 and even upon My bondservants, both men and women, at that time, + I will pour out My Spirit, and they shall prophesy. +002:019 I will display marvels in the sky above, and signs on the earth below, + blood and fire, and pillars of smoke. +002:020 The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood, + to usher in the day of the Lord--that great and illustrious day; +002:021 and every one who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.' +002:022 "Listen, Israelites, to what I say. Jesus, the Nazarene, + a man accredited to you from God by miracles and marvels + and signs which God did among you through Him, as you + yourselves know, Him-- +002:023 delivered up through God's settled purpose and foreknowledge-- + you by the hands of Gentiles have nailed to a cross and have + put to death. +002:024 But God has raised Him to life, having terminated the throes + of death, for in fact it was not possible for Him to be held + fast by death. +002:025 For David says in reference to Him, "`I constantly fixed my + eyes upon the Lord, because He is at my right hand in order + that I may continue unshaken. +002:026 For this reason my heart is glad and my tongue exults. + My body also shall rest in hope. +002:027 For Thou wilt not leave me in the Unseen World forsaken, + nor give up Thy holy One to undergo decay. +002:028 Thou hast made known to me the ways of Life: Thou wilt fill + me with gladness in Thy presence.' +002:029 "As to the patriarch David, I need hardly remind you, brethren, + that he died and was buried, and that we still have his + tomb among us. +002:030 Being a Prophet, however, and knowing that God had solemnly + sworn to him to seat a descendant of his upon his throne, +002:031 with prophetic foresight he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, + to the effect that He was not left forsaken in the Unseen World, + nor did His body undergo decay. +002:032 This Jesus, God has raised to life--a fact to which all + of us testify. +002:033 "Being therefore lifted high by the mighty hand of God, He has + received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has + poured out this which you see and hear. +002:034 For David did not ascend into Heaven, but he says himself, + "`The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand +002:035 until I make thy foes a footstool under thy feet.' +002:036 "Therefore let the whole House of Israel know beyond + all doubt that God has made Him both LORD and CHRIST-- + this Jesus whom you crucified." +002:037 Stung to the heart by these words, they said to Peter and the rest + of the Apostles, "Brethren, what are we to do?" +002:038 "Repent," replied Peter, "and be baptized, every one of you, + in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission + of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. +002:039 For to you belongs the promise, and to your children, + and to all who are far off, whoever the Lord our God may call." +002:040 And with many more appeals he solemnly warned and entreated them, + saying, "Escape from this crooked generation." +002:041 Those, therefore, who joyfully welcomed his Message were baptized; + and on that one day about three thousand persons were + added to them; +002:042 and they were constant in listening to the teaching of the + Apostles and in their attendance at the Communion, that is, + the Breaking of the Bread, and at prayer. +002:043 Fear came upon every one, and many marvels and signs were done + by the Apostles. +002:044 And all the believers kept together, and had everything in common. +002:045 They sold their lands and other property, and distributed + the proceeds among all, according to every one's necessities. +002:046 And, day by day, attending constantly in the Temple with one accord, + and breaking bread in private houses, they took their meals + with great happiness and single-heartedness, +002:047 praising God and being regarded with favour by all the people. + Also, day by day, the Lord added to their number those whom + He was saving. +003:001 One day Peter and John were going up to the Temple for the hour + of prayer--the ninth hour--and, just then, +003:002 some men were carrying there one who had been lame from birth, + whom they were wont to place every day close to the Beautiful Gate + (as it was called) of the Temple, for him to beg from the people + as they went in. +003:003 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the Temple, he asked + them for alms. +003:004 Peter fixing his eyes on him, as John did also, said, "Look at us." +003:005 So he looked and waited, expecting to receive something from them. +003:006 "I have no silver or gold," Peter said, "but what I have, I give you. + In the name of Jesus Christ, the Nazarene--walk!" +003:007 Then taking his hand Peter lifted him up, and immediately + his feet and ankles were strengthened. +003:008 Leaping up, he stood upright and began to walk, and went into + the Temple with them, walking, leaping, and praising God. +003:009 All the people saw him walking and praising God; +003:010 and recognizing him as the man who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate + of the Temple asking for alms, they were filled with awe + and amazement at what had happened to him. +003:011 While he still clung to Peter and John, the people, awe-struck, ran up + crowding round them in what was known as Solomon's Portico. +003:012 Peter, seeing this, spoke to the people. "Israelites," he said, + "why do you wonder at this man? Or why gaze at us, as though + by any power or piety of our own we had enabled him to walk? +003:013 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our forefathers, + has conferred this honour on His Servant Jesus, whom you + delivered up and disowned in the presence of Pilate, + when he had decided to let Him go. +003:014 Yes, you disowned the holy and righteous One, and asked + as a favour the release of a murderer. +003:015 The Prince of Life you put to death; but God has raised Him + from the dead, and we are witnesses as to that. +003:016 It is His name--faith in that name being the condition-- + which has strengthened this man whom you behold and know; + and the faith which He has given has made this man sound + and strong again, as you can all see. +003:017 "And now, brethren, I know that it was in ignorance that you + did it, as was the case with your rulers also. +003:018 But in this way God has fulfilled the declarations He made + through all the Prophets, that His Christ would suffer. +003:019 Repent, therefore, and reform your lives, so that the record + of your sins may be cancelled, and that there may come seasons + of revival from the Lord, +003:020 and that He may send the Christ appointed beforehand + for you--even Jesus. +003:021 Heaven must receive Him until those times of which God has spoken + from the earliest ages through the lips of His holy Prophets-- + the times of the reconstitution of all things. +003:022 Moses declared, "`The Lord your God will raise up a Prophet + for you from among your brethren as He has raised me. + In all that He says to you, you must listen to Him. +003:023 And every one, without exception, who refuses to listen to that + Prophet shall be utterly destroyed from among the People.' +003:024 Yes, and all the Prophets, from Samuel onwards--all who have spoken-- + have also announced the coming of this present time. +003:025 "You are the heirs of the Prophets, and of the Covenant which God + made with your forefathers when He said to Abraham, `And through + your posterity all the families of the world shall be blessed.' +003:026 It is to you first that God, after raising His Servant from + the grave, has sent Him to bless you, by causing every one + of you to turn from your wickedness." +004:001 While they were saying this to the people, the Priests, + the Commander of the Temple Guard, and the Sadducees + came upon them, +004:002 highly incensed at their teaching the people and proclaiming + in the case of Jesus the Resurrection from among the dead. +004:003 They arrested the two Apostles and lodged them in custody till + the next day; for it was already evening. +004:004 But many of those who had listened to their preaching believed; + and the number of the adult men had now grown to be about 5,000. +004:005 The next day a meeting was held in Jerusalem of their + Rulers, Elders, and Scribes, +004:006 with Annas the High Priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and the + other members of the high-priestly family. +004:007 So they made the Apostles stand in the centre, and demanded + of them, "By what power or in what name have you done this?" +004:008 Then Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, and he replied, + "Rulers and Elders of the people, +004:009 if we to-day are under examination concerning the benefit + conferred on a man helplessly lame, as to how this man + has been cured; +004:010 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, + that through the name of Jesus the Anointed, the Nazarene, + whom *you* crucified, but whom *God* has raised from among + the dead--through that name this man stands here before you + in perfect health. +004:011 This Jesus is the Stone treated with contempt by you the builders, + but it has been made the Cornerstone. +004:012 And in no other is the great salvation to be found; for, in fact, + there is no second name under Heaven that has been given + among men through which we are to be saved." +004:013 As they looked on Peter and John so fearlessly outspoken-- + and also discovered that they were illiterate persons, + untrained in the schools--they were surprised; and now they + recognized them as having been with Jesus. +004:014 And seeing the man standing with them--the man who had been cured-- + they had no reply to make. +004:015 So they ordered them to withdraw from the Sanhedrin while they + conferred among themselves. +004:016 "What are we to do with these men?" they asked one another; + for the fact that a remarkable miracle has been performed + by them is well known to every one in Jerusalem, and we + cannot deny it. +004:017 But to prevent the matter spreading any further among the people, + let us stop them by threats from speaking in the future + in this name to any one whatever." +004:018 So they recalled the Apostles, and ordered them altogether + to give up speaking or teaching in the name of Jesus. +004:019 But Peter and John replied, "Judge whether it is right in God's + sight to listen to you instead of listening to God. +004:020 As for us, what we have seen and heard we cannot + help speaking about." +004:021 The Court added further threats and then let them go, + being quite unable to find any way of punishing them on account + of the people, because all gave God the glory for the thing + that had happened. +004:022 For the man was over forty years of age on whom this miracle + of restoration to health had been performed. +004:023 After their release the two Apostles went to their friends, + and told them all that the High Priests and Elders had said. +004:024 And they, upon hearing the story, all lifted up their voices + to God and said, "O Sovereign Lord, it is Thou who didst make + Heaven and earth and sea, and all that is in them, +004:025 and didst say through the Holy Spirit by the lips of our forefather + David Thy servant, "`Why have the nations stamped and raged, + and the peoples formed futile plans? +004:026 The kings of the earth came near, and the rulers assembled + together against the Lord and against His Anointed.'" +004:027 "They did indeed assemble in this city in hostility to Thy holy + Servant Jesus whom Thou hadst anointed--Herod and Pontius Pilate + with the Gentiles and also the tribes of Israel-- +004:028 to do all that Thy power and Thy will had predetermined + should be done. +004:029 And now, Lord, listen to their threats, and enable Thy servants + to proclaim Thy Message with fearless courage, +004:030 whilst Thou stretchest out Thine arm to cure men, and to give + signs and marvels through the name of Thy holy Servant Jesus." +004:031 When they had prayed, the place in which they were assembled shook, + and they were, one and all, filled with the Holy Spirit, + and proceeded to tell God's Message with boldness. +004:032 Among all those who had embraced the faith there was but one heart + and soul, so that none of them claimed any of his possessions + as his own, but everything they had was common property; +004:033 while the Apostles with great force of conviction delivered + their testimony as to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; + and great grace was upon them all. +004:034 And, in fact, there was not a needy man among them, + for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, + and brought the money which they realised, +004:035 and gave it to the Apostles, and distribution was made to every + one according to his wants. +004:036 In this way Joseph, whom the Apostles gave the name of Bar-nabas-- + signifying `Son of Encouragement'--a Levite, a native of Cyprus, +004:037 sold a farm which he had, and brought the money and gave it + to the Apostles. +005:001 There was a man of the name of Ananias who, with his wife Sapphira, + sold some property but, +005:002 with her full knowledge and consent, dishonestly kept back + part of the price which he received for it, though he brought + the rest and gave it to the Apostles. +005:003 "Ananias," said Peter, "why has Satan taken possession of your heart, + that you should try to deceive the Holy Spirit and dishonestly + keep back part of the price paid you for this land? +005:004 While it remained unsold, was not the land your own? + And when sold, was it not at your own disposal? + How is it that you have cherished this design in your heart? + It is not to men you have told this lie, but to God." +005:005 Upon hearing these words Ananias fell down dead, and all who + heard the words were awe-struck. +005:006 The younger men, however, rose, and wrapping the body up, + carried it out and buried it. +005:007 About three hours had passed, when his wife came in, + knowing nothing of what had happened. +005:008 Peter at once questioned her. "Tell me," he said, + "whether you sold the land for so much." "Yes," she replied, + "for so much." +005:009 "How was it," replied Peter, "that you two agreed to try + an experiment upon the Spirit of the Lord? The men who have + buried your husband are already at the door, and they will + carry you out." +005:010 Instantly she fell down dead at his feet, and the young men came + in and found her dead. So they carried her out and buried + her by her husband's side. +005:011 This incident struck terror into the whole Church, and into + the hearts of all who heard of it. +005:012 Many signs and marvels continued to be done among the people + by the Apostles; and by common consent they all met + in Solomon's Portico. +005:013 But none of the others dared to attach themselves to them. + Yet the people held them in high honour-- +005:014 and more and more believers in the Lord joined them, + including great numbers both of men and women-- +005:015 so that they would even bring out their sick friends into + the streets and lay them on light couches or mats, in order + that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall + on one or other of them. +005:016 The inhabitants, too, of the towns in the neighbourhood + of Jerusalem came in crowds, bringing sick persons and some + who were harassed by foul spirits, and they were cured, + one and all. +005:017 This roused the High Priest. He and all his party--the sect + of the Sadducees--were filled with angry jealousy +005:018 and laid hands upon the Apostles, and put them into the public jail. +005:019 But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the prison + doors and brought them out, and said, +005:020 "Go and stand in the Temple, and go on proclaiming to the people + all this Message of Life." +005:021 Having received that command they went into the Temple, + just before daybreak, and began to teach: So when the High Priest + and his party came, and had called together the Sanhedrin + as well as all the Elders of the descendants of Israel, + they sent to the jail to fetch the Apostles. +005:022 But the officers went and could not find them in the prison. + So they came back and brought word, +005:023 saying, "The jail we found quite safely locked, and the warders + were on guard at the doors, but upon going in we found + no one there." +005:024 When the Commander of the Temple Guards and the High Priests heard + this statement, they were utterly at a loss with regard to it, + wondering what would happen next. +005:025 And some one came and brought them word, saying, "The men you + put in prison are actually in the Temple, standing there, + teaching the people." +005:026 Upon this the Commander went with the officers, and brought + the Apostles; but without using violence; for they were afraid + of being stoned by the people. +005:027 So they brought them and made them stand in front of the Sanhedrin. + And then the High Priest questioned them. +005:028 "We strictly forbad you to teach in that name--did we not?" he said. + "And see, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, + and are trying to make us responsible for that man's death!" +005:029 Peter and the other Apostles replied, "We must obey God + rather than man. +005:030 The God of our forefathers has raised Jesus to life, whom you + crucified and put to death. +005:031 God has exalted Him to His right hand as Chief Leader and as Saviour, + to give Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. +005:032 And we--and the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him-- + are witnesses as to these things." +005:033 Infuriated at getting this answer, they were disposed to + kill the Apostles. +005:034 But a Pharisee of the name of Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, + held in honour by all the people, rose from his seat and requested + that they should be sent outside the court for a few minutes. +005:035 "Israelites," he said, "be careful what you are about to do + in dealing with these men. +005:036 Years ago Theudas appeared, professing to be a person of importance, + and a body of men, some four hundred in number, joined him. + He was killed, and all his followers were dispersed and annihilated. +005:037 After him, at the time of the Census, came Judas, the Galilaean, + and was the leader in a revolt. He too perished, and all + his followers were scattered. +005:038 And now I tell you to hold aloof from these men and leave + them alone--for if this scheme or work is of human origin, + it will come to nothing. +005:039 But if it is really from God, you will be powerless to put + them down--lest perhaps you find yourselves to be actually + fighting against God." +005:040 His advice carried conviction. So they called the Apostles in, and-- + after flogging them--ordered them not to speak in the name + of Jesus, and then let them go. +005:041 They, therefore, left the Sanhedrin and went their way, + rejoicing that they had been deemed worthy to suffer disgrace + on behalf of the NAME. +005:042 But they did not desist from teaching every day, + in the Temple or in private houses, and telling the Good News + about Jesus, the Christ. +006:001 About this time, as the number of disciples was increasing, + complaints were made by the Greek-speaking Jews against + the Hebrews because their widows were habitually overlooked + in the daily ministration. +006:002 So the Twelve called together the general body of the disciples + and said, "It does not seem fitting that we Apostles should + neglect the delivery of God's Message and minister at tables. +006:003 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven + men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, + and we will appoint them to undertake this duty. +006:004 But, as for us, we will devote ourselves to prayer and to + the delivery of the Message." +006:005 The suggestion met with general approval, and they + selected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the + Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, + and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch. +006:006 These men they brought to the Apostles, and, after prayer, + they laid their hands upon them. +006:007 Meanwhile God's Message continued to spread, and the number + of the disciples in Jerusalem very greatly increased, + and very many priests obeyed the faith. +006:008 And Stephen, full of grace and power, performed great marvels + and signs among the people. +006:009 But some members of the so-called `Synagogue of the Freed-men,' + together with some Cyrenaeans, Alexandrians, Cilicians and men + from Roman Asia, were roused to encounter Stephen in debate. +006:010 They were quite unable, however, to resist the wisdom and + the Spirit with which he spoke. +006:011 Then they privately put forward men who declared, "We have heard + him speak blasphemous things against Moses and against God." +006:012 In this way they excited the people, the Elders, and the Scribes. + At length they came upon him, seized him with violence, + and took him before the Sanhedrin. +006:013 Here they brought forward false witnesses who declared, + "This fellow is incessantly speaking against the Holy Place + and the Law. +006:014 For we have heard him say that Jesus, the Nazarene, will pull + this place down to the ground and will change the customs + which Moses handed down to us." +006:015 At once the eyes of all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin + were fastened on him, and they saw his face looking just + like the face of an angel. +007:001 Then the High Priest asked him, "Are these statements true?" +007:002 The reply of Stephen was, "Sirs--brethren and fathers--listen to me. + God Most Glorious appeared to our forefather Abraham when + he was living in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran, +007:003 and said to him, "`Leave your country and your relatives, + and go into whatever land I point out to you.' +007:004 "Thereupon he left Chaldaea and settled in Haran till after + the death of his father, when God caused him to remove into + this country where you now live. +007:005 But he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not a single square + yard of ground. And yet He promised to bestow the land + as a permanent possession on him and his posterity after him-- + and promised this at a time when Abraham was childless. +007:006 And God declared that Abraham's posterity should for four + hundred years make their home in a country not their own, + and be reduced to slavery and be oppressed. +007:007 "`And the nation, whichever it is, that enslaves them, + I will judge,' said God; `and afterwards they shall come out, + and they shall worship Me in this place.' +007:008 "Then He gave him the Covenant of circumcision, and under this + Covenant he became the father of Isaac--whom he circumcised + on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, + and Jacob became the father of the twelve Patriarchs. +007:009 "The Patriarchs were jealous of Joseph and sold him into slavery + in Egypt. But God was with him +007:010 and delivered him from all his afflictions, and gave him favour + and wisdom when he stood before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, + who appointed him governor over Egypt and all the royal household. +007:011 But there came a famine throughout the whole of Egypt and Canaan-- + and great distress--so that our forefathers could find no food. +007:012 When, however, Jacob heard that there was wheat to be had, + he sent our forefathers into Egypt; that was the first time. +007:013 On their second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, + and Pharaoh was informed of Joseph's parentage. +007:014 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all his family, + numbering seventy-five persons, to come to him, +007:015 and Jacob went down into Egypt. There he died, and so + did our forefathers, +007:016 and they were taken to Shechem and were laid in the tomb + which Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem + for a sum of money paid in silver. +007:017 "But as the time drew near for the fulfilment of the promise + which God had made to Abraham, the people became many times + more numerous in Egypt, +007:018 until there arose a foreign king over Egypt who knew + nothing of Joseph. +007:019 He adopted a crafty policy towards our race, and oppressed + our forefathers, making them cast out their infants so that they + might not be permitted to live. +007:020 At this time Moses was born--a wonderfully beautiful child; + and for three months he was cared for in his father's house. +007:021 At length he was cast out, but Pharaoh's daughter adopted him, + and brought him up as her own son. +007:022 So Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, + and possessed great influence through his eloquence + and his achievements. +007:023 "And when he was just forty years old, it occurred to him + to visit his brethren the descendants of Israel. +007:024 Seeing one of them wrongfully treated he took his part, + and secured justice for the ill-treated man by striking + down the Egyptian. +007:025 He supposed his brethren to be aware that by him God was sending + them deliverance; this, however, they did not understand. +007:026 The next day, also, he came and found two of them fighting, + and he endeavoured to make peace between them. "`Sirs,' he said, + `you are brothers. Why are you wronging one another?' +007:027 "But the man who was doing the wrong resented his interference, + and asked, "`Who appointed you magistrate and judge over us? +007:028 Do you mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' +007:029 "Alarmed at this question, Moses fled from the country and went + to live in the land of Midian. There he became the father + of two sons. +007:030 "But at the end of forty years there appeared to him in the Desert + of Mount Sinai an angel in the middle of a flame of fire + in a bush. +007:031 When Moses saw this he wondered at the sight; but on his going + up to look further, the voice of the Lord was heard, saying, +007:032 "`I am the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, + and of Jacob.' "Quaking with fear Moses did not dare gaze. +007:033 "`Take off your shoes,' said the Lord, `for the spot on which you + are standing is holy ground. +007:034 I have seen, yes, I have seen the oppression of My people + who are in Egypt and have heard their groans, and I have come + down to deliver them. And now I will send you to Egypt.' +007:035 "The Moses whom they rejected, asking him, `Who appointed you + magistrate and judge?'--that same Moses we find God sending + as a magistrate and a deliverer by the help of the angel + who appeared to him in the bush. +007:036 This was he who brought them out, after performing marvels + and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea, and in the Desert + for forty years. +007:037 This is the Moses who said to the descendants of Israel, "`God + will raise up a Prophet for you, from among your brethren, + just as He raised me up.' +007:038 `This is he who was among the Congregation in the Desert, + together with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai + and with our forefathers, who received ever-living utterances + to hand on to us. +007:039 "Our forefathers, however, would not submit to him, but spurned + his authority and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. +007:040 They said to Aaron, "`Make gods for us, to march in front of us; + for as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, + we do not know what has become of him.' +007:041 "Moreover they made a calf at that time, and offered a sacrifice + to the idol and kept rejoicing in the gods which their own + hands had made. +007:042 So God turned from them and gave them up to the worship + of the Host of Heaven, as it is written in the Book of + the Prophets, "'Were they victims and sacrifices which you + offered Me, forty years in the Desert, O House of Israel? +007:043 Yes, you lifted up Moloch's tent and the Star of the God Rephan-- + the images which you made in order to worship them; + and I will remove you beyond Babylon.' +007:044 "Our forefathers had the Tent of the Testimony in the Desert, + built as He who spoke to Moses had instructed him to make it + in imitation of the model which he had seen. +007:045 That Tent was bequeathed to the next generation of our forefathers. + Under Joshua they brought it with them when they were taking + possession of the land of the Gentile nations, whom God drove + out before them. So it continued till David's time. +007:046 David obtained favour with God, and asked leave to provide + a dwelling-place for the God of Jacob. +007:047 But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. +007:048 Yet the Most High does not dwell in buildings erected by men's hands. + But, as the Prophet declares, +007:049 "`The sky is My throne, and earth is the footstool for My feet. + What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, + or what resting place shall I have? +007:050 Did not My hand form this universe.' +007:051 "O stiff-necked men, uncircumcised in heart and ears, + you also are continually at strife with the Holy Spirit-- + just as your forefathers were. +007:052 Which of the Prophets did not your forefathers persecute? + Yes, they killed those who announced beforehand the advent + of the righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you + have now become-- +007:053 you who received the Law given through angels, and yet have + not obeyed it." +007:054 As they listened to these words, they became infuriated + and gnashed their teeth at him. +007:055 But, full of the Holy Spirit and looking up to Heaven, Stephen saw + the glory of God, and Jesus standing at God's right hand. +007:056 "I can see Heaven wide open," he said, "and the Son of Man + standing at God's right hand." +007:057 Upon this, with a loud outcry they stopped their ears, + rushed upon Stephen in a body, +007:058 dragged him out of the city, and stoned him, the witnesses + throwing off their outer garments and giving them into the care + of a young man called Saul. +007:059 So they stoned Stephen, while he prayed, "Lord Jesus, + receive my spirit." +007:060 Then, rising on his knees, he cried aloud, "Lord, do not reckon + this sin against them." And with these words he fell asleep. +008:001 And Saul fully approved of his murder. At this time a great + persecution broke out against the Church in Jerusalem, + and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout + Judaea and Samaria. +008:002 A party of devout men, however, buried Stephen, and made loud + lamentation over him. +008:003 But Saul cruelly harassed the Church. He went into house + after house, and, dragging off both men and women, + threw them into prison. +008:004 Those, however, who were scattered abroad went from place + to place spreading the Good News of God's Message; +008:005 while Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed + Christ there. +008:006 Crowds of people, with one accord, gave attention to what + they heard from him, listening, and witnessing the signs + which he did. +008:007 For, with a loud cry, foul spirits came out of many possessed by them, + and many paralytics and lame persons were restored to health. +008:008 And there was great joy in that city. +008:009 Now for some time past there had been a man named Simon living there, + who had been practising magic and astonishing the Samaritans, + pretending that he was more than human. +008:010 To him people of all classes paid attention, declaring, "This man + is the Power of God, known as the great Power." +008:011 His influence over them arose from their having been, + for a long time, bewildered by his sorceries. +008:012 But when Philip began to tell the Good News about the Kingdom + of God and about the Name of Jesus Christ, and they embraced + the faith, they were baptized, men and women alike. +008:013 Simon himself also believed, and after being baptized remained + in close attendance on Philip, and was full of amazement + at seeing such signs and such great miracles performed. +008:014 When the Apostles in Jerusalem heard that the Samaritans had + accepted God's Message, they sent Peter and John to visit them. +008:015 They, when they came down, prayed for them that they might + receive the Holy Spirit: +008:016 for He had not as yet fallen upon any of them. They had only + been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. +008:017 Then the Apostles placed their hands upon them, and they + received the Holy Spirit. +008:018 When, however, Simon saw that it was through the laying + on of the Apostles' hands that the Spirit was bestowed, + he offered them money. +008:019 "Give me too," he said, "that power, so that every one on whom + I place my hands will receive the Holy Spirit." +008:020 "Perish your money and yourself," replied Peter, "because you + have imagined that you can obtain God's free gift with money! +008:021 No part or lot have you in this matter, for your heart is not + right in God's sight. +008:022 Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray + to the Lord, in the hope that the purpose which is in your + heart may perhaps be forgiven you. +008:023 For I perceive that you have fallen into the bitterest + bondage of unrighteousness." +008:024 "Pray, both of you, to the Lord for me," answered Simon, + "that nothing of what you have said may come upon me." +008:025 So the Apostles, after giving a solemn charge and delivering + the Lord's Message, travelled back to Jerusalem, making known + the Good News also in many of the Samaritan villages. +008:026 And an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Rise and proceed + south to the road that runs down from Jerusalem to Gaza, + crossing the Desert." +008:027 Upon this he rose and went. Now, as it happened, an Ethiopian + eunuch who was in a position of high authority with Candace, + queen of the Ethiopians, as her treasurer, had visited + Jerusalem to worship there, +008:028 and was now on his way home; and as he sat in his chariot + he was reading the Prophet Isaiah. +008:029 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go and enter that chariot." +008:030 So Philip ran up and heard the eunuch reading the Prophet Isaiah. + "Do you understand what you are reading?" he asked. +008:031 "Why, how can I," replied the eunuch, "unless some one explains + it to me?" And he earnestly invited Philip to come up + and sit with him. +008:032 The passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: + "Like a sheep He was led to slaughter, and just as a lamb + before its shearer is dumb so He opened not His mouth. +008:033 In His humiliation justice was denied Him. Who will make + known His posterity? For He is destroyed from among men." +008:034 "Pray, of whom is the Prophet speaking?" inquired the eunuch; + "of himself or of some one else?" +008:035 Then Philip began to speak, and, commencing with that same + portion of Scripture, told him the Good News about Jesus. +008:036 So they proceeded on their way till they came to some water; + and the eunuch exclaimed, "See, here is water; what is there + to prevent my being baptized?" +008:037 [] +008:038 So he stopped the chariot; and both of them--Philip and the eunuch-- + went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. +008:039 But no sooner had they come up out of the water than the Spirit of + the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again. + With a glad heart he resumed his journey; +008:040 but Philip found himself at Ashdod. Then visiting town + after town he everywhere made known the Good News until + he reached Caesarea. +009:001 Now Saul, whose every breath was a threat of destruction + for the disciples of the Lord, +009:002 went to the High Priest and begged from him letters addressed + to the synagogues in Damascus, in order that if he found + any believers there, either men or women, he might bring them + in chains to Jerusalem. +009:003 But on the journey, as he was getting near Damascus, + suddenly there flashed round him a light from Heaven; +009:004 and falling to the ground he heard a voice which said to him, + "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" +009:005 "Who art thou, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you + are persecuting," was the reply. +009:006 "But rise and go to the city, and you will be told what you + are to do. +009:007 Meanwhile the men who travelled with Saul were standing dumb + with amazement, hearing a sound, but seeing no one. +009:008 Then he rose from the ground, but when he had opened his eyes, + he could not see, and they led him by the arm and brought + him to Damascus. +009:009 And for two days he remained without sight, and did not eat + or drink anything. +009:010 Now in Damascus there was a disciple of the name of Ananias. + The Lord spoke to him in a vision, saying, "Ananias!" "I am + here, Lord," he answered. +009:011 "Rise," said the Lord, "and go to Straight Street, and inquire + at the house of Judas for a man called Saul, from Tarsus, + for he is actually praying. +009:012 He has seen a man called Ananias come and lay his hands upon + him so that he may recover his sight." +009:013 "Lord," answered Ananias, "I have heard about that man from many, + and I have heard of the great mischief he has done to Thy + people in Jerusalem; +009:014 and here he is authorized by the High Priests to arrest all + who call upon Thy name." +009:015 "Go," replied the Lord; "he is a chosen instrument of Mine + to carry My name to the Gentiles and to kings and to the + descendants of Israel. +009:016 For I will let him know the great sufferings which he must + pass through for My sake." +009:017 So Ananias went and entered the house; and, laying his two + hands upon Saul, said, "Saul, brother, the Lord--even Jesus + who appeared to you on your journey--has sent me, that you + may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit." +009:018 Instantly there dropped from his eyes what seemed to be scales, + and he could see once more. Upon this he rose and received baptism; +009:019 after which he took food and regained his strength. + Then he remained some little time with the disciples in Damascus. +009:020 And in the synagogues he began at once to proclaim Jesus + as the Son of God; +009:021 and his hearers were all amazed, and began to ask one another, + "Is not this the man who in Jerusalem tried to exterminate + those who called upon that Name, and came here on purpose + to carry them off in chains to the High Priests?" +009:022 Saul, however, gained more and more influence, and as for + the Jews living in Damascus, he bewildered them with his proofs + that Jesus is the Christ. +009:023 At length the Jews plotted to kill Saul; +009:024 but information of their intention was given to him. + They even watched the gates, day and night, in order + to murder him; +009:025 but his disciples took him by night and let him down through + the wall, lowering him in a hamper. +009:026 So he came to Jerusalem and made several attempts to associate + with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, + being in doubt as to whether he himself was a disciple. +009:027 Barnabas, however, came to his assistance. He brought Saul + to the Apostles, and related to them how, on his journey, + he had seen the Lord, and that the Lord had spoken to him, + and how in Damascus he had fearlessly taught in the name of Jesus. +009:028 Henceforth Saul was one of them, going in and out of the city, +009:029 and speaking fearlessly in the name of the Lord. And he often + talked with the Hellenists and had discussions with them. +009:030 But they kept trying to take his life. On learning this, + the brethren brought him down to Caesarea, and then sent him + by sea to Tarsus. +009:031 The Church, however, throughout the whole of Judaea, Galilee + and Samaria, had peace and was spiritually built up; + and grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and receiving + encouragement from the Holy Spirit. +009:032 Now Peter, as he went to town after town, came down also to God's + people at Lud. +009:033 There he found a man of the name of Aeneas, who for eight + years had kept his bed, through being paralysed. +009:034 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ cures you. + Rise and make your own bed." He at once rose to his feet. +009:035 And all the people of Lud and Sharon saw him; and they turned + to the Lord. +009:036 Among the disciples at Jaffa was a woman called Tabitha, + or, as the name may be translated, `Dorcas.' Her life was + wholly devoted to the good and charitable actions which she + was constantly doing. +009:037 But, as it happened, just at that time she was taken ill and died. + After washing her body they laid it out in a room upstairs. +009:038 Lud, however, being near Jaffa, the disciples, who had heard + that Peter was at Lud, sent two men to him with an urgent + request that he would come across to them without delay. +009:039 So Peter rose and went with them. On his arrival they took + him upstairs, and the widow women all came and stood by his side, + weeping and showing him the underclothing and cloaks and + garments of all kinds which Dorcas used to make while she + was still with them. +009:040 Peter, however, putting every one out of the room, + knelt down and prayed, and then turning to the body, + he said, "Tabitha, rise." Dorcas at once opened her eyes, + and seeing Peter, sat up. +009:041 Then, giving her his hand, he raised her to her feet and, + calling to him God's people and the widows, he / 7 gave her + back to them alive. +009:042 This incident became known throughout Jaffa, and many believed + in the Lord; +009:043 and Peter remained for a considerable time at Jaffa, + staying at the house of a man called Simon, a tanner. +010:001 Now a Captain of the Italian Regiment, named Cornelius, + was quartered at Caesarea. +010:002 He was religious and God-fearing--and so was every member + of his household. He was also liberal in his charities + to the people, and continually offered prayer to God. +010:003 About three o'clock one afternoon he had a vision, + and distinctly saw an angel of God enter his house, who called + him by name, saying, "Cornelius!" +010:004 Looking steadily at him, and being much alarmed, he said, + "What do you want, Sir?" "Your prayers and charities," + he replied, "have gone up and have been recorded before God. +010:005 And now send to Jaffa and fetch Simon, surnamed Peter. +010:006 He is staying as a guest with Simon, a tanner, who has a house + close to the sea." +010:007 So when the angel who had been speaking to him was gone, + Cornelius called two of his servants and a God-fearing soldier + who was in constant attendance on him, +010:008 and, after telling them everything, he sent them to Jaffa. +010:009 The next day, while they were still on their journey + and were getting near the town, about noon Peter went up + on the house-top to pray. +010:010 He had become unusually hungry and wished for food; but, while they + were preparing it, he fell into a trance. +010:011 The sky had opened to his view, and what seemed to be an enormous + sail was descending, being let down to the earth by ropes + at the four corners. +010:012 In it were all kinds of quadrupeds, reptiles and birds, +010:013 and a voice came to him which said, "Rise, Peter, kill and eat." +010:014 "On no account, Lord," he replied; "for I have never yet eaten + anything unholy and impure." +010:015 Again a second time a voice was heard which said, "What God + has purified, you must not regard as unholy." +010:016 This was said three times, and immediately the sail was drawn + up out of sight. +010:017 While Peter was greatly perplexed as to the meaning of the vision + which he had seen, just then the men sent by Cornelius, + having by inquiry found out Simon's house, +010:018 had come to the door and had called the servant, and were asking, + "Is Simon, surnamed Peter, staying here?" +010:019 And Peter was still earnestly thinking over the vision, + when the Spirit said to him, "Three men are now inquiring for you. +010:020 Rise, go down, and go with them without any misgivings; + for it is I who have sent them to you." +010:021 So Peter went down and said to the men, "I am the Simon you + are inquiring for. What is the reason of your coming?" +010:022 Their reply was, "Cornelius, a Captain, an upright and + God-fearing man, of whom the whole Jewish nation speaks well, + has been divinely instructed by a holy angel to send for you + to come to his house and listen to what you have to say." +010:023 Upon hearing this, Peter invited them in, and gave them a lodging. + The next day he set out with them, some of the brethren + from Jaffa going with him, +010:024 and the day after that they reached Caesarea. There Cornelius + was awaiting their arrival, and had invited all his relatives + and intimate friends to be present. +010:025 When Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him, and threw + himself at his feet to do him homage. +010:026 But Peter lifted him up. "Stand up," he said; "I myself + also am but a man." +010:027 So Peter went in and conversed with him, and found a + large company assembled. +010:028 He said to them, "You know better than most that a Jew is + strictly forbidden to associate with a Gentile or visit him; + but God has taught me to call no one unholy or unclean. +010:029 So for this reason, when sent for, I came without raising + any objection. I therefore ask why you sent for me." +010:030 "Just at this hour, three days ago," replied Cornelius, "I was + offering afternoon prayer in my house, when suddenly a man + in shining raiment stood in front of me, +010:031 who said, "`Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your + charities have been put on record before God. +010:032 Send therefore to Jaffa, and invite Simon, surnamed Peter, + to come here. He is staying as a guest in the house of Simon, + a tanner, close to the sea.' +010:033 "Immediately, therefore, I sent to you, and I thank you heartily + for having come. That is why all of us are now assembled here + in God's presence, to listen to what the Lord has commanded + you to say." +010:034 Then Peter began to speak. "I clearly see," he said, + "that God makes no distinctions between one man and another; +010:035 but that in every nation those who fear Him and live good lives + are acceptable to Him. +010:036 The Message which He sent to the descendants of Israel, when He + announced the Good News of peace through Jesus Christ--He is + Lord of all--that Message you cannot but know; +010:037 the story, I mean, which has spread through the length and + breadth of Judaea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism + which John proclaimed. +010:038 It tells how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit + and with power, so that He went about everywhere doing acts + of kindness, and curing all who were being continually + oppressed by the Devil--for God was with Jesus. +010:039 "And we are witnesses as to all that He did both in the country + of the Jews and in Jerusalem. But they even put Him + to death, by crucifixion. +010:040 That same Jesus God raised to life on the third day, + and permitted Him to appear unmistakably, +010:041 not to all the people, but to witnesses--men previously chosen + by God--namely, to us, who ate and drank with Him after He + rose from the dead. +010:042 And He has commanded us to preach to the people and solemnly + declare that this is He who has been appointed by God to be + the Judge of the living and the dead. +010:043 To Him all the Prophets bear witness, and testify that through + His name all who believe in Him receive the forgiveness + of their sins." +010:044 While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell + on all who were listening to the Message. +010:045 And all the Jewish believers who had come with Peter were + astonished that on the Gentiles also the gift of the Holy Spirit + was poured out. +010:046 For they heard them speaking in tongues and extolling the majesty + of God. Then Peter said, +010:047 "Can any one forbid the use of water, and object to these persons + being baptized--men who have received the Holy Spirit just + as we did?" +010:048 And he directed that they should be baptized in the name + of Jesus Christ. Then they begged him to remain with them + for a time. +011:001 Now the Apostles, and the brethren in various parts of Judaea, + heard that the Gentiles also had received God's Message; +011:002 and, when Peter returned to Jerusalem, the champions of + circumcision found fault with him. +011:003 "You went into the houses of men who are not Jews," they said, + "and you ate with them." +011:004 Peter, however, explained the whole matter to them + from the beginning. +011:005 "While I was in the town of Jaffa, offering prayer," he said, + "in a trance I saw a vision. There descended what seemed + to be an enormous sail, being let down from the sky by ropes + at the four corners, and it came close to me. +011:006 Fixing my eyes on it, I examined it closely, and saw various + kinds of quadrupeds, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. +011:007 I also heard a voice saying to me, "`Rise, Peter, kill and eat.' +011:008 "`On no account, Lord,' I replied, `for nothing unholy or impure + has ever gone into my mouth.' +011:009 "But a voice answered, speaking a second time from the sky, + "`What God has purified, you must not regard as unholy.' +011:010 "This was said three times, and then everything was drawn up + again out of sight. +011:011 "Now at that very moment three men came to the house where we were, + having been sent from Caesarea to find me. +011:012 And the Spirit told me to accompany them without any misgivings. + There also went with me these six brethren who are now present, + and we reached the Centurion's house. +011:013 Then he described to us how he had seen the angel come and enter + his house and say, "`Send to Jaffa and fetch Simon, surnamed Peter. +011:014 He will teach you truths by which you and all your family + will be saved.'" +011:015 "And," said Peter, "no sooner had I begun to speak than + the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as He fell upon us + at the first. +011:016 Then I remembered the Lord's words, how He used to say, + "`John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized + in the Holy Spirit.' +011:017 "If therefore God gave them the same gift as He gave us when we + first believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, why, who was I + to be able to thwart God?" +011:018 This statement of Peter's silenced his opponents. They extolled + the goodness of God, and said, "So, then, to the Gentiles + also God has given the repentance which leads to Life." +011:019 Those, however, who had been driven in various directions + by the persecution which broke out on account of Stephen made + their way to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, delivering the Message + to none but Jews. +011:020 But some of them were Cyprians and Cyrenaeans, who, on coming + to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks also and told them the Good News + concerning the Lord Jesus. +011:021 The power of the Lord was with them, and there were a vast + number who believed and turned to the Lord. +011:022 When tidings of this reached the ears of the Church in Jerusalem, + they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch. +011:023 On getting there he was delighted to see the grace which + God had bestowed; and he encouraged them all to remain, + with fixed resolve, faithful to the Lord. +011:024 For he was a good man, and was full of the Holy Spirit and of faith; + and the number of believers in the Lord greatly increased. +011:025 Then Barnabas paid a visit to Tarsus to try to find Saul. +011:026 He succeeded, and brought him to Antioch; and for a whole year + they attended the meetings of the Church, and taught a large + number of people. And it was in Antioch that the disciples + first received the name of `Christians.' +011:027 At that time certain Prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch, +011:028 one of whom, named Agabus, being instructed by the Spirit, + publicly predicted the speedy coming of a great famine + throughout the world. (It came in the reign of Claudius.) +011:029 So the disciples decided to send relief, every one in proportion + to his means, to the brethren living in Judaea. +011:030 This they did, forwarding their contributions to the Elders + by Barnabas and Saul. +012:001 Now, about that time, King Herod arrested certain members + of the Church, in order to ill-treat them; +012:002 and James, John's brother, he beheaded. +012:003 Finding that this gratified the Jews, he proceeded to seize + Peter also; these being the days of Unleavened Bread. +012:004 He had him arrested and lodged in jail, handing him over to + the care of sixteen soldiers; and intended after the Passover + to bring him out again to the people. +012:005 So Peter was kept in prison; but long and fervent prayer was + offered to God by the Church on his behalf. +012:006 Now when Herod was on the point of taking him out of prison, + that very night Peter was asleep between two soldiers, + bound with two chains, and guards were on duty outside the door. +012:007 Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone + in the cell; and, striking Peter on the side, he woke him + and said, "Rise quickly." Instantly the chains dropped + off his wrists. +012:008 "Fasten your girdle," said the angel, "and tie on your sandals." + He did so. Then the angel said, "Throw your cloak round you, + and follow me." +012:009 So Peter went out, following him, yet could not believe + that what the angel was doing was real, but supposed that + he saw a vision. +012:010 And passing through the first ward and the second, they came + to the iron gate leading into the city. This opened to them + of itself; and, going out, they passed on through one of + the streets, and then suddenly the angel left him. +012:011 Peter coming to himself said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord + has sent His angel and has rescued me from the power of Herod + and from all that the Jewish people were anticipating." +012:012 So, after thinking things over, he went to the house of Mary, + the mother of John surnamed Mark, where a large number + of people were assembled, praying. +012:013 When he knocked at the wicket in the door, a maidservant named + Rhoda came to answer the knock; +012:014 and recognizing Peter's voice, for very joy she did not open + the door, but ran in and told them that Peter was standing there. +012:015 "You are mad," they said. But she strenuously maintained + that it was true. "It is his guardian angel," they said. +012:016 Meanwhile Peter went on knocking, until at last they opened the door + and saw that it was really he, and were filled with amazement. +012:017 But he motioned with his hand for silence, and then described + to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. + "Tell all this to James and the brethren," he added. + Then he left them, and went to another place. +012:018 When morning came, there was no little commotion among the soldiers, + as to what could possibly have become of Peter. +012:019 And when Herod had had him searched for and could not find him, + after sharply questioning the guards he ordered them away + to execution. He then went down from Judaea to Caesarea + and remained there. +012:020 Now the people of Tyre and Sidon had incurred Herod's + violent displeasure. So they sent a large deputation to wait on him; + and having secured the good will of Blastus, his treasurer, + they begged the king to be friendly with them again, + because their country was dependent on his for its food supply. +012:021 So, on an appointed day, Herod, having arrayed himself in royal robes, + took his seat on the tribunal, and was haranguing them; +012:022 and the assembled people kept shouting, "It is the voice of a god, + and not of a man!" +012:023 Instantly an angel of the Lord struck him, because he had not + given the glory to God, and being eaten up by worms, he died. +012:024 But God's Message prospered, and converts were multiplied. +012:025 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having discharged + their mission, and they brought with them John, surnamed Mark. +013:001 Now there were in Antioch, in the Church there--as Prophets + and teachers--barnabas, Symeon surnamed `the black,' + Lucius the Cyrenaean, Manaen (who was Herod the Tetrarch's + foster-brother), and Saul. +013:002 While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, + the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for Me, now at once, + Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them." +013:003 So, after fasting and prayer and the laying on of hands, + they let them go. +013:004 They therefore, being thus sent out by the Holy Spirit, + went down to Seleuceia, and from there sailed to Cyprus. +013:005 Having reached Salamis, they began to announce God's Message + in the synagogues of the Jews. And they had John + as their assistant. +013:006 When they had gone through the whole length of the island + as far as Paphos, they there met with a Jewish magician + and false prophet, Bar-Jesus by name, +013:007 who was a friend of the Proconsul Sergius Paulus. + The Proconsul was a man of keen intelligence. He sent + for Barnabas and Saul, and asked to be told God's Message. +013:008 But Elymas (or `the Magician,' for such is the meaning of the name) + opposed them, and tried to prevent the Proconsul from + accepting the faith. +013:009 Then Saul, who is also called Paul, was filled with the + Holy Spirit, and, fixing his eyes on Elymas, +013:010 said, "You who are full of every kind of craftiness and + unscrupulous cunning--you son of the Devil and foe to all that + is right--will you never cease to misrepresent the straight + paths of the Lord? +013:011 The Lord's hand is now upon you, and you will be blind for a time + and unable to see the light of day." Instantly there fell + upon him a mist and a darkness, and, as he walked about, + he begged people to lead him by the hand. +013:012 Then the Proconsul, seeing what had happened, believed, being struck + with amazement at the teaching of the Lord. +013:013 From Paphos, Paul and his party put out to sea and sailed + to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and + returned to Jerusalem. +013:014 But they themselves, passing through from Perga, came to + Antioch in Pisidia. Here, on the Sabbath day, they went + into the synagogue and sat down. +013:015 After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the Wardens + of the synagogue sent word to them. "Brethren," they said, + "if you have anything encouraging to say to the people, speak." +013:016 So Paul rose, and motioning with his hand for silence, said, + "Israelites, and you others who fear God, pay attention to me. +013:017 The God of this people of Israel chose our forefathers, + and made the people great during their stay in Egypt, + until with wondrous power He brought them out from that land. +013:018 For a period of about forty years, He fed them, like a nurse, + in the Desert. +013:019 Then, after overthrowing seven nations in the land of Canaan, He + divided that country among them as their inheritance for about + four hundred and fifty years; +013:020 and afterwards He gave them judges down to the time of + the Prophet Samuel. +013:021 Next they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul the son + of Kish, a Benjamite, who reigned forty years. +013:022 After removing him, He raised up David to be their king, + to whom He also bore witness when He said, "`I have found David + the son of Jesse, a man I love, who will obey all My commands.' +013:023 "It is from among David's descendants that God, in fulfilment + of His promise, has raised up a Saviour for Israel, even Jesus. +013:024 Before the coming of Jesus, John had proclaimed to all the people + of Israel a baptism of repentance. +013:025 But John, towards the end of his career, repeatedly asked + the people, "`What do you suppose me to be? I am not the Christ. + But there is One coming after me whose sandal I am not + worthy to unfasten.' +013:026 "Brethren, descendants of the family of Abraham, and all among + you who fear God, to us has this Message of salvation been sent. +013:027 For the people of Jerusalem and their rulers, by the judgement + they pronounced on Jesus, have actually fulfilled the predictions + of the Prophets which are read Sabbath after Sabbath, + through ignorance of those predictions and of Him. +013:028 Without having found Him guilty of any capital offence they + urged Pilate to have Him put to death; +013:029 and when they had carried out everything which had been written + about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him + in a tomb. +013:030 "But God raised Him from the dead. +013:031 And, after a few days, He appeared to the people who had gone + up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem and are now witnesses + concerning Him to the Jews. +013:032 And we bring you the Good News about the promise made + to our forefathers, +013:033 that God has amply fulfilled it to our children in raising up Jesus; + as it is also written in the second Psalm, `Thou art My Son: + to-day I have become Thy Father.' +013:034 And as to His having raised Him from among the dead, never again + to be in the position of one soon to return to decay, + He speaks thus: `I will give you the holy and trustworthy + promises made to David.' +013:035 Because in another Psalm also He says, `Thou wilt not give up + Thy Holy One to undergo decay.' +013:036 For David, after having been useful to his own generation + in accordance with God's purpose, did fall asleep, was gathered + to his forefathers, and did undergo decay. +013:037 But He whom God raised to life underwent no decay. +013:038 "Understand therefore, brethren, that through this Jesus + forgiveness of sins is announced to you; +013:039 and in Him every believer is absolved from all offences, + from which you could not be absolved under the Law of Moses. +013:040 Beware, then, lest what is spoken in the Prophets should come + true of you: +013:041 `Behold, you despisers, be astonished and perish, because I am + carrying on a work in your time--a work which you will utterly + refuse to believe, though it be fully declared to you.'" +013:042 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people + earnestly begged to have all this repeated to them on + the following Sabbath. +013:043 And, when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews + and of the devout converts from heathenism continued with Paul + and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to hold fast + to the grace of God. +013:044 On the next Sabbath almost the whole population of the city + came together to hear the Lord's Message. +013:045 Seeing the crowds, the Jews, filled with angry jealousy, + opposed Paul's statements and abused him. +013:046 Then, throwing off all reserve, Paul and Barnabas said, + "We were bound to proclaim God's Message to you first. + But since you spurn it and judge yourselves to be unworthy + of the Life of the Ages--well, we turn to the Gentiles. +013:047 For such is the Lord's command to us. "`I have placed Thee,' He says + of Christ, `as a light to the Gentiles, in order that Thou mayest + be a Saviour as far as the remotest parts of the earth.'" +013:048 The Gentiles listened with delight and extolled the Lord's Message; + and all who were pre-destined to the Life of the Ages believed. +013:049 So the Lord's Message spread through the whole district. +013:050 But the Jews influenced the gentlewomen of rank who worshipped + with them, and also the leading men in the city, and stirred + up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out + of the district. +013:051 But they shook off the dust from their feet as a protest + against them and came to Iconium; +013:052 and as for the disciples, they were more and more filled + with joy and with the Holy Spirit. +014:001 At Iconium the Apostles went together to the Jewish synagogue + and preached, with the result that a great number both of Jews + and Greeks believed. +014:002 But the Jews who had refused obedience stirred up the Gentiles + and embittered their minds against the brethren. +014:003 Yet Paul and Barnabas remained there for a considerable time, + speaking freely and relying on the Lord, while He bore witness + to the Message of His grace by permitting signs and marvels + to be done by them. +014:004 At length the people of the city split into parties, some siding + with the Jews and some with the Apostles. +014:005 And when a hostile movement was made by both Gentiles and Jews, + with the sanction of their magistrates, to maltreat and stone them, +014:006 the Apostles, having become aware of it, made their + escape into the Lycaonian towns of Lystra and Derbe, + and the neighbouring country. +014:007 And there they continued to tell the Good News. +014:008 Now a man who had no power in his feet used to sit in the streets + of Lystra. He had been lame from his birth and had never walked. +014:009 After this man had listened to one of Paul's sermons, the Apostle, + looking steadily at him and perceiving that he had faith + to be cured, +014:010 said in a loud voice, "Stand upright upon your feet!" +014:011 So he sprang up and began to walk about. Then the crowds, + seeing what Paul had done, rent the air with their shouts + in the Lycaonian language, saying, "The gods have assumed + human form and have come down to us." +014:012 They called Barnabas `Zeus,' and Paul, as being the + principal speaker, `Hermes.' +014:013 And the priest of Zeus--the temple of Zeus being at the entrance + to the city--brought bullocks and garlands to the gates, + and in company with the crowd was intending to offer + sacrifices to them. +014:014 But the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it; and tearing + their clothes they rushed out into the middle of the crowd, + exclaiming, "Sirs, why are you doing all this? +014:015 We also are but men, with natures kindred to your own; + and we bring you the Good News that you are to turn from these + unreal things, to worship the ever-living God, the Creator + of earth and sky and sea and of everything that is in them. +014:016 In times gone by He allowed all the nations to go their own ways; +014:017 and yet by His beneficence He has not left His existence unattested-- + His beneficence, I mean, in sending you rain from Heaven and + fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and joyfulness." +014:018 Even with words like these they had difficulty in preventing + the thronging crowd from offering sacrifices to them. +014:019 But now a party of Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and, + having won over the crowd, they stoned Paul and dragged him + out of the town, believing him to be dead. +014:020 When, however, the disciples had collected round him, + he rose and went back into the town. The next day he went + with Barnabas to Derbe; +014:021 and, after proclaiming the Good News to the people there + and gaining a large number of converts, they retraced their + steps to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. +014:022 Everywhere they strengthened the disciples by encouraging + them to hold fast to the faith, and warned them saying, + "It is through many afflictions that we must make our way + into the Kingdom of God." +014:023 And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected + Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord + on whom their faith rested. +014:024 Then passing through Pisidia they came into Pamphylia; +014:025 and after telling the Message at Perga they came down to Attaleia. +014:026 Thence they sailed to Antioch, where they had previously been + commended to the grace of God in connexion with the work + which they had now completed. +014:027 Upon their arrival they called the Church together and proceeded + to report in detail all that God, working with them, had done, + and how He had opened for the Gentiles the door of faith. +014:028 And they remained a considerable time in Antioch with the disciples. +015:001 But certain persons who had come down from Judaea tried + to convince the brethren, saying, "Unless you are circumcised + in accordance with the Mosaic custom, you cannot be saved." +015:002 Between these new comers and Paul and Barnabas there was + no little disagreement and controversy, until at last it + was decided that Paul and Barnabas and some other brethren + should go up to consult the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem + on this matter. +015:003 So they set out, being accompanied for a short distance + by some other members of the Church; and as they passed + through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told the whole story + of the conversion of the Gentiles and inspired all the brethren + with great joy. +015:004 Upon their arrival in Jerusalem they were cordially received + by the Church, the Apostles, and the Elders; and they reported + in detail all that God, working with them, had done. +015:005 But certain men who had belonged to the sect of the Pharisees + but were now believers, stood up in the assembly, and said, + "Yes, Gentile believers ought to be circumcised and be ordered + to keep the Law of Moses." +015:006 Then the Apostles and Elders met to consider the matter; +015:007 and after there had been a long discussion Peter rose to his feet. + "It is within your own knowledge," he said, "that God originally + made choice among you that from my lips the Gentiles were + to hear the Message of the Good News, and believe. +015:008 And God, who knows all hearts, gave His testimony in their favour + by bestowing the Holy Spirit on them just as He did on us; +015:009 and He made no difference between us and them, in that He + cleansed their hearts by their faith. +015:010 Now, therefore, why try an experiment upon God, by laying + on the necks of these disciples a yoke which neither our + forefathers nor we have been able to bear? +015:011 On the contrary, we believe that it is by the grace of the + Lord Jesus that we, as well as they, shall be saved." +015:012 Then the whole assembly remained silent while they listened + to the statement made by Paul and Barnabas as to all + the signs and marvels that God had done among the Gentiles + through their instrumentality. +015:013 When they had finished speaking, James said, "Brethren, + listen to me. +015:014 Symeon has related how God first looked graciously on the Gentiles + to take from among them a People to be called by His name. +015:015 And this is in harmony with the language of the Prophets, which says: +015:016 "`"Afterwards I will return, and will rebuild David's fallen tent. + Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it up again; +015:017 In order that the rest of mankind may earnestly seek the Lord-- + even all the nations which are called by My name," +015:018 Says the Lord, who has been making these things known from + ages long past.' +015:019 "My judgement, therefore, is against inflicting unexpected + annoyance on those of the Gentiles who are turning to God. +015:020 Yet let us send them written instructions to abstain from + things polluted by connexion with idolatry, from fornication, + from meat killed by strangling, and from blood. +015:021 For Moses from the earliest times has had his preachers + in every town, being read, as he is, Sabbath after Sabbath, + in the various synagogues." +015:022 Thereupon it was decided by the Apostles and Elders, + with the approval of the whole Church, to choose suitable + persons from among themselves and send them to Antioch, + with Paul and Barnabas. Judas, called Bar-sabbas, and Silas, + leading men among the brethren, were selected, +015:023 and they took with them the following letter: "The Apostles + and the elder brethren send greeting to the Gentile brethren + throughout Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. +015:024 As we have been informed that certain persons who have gone + out from among us have disturbed you by their teaching + and have unsettled your minds, without having received any + such instructions from us; +015:025 we have unanimously decided to select certain men and send them + to you in company with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul, +015:026 who have endangered their very lives for the sake of our + Lord Jesus Christ. +015:027 We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who are themselves + bringing you the same message by word of mouth. +015:028 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay + upon you no burden heavier than these necessary requirements-- +015:029 You must abstain from things sacrificed to idols, + from blood, from things strangled, and from fornication. + Keep yourselves clear of these things, and it will be well + with you. Farewell." +015:030 They, therefore, having been solemnly sent, came down + to Antioch, where they called together the whole assembly + and delivered the letter. +015:031 The people read it, and were delighted with the comfort + it brought them. +015:032 And Judas and Silas, being themselves also Prophets, + gave them a long and encouraging talk, and strengthened them + in the faith. +015:033 After spending some time there they received an affectionate + farewell from the brethren to return to those who had sent them. +015:034 [] +015:035 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and, + in company with many others, telling the Good News of + the Lord's Message. +015:036 After a while Paul said to Barnabas, "Suppose we now revisit + the brethren in the various towns in which we have made known + the Lord's Message--to see whether they are prospering!" +015:037 Barnabas, however, was bent on taking with them John, + whose other name was Mark, +015:038 while Paul deemed it undesirable to have as their companion + one who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone + on with them to the work. +015:039 So there arose a serious disagreement between them, which resulted + in their parting from one another, Barnabas taking Mark + and setting sail for Cyprus. +015:040 But Paul chose Silas as his travelling companion; and set out, + after being commended by the brethren to the grace of the Lord; +015:041 and he passed through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the Churches. +016:001 He also came to Derbe and to Lystra. At Lystra he found + a disciple, Timothy by name--the son of a Christian Jewess, + though he had a Greek father. +016:002 Timothy was well spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium, +016:003 and Paul desiring that he should accompany him on his journey, + took him and circumcised him on account of the Jews in those parts, + for they all knew that his father was a Greek. +016:004 As they journeyed on from town to town, they handed to the brethren + for their observance the decisions which had been arrived + at by the Apostles and Elders in Jerusalem. +016:005 So the Churches went on gaining a stronger faith and growing + in numbers from day to day. +016:006 Then Paul and his companions passed through Phrygia and Galatia, + having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Message + in the province of Asia. +016:007 When they reached the frontier of Mysia, they were about to + enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit this. +016:008 So, passing along Mysia, they came to Troas. +016:009 Here, one night, Paul saw a vision. There was a Macedonian + who was standing, entreating him and saying, "Come over into + Macedonia and help us." +016:010 So when he had seen the vision, we immediately looked + out for an opportunity of passing on into Macedonia, + confidently inferring that God had called us to proclaim + the Good News to the people there. +016:011 Accordingly we put out to sea from Troas, and ran a straight + course to Samothrace. The next day we came to Neapolis, +016:012 and thence to Philippi, which is a city in Macedonia, + the first in its district, a Roman colony. And there we + stayed some little time. +016:013 On the Sabbath we went beyond the city gate to the riverside, + where we had reason to believe that there was a place for prayer; + and sitting down we talked with the women who had come together. +016:014 Among our hearers was one named Lydia, a dealer in purple goods. + She belonged to the city of Thyateira, and was a worshipper + of the true God. The Lord opened her heart, so that she gave + attention to what Paul was saying. +016:015 When she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, + saying, "If in your judgement I am a believer in the Lord, + come and stay at my house." And she made us go there. +016:016 One day, as we were on our way to the place of prayer, a slave + girl met us who claimed to be inspired and was accustomed + to bring her owners large profits by telling fortunes. +016:017 She kept following close behind Paul and the rest of us, + crying aloud, "These men are the bondservants of the Most High God, + and are proclaiming to you the way of salvation." +016:018 This she persisted in for a considerable time, until Paul, + wearied out, turned round and said to the spirit, "I command + you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." + And it came out immediately. +016:019 But when her owners saw that their hopes of gain were gone, + they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them off to the magistrates + in the public square. +016:020 Then they brought them before the praetors. "These men," + they said, "are creating a great disturbance in our city. +016:021 They are Jews, and are teaching customs which we, as Romans, + are not permitted to adopt or practise." +016:022 The crowd, too, joined in the outcry against them, till at length + the praetors ordered them to be stripped and beaten with rods; +016:023 and, after severely flogging them, they threw them into jail + and bade the jailer keep them safely. +016:024 He, having received an order like that, lodged them in the + inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks. +016:025 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns + to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, +016:026 when suddenly there was such a violent shock of earthquake + that the prison shook to its foundations. Instantly the doors + all flew open, and the chains fell off from every prisoner. +016:027 Starting up from sleep and seeing the doors of the jail wide open, + the jailer drew his sword and was on the point of killing himself, + supposing that the prisoners had escaped. +016:028 But Paul shouted loudly to him, saying, "Do yourself no injury: + we are all here. +016:029 Then, calling for lights, he sprang in and fell trembling + at the feet of Paul and Silas; +016:030 and, bringing them out of the prison, he exclaimed, "O sirs, + what must I do to be saved?" +016:031 "Believe on the Lord Jesus," they replied, "and both you + and your household will be saved." +016:032 And they told the Lord's Message to him as well as to all + who were in his house. +016:033 Then he took them, even at that time of night, washed their wounds, + and he and all his household were immediately baptized; +016:034 and bringing the Apostles up into his house, he spread a meal + for them, and was filled with gladness, with his whole household, + his faith resting on God. +016:035 In the morning the praetors sent their lictors with the order, + "Release those men." +016:036 So the jailer brought Paul word, saying, "The praetors have sent + orders for you to be released. Now therefore you can go, + and proceed on your way in peace." +016:037 But Paul said to them, "After cruelly beating us in public, + without trial, Roman citizens though we are, they have thrown us + into prison, and are they now going to send us away privately? + No, indeed! Let them come in person and fetch us out." +016:038 This answer the lictors took back to the praetors, who were alarmed + when they were told that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. +016:039 Accordingly they came and apologized to them; and, bringing them out, + asked them to leave the city. +016:040 Then Paul and Silas, having come out of the prison, went to + Lydia's house; and, after seeing the brethren and encouraging them, + they left Philippi. +017:001 Then, passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they went + to Thessalonica. Here there was a synagogue of the Jews. +017:002 Paul--following his usual custom--betook himself to it, + and for three successive Sabbaths reasoned with them + from the Scriptures, +017:003 which he clearly explained, pointing out that it had been + necessary for the Christ to suffer and rise again from the dead, + and insisting, "The Jesus whom I am announcing to you + is the Christ." +017:004 Some of the people were won over, and attached themselves + to Paul and Silas, including many God-fearing Greeks and not + a few gentlewomen of high rank. +017:005 But the jealousy of the Jews was aroused, and, calling to + their aid some ill-conditioned and idle fellows, they got + together a riotous mob and filled the city with uproar. + They then attacked the house of Jason and searched for Paul + and Silas, to bring them out before the assembly of people. +017:006 But, failing to find them, they dragged Jason and some of the other + brethren before the magistrates of the city, loudly accusing them. + "These men," they said, "who have raised a tumult throughout + the Empire, have come here also. +017:007 Jason has received them into his house; and they all set Caesar's + authority at defiance, declaring that there is another Emperor-- + one called Jesus." +017:008 Great was the excitement among the crowd, and among the magistrates + of the city, when they heard these charges. +017:009 They required Jason and the rest to find substantial bail, + and after that they let them go. +017:010 The brethren at once sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea, + and they, on their arrival, went to the synagogue of the Jews. +017:011 The Jews at Beroea were of a nobler disposition than those + in Thessalonica, for they very readily received the Message, + and day after day searched the Scriptures to see whether it + was as Paul stated. +017:012 As the result many of them became believers, and so did not + a few of the Greeks--gentlewomen of good position, and men. +017:013 As soon, however, as the Jews of Thessalonica learnt + that God's Message had been proclaimed by Paul at Beroea, + they came there also, and incited the mob to a riot. +017:014 Then the brethren promptly sent Paul down to the sea-coast, + but Silas and Timothy remained behind. +017:015 Those who were caring for Paul's safety went with him as far + as Athens, and then left him, taking a message from him to Silas + and Timothy, asking them to join him as speedily as possible. +017:016 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was stirred + within him when he noticed that the city was full of idols. +017:017 So he had discussions in the synagogue with the Jews and + the other worshippers, and in the market place, day after day, + with those whom he happened to meet. +017:018 A few of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also encountered him. + Some of them asked, "What has this beggarly babbler to say?" + "His business," said others, "seems to be to cry up + some foreign gods." This was because he had been telling + the Good News of Jesus and the Resurrection. +017:019 Then they took him and brought him up to the Areopagus, asking him, + "May we be told what this new teaching of yours is? +017:020 For the things you are saying sound strange to us. + We should therefore like to be told exactly what they mean." +017:021 (For all the Athenians and their foreign visitors used to devote + their whole leisure to telling or hearing about something new.) +017:022 So Paul, taking his stand in the centre of the Areopagus, + spoke as follows: "Men of Athens, I perceive that you are + in every respect remarkably religious. +017:023 For as I passed along and observed the things you worship, I found + also an altar bearing the inscription, `TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' + "The Being, therefore, whom you, without knowing Him, revere, + Him I now proclaim to you. +017:024 GOD who made the universe and everything in it--He, being Lord + of Heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries built by men. +017:025 Nor is He ministered to by human hands, as though He needed anything-- + but He Himself gives to all men life and breath and all things. +017:026 He caused to spring from one forefather people of every race, + for them to live on the whole surface of the earth, and marked + out for them an appointed span of life and the boundaries + of their homes; +017:027 that they might seek God, if perhaps they could grope for Him + and find Him. Yes, though He is not far from any one of us. +017:028 For it is in closest union with Him that we live and move + and have our being; as in fact some of the poets in repute + among yourselves have said, `For we are also His offspring.' +017:029 Since then we are God's offspring, we ought not to imagine + that His nature resembles gold or silver or marble, or anything + sculptured by the art and inventive faculty of man. +017:030 Those times of ignorance God viewed with indulgence. + But now He commands all men everywhere to repent, +017:031 seeing that He has appointed a day on which, before long, + He will judge the world in righteousness, through the + instrumentality of a man whom He has pre-destined to this work, + and has made the fact certain to every one by raising Him + from the dead." +017:032 When they heard Paul speak of a resurrection of dead men, + some began to scoff. But others said, "We will hear you + again on that subject." +017:033 So Paul went away from them. +017:034 A few, however, attached themselves to him and believed, + among them being Dionysius a member of the Council, + a gentlewoman named Damaris, and some others. +018:001 After this he left Athens and came to Corinth. +018:002 Here he found a Jew, a native of Pontus, of the name of Aquila. + He and his wife Priscilla had recently come from Italy + because of Claudius's edict expelling all the Jews from Rome. + So Paul paid them a visit; +018:003 and because he was of the same trade--that of tent-maker-- + he lodged with them and worked with them. +018:004 But, Sabbath after Sabbath, he preached in the synagogue + and tried to win over both Jews and Greeks. +018:005 Now at the time when Silas and Timothy came down from + Macedonia, Paul was preaching fervently and was solemnly + telling the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. +018:006 But upon their opposing him with abusive language, + he shook his clothes by way of protest, and said to them, + "Your ruin will be upon your own heads. I am not responsible: + in future I will go among the Gentiles." +018:007 So he left the place and went to the house of a person + called Titius Justus, a worshipper of the true God. + His house was next door to the synagogue. +018:008 And Crispus, the Warden of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, + and so did all his household; and from time to time many of + the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and received baptism. +018:009 And, in a vision by night, the Lord said to Paul, "Dismiss + your fears: go on speaking, and do not give up. +018:010 I am with you, and no one shall attack you to injure you; + for I have very many people in this city." +018:011 So Paul remained in Corinth for a year and six months, + teaching among them the Message of God. +018:012 But when Gallio became Proconsul of Greece, the Jews with one accord + made a dead set at Paul, and brought him before the court. +018:013 "This man," they said, "is inducing people to offer unlawful + worship to God." +018:014 But, when Paul was about to begin his defence, Gallio said + to the Jews, "If it had been some wrongful act or piece of + cunning knavery I might reasonably have listened to you Jews. +018:015 But since these are questions about words and names and your Law, + you yourselves must see to them. I refuse to be a judge + in such matters." +018:016 So he ordered them out of court. +018:017 Then the people all set upon Sosthenes, the Warden of + the synagogue, and beat him severely in front of the court. + Gallio did not concern himself in the least about this. +018:018 After remaining a considerable time longer in Corinth, Paul took + leave of the brethren and set sail for Syria; and Priscilla + and Aquila were with him. He had shaved his head at Cenchreae, + because he was bound by a vow. +018:019 They put in at Ephesus, and there Paul left his companions behind. + As for himself, he went to the synagogue and had a discussion + with the Jews. +018:020 When they asked him to remain longer he did not consent, +018:021 but took leave of them with the promise, "I will return to you, + God willing." So he set sail from Ephesus. +018:022 Landing at Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem and inquired after + the welfare of the Church, and then went down to Antioch. +018:023 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out on a tour, + visiting the whole of Galatia and Phrygia in order, + and strengthening all the disciples. +018:024 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was a native + of Alexandria, a man of great learning and well versed + in the Scriptures. +018:025 He had been instructed by word of mouth in the way of + the Lord, and, being full of burning zeal, he used to speak + and teach accurately the facts about Jesus, though he knew + of no baptism but John's. +018:026 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, and Priscilla + and Aquila, after hearing him, took him home and explained + God's way to him more accurately. +018:027 Then, as he had made up his mind to cross over into Greece, + the brethren wrote to the disciples in Corinth begging them + to give him a kindly welcome. Upon his arrival he rendered + valuable help to those who through grace had believed; +018:028 for he powerfully and in public overcame the Jews in argument, + proving to them from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ. +019:001 During the stay of Apollos in Corinth, Paul, after passing + through the inland districts, came to Ephesus, where he found + a few disciples. +019:002 "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you first believed?" + he asked them. "No," they replied, "we did not even hear + that there is a Holy Spirit." +019:003 "Into what then were you baptized?" he asked. + "Into John's baptism," they replied. +019:004 "John," he said, "administered a baptism of repentance, + bidding the people believe on One who was to come after him; + namely, on Jesus." +019:005 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus; +019:006 and when Paul laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came + on them, and they began to speak in tongues and to prophesy. +019:007 They numbered in all about twelve men. +019:008 Afterwards he went into the synagogue. There for three months + he continued to preach fearlessly, explaining in words which + carried conviction the truths which concern the Kingdom of God. +019:009 But some grew obstinate in unbelief and spoke evil of the new + faith before all the congregation. So Paul left them, and, + taking with him those who were disciples, held discussions + daily in Tyrannus's lecture-hall. +019:010 This went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants + of the province of Asia, Jews as well as Greeks, + heard the Lord's Message. +019:011 God also brought about extraordinary miracles through + Paul's instrumentality. +019:012 Towels or aprons, for instance, which Paul had handled used to be + carried to the sick, and they recovered from their ailments, + or the evil spirits left them. +019:013 But there were also some wandering Jewish exorcists who undertook + to invoke the name of Jesus over those who had the evil spirits, + saying, "I command you by that Jesus whom Paul preaches." +019:014 There were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew of high-priestly family, + who were doing this. +019:015 "Jesus I know," the evil spirit answered, "and Paul I have + heard of, but who are you?" +019:016 And the man in whom the evil spirit was sprang on two of them, + over-mastered them both, and treated them with such violence, + that they fled from the house stripped of their clothes and wounded. +019:017 All the people of Ephesus, Jews as well as Greeks, came to know + of this. There was widespread terror, and they began to hold + the name of the Lord Jesus in high honour. +019:018 Many also of those who believed came confessing without reserve + what their conduct had been, +019:019 and not a few of those who had practised magical arts brought + their books together and burnt them in the presence of all. + The total value was reckoned and found to be 50,000 silver coins. +019:020 Thus mightily did the Lord's Message spread and triumph! +019:021 When matters had reached this point, Paul decided in his own mind + to travel through Macedonia and Greece, and go to Jerusalem. + "After that," he said, "I must also see Rome." +019:022 But he sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, + while he himself remained for a while in Roman Asia. +019:023 Now just at that time there arose no small commotion about + the new faith. +019:024 There was a certain Demetrius, a silversmith, who made miniature + silver sanctuaries of Diana, a business which brought great + gain to the mechanics in his employ. +019:025 He called his workmen together, and others who were engaged + in similar trades, and said to them, "You men well know + that our prosperity depends on this business of ours; +019:026 and you see and hear that, not in Ephesus only but throughout + almost the whole province of Asia, this fellow Paul has led + away a vast number of people by inducing them to believe + that they are not gods at all that are made by men's hands. +019:027 There is danger, therefore, not only that this our trade will + become of no account, but also that the temple of the great + goddess Diana will fall into utter disrepute, and that before + long she will be actually deposed from her majestic rank-- + she who is now worshipped by the whole province of Asia; + nay, by the whole world." +019:028 After listening to this harangue, they became furiously angry + and kept calling out, "Great is the Ephesian Diana!" +019:029 The riot and uproar spread through the whole city, + till at last with one accord they rushed into the Theatre, + dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, two Macedonians + who were fellow travellers with Paul. +019:030 Then Paul would have liked to go in and address the people, + but the disciples would not let him do so. +019:031 A few of the public officials, too, who were friendly to him, + sent repeated messages entreating him not to venture + into the Theatre. +019:032 The people, meanwhile, kept shouting, some one thing and + some another; for the assembly was all uproar and confusion, + and the greater part had no idea why they had come together. +019:033 Then some of the people crowded round Alexander, whom the Jews + had pushed forward; and Alexander, motioning with his hand + to get silence, was prepared to make a defence to the people. +019:034 No sooner, however, did they see that he was a Jew, than there arose + from them all one roar of shouting, lasting about two hours. + "Great is the Ephesian Diana," they said. +019:035 At length the Recorder quieted them down. "Men of Ephesus," + he said, "who is there of all mankind that needs to be told + that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of + the great Diana and of the image which fell down from Zeus? +019:036 These facts, then, being unquestioned, it becomes you to maintain + your self-control and not act recklessly. +019:037 For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers + of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. +019:038 If, however, Demetrius and the mechanics who support his + contention have a grievance against any one, there are + Assize-days and there are Proconsuls: let the persons + interested accuse one another. +019:039 But if you desire anything further, it will have to be settled + in the regular assembly. +019:040 For in connexion with to-day's proceedings there is danger + of our being charged with attempted insurrection, there having + been no real reason for this riot; nor shall we be able + to justify the behaviour of this disorderly mob." +019:041 With these words he dismissed the assembly. +020:001 When the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples; + and, after speaking words of encouragement to them, he took + his leave, and started for Macedonia. +020:002 Passing through those districts he encouraged the disciples + in frequent addresses, and then came into Greece, and spent + three months there. +020:003 The Jews having planned to waylay him whenever he might be + on the point of taking ship for Syria, he decided to travel + back by way of Macedonia. +020:004 He was accompanied as far as the province of Asia by Sopater + the Beroean, the son of Pyrrhus; by the Thessalonians, + Aristarchus and Secundus; by Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; + and by the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. +020:005 These brethren had gone on and were waiting for us in the Troad. +020:006 But we ourselves sailed from Philippi after the days of + Unleavened Bread, and five days later joined them in the Troad, + where we remained for a week. +020:007 On the first day of the week, when we had met to break bread, + Paul, who was going away the next morning, was preaching to them, + and prolonged his discourse till midnight. +020:008 Now there were a good many lamps in the room upstairs where + we all were, +020:009 and a youth of the name of Eutychus was sitting at the window. + This lad, gradually sinking into deep sleep while Paul + preached at unusual length, overcome at last by sleep, + fell from the second floor and was taken up dead. +020:010 Paul, however, went down, threw himself upon him, + and folding him in his arms said, "Do not be alarmed; + his life is still in him." +020:011 Then he went upstairs again, broke bread, and took some food; + and after a long conversation which was continued till daybreak, + at last he parted from them. +020:012 They had taken the lad home alive, and were greatly comforted. +020:013 The rest of us had already gone on board a ship, and now we + set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there; + for so he had arranged, he himself intending to go by land. +020:014 Accordingly, when he met us at Assos, we took him on board + and came to Mitylene. +020:015 Sailing from there, we arrived the next day off Chios. + On the next we touched at Samos; and on the day + following reached Miletus. +020:016 For Paul's plan was to sail past Ephesus, so as not to spend much + time in the province of Asia; since he was very desirous of being + in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of the Harvest Festival. +020:017 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the Elders of the Church + to come to him. +020:018 Upon their arrival he said to them, "You Elders well know, + from the first day of my setting foot in the province of Asia, + the kind of life I lived among you the whole time, +020:019 serving the Lord in all humility, and with tears, and amid + trials which came upon me through the plotting of the Jews-- +020:020 and that I never shrank from declaring to you anything that + was profitable, or from teaching you in public and in your homes, +020:021 and urging upon both Jews and Greeks the necessity of turning + to God and of believing in Jesus our Lord. +020:022 "And now, impelled by a sense of duty, I am on my way to Jerusalem, + not knowing what will happen to me there, +020:023 except that the Holy Spirit, at town after town, testifies to me + that imprisonment and suffering are awaiting me. +020:024 But even the sacrifice of my life I count as nothing, if only I + may perfect my earthly course, and be faithful to the duty + which the Lord Jesus has entrusted to me of proclaiming, + as of supreme importance, the Good News of God's grace. +020:025 "And now, I know that none of you among whom I have gone + in and out proclaiming the coming of the Kingdom will any + longer see my face. +020:026 Therefore I protest to you to-day that I am not responsible + for the ruin of any one of you. +020:027 For I have not shrunk from declaring to you God's whole truth. +020:028 "Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock among which + the Holy Spirit has placed you to take the oversight for Him + and act as shepherds to the Church of God, which He has bought + with His own blood. +020:029 I know that, when I am gone, cruel wolves will come among you + and will not spare the flock; +020:030 and that from among your own selves men will rise up who will seek + with their perverse talk to draw away the disciples after them. +020:031 Therefore be on the alert; and remember that, night and day, + for three years, I never ceased admonishing every one, + even with tears. +020:032 "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace. + He is able to build you up and to give you your inheritance + among His people. +020:033 No one's silver or gold or clothing have I coveted. +020:034 You yourselves know that these hands of mine have provided + for my own necessities and for the people with me. +020:035 In all things I have set you an example, showing you that, + by working as I do, you ought to help the weak, and to bear + in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, + "`It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" +020:036 Having spoken thus, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all; +020:037 and with loud lamentation they all threw their arms round his neck, + and kissed him lovingly, +020:038 grieved above all things at his having told them that + after that day they were no longer to see his face. + And they went with him to the ship. +021:001 When, at last, we had torn ourselves away and had set sail, + we ran in a straight course to Cos; the next day to Rhodes, + and from there to Patara. +021:002 Finding a ship bound for Phoenicia, we went on board and + put to sea. +021:003 After sighting Cyprus and leaving that island on our left, + we continued our voyage to Syria and put in at Tyre; + for there the ship was to unload her cargo. +021:004 Having searched for the disciples and found them, + we stayed at Tyre for seven days; and, taught by the Spirit, + they repeatedly urged Paul not to proceed to Jerusalem. +021:005 When, however, our time was up, we left and went on our way, + all the disciples and their wives and children coming to see + us off. Then, after kneeling down on the beach and praying, +021:006 we took leave of one another; and we went on board, + while they returned home. +021:007 As for us, our voyage was over when having sailed from Tyre + we reached Ptolemais. here we inquired after the welfare + of the brethren, and remained a day with them. +021:008 On the morrow we left Ptolemais and went on to Caesarea, + where we came to the house of Philip the Evangelist, + who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. +021:009 Now Philip had four unmarried daughters who were prophetesses; +021:010 and during our somewhat lengthy stay a Prophet of the name + of Agabus came down from Judaea. +021:011 When he arrived he took Paul's loincloth, and bound his own feet + and arms with it, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, `So will + the Jews in Jerusalem bind the owner of this loincloth, + and will hand him over to the Gentiles.'" +021:012 As soon as we heard these words, both we and the brethren + at Caesarea entreated Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. +021:013 His reply was, "What can you mean by thus breaking my heart + with your grief? Why, as for me, I am ready not only to go + to Jerusalem and be put in chains, but even to die there + for the sake of the Lord Jesus." +021:014 So when he was not to be dissuaded, we ceased remonstrating + with him and said, "The Lord's will be done!" +021:015 A few days afterwards we loaded our baggage-cattle and continued + our journey to Jerusalem. +021:016 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also joined our party, + and brought with them Mnason, a Cyprian, one of the early disciples, + at whose house we were to lodge. +021:017 At length we reached Jerusalem, and there the brethren gave + us a hearty welcome. +021:018 On the following day we went with Paul to call on James, + and all the Elders of the Church came also. +021:019 After exchanging friendly greetings, Paul told in detail all that + God had done among the Gentiles through his instrumentality. +021:020 And they, when they had heard his statement, gave the glory to God. + Then they said, "You see, brother, how many tens of thousands + of Jews there are among those who have accepted the faith, + and they are all zealous upholders of the Law. +021:021 Now what they have been repeatedly told about you is that you + teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, + and that you forbid them to circumcise their children + or observe old-established customs. +021:022 What then ought you to do? They are sure to hear that you + have come to Jerusalem; +021:023 so do this which we now tell you. We have four men here who + have a vow resting on them. +021:024 Associate with these men and purify yourself with them, + and pay their expenses so that they can shave their heads. + Then everybody will know that there is no truth in these + stories about you, but that in your own actions you yourself + scrupulously obey the Law. +021:025 But as for the Gentiles who have accepted the faith, we have + communicated to them our decision that they are carefully + to abstain from anything sacrificed to an idol, from blood, + from what is strangled, and from fornication." +021:026 So Paul associated with the men; and the next day, + having purified himself with them, he went into the Temple, + giving every one to understand that the days of their purification + were finished, and there he remained until the sacrifice + for each of them was offered. +021:027 But, when the seven days were nearly over, the Jews from + the province of Asia, having seen Paul in the Temple, + set about rousing the fury of all the people against him. +021:028 They laid hands on him, crying out, "Men of Israel, help! help! + This is the man who goes everywhere preaching to everybody + against the Jewish people and the Law and this place. + And besides, he has even brought Gentiles into the Temple + and has desecrated this holy place." +021:029 (For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with + him in the city, and imagined that Paul had brought him + into the Temple.) +021:030 The excitement spread through the whole city, and the people rushed + in crowds to the Temple, and there laid hold of Paul and began + to drag him out; and the Temple gates were immediately closed. +021:031 But while they were trying to kill Paul, word was taken up + to the Tribune in command of the battalion, that all Jerusalem + was in a ferment. +021:032 He instantly sent for a few soldiers and their officers, + and came down among the people with all speed. At the sight + of the Tribune and the troops they ceased beating Paul. +021:033 Then the Tribune, making his way to him, arrested him, + and, having ordered him to be secured with two chains, + proceeded to ask who he was and what he had been doing. +021:034 Some of the crowd shouted one accusation against Paul + and some another, until, as the uproar made it impossible + for the truth to be ascertained with certainty, the Tribune + ordered him to be brought into the barracks. +021:035 When Paul was going up the steps, he had to be carried + by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob; +021:036 for the whole mass of the people pressed on in the rear, + shouting, "Away with him!" +021:037 When he was about to be taken into the barracks, Paul said + to the Tribune, "May I speak to you?" "Do you know Greek?" + the Tribune asked. +021:038 "Are you not the Egyptian who some years ago excited the riot + of the 4,000 cut-throats, and led them out into the Desert?" +021:039 "I am a Jew," replied Paul, "belonging to Tarsus in Cilicia, + and am a citizen of no unimportant city. Give me leave, + I pray you, to speak to the people." +021:040 So with his permission Paul stood on the steps and motioned + with his hand to the people to be quiet; and when there was + perfect silence he addressed them in Hebrew. +022:001 "Brethren and fathers," he said, "listen to my defence which I + now make before you." +022:002 And on hearing him address them in Hebrew, they kept all + the more quiet; and he said, +022:003 "I am a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in + this city. I was carefully trained at the feet of Gamaliel + in the Law of our forefathers, and, like all of you to-day, + was zealous for God. +022:004 I persecuted to death this new faith, continually binding + both men and women and throwing them into prison; +022:005 as the High Priest also and all the Elders can bear me witness. + It was, too, from them that I received letters to the brethren + in Damascus, and I was already on my way to Damascus, + intending to bring those also who had fled there, in chains + to Jerusalem, to be punished. +022:006 "But on my way, when I was now not far from Damascus, about noon + a sudden blaze of light from Heaven shone round me. +022:007 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, "`Saul, Saul, + why are you persecuting Me?' +022:008 "`Who art thou, Lord?' I asked. "`I am Jesus, + the Nazarene,' He replied, `whom you are persecuting.' +022:009 "Now the men who were with me, though they saw the light, + did not hear the words of Him who spoke to me. +022:010 And I asked, "`What am I to do, Lord?' "And the Lord said + to me, "`Rise, and go into Damascus. There you shall be told + of all that has been appointed for you to do.' +022:011 "And as I could not see because the light had been so dazzling, + those who were with me had to lead me by the arm, and so I + came to Damascus. +022:012 "And a certain Ananias, a pious man who obeyed the Law and bore + a good character with all the Jews of the city, +022:013 came to me and standing at my side said, "`Brother Saul, + recover your sight.' "I instantly regained my sight and looked + up at him. +022:014 Then he said, `The God of our forefathers has appointed you to know + His will, and to see the righteous One and hear Him speak. +022:015 For you shall be a witness for Him, to all men, of what you + have seen and heard. +022:016 And now why delay? Rise, get yourself baptized, and wash off + your sins, calling upon His name.' +022:017 "After my return to Jerusalem, and while praying in the Temple, I fell + into a trance. +022:018 I saw Jesus, and He said to me, "`Make haste and leave + Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your + testimony about Me.' +022:019 "`Lord,' I replied, `they themselves well know how active I was + in imprisoning, and in flogging in synagogue after synagogue + those who believe in Thee; +022:020 and when they were shedding the blood of Stephen, Thy witness, + I was standing by, fully approving of it, and I held the clothes + of those who were killing him.' +022:021 "`Go,' He replied; `I will send you as an Apostle to + nations far away.'" +022:022 Until they heard this last statement the people listened + to Paul, but now with a roar of disapproval they cried out, + "Away with such a fellow from the earth! He ought not to be + allowed to live." +022:023 And when they continued their furious shouts, throwing their + clothes into the air and flinging dust about, +022:024 the Tribune ordered him to be brought into the barracks, + and be examined by flogging, in order to ascertain the reason + why they thus cried out against him. +022:025 But, when they had tied him up with the straps, Paul said + to the Captain who stood by, "Does the Law permit you to flog + a Roman citizen--and one too who is uncondemned?" +022:026 On hearing this question, the Captain went to report the matter + to the Tribune. "What are you intending to do?" he said. + "This man is a Roman citizen." +022:027 So the Tribune came to Paul and asked him, "Tell me, are you + a Roman citizen?" "Yes," he said. +022:028 "I paid a large sum for my citizenship," said the Tribune. + "But I was born free," said Paul. +022:029 So the men who had been on the point of putting him under torture + immediately left him. And the Tribune, too, was frightened + when he learnt that Paul was a Roman citizen, for he had + had him bound. +022:030 The next day, wishing to know exactly what charge was being + brought against him by the Jews, the Tribune ordered his chains + to be removed; and, having sent word to the High Priests and + all the Sanhedrin to assemble, he brought Paul down and made + him stand before them. +023:001 Then Paul, fixing a steady gaze on the Sanhedrin, said, "Brethren, + it is with a perfectly clear conscience that I have discharged + my duties before God up to this day." +023:002 On hearing this the High Priest Ananias ordered those who were + standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. +023:003 "Before long," exclaimed Paul, "God will strike you, + you white-washed wall! Are you sitting there to judge me + in accordance with the Law, and do you yourself actually + break the Law by ordering me to be struck?" +023:004 "Do you rail at God's High Priest?" cried the men who stood by him. +023:005 "I did not know, brethren," replied Paul, "that he was + the High Priest; for it is written, `Thou shalt not speak + evil of a ruler of Thy people.'" +023:006 Noticing, however, that the Sanhedrin consisted partly + of Sadducees and partly of Pharisees, he called out loudly + among them, "Brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees. + It is because of my hope of a resurrection of the dead that I + am on my trial." +023:007 These words of his caused an angry dispute between the Pharisees + and the Sadducees, and the assembly took different sides. +023:008 For the Sadducees maintain that there is no resurrection, + and neither angel nor spirit; but the Pharisees acknowledge + the existence of both. +023:009 So there arose a great uproar; and some of the Scribes + belonging to the sect of the Pharisees sprang to their feet + and fiercely contended, saying, "We find no harm in the man. + What if a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel----!" +023:010 But when the struggle was becoming violent, the Tribune, + fearing that Paul would be torn to pieces by the people, + ordered the troops to go down and take him from among them + by force and bring him into the barracks. +023:011 The following night the Lord came and stood at Paul's side, + and said, "Be of good courage, for as you have borne faithful + witness about me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear + witness in Rome." +023:012 Now, when daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and solemnly + swore not to eat or drink till they had killed Paul. +023:013 There were more than forty of them who bound themselves + by this oath. +023:014 They went to the High Priests and Elders and said to them, + "We have bound ourselves under a heavy curse to take no food + till we have killed Paul. +023:015 Now therefore you and the Sanhedrin should make representations + to the Tribune for him to bring him down to you, under the + impression that you intend to inquire more minutely about him; + and we are prepared to assassinate him before he comes + near the place." +023:016 But Paul's sister's son heard of the intended attack upon him. + So he came and went into the barracks and told Paul about it; +023:017 and Paul called one of the Captains and said, "Take this young + man to the Tribune, for he has information to give him." +023:018 So he took him and brought him to the Tribune, and said, "Paul, + the prisoner, called me to him and begged me to bring this + youth to you, because he has something to say to you." +023:019 Then the Tribune, taking him by the arm, withdrew out of the + hearing of others and asked him, "What have you to tell me?" +023:020 "The Jews," he replied, "have agreed to request you to bring + Paul down to the Sanhedrin to-morrow for the purpose of making + yourself more accurately acquainted with the case. +023:021 I beg you not to comply; for more than forty men among them + are lying in wait for him, who have solemnly vowed that they + will neither eat nor drink till they have assassinated him; + and even now they are ready, in anticipation of receiving + that promise of you." +023:022 So the Tribune sent the youth home, cautioning him. + "Do not let any one know that you have given me this information," + he said. +023:023 Then, calling to him two of the Captains, he gave his orders. + "Get ready two hundred men," he said, "to march to Caesarea, + with seventy cavalry and two hundred light infantry, + starting at nine o'clock to-night." +023:024 He further told them to provide horses to mount Paul on, + so as to bring him safely to Felix the Governor. +023:025 He also wrote a letter of which these were the contents: +023:026 "Claudius Lysias to his Excellency, Felix the Governor: + all good wishes. +023:027 This man Paul had been seized by the Jews, and they were on + the point of killing him, when I came upon them with the troops + and rescued him, for I had been informed that he was + a Roman citizen. +023:028 And, wishing to know with certainty the offense of which they + were accusing him, I brought him down into their Sanhedrin, +023:029 and I discovered that the charge had to do with questions + of their Law, but that he was accused of nothing for which + he deserves death or imprisonment. +023:030 But now that I have received information of an intended attack + upon him, I immediately send him to you, directing his accusers + also to state before you the case they have against him." +023:031 So, in obedience to their orders, the soldiers took Paul + and brought him by night as far as Antipatris. +023:032 The next day the infantry returned to the barracks, + leaving the cavalry to proceed with him; +023:033 and, the cavalry having reached Caesarea and delivered the letter + to the Governor, they brought Paul also to him. +023:034 Felix, after reading the letter, inquired from what province he was; + and being told "from Cilicia," +023:035 he said, "I will hear all you have to say, when your accusers + also have come." And he ordered him to be detained in custody + in Herod's Palace. +024:001 Five days after this, Ananias the High Priest came down to Caesarea + with a number of Elders and a pleader called Tertullus. + They stated to the Governor the case against Paul. +024:002 So Paul was sent for, and Tertullus began to impeach him as follows: + "Indebted as we are," he said, "to you, most noble Felix, + for the perfect peace which we enjoy, and for reforms which + your wisdom has introduced to this nation, +024:003 in every instance and in every place we accept them + with profound gratitude. +024:004 But--not to detain you too long--I beg you in your forbearance + to listen to a brief statement from us. +024:005 For we have found this man Paul a source of mischief and a + disturber of the peace among all the Jews throughout the Empire, + and a ringleader in the heresy of the Nazarenes. +024:006 He even attempted to profane the Temple, but we arrested him. +024:007 [] +024:008 You, however, by examining him, will yourself be able to learn + the truth as to all this which we allege against him." +024:009 The Jews also joined in the charge, maintaining that + these were facts. +024:010 Then, at a sign from the Governor, Paul answered, "Knowing, Sir, + that for many years you have administered justice to this nation, + I cheerfully make my defence. +024:011 For you have it in your power to ascertain that it is not more + than twelve days ago that I went up to worship in Jerusalem; +024:012 and that neither in the Temple nor in the synagogues, + nor anywhere in the city, did they find me disputing with any + opponent or collecting a crowd about me. +024:013 Nor can they prove the charges which they are now + bringing against me. +024:014 But this I confess to you--that in the way which they style a heresy, + I worship the God of our forefathers, believing everything + that is taught in the Law or is written in the Prophets, +024:015 and having a hope directed towards God, which my accusers + themselves also entertain, that before long there will be + a resurrection both of the righteous and the unrighteous. +024:016 This too is my own earnest endeavour--always to have a clear + conscience in relation to God and man. +024:017 "Now after an interval of several years I came to bring alms + to my nation, and to offer sacrifices. +024:018 While I was busy about these, they found me in the Temple purified, + with no crowd around me and no uproar; but there were certain + Jews from the province of Asia. +024:019 They ought to have been here before you, and to have been + my prosecutors, if they have any charge to bring against me. +024:020 Or let these men themselves say what misdemeanour they found + me guilty of when I stood before the Sanhedrin, +024:021 unless it was in that one expression which I made use of when I + shouted out as I stood among them, "`The resurrection of the dead + is the thing about which I am on my trial before you to-day.'" +024:022 At this point Felix, who was fairly well informed about the new faith, + adjourned the trial, saying to the Jews, "When the Tribune Lysias + comes down, I will enter carefully into the matter." +024:023 And he gave orders to the Captain that Paul was to be kept + in custody, but be treated with indulgence, and that his personal + friends were not to be prevented from showing him kindness. +024:024 Not long after this, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, + a Jewess, and sending for Paul, listened to him as he spoke + about faith in Christ Jesus. +024:025 But when he dealt with the subjects of justice, self-control, + and the judgement which was soon to come, Felix became alarmed + and said, "For the present leave me, and when I can find + a convenient opportunity I will send for you." +024:026 At the same time he hoped that Paul would give him money; + and for this reason he sent for him the oftener to + converse with him. +024:027 But after the lapse of fully two years Felix was succeeded + by Porcius Festus; and being desirous of gratifying + the Jews, Felix left Paul still in prison. +025:001 Festus, having entered on his duties as governor of the province, + two days later went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. +025:002 The High Priests and the leading men among the Jews immediately + made representations to him against Paul, and begged him-- +025:003 asking it as a favour, to Paul's prejudice--to have him + brought to Jerusalem. They were planning an ambush to kill + him on the way. +025:004 Festus, however, replied that Paul was in custody in Caesarea, + and that he was himself going there very soon. +025:005 "Therefore let those of you," he said, "who can come, + go down with me, and impeach the man, if there is anything + amiss in him." +025:006 After a stay of eight or ten days in Jerusalem--not more-- + he went down to Caesarea; and the next day, taking his seat + on the tribunal, he ordered Paul to be brought in. +025:007 Upon Paul's arrival, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem + stood round him, and brought many grave charges against him + which they were unable to substantiate. +025:008 But, in reply, Paul said, "Neither against the Jewish Law, + nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed + any offence whatever." +025:009 Then Festus, being anxious to gratify the Jews, asked Paul, "Are you + willing to go up to Jerusalem, and there stand your trial + before me on these charges?" +025:010 "I am standing before Caesar's tribunal," replied Paul, + "where alone I ought to be tried. The Jews have no real + ground of complaint against me, as in fact you yourself are + beginning to see more clearly. +025:011 If, however, I have done wrong and have committed any offence for + which I deserve to die, I do not ask to be excused that penalty. + But if there is no truth in what these men allege against me, + no one has the right to give me up to them as a favour. + I appeal to Caesar." +025:012 Then, after conferring with the Council, Festus replied, + "To Caesar you have appealed: to Caesar you shall go." +025:013 A short time after this, Agrippa the king and Bernice came + to Caesarea to pay a complimentary visit to Festus; +025:014 and, during their rather long stay, Festus laid Paul's case + before the king. "There is a man here," he said, "whom Felix + left a prisoner, +025:015 about whom, when I went to Jerusalem, the High Priests + and the Elders of the Jews made representations to me, + begging that sentence might be pronounced against him. +025:016 My reply was that it is not the custom among the Romans to give up + any one for punishment before the accused has had his accusers + face to face, and has had an opportunity of defending himself + against the charge which has been brought against him. +025:017 "When, therefore, a number of them came here, the next day + I took my seat on the tribunal, without any loss of time, + and ordered the man to be brought in. +025:018 But, when his accusers stood up, they did not charge him + with the misdemeanours of which I had been suspecting him. +025:019 But they quarrelled with him about certain matters connected + with their own religion, and about one Jesus who had died, but-- + so Paul persistently maintained--is now alive. +025:020 I was at a loss how to investigate such questions, and asked + Paul whether he would care to go to Jerusalem and there stand + his trial on these matters. +025:021 But when Paul appealed to have his case kept for the Emperor's + decision, I ordered him to be kept in prison until I could + send him up to Caesar." +025:022 "I should like to hear the man myself," said Agrippa. + "to-morrow," replied Festus, "you shall." Accordingly, the next day, + Agrippa and Bernice came in state +025:023 and took their seats in the Judgement Hall, attended by the Tribunes + and the men of high rank in the city; and, at the command + of Festus, Paul was brought in. +025:024 Then Festus said, "King Agrippa and all who are present + with us, you see here the man about whom the whole nation + of the Jews made suit to me, both in Jerusalem and here, + crying out that he ought not to live any longer. +025:025 I could not discover that he had done anything for which he deserved + to die; but as he has himself appealed to the Emperor, I have + decided to send him to Rome. +025:026 I have nothing very definite, however, to tell our Sovereign + about him. So I have brought the man before you all-- + and especially before you, King Agrippa--that after he has been + examined I may find something which I can put into writing. +025:027 For, when sending a prisoner to Rome, it seems to me to be + absurd not to state the charges against him." +026:001 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You have permission to speak + about yourself." So Paul, with outstretched arm, proceeded to + make his defence. +026:002 "As regards all the accusations brought against me by the Jews," + he said, "I think myself fortunate, King Agrippa, in being + about to defend myself to-day before you, +026:003 who are so familiar with all the customs and speculations + that prevail among the Jews; and for this reason, I pray you, + give me a patient hearing. +026:004 "The kind of life I have lived from my youth upwards, + as exemplified in my early days among my nation and in Jerusalem, + is known to all the Jews. +026:005 For they all know me of old--if they would but testify to the fact-- + how, being an adherent of the strictest sect of our religion, + my life was that of a Pharisee. +026:006 And now I stand here impeached because of my hope in the fulfilment + of the promise made by God to our forefathers-- +026:007 the promise which our twelve tribes, worshipping day and night + with intense devotedness, hope to have made good to them. + It is on the subject of this hope, Sir, that I am accused + by the Jews. +026:008 Why is it deemed with all of you a thing past belief if God + raises the dead to life? +026:009 "I myself, however, thought it a duty to do many things + in hostility to the name of Jesus, the Nazarene. +026:010 And that was how I acted in Jerusalem. Armed with authority + received from the High Priests I shut up many of God's people + in various prisons, and when they were about to be put to death + I gave my vote against them. +026:011 In all the synagogues also I punished them many a time, + and tried to make them blaspheme; and in my wild fury I chased + them even to foreign towns. +026:012 "While thus engaged, I was travelling one day to Damascus armed + with authority and a commission from the High Priests, +026:013 and on the journey, at noon, Sir, I saw a light from Heaven-- + brighter than the brightness of the sun--shining around me + and around those who were travelling with me. +026:014 We all fell to the ground; and I heard a voice which said to me + in Hebrew, "`Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? You are + finding it painful to kick against the ox-goad.' +026:015 "`Who art Thou, Lord?' I asked. "`I am Jesus whom you + are persecuting,' the Lord replied. +026:016 `But rise, and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you + for the very purpose of appointing you My servant and My + witness both as to the things you have already seen and as + to those in which I will appear to you. +026:017 I will save you from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, + to whom I send you to open their eyes, +026:018 that they may turn from darkness to light and from the obedience + to Satan to God, in order to receive forgiveness of sins + and an inheritance among those who are sanctified through + faith in Me.' +026:019 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to + the heavenly vision; +026:020 but I proceeded to preach first to the people in Damascus, + and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judaea, + and to the Gentiles, that they must repent and turn to God, + and live lives consistent with such repentance. +026:021 "It was on this account that the Jews seized me in the Temple + and tried to kill me. +026:022 Having, however, obtained the help which is from God, I have stood + firm until now, and have solemnly exhorted rich and poor alike, + saying nothing except what the Prophets and Moses predicted + as soon to happen, +026:023 since the Christ was to be a suffering Christ, and by coming back + from the dead was then to be the first to proclaim a message + of light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles." +026:024 As Paul thus made his defence, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, + "You are raving mad, Paul; and great learning is driving you mad." +026:025 "I am not mad, most noble Festus," replied Paul; "I am speaking + words of sober truth. +026:026 For the King, to whom I speak freely, knows about these matters. + I am not to be persuaded that any detail of them has escaped + his notice; for these things have not been done in a corner. +026:027 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that + you believe them." +026:028 Agrippa answered, "In brief, you are doing your best to persuade + me to become a Christian." +026:029 "My prayer to God, whether briefly or at length," replied Paul, + "would be that not only you but all who are my hearers to-day, + might become such as I am--except these chains." +026:030 So the King rose, and the Governor, and Bernice, and those + who were sitting with them; +026:031 and, having withdrawn, they talked to one another and said, + "This man is doing nothing for which he deserves + death or imprisonment." +026:032 And Agrippa said to Festus, "He might have been set at liberty, + if he had not appealed to Caesar." +027:001 Now when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they handed + over Paul and a few other prisoners into the custody of Julius, + a Captain of the Augustan battalion; +027:002 and going on board a ship of Adramyttium which was about + to sail to the ports of the province of Asia, we put + to sea; Aristarchus, the Macedonian, from Thessalonica, + forming one of our party. +027:003 The next day we put in at Sidon. There Julius treated Paul + with thoughtful kindness and allowed him to visit his friends + and profit by their generous care. +027:004 Putting to sea again, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, + because the winds were against us; +027:005 and, sailing the whole length of the sea that lies off Cilicia + and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia. +027:006 There Julius found an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy, + and put us on board of her. +027:007 It took several days of slow sailing for us to come with + difficulty off Cnidus; from which point, as the wind did not + allow us to get on in the direct course, we ran under the lee + of Crete by Salmone. +027:008 Then, coasting along with difficulty, we reached a place called + `Fair Havens,' near the town of Lasea. +027:009 Our voyage thus far had occupied a considerable time, and the + navigation being now unsafe and the Fast also already over, + Paul warned them. +027:010 "Sirs," he said, "I perceive that before long the voyage will + be attended with danger and heavy loss, not only to the cargo + and the ship but to our own lives also." +027:011 But Julius let himself be persuaded by the pilot and by the owner + rather than by Paul's arguments; +027:012 and as the harbour was inconvenient for wintering in, + the majority were in favour of putting out to sea, to try + whether they could get to Phoenix--a harbour on the coast + of Crete facing north-east and south-east--to winter there. +027:013 And a light breeze from the south sprang up, so that + they supposed they were now sure of their purpose. + So weighing anchor they ran along the coast of Crete, + hugging the shore. +027:014 But it was not long before a furious north-east wind, + coming down from the mountains, burst upon us and carried + the ship out of her course. +027:015 She was unable to make headway against the gale; so we gave + up and let her drive. +027:016 Then we ran under the lee of a little island called Cauda, + where we managed with great difficulty to secure the boat; +027:017 and, after hoisting it on board, they used frapping-cables + to undergird the ship, and, as they were afraid of being driven + on the Syrtis quicksands, they lowered the gear and lay to. +027:018 But, as the storm was still violent, the next day they began + to lighten the ship; +027:019 and, on the third day, with their own hands they threw the ship's + spare gear overboard. +027:020 Then, when for several days neither sun nor stars were seen + and the terrific gale still harassed us, the last ray of hope + was now vanishing. +027:021 When for a long time they had taken but little food, + Paul, standing up among them, said, "Sirs, you ought + to have listened to me and not have sailed from Crete. + You would then have escaped this suffering and loss. +027:022 But now take courage, for there will be no destruction of life + among you, but of the ship only. +027:023 For there stood by my side, last night, an angel of the God + to whom I belong, and whom also I worship, +027:024 and he said, "`Dismiss all fear, Paul, for you must stand + before Caesar; and God has granted you the lives of all who + are sailing with you.' +027:025 "Therefore, Sirs, take courage; for I believe God, and am + convinced that things will happen exactly as I have been told. +027:026 But we are to be stranded on a certain island." +027:027 It was now the fourteenth night, and we were drifting through + the Sea of Adria, when, about midnight, the sailors suspected + that land was close at hand. +027:028 So they hove the lead and found twenty fathoms of water; + and after a short time they hove again and found fifteen fathoms. +027:029 Then for fear of possibly running on rocks, they threw out four + anchors from the stern and waited impatiently for daylight. +027:030 The sailors, however, wanted to make their escape from the ship, + and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they + were going to lay out anchors from the bow. +027:031 But Paul, addressing Julius and the soldiers, said, "Your lives + will be sacrificed, unless these men remain on board." +027:032 Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the ship's boat and let + her fall off. +027:033 And continually, up till daybreak, Paul kept urging all on board + to take some food. "This is the fourteenth day," he said, + "that you have been anxiously waiting for the storm to cease, + and have fasted, eating little or nothing. +027:034 I therefore strongly advise you to take some food. + This is essential for your safety. For not a hair will perish + from the head of any one of you." +027:035 Having said this he took some bread, and, after giving thanks + to God for it before them all, he broke it in pieces and began + to eat it. +027:036 This raised the spirits of all, and they too took food. +027:037 There were 276 of us, crew and passengers, all told. +027:038 After eating a hearty meal they lightened the ship by throwing + the wheat overboard. +027:039 When daylight came, they tried in vain to recognise the coast. + But an inlet with a sandy beach attracted their attention, + and now their object was, if possible, to run the ship aground + in this inlet. +027:040 So they cut away the anchors and left them in the sea, + unloosing at the same time the bands which secured + the paddle-rudders. Then, hoisting the foresail to the wind, + they made for the beach. +027:041 But coming to a place where two seas met, they stranded the ship, + and her bow sticking fast remained immovable, while the stern + began to go to pieces under the heavy hammering of the sea. +027:042 Now the soldiers recommended that the prisoners should be killed, + for fear some one of them might swim ashore and effect his escape. +027:043 But their Captain, bent on securing Paul's safety, kept them + from their purpose and gave orders that those who could swim + should first jump overboard and get to land; +027:044 and that the rest should follow, some on planks, and others + on various things from the ship. In this way they all got + safely to land. +028:001 Our lives having been thus preserved, we discovered that + the island was called Malta. +028:002 The strange-speaking natives showed us remarkable kindness, + for they lighted a fire and made us all welcome because of + the pelting rain and the cold. +028:003 Now, when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and had thrown + them on the fire, a viper, driven by the heat, came out and + fastened itself on his hand. +028:004 When the natives saw the creature hanging to his hand, they said + to one another, "Beyond doubt this man is a murderer, for, + though saved from the sea, unerring Justice does not permit + him to live." +028:005 He, however, shook the reptile off into the fire and was unhurt. +028:006 They expected him soon to swell with inflammation or suddenly + fall down dead; but, after waiting a long time and seeing + no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said + that he was a god. +028:007 Now in the same part of the island there were estates + belonging to the Governor, whose name was Publius. + He welcomed us to his house, and for three days generously + made us his guests. +028:008 It happened, however, that his father was lying ill of dysentery + aggravated by attacks of fever; so Paul went to see him, and, + after praying, laid his hands on him and cured him. +028:009 After this, all the other sick people in the island came + and were cured. +028:010 They also loaded us with honours, and when at last we sailed + they put supplies on board for us. +028:011 Three months passed before we set sail in an Alexandrian vessel, + called the `Twin Brothers,' which had wintered at the island. +028:012 At Syracuse we put in and stayed for two days. +028:013 From there we came round and reached Rhegium; and a day later, + a south wind sprang up which brought us by the evening + of the next day to Puteoli. +028:014 Here we found brethren, who invited us to remain with them + for a week; and so we reached Rome. +028:015 Meanwhile the brethren there, hearing of our movements, + came as far as the Market of Appius and the Three Huts to meet us; + and when Paul saw them he thanked God and felt encouraged. +028:016 Upon our arrival in Rome, Paul received permission to live + by himself, guarded by a soldier. +028:017 After one complete day he invited the leading men among the Jews + to meet him; and, when they were come together, he said to them, + "As for me, brethren, although I had done nothing prejudicial + to our people or contrary to the customs of our forefathers, + I was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the power + of the Romans. +028:018 They, after they had sharply questioned me, were willing to set + me at liberty, because they found no offence in me for which I + deserve to die. +028:019 But, at last, the opposition of the Jews compelled me to appeal + to Caesar; not however that I had any charge to bring + against my nation. +028:020 For these reasons, then, I have invited you here, that I + might see you and speak to you; for it is for the sake of Him + who is the hope of Israel that this chain hangs upon me." +028:021 "For our part," they replied, "we have not received any letters + from Judaea about you, nor have any of our countrymen come + here and reported or stated anything to your disadvantage. +028:022 But we should be glad to hear from you what it is that + you believe; for as for this sect all we know is that it + is everywhere spoken against." +028:023 So they arranged a day with him and came to him in considerable + numbers at the house of the friends who were entertaining him. + And then, with solemn earnestness, he explained to them + the subject of the Kingdom of God, endeavouring from morning + till evening to convince them about Jesus, both from the Law + of Moses and from the Prophets. +028:024 Some were convinced; others refused to believe. +028:025 Unable to agree among themselves, they at last left him, + but not before Paul had spoken a parting word to them, saying, + "Right well did the Holy Spirit say to your forefathers + through the Prophet Isaiah: +028:026 "`Go to this people and tell them, you will hear and hear, + and by no means understand; and will look and look, + and by no means see. +028:027 For this people's mind has grown callous, their hearing has + become dull, and their eyes they have closed; to prevent + their ever seeing with their eyes, or hearing with their ears, + or understanding with their minds, and turning back, + so that I might cure them.' +028:028 "Be fully assured, therefore, that this salvation--God's salvation-- + has now been sent to the Gentiles, and that they, at any rate, + will give heed." +028:029 [] +028:030 After this Paul lived for fully two years in a hired house + of his own, receiving all who came to see him. +028:031 He announced the coming of the Kingdom of God, and taught + concerning the Lord Jesus Christ without let or hindrance. + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, Weymouth New Testament in Modern Speech, Acts *** + +This file should be named wnt0510.txt or wnt0510.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, wnt0511.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, wnt0510a.txt + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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