Going to Jesus

Acts of the Apostles

Acts 1

¶1. The first account, O Theophilus, I have made concerning all the things Jesus both did and taught

2.up to the day that he was taken up, after he had given instructions through the holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen,

3.to whom, after his suffering, he also presented himself alive by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of things concerning the kingdom of God.

4. And being assembled together with them, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to await the promise of the Father, “which”, he said, “you have heard about from me.

5.John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with holy Spirit not many days from now.”

¶6. When they had come together, they kept asking him, saying, “Lord, is this the time you will re-establish the kingdom of Israel?”

7. He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has reserved to His own authority.

8.But you will receive power after the holy Spirit comes upon you, and then you will be my witnesses, both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, even to the uttermost part of the earth.”

9. And when he had said these things, as they looked on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him up out of their sight.

10. And as they were gazing toward the sky, he went away. And, behold, two men in white garments appeared to them,

11.and they said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing there, staring at the sky? This same Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come again, the same way you watched him go into heaven.”

¶12. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olives, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey.

13. And when they had entered the city, they went up to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Patriot, and Judas the son of James.

14. These all, in one accord, continued in prayer and supplication, along with women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

¶15. And during those days, Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples and said (the number of people there was about one hundred twenty),

16.“Men and brothers, this scripture must be fulfilled, which the holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide for those who arrested Jesus,

17.for he was numbered among us and obtained a part in this ministry.

18.(Afterward, with the reward of unrighteousness, this man purchased a field, but then, falling headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his bowels spilled out.

19.And this became so well known by everyone living in Jerusalem that the field was called, in their own language, ‘Akeldama’, which means, ‘field of blood’.)

20.For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his home become desolate, and let there be no one living in it,’ and, ‘Let another take his place.’

21.It must be, then, that from among the men who accompanied us the entire time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22.beginning from the baptism of John until the day that he was taken up from us, one of them should be made a witness of his resurrection with us.”

23. And so, they put forward two: Joseph, the one called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord,^[1] knower of all hearts, show which one of these two you have chosen

25.to receive the part of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned to go to his own place.”

26. Then they cast their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, and so, he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Acts 2

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¶1. When the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all in one accord, in one place.

2. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

3. And there appeared to them divided tongues like fire, and it sat upon each one of them,

4.and they were all filled with holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit moved them to speak.

¶5. Now, there were dwelling in Jerusalem devout men, Jews from every nation under heaven,

6.and at this sound, a large number came together, and they were amazed because each one was hearing them speak in his own language.

7. And they all, in astonishment and wonder, were saying to one another, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?

8.So, how is it that each of us hears them speaking in our native tongue?

9.Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and those who live in Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia,

10.Phrygia, and Pamphylia, Egypt, and in parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and converts,

11.Cretans and Arabians! We hear them declaring the mighty things of God in our own languages.”

12. And they were all amazed and at a loss, saying to one another, “What might this be?”

13. Others, mocking, were saying, “They are full of new wine.”

¶14. But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and declared to them, “Men of Judea, and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and pay attention to my words!

15.Contrary to what you think, these are not drunk, seeing it is but the third hour of the day.

16.But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel:

17.‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters will prophesy, and your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.

18.I will even pour out my Spirit on my slaves, male and female, in those days, and they will prophesy.

19.And I will cause wonders to appear in heaven above and signs on earth below: blood and fire and billows of smoke.

20.The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord.

21.And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.’

22.Men of Israel, listen to these words! Jesus the Nazarene, a man from God, was attested to you by miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through him in your midst, as you yourselves certainly know.

23.You took this man, who was turned over to you by the fixed purpose and foreknowledge of God, and killed him with wicked hands, nailing him to a cross,

24.but God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, for it was not possible for him to be held by it.

25.For David said of him, ‘I have always seen the Lord before me; because He is at my right hand, that I might not be moved.

26.Therefore, my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my flesh also will rest in hope,

27.for you will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will you allow your holy one to see corruption.

28.You made known to me the paths of life. You will make me full of joy with your presence.’

29.Men and brothers, let me speak plainly to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

30.Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that with an oath God swore to him that from the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up the Messiah to sit on his throne,

31.he foresaw and spoke of the resurrection of the Messiah, that his soul was not left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.

32.This Jesus has God raised up, of which we all are witnesses!

33.Moreover, being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the holy Spirit, he has shed forth this which you now see and hear.

34.For David did not ascend into heaven, but he said, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand

35.until I make your enemies your footstool.’

36.So then, let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Messiah – this Jesus whom you crucified!”

¶37. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brothers, what are we to do?”

38. Peter started telling them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you will receive the gift of the holy Spirit!

39.The promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

40. And with many other words, he testified and pleaded, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation!”

41. Then, those who received his word gladly were baptized, and that day, about three thousand souls were added to them.

42. And they were devoted to the doctrine of the apostles, and to the fellowship, and the breaking of bread, and to prayers.

¶43. Fear came on every soul, and many miracles and signs were wrought through the apostles.

44. Now, all who believed were united, and held everything in common,

45.and they began selling possessions and property and distributing it to everyone, according to the need that anyone had.

46. Every day, they spent much time together in the temple, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with gladness and simplicity of heart,

47.praising God and having favor with all the people. And day by day, the Lord added to the Assembly those who were to be saved.

Acts 3

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1. Now, Peter and John were going together up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer,

2.and there was a certain man, crippled from his mother’s womb, who used to be carried about, whom they laid every day at the temple gate called “Beautiful” to ask for alms from those going into the temple.

3. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asked for alms,

4.but Peter, with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!”

5. He then looked directly at them, expecting to receive something from them.

6. But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have, I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”

7. And taking him by the right hand, he lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong,

8.and leaping up, he stood and began to walk. And he went with them into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God.

9. Now, all the people saw him walking and praising God,

10.and they recognized him, that he was the man who sat for alms at the temple’s Beautiful Gate. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

¶11. The man healed of lameness clung to Peter and John, and all the people together ran to them at the portico called Solomon’s, utterly astonished.

12. When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why do you stare at us, as if our own power or godliness has made him walk?

13.The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His child Jesus, whom you betrayed and whom you repudiated before Pilate when he was determined to release him.

14.But you denied the holy and righteous one, and asked for a man—a murderer!—to be granted to you instead,

15.and you killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses!

16.His name, by faith in his name, made this man strong whom you see and have known, and the faith that comes by him gave him this perfect soundness in the sight of you all.

17.Now, brothers, I know that you did it ignorantly, as your rulers did also.

18.But what God foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Messiah should suffer, He has in this way fulfilled.

19.Repent, then, and be converted, that your sins might be blotted out, so that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

20.and so that He might send the one chosen before to be your Messiah: Jesus,

21.whom heaven must receive until the time for the restoration of all things, of which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets from time immemorial.

22.For Moses certainly spoke to the fathers and said, ‘A prophet like me will the Lord our God raise up for you from among your brothers. You must obey him in whatsoever things he says to you.

23.And every soul who will not obey that prophet will be utterly destroyed from among the people.’

24.And all the prophets from Samuel onward, as many as spoke, also proclaimed these days.

25.You are descendants of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘In your seed all the families of earth will be blessed.’

26.To you first, God, having raised up His child Jesus, sent him as a blessing to you, to turn each of you from your sins.”

Acts 4

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¶1. As they were talking to the people, the priests and the commander of the temple guard and the Sadducees came upon them,

2.annoyed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming, in Jesus, the resurrection from the dead.

3. And they arrested them and put them in prison until the next day, since it was already evening.

4. But many who had heard the message believed, and the number of men was about five thousand.

¶5. On the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem

6.with Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the high priest’s family.

7. And when they had set them in the midst, they began asking, “By what power or in what name did you do this?”

8. Then Peter, filled with holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel,

9.if we are being examined today concerning the good deed done for a crippled man, as to how he has been healed,

10.be it known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead – by him! – this man stands before you whole.

11.This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the head of the corner.

12.And salvation is not by any other, for there is no other name given among men by which we must be saved!”

¶13. When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they began to marvel, and they recognized them as having been with Jesus.

14. And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15. But after they ordered them to go out of the Sanhedrin, they began to confer with one another,

16.saying, “What are we to do with these men? For indeed, that a notable miracle has been done by them is obvious to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it.

17.Nevertheless, so that it spread no further among the people, let us give them stern warning to speak no more in this name to anyone.”

18. So, summoning them, they commanded them not to speak or teach anything at all in the name of Jesus.

19. But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than to God, you judge.

20.For we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard.”

21. Then, after making further threats, they released them, finding no basis for which to punish them because of the people, since they were all glorifying God because of what had happened,

22.for the man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was over forty years old.

¶23. When they were released, they went to their own company and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

24. And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice with one accord to God and said, “Master, you are the God who made heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them,

25.who through the mouth of David your servant said, ‘Why do the Gentiles rage and the people imagine vain things?

26.The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers assembled together against the Lord, and against His Messiah.’

27.For against your holy child Jesus, whom you anointed, Herod and Pontius Pilate truly were gathered together with Gentiles and people from Israel

28.to do everything your hand and your purpose predetermined to happen.

29.And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant your slaves to speak your word with all boldness

30.by stretching forth your hand to heal, and for signs and wonders to be performed through the name of your holy child Jesus.”

31. And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered was shaken, and they were all filled with holy Spirit and spoke the word of God with boldness.

¶32. The heart and soul of the multitude of those who believed were one, and no one said that any of his possessions were his own, but they held all things in common.

33. (And with great power the apostles continued to give witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.)

34. And no one among them was needy, for as many as owned fields or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the sales

35.and placed them at the feet of the apostles to distribute to each man according to his need.

¶36. And Joses, who was by the apostles surnamed Barnabas (which is translated as “son of comfort”), a Levite born in Cyprus,

37.sold a field he owned, and brought the money and placed it at the apostles’ feet.

Acts 5

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¶1. But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property,

2.and with his wife’s knowledge, he kept back part of the proceeds for himself, and he brought a portion and placed it at the apostles’ feet.

3. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the holy Spirit, and to hold back part of the proceeds from the land?

4.While it remained, wasn’t it still yours? And after it was sold, wasn’t it in your control? Why did you plan this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!”

5. And when Ananias heard these words, he collapsed and died. And great fear came upon all who heard of these things.

6. And the young men arose, wrapped him, carried him out, and buried him.

¶7. Then, about three hours later, his wife came in, unaware of what had happened.

8. And Peter said to her, “Tell me if you sold the piece of land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.”

9. Then Peter said to her, “Why did you agree to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold! The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door. They will also carry you out!”

10. And immediately, she collapsed at his feet and died. And the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her with her husband.

11. And great fear came upon the whole Assembly, and on all who heard of these things.

¶12. Now, many signs and wonders were continually being done among the people through the hands of the apostles, and they were all together in Solomon’s portico.

13. (No one among the rest had the courage to join them, even though the people magnified them,

14.and believers were continually being added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.)

15. And the sick were carried out into the streets and were laid on beds or pallets so that when Peter came by, his shadow might fall on some of them.

16. And a multitude from the surrounding cities also came to Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

¶17. But the high priest and all those with him (being the sect of the Sadducees) rose up, being filled with envy,

18.and they laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the public prison.

19. But during the night, the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors, and after bringing them out, he said,

20. “Go and stand in the temple, and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

21. So, having heard this, they went into the temple at daybreak and began teaching. And the high priest came, and those with him, and they summoned the Sanhedrin, and all the elders of the sons of Israel, and they sent to the prison to have them brought.

22. But when the officers came, they did not find them in the prison, and they returned and reported it,

23.saying, “We found the prison securely locked, and the guard standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

24. Now when the high priest, and the commander of the temple guard, and the chief priests heard these things, they were at a loss about them, as to what might come of this.

25. Then someone came and told them, “Behold! The men whom you put in the prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people!”

26. At that, the commander went with the officers, and he brought them in, but without force, for they feared that they themselves might be stoned by the people.

27. And when they had brought them, they set them before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest questioned them,

28.saying, “Did we not command you not to teach in this name? But, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and you are determined to bring this man’s blood upon us!”

29. But Peter and the apostles answered, saying, “We must obey God rather than men.

30.The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree.

31.This man God has exalted to His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32.And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is the holy Spirit, which God has given to those who obey Him.”

¶33. When they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began plotting to kill them.

34. And a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and gave an order to put the apostles outside momentarily.

35. And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves concerning these men and what you intend to do.

36.Prior to these days, Theudas rose up, making himself out to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were devoted. He was killed, and all those who trusted in him were dispersed and came to nothing.

37.After him, in the days of the census, Judas the Galilean rose up and drew away a number of people after him. He was killed, too, and all those who trusted in him were scattered.

38.So, as for this present matter, I say to you, desist from these men and leave them alone, for if this idea or work be of men, it will fade away to nothing,

39.but if it is of God, you cannot do away with it, and you may even be found fighting against God.”

40. And they were persuaded by him. So, they summoned the apostles, and when they had flogged them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

41. Yet, they left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Jesus,

42.and every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease from teaching and proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ.

Acts 6

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1. In those days, as the number of disciples increased, a complaint arose from the Hellenists^[2] against the Hebrews, that their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

2. So the twelve summoned the community of disciples together and said, “It is not right for us to quit serving the word of God to serve tables.

3.Therefore, brothers, look for seven men from among you who are well spoken of, full of holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we will put in charge of this need.

4.But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to ministry of the word.”

5. And this statement pleased the whole Assembly, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nikanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nikolaus, a proselyte from Antioch,

6.whom they set before the apostles. And they prayed and laid hands on them.

¶7. And the word of God increased, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a large number of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

¶8. Now, Stephen, full of faith and power, was performing miracles and great signs among the people.

9. Then some from the synagogue that is designated for Freedmen, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and those of Cilicia and Asia rose up and disputed with Stephen,

10.but they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit with which he was speaking.

11. So then, they suborned men to say, “We have heard him saying blasphemous things against Moses and God.”

12. And they incited the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him suddenly, and violently seized him, and brought him to the Sanhedrin.

13. Then they put forward the false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous things against the holy place and the law.

14.We have heard him saying that this Nazarene, Jesus, will destroy this place and alter the customs that Moses passed down to us.”

15. And all those sitting in the Sanhedrin, gazing at him, saw his face like the face of an angel.

Acts 7

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1. Then the high priest said, “Are these things true?”

2. And he said, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Haran,

3.and He said to him, ‘Leave your land and your kinsmen and come to a land that I will show you.’

4.Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran, and from there, after the death of his father, God resettled him in this land where you now live.

5.But He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length of ground, yet He promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his seed after him, while he was yet childless.

6.And God spoke to this effect, that his seed would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, and men would enslave and oppress them four hundred years.

7.‘And I myself will judge the nation where they will be enslaved,’ said God, ‘and after that, they will come out and worship me in this place.’

8.And He gave him the covenant of circumcision. And accordingly, he fathered Isaac and circumcised him the eighth day. And thus did Isaac to Jacob, and Jacob to the twelve patriarchs.

9.And the patriarchs, being envious, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him,

10.and delivered him from all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who then appointed him to be ruler over Egypt and over all his house.

11.Then famine came upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could not find food.

12.But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers the first time.

13.But the second time, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was made known to Pharaoh.

14.And Joseph sent and called his father Jacob, and all his relatives, seventy-five souls.

15.So Jacob went down to Egypt, and he and our fathers died,

16.and they were taken back to Sychem and were laid in the tomb which Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Emmor of Sychem.

17.Then, as the promised time drew near which God had sworn to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt

18.until a different kind of king arose who had not known Joseph.

19.He took shrewd advantage of our people and mistreated our fathers, forcing them to expose their babies so that they could not survive.

20.Moses was born at that time, and he was pleasing to God. He was nourished three months in his father’s house,

21.but when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter claimed him, and she brought him up as her own son.

22.And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and deeds.

23.Now, when he was about forty years old, it entered his heart to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel.

24.And when he saw one of them being hurt, he defended him, and avenged the man being abused, striking down the Egyptian.

25.Now, he assumed his brothers would understand that God was giving them deliverance by his hand. But they did not understand.

26.The following day, when he showed up, they were fighting, and he urged them to make peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you hurting each other?’

27.But the one mistreating his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us?

28.Do you want to kill me, the way you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’

29.Because of this comment, Moses fled Egypt and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.

30.And after forty years had passed, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of a burning bush.

31.And when Moses saw the sight, he was amazed. And as he approached to consider it, the voice of the Lord came to him:

32.‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses was terrified and dared not look.

33.Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take the sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.

34.I have surely seen the oppression of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning. And I have come down to deliver them. So now, come. I will send you to Egypt.’

35.This is the Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ This man God sent as a ruler and liberator by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

36.This man led them out, after performing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and at the Red Sea, and then in the wilderness forty years.

37.This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘The Lord our God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’

38.This is the man who was with the Assembly in the wilderness, with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received life-giving oracles to give to us,

39.whom our fathers would not obey. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt,

40.saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what has become of him.’

41.So in those days, they made a calf and offered up a sacrifice to the idol, and began rejoicing in the works of their own hands.

42.But God turned and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as is written in a scroll of the prophets, ‘O house of Israel, did you really bring offerings and sacrifices to me forty years in the wilderness?

43.No! You took up the tabernacle of Moloch and the emblem^[3] of your god, Remphan, the images you made so that you might worship them. Therefore, I will exile you beyond Babylon.’

44.The tabernacle of testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, as He who spoke to Moses also commanded him to make it according to the pattern he had seen,

45.which our fathers received, in turn, and brought in with Joshua when they took possession from the nations whom God drove out before the face of our fathers. So it was until the days of David,

46.who found favor before God and prayed to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

47.But Solomon built Him a house.

48.However, the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophets said,

49.‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth, my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord? or where is the place of my rest?

50.Did not my hand make all these things?’

¶51.O you stiff-necked men, and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the holy Spirit! As your fathers did, you do also.

52.Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the righteous one, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers –

53.you who received the law by the disposition of angels, but have not kept it!”

¶54. And when they heard these things, they were cut to their hearts and began gnashing their teeth at him.

55. But he, full of holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

56. And he said, “Behold! I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God!”

57. But they cried out with a loud voice, covered their ears, and rushed at him with one accord,

58.and they threw him out of the city and began stoning him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

59. And they kept on stoning Stephen as he called on the Lord, saying, “Lord Jesus! Receive my spirit!”

60. Then, falling to his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8

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1. Now, Saul was in complete agreement with his killing. And on that day, a great persecution broke out against the Assembly in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2. (Devout men buried Stephen, and made great lamentation over him.)

3. And Saul began ravaging the Assembly, going into every house and dragging away both men and women, and handing them over for imprisonment.

¶4. Nevertheless, those who were scattered went about, spreading the word of the gospel.

5. Philip went down to a city of Samaria and began preaching the Messiah to them.

6. And the people with one accord began to pay attention to the things spoken by Philip when they heard them and saw the miracles that he was working,

7.for many were possessed with unclean spirits, which came out, crying out with a loud voice, and many who were paralyzed and crippled were healed.

8. And there was great joy in that city.

¶9. Now, a certain man named Simon used to practice sorcery in the city, and he had the people of Samaria spellbound, making himself out to be someone great,

10.to whom they gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.”

11. They had regard for him because for a long time he had amazed them with supernatural acts.

12. But when they believed Philip as he preached about the good things of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, men as well as women began to be baptized.

13. Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized, he clung to Philip, amazed as he beheld the miracles and signs taking place.

¶14. When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them,

15.who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the holy Spirit

16.(for as yet, it had fallen upon none of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Messiah, Jesus).

17. Then they began laying hands on them, and they started receiving the holy Spirit.

18. When Simon saw that the holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,

19.saying, “Give me this power, too, so that whoever I lay hands on will receive the holy Spirit.”

20. But Peter said to him, “May you and your silver be damned because you thought to obtain the gift of God with money!

21.You have no part or portion in this matter. Your heart is not right before God.

22.Repent of this wickedness of yours and pray to God, if it be that the intent of your heart will be forgiven!

23.For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness and the fetters of unrighteousness.”

24. Simon answered and said, “You pray to the Lord for me, that nothing of what you have said will come upon me!”

¶25. Then, after they had fully testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the good news in many villages of the Samaritans.

¶26. Now, an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Get up and go south on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza (which is a desert road).”

27. So he got up and went. And behold, an Ethiopian eunuch, an official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure and who had come to Jerusalem to worship,

28.was returning, and he sat in his chariot reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.

29. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and join yourself to this chariot.”

30. So Philip ran up to it, and he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and he said, “Well now, do you understand what you are reading?”

31. And he said, “How can I, unless someone guide me?” Then he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32. The passage of scripture that he was reading was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb, silent before its shearer, so he opens not his mouth.

33.In his humiliation, justice was denied him. And who shall declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.”

34. And the eunuch answered and said to Philip, “I pray you, about whom is the prophet saying this? Himself or some other?”

35. Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning with this scripture, preached Jesus to him.

36. And as they traveled down the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized?”

37. And Philip said to him, ‘If you believe with your whole heart, you may.’ And he answered and said, ‘I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God.’” ^[4]

38. And he ordered the chariot to be stopped, and they both went down to the water, Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

39. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, and the eunuch saw him no longer, but went on his way, rejoicing.

40. And Philip found himself at Azotus, and he preached the good news as he passed through all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

Acts 9

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¶1. Now Saul, still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, approached the high priest

2.and asked him for letters to the Damascus synagogues, that if he found any of the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3. And in his journey, as he was drawing near to Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly shone around him.

4. And he fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?”

5. And he said, “Who are you, sir?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”

6. And he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do?” And the Lord said to him,^[5] “Just rise up and go into the city, and it will be told you what you must do.”

7. And the men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one.

8. Then Saul got up from the ground. And though his eyes were open, he saw no one, and they, leading him by the hand, brought him to Damascus.

9. And he remained without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.

¶10. Now, there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” And he said, “Here I am, Lord!”

11. Then the Lord said to him, “Rise up and go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, of Tarsus. Behold, he is praying.

12.And he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hand on him so that he might see again.”

13. But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints in Jerusalem.

14.And even here, he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name!”

15. But the Lord said to him, “Go! This man is my chosen vessel, to bear my name before nations and kings and the sons of Israel,

16.and I will show him how much he must suffer for my name.”

17. Then Ananias departed and entered into the house, and laid his hands on him, saying, “Brother Saul, the Lord who appeared to you on the road as you were coming, has sent me so that you might see again and be filled with holy Spirit.”

18. And immediately, something like scales fell from his eyes, and he saw again. Then he arose and was baptized,

19.and he took food and was strengthened.
¶And Saul was with the disciples in Damascus certain days,

20.And right away, he began preaching Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21. All who heard were amazed, and they said, “Isn’t this the man who made havoc of those in Jerusalem who call upon this name and who came here to bind them and take them to the chief priests?”

22. But Saul was all the more strengthened, and he confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus, proving that Jesus was the Messiah.

¶23. And after many days had passed, the Jews plotted among themselves to kill him,

24.but their plot was made known to Saul. Then they began to watch the gates closely, day and night, so that they might kill him.

25. But the disciples took him by night and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket.

¶26. When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple.

27. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles, and he related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road and that he had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

28. And he remained with them, going in and out of Jerusalem, and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus,

29.and he began talking and disputing with the Hellenists, but they set about to kill him.

30. And when the brothers found that out, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.

31. Then the Assemblies throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up, and continuing in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the holy Spirit, they were multiplied.

¶32. Now it happened as Peter passed through all that region that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda.

33. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had lain on a pallet for eight years.

34. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Messiah heals you! Arise and make your bed!” And immediately, he arose.

35. And all who lived at Lydda and Assaron saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

¶36. Now, in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which interpreted means Dorcas^[6]). She was full of good works and almsgiving, which she did continually.

37. And it came to pass in those days that she grew sick and died. And they washed her and laid her in an upper room.

38. Lydda being close to Joppa, the disciples had heard that Peter was there, and so they sent a message to him, imploring him not to delay coming to them.

39. So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, they led him into the upper room, and all the widows stood by him, weeping and showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas used to make while she was with them.

40. When Peter had sent everyone out, he fell to his knees and prayed. Then turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, rise up!” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41. Then, offering her a hand, he raised her up, and he called the saints and the widows, and presented her alive.

42. And it became known throughout Joppa, and many believed on the Lord.

43. And he stayed many days in Joppa with one Simon, a tanner.

Acts 10

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1. Now there was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of a cohort called the Italian cohort,

2.a devout and God-fearing man, along with all his house, and one who did many kind deeds for the people and prayed to God continually.

3. About the ninth hour of the day, in a vision, he saw clearly an angel of God come in to him and say to him, “Cornelius.”

4. And he stared at him, and being afraid, he said, “What is it, sir?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have gone up for a memorial before God.

5.Send men now to Joppa, and summon Simon, who is called Peter.

6.He is lodging with a certain Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

7. When the angel who spoke with Cornelius left, he called two of his house-servants and a devout soldier from among those who constantly waited on him,

8.and after he had related everything to them, he dispatched them to Joppa.

¶9. About the sixth hour the next day, as they were on the way and were drawing near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray.

10. And he grew hungry, and he wanted something to eat. But while they prepared it, a trance fell on him.

11. And he saw heaven opened, and above him a vessel like a great linen sheet was descending, tied at the four corners and being lowered to the ground,

12.in which were all kinds of four-footed creatures of the earth, and wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the sky.

13. And there came a voice to him, saying, “Rise, Peter. Kill and eat.”

14. But Peter said, “Oh no, Lord! I have never eaten anything common or unclean!”

15. Then a voice came to him a second time: “What God has made clean, don’t you call common!”

16. This happened three times, and then the vessel was taken back into heaven.

¶17. At that very moment, Peter being at a loss within himself as to what the vision he had seen might mean, the men who were sent by Cornelius, having inquired about Simon’s house, stood at the gate.

18. And they called out and inquired whether Simon, who is called Peter, was lodging there.

19. And as Peter was pondering over the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, men are looking for you.

20.Get up and go down, and go with them, doubting nothing, for I have sent them.”

21. Then Peter went down to the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are seeking. Why have you come?”

22. And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright man, one who fears God and is well-spoken of by the whole nation of the Jews, was instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear words from you.”

23. So he invited them in and gave them lodging.
¶The next day, Peter departed with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.

24. The following day, they came into Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them, and he had called together his relatives and close friends.

25. And when Peter entered in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet and worshipped him.

26. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up! I am a man, too.”

27. And as he talked with him, he went in and found many gathered together.

28. And he said to them, “You know how forbidden it is for a Jewish man to associate with or visit one of another nation. Yet, God has shown me not to call any man common or unclean.

29.Consequently, when I was summoned, I came without objection. I ask, then, why did you summon me?”

30. Then Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house when, suddenly, a man stood before me in shining raiment.

31.And he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms have been brought to remembrance before God.

32.Therefore, send to Joppa and summon Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging by the sea in a house belonging to Simon the tanner. He will speak to you when he comes.’

33.So I sent for you at once, and you did well to come. Now then, we are all present before God to hear everything that has been commanded you by God.”

34. Then Peter opened his mouth and said,
¶“Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons,

35.but in every nation, whoever fears Him and works righteousness is acceptable to Him.

36.The word that He sent to the children of Israel, declaring the sweet message of peace through Jesus the Messiah (he is Lord of all),

37.you know, which message spread throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after he received the baptism that John preached,

38.when God anointed him, Jesus of Nazareth, with holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed of the Accuser, for God was with him.

39.And we are witnesses of all the things that he did, both in the region of Judea and in Jerusalem, whom they also put to death, hanging him on a tree.

40.This man God raised up on the third day, and He permitted him to be seen,

41.not by all the people, but by witnesses chosen beforehand by God – by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

42.And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God as judge of the living and the dead.

43.All the prophets bear witness to him, that through his name, everyone who believes in him receives remission of sins.”

¶44. While Peter was still saying these things, the holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the Word.

45. And those of the circumcision who believed, as many as came with Peter, were astonished because the gift of the holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles!

46. They knew this because they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered,

47.“Can anyone refuse them the water, that these should not be baptized who received the holy Spirit just as we did?”

48.And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. They then asked him to stay on a few days.

Acts 11

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1. The apostles and the brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2. And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him,

3.saying, “You went to men who have a foreskin, and you ate with them!”

4. Then Peter began laying it all out to them in order, saying,

5.“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, some sort of vessel coming down, like a great linen sheet being lowered from heaven by four corners, and it came to me.

6.I stared at it, wondering, and then I saw four-footed creatures of earth, and wild beasts, and reptiles, and birds of the sky.

7.And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter. Kill and eat.’

8.But I said, ‘Certainly not, Lord! Nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

9.And the voice answered me a second time from heaven, saying, ‘What God has made clean, don’t you call common!’

10.This happened three times, and then everything was pulled back up into heaven again.

11.And behold, at that precise moment, three men were standing in front of the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.

12.And the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers went with me, and we entered into the man’s house.

13.Then he told us how he saw an angel standing in his house and telling him, ‘Send men to Joppa and summon Simon who is called Peter,

14.who will speak words to you, by which you and all your household will be saved.’

15.And as I began to speak, the holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning.

16.Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he used to say, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you will be baptized with holy Spirit.’

17.Inasmuch, then, as God gave them the same gift He gave to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?”

18. When they had heard these things, they fell silent, but then they began glorifying God, saying, “Well, then, God has granted repentance unto life to the Gentiles, too!”

¶19. Now, those who were scattered because of the trouble that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews.

20. And there were certain men among them, Cypriots and Cyrenians, who after they entered into Antioch, began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus.

21. And because the hand of the Lord was with them, a great number believed and turned to the Lord.

22. The report about them came to the ears of the Assembly in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to go to Antioch,

23.who, when he arrived and saw the grace of God, rejoiced and began encouraging all of them to continue in the Lord with a resolute heart,

24.for he was a good man, full of holy Spirit and faith. And many were added to the Lord.

25. Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to look for Saul,

26.and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they were together with the Assembly and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

¶27. In those days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

28. And one of them by the name of Agabos stood up and, by the Spirit, foretold that there was about to be a great famine over the whole world (which came to pass during the time of Claudius Caesar).

29. Then the disciples, as anyone had means, each determined to send aid to the brothers who lived in Judea,

30.which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 12

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1. At that time, Herod the King laid his hands on some who were of the Assembly, to do them harm.

2. He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword,

3.and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter, too (they were the days of unleavened bread),

4.whom he also put in prison after he had arrested him, committing him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him before the people after the Passover.

5. So, Peter was imprisoned. But earnest prayer for him was made to God by the Assembly.

6. When Herod was about to bring him forth, Peter, bound with two chains, was that night sleeping between two soldiers, and the guards keeping the prison were in front of the door.

7. And behold, an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the prison cell. And he struck Peter’s side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly!” And the chains fell off his hands.

8. And the angel said to him, “Get dressed and put your sandals on.” And he did so. And then he said to him, “Put on your cloak, and follow me.”

9. And he followed him and went out. And he did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but he thought he was seeing a vision.

10. And when they had passed by the first guard, and the second, they came to the iron gate that led into the city, which opened to them by itself. And they went out, and proceeded along one street, and suddenly, the angel departed from him.

11. Then Peter, coming to himself said, “Now I know that the Lord really did send his angel and rescue me from the hand of Herod and from everything the people of the Jews expected.”

12. And when he realized this, he went to the house of the mother of John who is called Mark, where many were gathered and were praying.

13. And when Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maidservant named Rhoda came to answer.

14. And when she recognized Peter’s voice, she did not open the gate for joy, but ran inside and reported that Peter was standing at the gate.

15. But they said to her, “You’re crazy.” But she kept insisting that it was so. Then they started saying, “It’s his angel.”

16. But Peter kept on knocking, and when they had opened the door, they saw him, and they were astonished.

17. But motioning to them with his hand to be quiet, he described to them how the Lord had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” And then he left and went to another place.

18. Now when day came, there was no small consternation among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter.

19. After Herod searched for him but did not find him, he examined the guards and commanded that they be put to death.^[7] And he went down from Judea to spend time in Caesarea.

¶20. Now, Herod was very angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians, but they came to him with one accord, and having won over Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they began asking for peace, for their country was dependent on the king’s country for food.

21. And on an appointed day, Herod arrayed himself in royal garments, and when he had sat down on the judgment seat, he began delivering an oration to them.

22. Then the assembly began shouting, “It is the voice of a god and not of a man!”

23. But an angel of the Lord immediately struck him because he did not give glory to God. And being eaten up with worms, he died.

¶24. But the word of God kept growing and multiplying.

¶25. Now, Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem when they completed their ministry, bringing along John also, who was called Mark.

Acts 13

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¶1. There were some prophets and teachers in the Assembly at Antioch: Barnabas, and Simeon (who was called Niger), and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen (who was brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul.

2. And as they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for me, for the work to which I have called them.”

3. Whereupon, they laid hands on them, after fasting and praying, and sent them off.

¶4. Therefore, being sent out by the holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

5. When they arrived at Salamis, they began proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John as a helper.

6. And when they had passed through the island as far as Paphos, they came upon a certain sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Barjesus

7.who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulos, a prudent man. The proconsul summoned Barnabas and Saul, eager to hear the word of God,

8.but Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name translated), withstood them, trying to turn the proconsul from the faith.

9. But Saul (also called Paul) was filled with holy Spirit, and fastening his eyes on him,

10.he said, “O full of all deceit and all villainy! You son of the Accuser! You enemy of all righteousness! Will you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?

11.And now, behold! The hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” And immediately, a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about wanting someone to lead him by the hand.

12. Then the proconsul, having seen what happened, believed, being amazed at the doctrine of the Lord.

¶13. When they sailed from Paphos, those with Paul came to Perga of Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem.

14. Then going on from Perga, they came to Antioch of Pisidia, and they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down.

15. After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brothers, if you have a word of exhortation for the people, speak.”

16. And Paul rose up and motioned with his hand, and said,
¶“Men of Israel, and those who fear God, listen!

17.The God of this people chose our fathers, and He greatly increased the people while they sojourned in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, He led them out of it.

18.Then, for a period of about forty years, He bore with them in the wilderness.

19.And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He divided their land to them for an inheritance.

20.After these things, for about four hundred and fifty years, He appointed judges, until Samuel the prophet.

21.At that point, they asked for a king, and so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22.And after removing him, He raised up David to be king over them, concerning whom He also testified, saying, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all things according to my will.’

23.Of the seed of this man, God, according to His promise, has brought salvation to Israel,

24.John having preached before his coming a baptism of repentance to Israel.

25.Now, as John was fulfilling his course, he said, ‘Whom do you suppose me to be? I am not he. No! Behold, he is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am unworthy to loose.’

26.Men and brothers, sons of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you the message of this salvation is sent.

27.The inhabitants of Jerusalem and their rulers, understanding neither him nor the words of the prophets that are read aloud every Sabbath, fulfilled those prophecies when they condemned him.

28.And they asked Pilate to do away with him without finding a reason for death.

29.And when they had fulfilled all that was written about him, men took him down from the tree and placed him in a tomb.

30.But God raised him from the dead,

31.and he was seen over the course of many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.

32.And we are bringing you the good news concerning the promise made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled the same for us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus,

33.as it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my son. Today, I have begotten you.’

34.And concerning the fact that He raised him from the dead, no longer to return to decay, He said thus: ‘I will give you the holy and sure mercies of David.’

35.And in another Psalm, it says, ‘You will not allow your righteous one to see decay.’

36.Now, it is clear that after David served the purpose of God in his generation, he fell asleep and was gathered to his fathers, and saw decay.

37.But he whom God raised up saw no decay.

38.Be it known unto you, therefore, men and brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you,

39.and by him, all who believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses!

40.So beware, lest what is spoken in the prophets come upon you:

41.‘Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish! For I work a work in your days that you will by no means believe, even if someone explains it to you.’”

¶42. After they had left the synagogue of the Jews, the Gentiles kept pleading for these things to be spoken to them the next Sabbath.

43. And after the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and the God-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke with them, urging them to continue in the grace of God.

¶44. Then, the following Sabbath, nearly all the city was gathered to hear the word of God.

45. But the Jews, seeing the multitudes, were filled with envy and began speaking against the things said by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46. Nevertheless, Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly and said, “It was necessary to have spoken the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and judge yourselves to be unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles!

47.For so the Lord commanded us, in saying, ‘I have appointed you to be a light for the Gentiles, for you to be salvation to the uttermost part of the earth.’”

48. And when the Gentiles heard this, they started rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

49. And the word of the Lord kept spreading throughout the region.

50. But the Jews incited the devout and respected women and the leading men of the city, and they stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and they drove them out of their borders.

51. But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Iconium.

52. And the disciples were filled with joy and holy Spirit.

Acts 14

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1. In Iconium, they went as usual into the synagogue of the Jews, and they spoke in such a way that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed.

2. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

3. Nevertheless, they spent a considerable amount of time there, boldly speaking about the Lord, who bore witness to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands.

4. But the populace of the city was divided; some were with the Jews, and some, with the apostles.

5. And when there developed a movement among both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them,

6.they were made aware of it, and they fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region.

7. And there they continued to spread the good news.

¶8. And in Lystra, a certain man with crippled feet was sitting; he had never walked, being lame from his mother’s womb.

9. He listened to Paul speaking, who, fixing his eyes on him and seeing that he had faith to be delivered,

10.said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” And he began leaping and walking about.

11. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they shouted in Lycaonian, saying, “The gods have become like men and come down to us!”

12. And Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, since he was the principal speaker.

13. Then the priest of the temple of Zeus that was before their city brought bulls and garlands to the gates, intending to offer a sacrifice with the people.

14. But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of it, they tore their garments and rushed in among the crowd, crying out

15.and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men, with the same nature as you! We are bringing you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all that is in them,

16.who in past generations allowed all the nations to go their own ways.

17.Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying our hearts with food and gladness.”

18. And saying these things, they scarcely restrained the people from making sacrifice to them.

¶19. Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived, and after winning over the people and stoning Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking him to be dead.

20. But when the disciples stood round about him, he rose up and went into the city, and the next day, he departed with Barnabas for Derbe.

21. And after they preached the good news to that city, and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch,

22.strengthening the souls of the disciples, urging them to persevere in the faith, adding, “We must through many tribulations enter into the kingdom of God.”

23. And when they had chosen elders for them in each Assembly, after praying with fasting, they entrusted them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

24. And passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25. And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia,

26.and from there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled.

27. When they arrived and were gathered together with the Assembly, they reported all the things God had done with them, and that He had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles.

28. And they remained there no little time with the disciples.

Acts 15

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1. And certain men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers, saying, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

2. Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain other of them to go up to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem concerning this question.

3. And so, being sent by the Assembly, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy among all the brothers.

4. When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the Assembly, and the apostles, and the elders, and they recounted all the things God had done with them.

5. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!”

¶6. And the apostles and the elders came together to see about this matter.

7. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose and said to them,
¶“Men and brothers, you know that a good while ago, God made choice among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles were to hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8.And God, who knows the heart, bore them witness, giving them the holy Spirit just as He gave it to us,

9.and He made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10.Now then, why do you tempt God by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?

11.No! We believe we will be saved the same way they will be – through the grace of the Lord Jesus.”

¶12. Then the whole crowd fell silent and began listening to Barnabas and Paul tell of all the signs and wonders that God had done through them among the Gentiles.

13. And when they were finished, James spoke up, saying,
¶“Men and brothers, hear me.

14.Simeon has described how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name.

15.And to this, the words of the prophets agree, for it is written,

16.‘After these things, I will return, and I will build up again the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and I will build up again the parts of it that are torn down, and I will restore it

17.so that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called, says the Lord who is doing all these things.’

18.Known to God, from eternity, are all His works.

19.Therefore, my judgment is that we not trouble those from the Gentiles who turn to God,

20.but that we write to them to keep away from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood.

21.For from early times, Moses has had in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

¶22. It seemed good then to the apostles and elders, together with the whole Assembly, to send men chosen from among them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas (who is called Barsabbas) and Silas, leading men among the brothers.

23. And with their own hand, they wrote the following: “The apostles and elders, and the brothers, to the Antiochan, Syrian, and Cilician brothers who are of the Gentiles, greetings.

24.Inasmuch as we have heard that certain men among us, to whom we gave no charge, went out from here and troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying you must be circumcised and keep the law,

25.it seemed good to us, being of one mind, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26.men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus the Messiah.

27.So, we have sent Judas and Silas, and they will tell you the same things by word of mouth.

28.For it seemed good to the holy Spirit, and to us, to put upon you no greater burden, except for these necessary things:

29.abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and what is strangled, and from immorality. Keeping yourselves from these things, you will do well. Farewell.”

¶30. Then they were sent away and came to Antioch, and they gathered the multitude together and delivered the letter.

31. And when they read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement.

32. And both Judas and Silas, themselves also being prophets, encouraged the brothers and strengthened them with a long message.

33. And after they had spent time there, they were sent away with peaceful salutations from the brothers to the apostles.

34. But it seemed good to Silas to remain there.^[8]

35. And Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and, with many others, proclaiming the good news of the word of the Lord.

¶36. After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “Come, let us return and visit our brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are.”

37. And Barnabas resolved to take along John, who was called Mark.

38. But Paul was unwilling to take him with them who had deserted them at Pamphylia and did not continue with them in the work.

39. And there was such a sharp disagreement that they were separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus.

40. But Paul chose Silas and set out, being commended to the care of God by the brothers.

41. And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the Assemblies.

Acts 16

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¶1. Then he arrived at Derbe and Lystra, and behold, a certain disciple was there named Timothy (the son of a woman who was a believing Jew, but his father was a Greek),

2.who was well-spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.

3. Paul wanted him to go with him, and so, he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews that were in those places, for they all knew his father was a Greek.

4. And as they went through the cities, they passed on the decrees for them to obey that had been decided on by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.

5. So it was that the Assemblies were being established in the faith and were increasing in number daily.

¶6. When they had traveled through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, having been forbidden by the holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,

7.they came down to Mysia, intending to go to Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.

8. So, when they had passed by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

9. And a vision in the night appeared to Paul. In it, there was a certain Macedonian man standing and begging him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”

10. After he saw the vision, we immediately made preparations to depart for Macedonia, gathering that the Lord had summoned us to bring the good news to them.

¶11. Then, setting sail from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis,

12.and from there to Philippi, which is a chief city of the region of Macedonia, a Roman colony. And we remained in that city for some time.

13. And on the Sabbath, we went outside of the city by a river, where prayer was customarily made, and when we sat down, we began to speak to women who had gathered.

14. And a certain woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, a worshipper of God, was listening, whose heart the Lord opened to give heed to the things spoken by Paul.

15. And when she was baptized, and her house, she begged us, saying, “If you consider me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she persuaded us.

¶16. And it happened that as we were going to prayer, a certain slave girl met us who had the spirit of Python^[9] and who brought her masters great profit by fortune telling.

17. This girl, following after Paul and us, kept crying out, saying, “These men are servants of the most high God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation!”

18. This she kept doing for many days. But Paul grew very annoyed, and he turned to the spirit and said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out that very moment.

¶19. But her masters, seeing that their hope for profit was gone, seized Paul and Silas and dragged them before the rulers in the Agora.^[10]

20. And having brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, are stirring up our city,

21.and they are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept or to do!”

22. And the people rose up together against them, and the magistrates stripped them of their garments and commanded them to be beaten with rods.

23. And when they had laid many blows on them, they threw them into prison, and commanded the jailer to keep them securely,

24.who having received such an order, put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

25. But at midnight, Paul and Silas were praying, and they began singing praises to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

26.when all of a sudden, there was such a great earthquake that it shook the foundations of the prison, and all the doors were immediately opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened

27. And the jailer was woken up, and seeing the prison doors opened, he drew out a sword and was about to kill himself, assuming that the prisoners had escaped,

28.but Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm! We are all here!”

29. Then, when he had called for lights, he rushed in, trembling with fear, and fell down before Paul and Silas.

30. And after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31. And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your house.”

32. And then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and all who were in his house.

33. And he took them at that hour of the night and washed their wounds, and he was straightway baptized, he and all his house.

34. Then he brought them to his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced with all his house, believing in God.

¶35. Now when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors,^[11] saying, “Release those men.”

36. And the jailer reported to Paul these words: “The magistrates have sent word for you to be released. So, depart now, and go in peace.”

37. But Paul said to them, “After beating us publicly without a trial, uncondemned – we being Romans! – they cast us into prison. And now they are releasing us in secret? Not so! Let them come themselves and lead us out!”

38. Then the lictors reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans.

39. And they came and pleaded with them, and they led them out, asking them to leave the city.

40. When they had left the prison, they went to Lydia’s house, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them, and departed.

Acts 17

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¶1. Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.

2. And Paul, as was his custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the scriptures,

3.explaining and putting it before them that “It was necessary for the Messiah to suffer and rise again from the dead,” and, “This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.”

4. Some of them were persuaded and joined themselves to Paul and Silas, as did a great many of the God-fearing Greeks, and not a few of the prominent women.

5. But the unbelieving Jews took to them some wicked men from the rabble in the marketplace and formed a mob, and they began to throw the city into disorder, and they attacked the house of Jason, intending to hale them before the assembly.

6. Not finding them, however, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the rulers of the city, shouting, “These men who have turned the whole world upside down have now come here,

7.whom Jason has welcomed. And they all do things contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying there is a different king, Jesus!”

8. They stirred up the people and the city officials who heard these things,

9.but taking a bond from Jason and the rest, they released them.

¶10. And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11. Now, these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.

12. And many of them did indeed believe, including some of the prominent Greek women, and not a few of the men.

13. But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God was also being proclaimed by Paul in Berea, they came and stirred up the people there, too.

14. Immediately then, the brothers sent Paul away, as if to go by sea, while both Silas and Timothy remained there.

15. Those conducting Paul took him as far as Athens, and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

¶16. But while Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was continually provoked within him as he observed that the city was full of idols.

17. So, he began reasoning with the Jews and the God-fearers in the synagogue, and in the Agora every day with those who happened to be there.

18. Then some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began conversing with him. Some of them were saying, “What is this junkyard philosopher trying to say?” But others said, “He seems to be an advocate of foreign deities^[12]” (because he was preaching the good news of Jesus and the resurrection).

19. Then they took hold of him and led him to the Areopagos,^[13] saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is that is taught by you?

20.You are bringing some strange things into our ears, and we would know what these things mean.”

21. (All the Athenians and the strangers living there used to spend time on nothing else but to say or to hear some new thing.)

¶22. So, when Paul had taken his place in the midst of the Areopagos, he said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very god-fearing.

23.Indeed, as I came through, considering your objects of worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed, ‘To the Unknown God’. Whom you ignorantly worship, therefore, Him I proclaim to you.

24.The God who made the world and all that is in it, He being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands,

25.nor is He served by human hands as if needing something, seeing that He gives to everyone, everywhere, life and breath.

26.He made of one blood every race of men to dwell on the whole face of the earth, setting prescribed times and boundaries for their habitation,

27.that they might seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel after and find Him, although He is not far from any one of us.

28.For in Him we live, and move, and exist, as also certain of your own poets have said, ‘We also are His offspring.’

29.Inasmuch, then, as we are offspring of God, we ought not to suppose the Divine Being to be like a golden, or silver, or stone image produced by man’s skill and imagination.

30.The times of ignorance God formerly overlooked, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent,

31.for He has appointed a day in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom He has designated, providing proof to all, in that He raised him from the dead!”

¶32. When they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some started mocking, but others said, “We will hear you again about this.”

33. And with that, Paul went out from their midst.

34. But certain men believed and became his disciples, among whom were both Dionysios the Areopagite^[14] and a woman named Damaris, and others along with them.

Acts 18

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¶1. After these things, having departed from Athens, Paul came to Corinth.

2. And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus and recently arrived from Italy, and Priscilla his wife (because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome), and he visited them,

3.and because they were of the same occupation, he stayed with them and started working with them, for they were tentmakers by trade.

4. And he began to reason in the synagogue every sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks.

¶5. When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul, pressed by the Spirit, was testifying to the Jews that Jesus was Messiah.

6. And when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own head! I am guiltless! From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!”

7. And he departed from there and went into the house of a certain man named Justus, a God-fearer whose house was next to the synagogue.

8. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. Moreover, many of the Corinthians began to believe and be baptized when they heard.

9. Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but speak, and don’t be silent,

10.because I’m with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to do you harm, for I have many people in this city.”

11. So he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

¶12. Now when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up against Paul with one mind and brought him to the judgment seat,

13.saying, “This man induces people to worship God contrary to the law.”

14. But as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “Now, if it was some misdeed or wicked crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable that I bear with you.

15.But it being an issue about a word, and names, and your interpretation of the law, you see to it yourselves. I have no desire to be a judge of these things.”

16. And then he drove them from the judgment seat.

17. But all the Greeks seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and began beating him before the judgment seat. But none of these things mattered to Gallio.

¶18. After Paul had remained there many days, he bid farewell to the brothers, Priscilla and Aquila both being with him, and sailed toward Syria, shaving his head in Cenchreae because he was under a vow.

19. Then he arrived at Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.

20. And when they asked him to stay with them longer, he declined.

21. Instead, he bid them farewell, saying, “I must by all means keep the coming feast at Jerusalem, but I will return to you again, God willing.” And then he set sail from Ephesus.

22. And having arrived at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the Assembly, and then went down to Antioch.

23. And after he had spent some time there, he left and went from one place to another through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

¶24. Then a certain Jew named Apollos arrived at Ephesus, an Alexandrian by birth, a learnèd man and mighty in the Scriptures.

25. This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John,

26.and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more perfectly.

27. And when he wanted to cross over into Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him, and when he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace,

28.for he powerfully and publicly confuted the Jews, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

Acts 19

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¶1. Now, it came to pass while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the interior regions, came to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples,

2.he said to them, “Did you receive the holy Spirit after you believed?” They said to him, “We haven’t even heard that there is a holy Spirit.”

3. Then he said to them, “With what, then, were you baptized?” They said, “With John’s baptism.”

4. But Paul said, “Actually, John baptized with a baptism of repentance saying to the people that they should believe on the one coming after him, that is, on the Messiah, Jesus.”

5. On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6. And after Paul laid his hands on them, the holy Spirit came upon them, and they started speaking in tongues and prophesying.

7. And there were about twelve men in all.

¶8. Afterward, entering into the synagogue, he began to speak boldly, over the course of three months reasoning with them and persuading them of things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

9. But when some were hardened and would not believe, speaking evil of the Way to the people, he withdrew from them, taking the disciples away from them, reasoning daily in the school of a certain Tyrannus.

10. This went on for two years, with the result that everyone who lived in Asia heard the message of the Lord Jesus, Jews as well as Greeks.

11. And God began doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul,

12.such that even cloths or aprons touched by his skin were brought to the sick, and diseases left them, and evil spirits came out of them.

13. Some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches!”

14. (They were some sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, seven of them, who were doing this.)

15. But the evil spirit answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?”

16. Then the man who had the evil spirit pounced on them and overpowered them, and he so prevailed against them that they fled from the house, naked and wounded.

17. And this became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks, and fear fell on all of them, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18. And many who believed came, confessing and making their deeds known.

19. And a considerable number who practiced magical arts collected their scrolls and started burning them in the sight of all, and they added up the value of them and found that it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20. Thus, the word of the Lord continually increased, and prevailed mightily.

¶21. After these things were done, Paul resolved in the Spirit that when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, he would go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

22. But when he had sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed a while in Asia.

¶23. During that time, there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way.

24. For a certain silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines for Artemis, brought no small profit to the craftsmen,

25.whom he gathered together, along with workers in related businesses, saying, “Men, you know that our wealth comes from this trade.

26.And you see and hear that this Paul, not only in Ephesus but in nearly all of Asia, has persuaded and turned away many people, saying, ‘They are no gods that are made with hands.’

27.And not only is this business of ours in danger of coming into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis is in danger of being despised, and then her magnificence will be destroyed – she whom all Asia and the world worships!”

28. When they heard this, they were filled with rage and began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

29. Then the whole city was filled with tumult, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, traveling companions of Paul.

30. And Paul was determined to go in to the assemblage, but the disciples would not let him.

31. Even some of the Asiarchs, friends of his, sent to him, urging him not to show himself in the theater.

32. Some were shouting one thing, and others another, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know why they had come together.

33. Then some from the crowd put Alexander forward (the Jews pushed him forward), and Alexander motioned with his hand, wanting to make a defense to the crowd.

34. But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all cried out with one voice for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35. Now, when the town clerk had quieted the crowd, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great goddess Artemis and of the image that fell from Zeus?

36.These things being undeniable, you ought to be quiet and do nothing rash.

37.For you have dragged in these men, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of your goddess.

38.If Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a genuine complaint against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.

39.And if you are seeking anything concerning other matters, it will be settled in lawful assembly.

40.For we run the risk of being charged with rioting today, there being no reason for this commotion that we can offer as an excuse.”

41. And after saying these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts 20

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1. After the uproar ceased, Paul summoned the disciples, embraced them, and left to go to Macedonia.

2. Then, after passing through those parts and encouraging them with a lengthy message, he came to Greece.

3. And when he had spent three months there, a plot was laid against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, so he made a decision to return through Macedonia.

4. And accompanying him as far as Asia were Sopater of Berea, and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.

5. These went on ahead and waited for us at Troas.

6. And after the days of unleavened bread, we sailed from Philippi, and within five days we came to them at Troas, where we spent seven days.

¶7. And on the first day of the week, when the disciples gathered to break bread, Paul began speaking to them, intending to depart the next day, and he continued his message until midnight.

8. And there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered.

9. And sitting in the window was a certain young man named Eutychus, who sank into a deep sleep as Paul was a long time speaking, and overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was taken up dead.

10. But Paul went down and fell on him, and threw his arms around him, and said, “Do not be alarmed; his life is in him.”

11. Then, when he had gone back up and broken bread and eaten, he spoke for a long time until daybreak, and then he left.

12.(And they took the boy away alive, and were comforted beyond measure.)

¶13. But we went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so it had been arranged, as he himself wanted to go on foot.

14. And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went to Mitylene.

15. Sailing from there, we arrived off Chios the following day, and the next day, we approached Samos. And after staying at Trogyllium, we came to Miletus the day after.

16. (For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not lose time in Asia, for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if he could, on the day of Pentecost).

¶17. So, from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, summoning the elders of the Assembly.

18. And when they came to him, he said to them,
¶“You know how I lived the entire time I was with you, from the first day that I set foot in Asia,

19.working like a slave to the Master, with all humility, and many tears, and trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews,

20.how I shrank from nothing that was profitable, whether in preaching to you or in teaching you, openly and from house to house

21.testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.

22.And now, behold, I am bound in spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will befall me there,

23.except that the holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.

24.But I consider myself as nothing. Nor do I hold my life dear, that I might complete my race with joy, and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify of the gospel of God’s grace.

25.And now, behold, I know that none of you among whom I travelled, preaching the kingdom of God, will ever again see my face.

26.Therefore, I bear witness to you this very day that I am innocent of the blood of all men.

27.For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

28.Therefore, give heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among whom the holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the Assembly of the Lord, and of God, which he purchased with his own blood.

29.Now, I know this, that after my departure, vicious wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

30.Even from among your own selves shall men rise up, speaking perverse things in order to draw away disciples after themselves.

31.Therefore, be on guard, and remember that for three years, night and day, I did not cease from exhorting each one with tears.

32.And with that, brothers, I now entrust you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

33.I have coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing.

34.You yourselves know that these hands took care of my needs and the needs of those who were with me.

35.I was always an example for you, that by laboring, we must help those who are weak, and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

¶36. When he had spoken these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all.

37. And there was much weeping by all, and they fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him repeatedly,

38.grieving most of all because of what he had said, that they would never again see his face. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Acts 21

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¶1. When we departed from them, we set sail, and running a straight course, we came to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

2. And then, having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded and set sail.

3. When we sighted Cyprus and had passed it on the left, we sailed on toward Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo.

4. And we remained there seven days after we found disciples, who through the Spirit kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

5. Then, when our days there were ended, we departed and continued on our journey, they all, with women and children, accompanying us until we were outside the city. And we knelt on the shore and prayed.

6. And after we bade farewell to one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

¶7. Having completed the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day.

8. The next day, we who were with Paul left and went to Caesarea, and we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven, and we stayed with him.

9. He had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.

10. During the many days we stayed there, a certain man came down from Judea, a prophet named Agabus.

11. And he came to us and took Paul’s belt, and after binding his feet and hands, he said, “Thus says the holy Spirit: In this manner will the Jews in Jerusalem bind the man whose belt this is and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”

12. When we heard these things, we and the others there pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus!”

14. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “The will of the Lord be done.”

¶15. Following those days, after making preparations, we went on up to Jerusalem.

16. Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing us to a certain Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we were to stay.

¶17. When we came to Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us with gladness,

18.and the following day, Paul went in with us to James, all the elders being present.

19. After greeting them, he began relating one by one the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

20. And when they heard this, they began glorifying the Lord, and then they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who believe, and they are all zealous for the law.

21.But they have been informed about you, that you teach rebellion against Moses to all the Jews who are among the Gentiles, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to the customs.

22.What, then, is to be done? Doubtless, the multitude must come together, for they will hear that you have come.

23.Therefore, do what we tell you. There are four men among us who have taken a vow upon themselves.

24.Take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads, and then everyone will know that the things they have been told about you are nothing, but that you also walk orderly, keeping the law.

25.Concerning those among the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote a letter, having concluded that they need keep no such thing, other than to keep themselves from what is offered to idols, and from blood or strangled meat, and from immorality.”

26. Paul then took the men, and on the following day, being purified with them, entered into the temple, announcing the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was made for each one of them.

¶27. But when the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, seeing him in the temple, began stirring up all the people, and they laid hands on him,

28.crying out, “Men of Israel! Help! This is the man who teaches everyone, everywhere, against the people, and the law, and this place. And furthermore, he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place!”

29. (They had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, whom they assumed Paul had brought into the temple.)

30. And the whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together; and seizing Paul, they dragged him out of the temple, and the doors were immediately shut.

31. Now as they were going about to kill him, a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil came to the tribune of the cohort,

32.and at once, he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they ceased beating Paul.

33. And the tribune drew near and took him, and he ordered him to be bound with two chains. Then he began asking who he was and what he had done.

34. Some in the crowd were shouting one thing, and some another; and being unable to determine the facts because of the uproar, he commanded to take him to headquarters.

35. Now, when Paul came to the steps, he was being held up by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd.

36. And the multitude of the people followed, crying out, “Do away with him!”

¶37. Then, as he was about to be brought into the camp, Paul asked the tribune, “Is it allowed for me to speak to you?” And he replied, “Do you know Greek?

38.Aren’t you the Egyptian who recently stirred up a rebellion and led four thousand men who were assassins into the wilderness?”

39. Paul answered, “I am a man, a Jew, from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city. I ask you to allow me to speak to the people.”

40. And when he gave him permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. And after a great quiet fell, he began addressing them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

Acts 22

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¶1.“Brothers and fathers, hear my defense, now made before you.”

¶2. And when they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew tongue, they grew even quieter. Then he said,

¶3.“I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated in strict accordance with the law of our fathers, being zealous toward God, just as you all are today,

4.one who persecuted this Way to the death, binding and handing over to prisons both men and women,

5.as also the high priest can bear me witness, and the entire council, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and I went to Damascus to bring those who were bound there to Jerusalem so that they might be punished.

6.But as I was on my way and drawing near Damascus, it came to pass about noon that a great light from heaven suddenly shone around me.

7.And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?’

8.And I answered, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’

9.Those with me saw the light and were terrified, but they did not hear the voice of him who spoke to me.

10.Then I said, ‘What am I to do, sir?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go to Damascus, and there you will be told of everything that is appointed for you to do.’

11.And since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those with me, and I came to Damascus.

12.Then, a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law and well-spoken of by all the Jews who lived there,

13.came and stood before me, and he said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment, I could see him!

14.Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know His will, and to see the righteous one, and to hear the voice of his mouth,

15.that you should be his witness to all men of the things you have seen and heard.

16.So now, why are you waiting? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord!’

17.Then, when I returned to Jerusalem, it came to pass that while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance,

18.and I saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem at once because they will not receive your testimony about me.’

19.And I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue, I used to imprison and beat those who believe on you.

20.And when the blood of your witness Stephen was shed, I myself was also standing by, and approving of his murder, keeping the garments of those killing him.’

21.But he said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away, to Gentiles.’”

¶22. Now, they kept listening to him up until this statement, but then they raised their voices, saying, “Away with such a man from the earth! He isn’t fit to live!”

23. And when they began crying out, and tearing off their garments, and throwing dust into the air,

24.the tribune ordered him to be brought into the camp and said that he should be interrogated with lashes to find out why they raged against him like that.

25. But as one stretched him out with straps, Paul said to a centurion standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”

26. And when the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune and reported it, saying, “Be careful what you are about to do. This man is a Roman.”

27. Then the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.”

28. And the tribune answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money.” And Paul answered, “But I, by birth.”

29. Immediately, therefore, those about to interrogate him withdrew from him. And the tribune was also afraid, once he learned that he was a Roman, and he had bound him.

¶30. The next day, wanting to know for sure what he was being accused of by the Jews, the tribune released him from the bonds and commanded the chief priests and their whole Sanhedrin to appear, and then he brought Paul down and set him before them.

Acts 23

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¶1. Fixing his eyes on the Sanhedrin, Paul said, “Men and brothers, to this day, I have lived my life in all good conscience toward God.”

2. Then the high priest Ananias commanded those standing by him to strike his mouth.

3. Paul then said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit there, judging me according to the law, and then, contrary to the law, command me to be struck?”

4. Those standing by said, “Do you malign the high priest of God?”

5. Then Paul said, “I was unaware, brothers, that he is high priest. It is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ”

6. Then Paul, knowing that one part were Sadducees and the other, Pharisees, cried out in the Council, “Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I am on trial concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead!”

7. And after he said this, there arose a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the crowd was divided.

8. (The Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

9. And there was a great uproar, and the scribes who were of the part of the Pharisees rose up and began protesting bitterly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man! If a spirit or angel has spoken to him, we had better not fight against God!”

10. And when the dispute grew violent, the tribune, afraid lest Paul be torn apart by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and pull him out of their midst and take him back to headquarters.

¶11. The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Take courage, Paul. For as you have testified of things concerning me in Jerusalem, likewise you must also bear witness in Rome.”

¶12. When day came, some Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

13. There were more than forty men who were involved in this plot,

14.and they came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under an oath, with a curse, to eat nothing until we kill Paul.

15.So now, you, together with the Sanhedrin, inform the tribune that tomorrow he should bring him down to you as if you would more thoroughly examine matters relating to him. But we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”

16. But when Paul’s sister’s son learned of the ambush, he went and entered into the camp and reported it to Paul.

17. Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the tribune; he has something to tell him.”

18. So he took him and led him to the tribune, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

19. Then the tribune took him by the hand and withdrew, and inquired privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

20. And he answered, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they have to more fully understand something about him.

21.But you must not be persuaded by them! More than forty men among them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves with an oath to neither eat nor drink until they kill him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

22. At this, the tribune let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have made these things known to me.”

23. And summoning certain two centurions, he said, “Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night,

24.and provide mounts so that Paul may be mounted, to bring him safely to Felix the Governor.”

25. And he wrote a letter containing this message:

¶26.“Claudius Lysias to the most excellent Procurator, Felix. Greeting.

27.This man was seized by the Jews, and when he was about to be killed by them, I came with soldiers and rescued him, upon learning that he is a Roman.

28.Then I brought him down to their Council, desirous to ascertain the reason they were accusing him.

29.I found that he was accused in regard to disputed matters of their law, and there was no accusation deserving of death or imprisonment.

30.But when it was brought to my attention that a plot against this man was about to be carried out by the Jews, I immediately sent him to you, also ordering the accusers to bring charges against him before you. Farewell.”

¶31. The soldiers, therefore, following their orders, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris.

32. And they returned to camp the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him,

33.who entered into Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, and presented Paul to him.

34. And when the governor had read it, he asked which province he was from, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia,

35.he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he ordered him to be kept in the Praetorium of Herod.

Acts 24

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1. After five days, the high priest Ananias came down with the elders and a certain orator, Tertullus, who made known to the governor the charges against Paul.

2. And after he was summoned, Tertullus began to bring the charges, saying,

3.in both every way and every place we acknowledge it, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude.

4.However, that I not detain you any longer, I appeal to you to hear us briefly, in your graciousness.

5.We have found this man a pestilence, stirring up insurrection among all the Jews throughout the whole earth, a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6.And when he attempted to desecrate the temple, we arrested him. And we desired to judge him according to our law,

7.but after the tribune Lysias came with great violence and took him out of our hands,

8.he commanded his accusers to come to you.^[15] By examining him yourself, you will be able to ascertain all these things of which we accuse him.”

9. Then the Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10. And when the governor nodded to him to speak, Paul answered, “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I do the more cheerfully make my defense concerning these things.

11.You can verify for yourself that there have been no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem,

12.and neither in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city did they find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the people.

13.Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.

14.But this I do confess to you, that in the Way which they call heresy, I worship our fathers’ God, believing all things that are written in the law and the prophets,

15.having hope in God, which these men themselves also allow, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, of both the just and the unjust.

16.In light of this, I live so as to always keep a clear conscience toward God and men.

17.Now, after a number of years, I came to bring alms and offerings to my nation,

18.with which gifts some Jews from Asia found me, purified, in the temple, not with a crowd nor with an uproar.

19.Those ought to be here before you to accuse me if they have something against me.

20.Or let these, themselves, say what fault they found in me when I stood before the Council,

21.other than this one thing, which I voiced as I stood among them: ‘I am being put on trial by you today for the resurrection of the dead.’ ”

¶22. When Felix heard these things, having more accurate knowledge concerning the Way, he put them off, saying, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will decide your case.”

23. Then he commanded the centurion to hold Paul, but that he should have liberty, and to forbid none of his company to serve or come to him.

¶24. And after some days, Felix came with Drusilla his wife, who was Jewish, and he summoned Paul and heard from him about faith in Christ.

25. And as he reasoned about righteousness, and self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and answered, “Go your way, for now, and when I have opportunity, I will summon you.”

26. At the same time, he was hoping that money would be given to him by Paul so that he might release him, and to this end, he sent for him often and conversed with him.

27. But after two years elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wanting to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Acts 25

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1. So, Festus came into the province, and three days later, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

2. And the high priest and the leaders of the Jews informed him against Paul, and pleaded with him,

3.asking a favor from him, that he might summon him to Jerusalem (planning an ambush to kill him on the way).

4. However, Festus replied that Paul should be kept in Caesarea, as he himself was about to depart for there shortly.

5. “Therefore,” he said, “those among you who are able, come with me; if there is anything against this man, let them accuse him.”

¶6. And after he had spent over ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea. The day following, he sat on the judgment seat and gave command for Paul to be brought in.

7. And when he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood round about, leveling many serious charges against Paul, which they were unable to prove.

8. In his own defense, he said, “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I done any wrong.”

9. But Festus, wanting to grant the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be judged before me concerning these things?”

10. Then Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. I have done the Jews no wrong, as you also very well know.

11.If I really am doing wrong or have done anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die, but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

12. Then, after Festus conferred with the council, he answered, “Appealed to Caesar, have you? To Caesar you shall go.”

¶13. After some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to visit Festus.

14. And when they had spent many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix,

15.about whom, when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Jewish elders informed me, asking for judgment against him.

16.I answered them that it is not the custom of Romans to give any man over to death as a favor before the accused have the accusers face to face and have an opportunity to defend himself against the charge.

17.So, when they were assembled here, I made no delay; the next day, I sat on the judgment seat and ordered the man to be brought in,

18.against whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought not one charge of the kind I was expecting,

19.but they had certain issues relating to their own religion against him, and about one Jesus who had died, whom Paul claimed to be alive.

20.And being uncertain about this controversy, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be judged there concerning these things.

21.But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for a decision by Augustus, I ordered him to be held until I send him to Caesar.”

22. Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow, then,” he said, “you will hear him.”

¶23. The next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the audience hall, along with the tribunes and the most prominent men of the city, and Festus ordered Paul to be brought in.

24. Then Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all men present with us, consider this man, regarding whom the whole multitude of the Jews pleaded with me, both in Jerusalem and here, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.

25.But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and when he appealed to Augustus, I decided to send him.

26.I have nothing definite to write to our lord about him. Therefore, I have brought him before you all, and particularly before you, King Agrippa, so that once the examination is made, I might have something to write.

27.For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner to Augustus and not indicate the charges against him.”

Acts 26

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1. Then Agrippa said to Paul, “It is granted to you to speak on your own behalf.” Then Paul, extending his hand, began his defense:

¶2.“Concerning all these things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself blessed that I am about to defend myself before you today,

3.especially because you are acquainted with all things related to the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to hear me patiently.

4.My manner of life from youth, which was, from the beginning, among my people in Jerusalem, the Jews all know.

5.They have known me a long time, if they would testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

6.And now I stand here, on trial because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

7.unto which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God night and day, hope to attain – for which hope, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

8.Why does it seem incredible to you that God raises the dead?

9.I actually thought in myself that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,

10.which I also did in Jerusalem. Many of the saints I myself locked up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were executed, I cast my lot against them.

11.And in all the synagogues, I frequently punished them, trying to make them blaspheme, and mad with excessive rage against them, I persecuted them even in cities outside of Israel.

12.With these intentions, I also made a journey to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13.when at midday on the road, O King, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun shining around me and those traveling with me.

14.We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the pricks.’

15.Then I said, ‘Who are you, sir?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you persecute.

16.Rise and stand to your feet! I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you to be a servant and a witness of the things you have seen and of the things I will show you,

17.delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom I am sending you,

18.to open their eyes, turning them from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God so that they might receive forgiveness of sins and a portion among those who are sanctified by faith that is in me.’

19.Afterward, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision;

20.on the contrary, first to those in Damascus, and then in Jerusalem, and throughout the territory of Judea, and to the Gentiles, I tell men to repent and turn to God and do works meet for repentance.

21.This is why the Jews seized me in the temple and were trying to kill me.

22.Having had help from God, though, I stand fast until this day, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except things that both the prophets and Moses said would come to pass:

23.that the Messiah would suffer, that he would be the first one raised from the dead, and that he would proclaim light to the people and to the Gentiles.”

¶24. And as he thus defended himself, Festus spoke up in a loud voice, “You are out of your mind, Paul! Much learning is driving you mad!”

25. But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus; on the contrary, the words I declare are true and rational.

26.The King knows about these things, before whom I speak boldly. I cannot believe that any of these things has escaped his attention, for this thing has not been done in a corner.

27.King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.”

28. Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time, you are persuading me to be a Christian.”

29. Then Paul said, “I would to God that, whether short time or long, not only you, but also everyone listening to me today might become such a one as I am – except for these chains.”

¶30. When he had spoken these things, the King arose, and the governor, and Bernice, and those sitting with them,

31.and they were talking to one another as they departed, saying, “This man is doing nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”

32. And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts 27

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1. When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they gave custody of Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan Cohort.

2. And boarding a ship of Adramytium that was about to sail to places along Asia, we put out to sea accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

3. The next day, we put in at Sidon, and Julius, treating Paul kindly, gave him permission to go to his friends and receive their care.

4. From there putting out to sea, we sailed leeward of Cyprus because the winds were contrary.

5. And after sailing across open water by Cilicia and Pamphylia, we put in at Myra of Lycia.

6. And there, when the centurion had found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, he boarded us on it.

7. Sailing slowly for a number of days, we arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to go further, and then we sailed for Salmone under the lee of Crete.

8. And with difficulty making our way past it, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near which lay a city called Lasaea.

¶9. But much time having passed, and the voyage now being unsafe because the fast had already come and gone, Paul urged them,

10.saying to them, “Men, I sense that the impending voyage will be made with damage and much loss, not only to the cargo and ship, but also to our lives.”

11. But the centurion was won over by the shipmaster and the shipowner rather than the things spoken by Paul.

12. And as the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority gave counsel to set sail from there, that perhaps they could make Phoenix to winter there, a Cretan harbor facing southwest and northwest.

13. And when a south wind blew gently, they weighed anchor and sailed along, close to Crete, supposing they had accomplished their purpose,

14.but not long after, a fierce wind called Euroclydon blew in against it,

15.and when the ship was caught up in it and could not withstand the wind, we gave way and were driven along.

16. And running under the lee of a certain island called Clauda, we were barely able to bring the ship’s boat under control,

17.and when they had set it out, they used ropes^[16] to brace the ship, and fearing lest they run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the kedge,^[17] and in this manner were moved along.

18. But we being violently tossed by the storm, they soon began to jettison the cargo,

19.and on the third day, we began to heave the ship’s tackle overboard with our own hands.

20. But when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm beset us, all remaining hope of our being saved was beginning to fade.

21. And when they had gone a long time without food, Paul then stood in their midst and said, “Men, you should have followed my advice not to put to sea from Crete and incur this damage and loss.

22.Yet now I urge you to take courage, for not one of your lives will be lost, only the ship.

23.For this night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood by me.

24.And he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar, and behold, God has given you all those who sail with you.’

25.So, take heart, men! For I believe God, that it will happen just as it was told me.

26.But we must run aground on a certain island.”

¶27. Now when the fourteenth night came, as we were driven across the Adriatic, about midnight, the sailors suspected that they were nearing some land.

28. So they sounded, and they found twenty fathoms, and after they had gone a little further, they sounded again and found fifteen fathoms.

29. Then, fearing that perhaps we might run aground on rocks, they cast four anchors down from the stern, and prayed for day to come.

30. When some of the sailors set out to escape from the ship, lowering the ship’s boat to the sea under pretext that they intended to drop anchors from the bow,

31.Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”

32. At that, the soldiers cut the ropes to the ship’s boat and let it drift off.

33. When it was almost daylight, Paul urged everyone to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you have looked for respite and continued without eating, taking nothing.

34.Therefore, I urge you to take food; this is for your survival, and there will not fall a hair from the head of any one of you.”

35. When he had said these things, he took bread and gave thanks to God before them all, and after breaking it, he began to eat.

36. Then were they all encouraged, and took food themselves.

37. (We were, in total, two hundred seventy-six souls in the ship.)

38. And when they were filled with food, they began lightening the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

39. When daylight was come, they did not recognize the area, but they noticed a bay with a beach, onto which they decided to run the ship ashore, if possible.

40. So, slipping the anchors and leaving them to the sea, simultaneously loosing the rudder pendants, they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach,

41.but they ran the ship aground when they struck a point of land; the prow stuck fast and remained unmovable, and the stern was broken up by the force of the waves.

42. And the soldiers’ intention was to kill the prisoners so that no one could swim away and escape,

43.but the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and then he commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first and head for shore,

44.and then the rest, some on planks and some on pieces of the ship. And thus, all were safely brought to land.

Acts 28

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1. After making it to safety, they learned then that the island was called Melita.

2. And the Barbarians showed us no little kindness; they welcomed us all and lit a fire because it had begun to rain, and because of the cold.

3. Paul gathered up a bundle of sticks, and when he put them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand.

4. And when the Barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “No doubt, this man is a murderer, whom, though saved from the sea, Dike^[18] has not allowed to live.”

5. But he shook the beast off into the fire, and suffered no harm.

6. They kept waiting for him to swell up or suddenly fall down, dead. But after waiting for a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began saying he was a god.

¶7. In the surrounding area were fields belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who received us as one would a friend, and lodged us for three days.

8. Now, it happened that Publius’ father was bedridden, taken with fever and dysentery, to whom Paul went in, and when he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him.

9. After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who were sick also came to Paul, and they were healed.

10. Then they honored us with many gifts, and when we put to sea, they gave us the things we needed.

¶11. So, after three months, we put to sea in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the insignia of the Dioscuri.^[19]

12. And we put in at Syracuse and remained there three days.

13. From there, making a circuit, we arrived at Rhegium, and after a day, a south wind having come up, we came on the second day to Putioli

14.(where we found brothers, and we were asked to stay with them seven days). And thus, we went on toward Rome.

15. And when the brothers from there heard about us, they came as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns to meet us, for whom, when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

¶16. Then, when we came to Rome, the centurion turned the prisoners over to the camp commander, but Paul was given permission to live by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

¶17. And it came to pass after three days that Paul called together those who were leaders of the Jews. When they were come together, he said to them, “Men and brothers, I, having done nothing against the people or the customs of the fathers, was handed over as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

18.who, after examining me, intended to release me because there was no reason for death found in me.

19.But when the Jews spoke against it, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, though not having anything of which to accuse my nation.

20.This is the reason I summoned you, therefore, to see and to speak to you, for it is on account of the hope of Israel that I wear this chain.”

21. They said to him, “We have neither received letters about you from Judea, nor has anyone come from the brothers and reported or spoken anything evil about you.

22.But we would like to hear from you about the things you believe, for concerning this sect, we are aware that everywhere it is spoken against.”

¶23. And when they had appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging, to whom he expounded upon and testified about the kingdom of God, persuading them from morning until evening of things concerning Jesus, from both the law of Moses and the prophets.

24. And there were some who believed the things Paul said, but some did not believe.

25. And being in disagreement among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: “The holy Spirit spoke rightly to our fathers by Isaiah the prophet

26.when it said, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will certainly hear, but you shall not understand, and you will certainly see, but you shall not perceive.

27.For the heart of this people has become dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and repent, and I heal them.” ’

28.Let it be known to you, therefore, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it!”

29. And after he said these things, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

¶30. But Paul remained two whole years in his own rented house, and he welcomed all who came to him,

31.preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ with great boldness and without hindrance.

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Footnotes

^[1] Where the word “Lord” refers to the Father, as it does here, instead of to His Son Jesus, the word will appear in small capital letters: Lord.

^[2] Apparently, the “Hellenists”, or “Grecians”, were Jews not native to Palestine and who spoke Greek and lived to some extent according to Greek culture. They seem to have been considered second-class citizens by native Jews.

^[3] Literally, “star”.

^[4] Many manuscripts do not have this verse. Others do include it, some with minor variations.

^[5] The first half of this verse is found in the King James Version, which is based on the Textus Receptus.

^[6] That is, “gazelle”.

^[7] Literally, “that they be led away.”

^[8] The Byzantine text does not have this verse.

^[9] Python is the name of a snake god associated with Delphi, where priestesses uttered oracles.

^[10] The agora was like the downtown area of a modern city, filled with shops, businesses, and municipal buildings.

^[11] Ancient Roman officers who attended magistrates and other higher officials. They carried the fasces, the symbol of Roman civil authority, and were responsible for executing the sentences ordered by the authorities.

^[12] Lit., daemons, or lower gods in the Classical pantheon.

^[13] The Areopagos (“Ares’ Hill”) was a rocky outcrop where cases were brought before the highest Athenian court. The hill was named for Ares, the Greek god of war, whom the Romans called Mars. Thus, the Roman name for Ares’ Hill was “Mars’ Hill”.

^[14] A member of the council that met on the Areopagos. That is, a judge.

^[15] The italicized portion is missing in some texts.

^[16] Meaning unclear. Possibly, “cables” or “supports”. Literally, “helps”.

^[17] Meaning unclear. Literally, “object” or “thing”.

^[18] Goddess of justice.

^[19] Literally, “sons of God” (that is, of Zeus). A reference to Castor and Pollux, twin sons of Zeus and a human princess, Leda.