The Acts of the Apostles

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

1 Indeed, in the first book I produced, concerning all, O Theophilus, that Jesus began to do and teach 2 until that day after commanding the apostles whom He chose through the Holy Spirit, He was taken up 3 and presented Himself alive to them after His suffering by many proofs during forty days, being seen by them and speaking things about the kingdom of God.

4 And while meeting with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father which you heard from me; 5 that, “indeed, John baptized with water, but you all will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days after this.”

The Ascension

6 Then indeed, those after coming together were asking Him, saying, “Lord, at this time, do you restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you all to know the times or seasons^a that the Father appointed by His own authority; 8 but you all will receive power^b after the Holy Spirit comes upon you all, and you all will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and to the end of the earth.” 9 And after saying these things, while looking at Him, He was taken up, and a cloud took Him from their sight. 10 And as they were gazing to heaven while He was going, behold, two men had stood by them in white robes, 11 and they said, “Men of Galilee, why have you stood looking into heaven? This Jesus who was taken up from you all into heaven will come in a like manner as you all saw Him going into heaven.”

Matthias Chosen to Replace Judas

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount being called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away. 13 And when they entered, they went up to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James. 14 All of these were preserving with one accord in prayer with the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

15 And in those days, Peter, after standing up in the midst of the brothers, said, (and there was a crowd of people in all about 120) 16 "Men, brothers, it is necessary to fulfill the Scriptures which the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand through the mouth of David, concerning Judas, after becoming a guide to those arresting Jesus, 17 since he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry." 18 (This man, indeed, then acquired a field out of the wages of unrighteousness, and after falling head first, he burst open in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 "For it has been written in the Book of Psalms,

         “‘His camp be desolate,

         and be no one dwelling in it';^c

and

         “ 'Another take his office.'^d

21 Therefore, it is necessary, a man after accompanying us during all the time, that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when He was taken up from us—to be one of these men, a witness of His resurrection with us.” 23 And they put forward two: Joseph being called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. 24 And after praying, they said, “You Lord, who know the hearts of all, appoint^e which one of these two you choose 25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The Coming of the Holy Spirit

2 And when the day of Pentecost^f arrived, they were all together in the same place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them, 4 and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit was giving speech to them.

5 And here were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout^g men from every nation under heaven. 6 And at this sound, the multitude came together and were bewildered because they were hearing one another in their own dialect speaking to them. 7 And they were amazed and astounded, saying, “Behold, are not all^h these men speaking Galileans?” 8 And how are we hearing each of them in our own dialect in which we born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues, the mighty works of God. 12 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this wish to be?”ⁱ 13 But others, mocking, were saying, “They are filled with new wine.”

Peter's Sermon at Pentecost

14 And Peter, after standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and spoke^j to them, “Men of Judea and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, this be known to you all, and give ear to my words. 15 For these men are not drunk as you all suppose, since it is only the third hour^k of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

17 'And it will be in the last days, God declares,

I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh,

and your sons and daughters will prophesy,

and your young men will see visions,

and your elders will dream dreams;

18 even on my male servants and female servants,

in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.

19 And I will show wonders in the heavens above

and signs on the earth below,

blood and fire and vapor of smoke;

20 the sun will be turned to darkness

and the moon into blood,

before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.

21 And it will be that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.'^l

22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man having been approved^m from God to you all with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through Him in the midst of you all, as you yourselves knew—23 this One, delivered up by the determined will and foreknowledge of God, after crucifying, you all killed by the hands of lawless men, 24 who God raised up, after releasing the pains of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it. 25 For David said concerning Him,

 “'I myself was seeing the Lord always before me,

since He is at my right hand, in order that I may not be shaken;

26 therefore, my heart rejoiced, and my tongue rejoiced greatly,

and yet my flesh will also dwell in hope.

27 Because you will not abandon my soul in Hades,

        nor will you give your Holy One to see corruptionⁿ,

28 You made known to me the paths of life;

        you will fill me with gladness with your presence.'^o

29 Men, brothers, I say with confidence to you all about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet and knowing that God swore an oath to him to set one of his descendants^p on his throne, 31 after foreseeing, he spoke about the resurrection of the Christ that He was not abandoned to Hades, nor did His flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up which we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore, after being exalted at the right hand of God and receiving the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this that you all see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend to the heavens, but he says,

“'The Lord said to my Lord,

Sit at my right hand,

35 until I put your enemies under your foot.'”^q

36 Therefore, know for certain all the house of Israel, that God made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you all crucified.

37 And after hearing this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, men, brothers?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you all in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you all will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you all and to your children and to all those far off, everyone whom the Lord God calls to Himself.” 40 And with many other words, He witnessed and was exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” 41 Then indeed, those receiving his word were baptized, and there were added in that day about three thousand souls.

The Fellowship of the Believers

42 And they were devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles and the fellowship to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And reverential fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all those believing were gathered together and had^r all things in common, 45 and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as any had^s need. 46 And day by day, attending^t the temple together and breaking bread in their homes; they were receiving their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having grace with all the people. And the Lord was adding those being saved day by day to their number.

The Lame Beggar Healed

3 And Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour^u 2 and a man, lame from birth, was being carried, whom they were laying daily at the gate of the temple being called Beautiful to ask alms of those entering into the temple. 3 He, after seeing Peter and John about to enter into the temple, was asking to receive alms. 4 And Peter, after looking intently at him with John, said, “Look at us.” 5 And he was fixing his attention on them, anticipating to receive something from them. 6 And Peter said, Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have, this I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk! 7 And after taking him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. 8 And leaping up, he stood and was walking and entered into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God, 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 and they were recognizing him as he who was sitting at the Beautiful Gate of the temple asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks in Solomon's Portico

11 While he clung to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the portico being called Solomon's, utterly astounded. 12 And after seeing it, Peter began to speak to the people: Men of Israel, why do you all wonder at this, or why do you all stare at us as by our own power or piety^v we have made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His servant^w Jesus, whom you all indeed delivered over and denied in the presence of Pilate after he decided to release Him. 14 But you all denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a man, a murderer, to be granted to you all 15 and the Author of Life you all killed, whom God raised from the dead, which we are witnesses of. 16 And by faith in His name, He has made this man whom you all see and know strong by His name, and the faith that is through Him has given this man complete health in the presence of you all.

17 “And now, brothers, I know, that according to ignorance, you all practiced, as did your rulers. 18 But what God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ would suffer, this He fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and turn back to blot out your sins, 20 that seasons of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and He may send the One, having been appointed to you all, Christ Jesus, 21 whom it is necessary heaven indeed receive until the time for restoring all things which God spoke through the mouth of His holy prophets long ago. 22 Moses indeed said, 'The Lord God will raise up prophets for you all like me from your brothers. You all will listen to him in whatever he says to you all. 23 And it will be that every soul that does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from the people.' 24 And all the prophets from Samuel and all those who came after him said and preached these days. 25 You all are sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.' 26 God, after raising up His servant, sent Him first to you all, blessing you all by turning every one of you all from your wickedness.”^x

Peter and John Before the Council

4 And while they were speaking to the people, the priest and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 greatly displeased because they were teaching the people and preaching in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they arrested^y them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 But many, after hearing the word, believed, and the number of men came to about five thousand.

5 And it came to pass on the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes gathered together in Jerusalem 6 with Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and all who were of the high priestly family. 7 And after standing them in the midst, they arrested and were inquiring, By what power or by what name did you all do this? 8 Then Peter, after being filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, 9 if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, 10 let it be known to all of you and all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you all crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by Him, this man has stood before you all well. 11 This is the stone that was rejected by you all, the builders, which has become the cornerstone^z.^aa 12 And there is not salvation in anyone else, for there is no other name under heaven after being given among men by which it is necessary we be saved.”

13 And while seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and after perceiving that they were uneducated and ignorant men, they were astonished. And they fully recognized that they were with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man after being healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition. 15 But after commanding them to leave the Sanhedrin, they consulted with one another, 16 saying, “What should we do with these men? For indeed, since a notable sign has been done through them is evident to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it. 17 But in order that it may spread no further among the people, we should threaten them to speak no more in this name to anyone.” 18 And after calling them, they commanded them not to speak^ab or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John, after answering, said to them, “If it is right before God to listen to you all rather than God, you all judge, 20 for we are not able not to speak what we saw and heard.” 21 But after further threatening them, they released them, finding no way they may punish them because of the people because all were glorifying God for what happened. 22 For the man on whom he had performed this sign of healing was more than forty years old.

The Believers Pray for Boldness

23 And after being released, they went to their friends and announced what the chief priests and elders said to them. 24 And after hearing, they lifted up their voices together to God and said, “Sovereign Lord^ac, you who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 25 who our father, your servant^ad David, spoke through the Holy Spirit,

 “‘Why did the Gentiles rage,

and the peoples plot in vain?

26 The kings of the earth set themselves,

and the rulers were gathered together,

        against the Lord and against His Christ^ae —

27 for truly in this city they were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontus Pilate with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your will predestined^af to take place. 29 And now, Lord, look upon^ag their threats and give^ah to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness 30 while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant^ai Jesus.” 31 And after praying, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness.

They Had Everything in Common

32 And the full number of those after believing were of one heart and soul, and no one was saying any of the things belonging to him were his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power, the apostles were giving their witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 For not a needy person was among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold, them and were bringing the proceeds of what was sold 35 and were laying it at the feet of the apostles and it was being distributed to each as any were having need. 36 And Joseph, being called Barnabas by the apostles (which means son of consolation), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 after selling a field belonging to him, brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles.

Ananias and Sapphira

5 But a man named Ananias with Sapphira, his wife, sold a piece of property 2 and retained some of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge, and after bringing only a part of it, laid it at the feet of the apostles. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to retain part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained, did it not remain your own? And after being sold, was it not in your authority? Why did you put this deed in your heart? You did not lie to man, but to God.” 5 And while hearing these words, Ananias, after falling down, breathed his last. And great fear came upon all those hearing. 6 And after rising, the young men wrapped him up, and after carrying him out, buried him.

7 And it came to pass, after an interval of about three hours, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter answered to her, “Tell me if you all sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 But Peter said to her, “Why did you all agree together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those after burying your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” 10 And immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And after coming in, the young men found her dead, and after carrying her out, they buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all those hearing these things.

Many Signs and Wonders Done

12 Through the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were being done among the people. And they were all together in Solomon's Portico. 13 And none of the rest dared to join them, but the people were greatly magnifying them. 14 And more believers were being added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that the sick were carried into the streets and laid in cots and mats in order that, while Peter was coming by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 The people were also gathering from towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those being afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all being healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

17 And after rising up, the high priest and all those who were with him (that is, the party of the Sadducees), were filled with jealousy 18 and arrested^aj the apostles and put them in public prison. 19 But an angel of the Lord in the night, after opening the doors of the prison and bringing them out, said, 20 “Go, and after standing in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this Life.” 21 And after hearing, they entered into the temple at daybreak and were teaching.

         And after coming, the high priest and those with him called together the Sanhedrin and all the senate of the people of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 And after coming, the officers did not find them in prison, and after returning, they announced, 23 saying, “We found the prison securely locked and all the guards standing at the doors, but after opening them, we found no one inside.” 24 And as the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were thoroughly perplexed about them as to what this would come to. 25 And after coming, someone told them, “Behold, the men whom you all put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26 Then, after going, the captain with the officers were bringing them, not with force, for they were fearing they might be stoned by the people.

27 And after bringing them, they stood them in the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We strictly charged you all not to teach in this name, and behold, you all have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you all will to bring this man's blood upon us.”

29 And after answering, Peter and the apostles said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you all killed after hanging on a tree. 31 God, Leader and Savior, lifted Him up at His right hand to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses to these words, and so is the Holy Spirit whom God gave to those obeying Him.

33 And after hearing this, they were enraged and willing to kill them all. 34 And after standing up, a Pharisee in the Sanhedrin named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, gave orders to put the men outside for a little while. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you are about to do with these men. 36 For before these days, Theudas rose up, aiming to be someone, with him a number of men, about four hundred. He was killed, and all those who were following him dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew people away after him. He also died, and all those who were following him scattered. 38 And now, in this case, I say to you all, keep away from these men and leave them because if this will or this work is of men, it will fail,^ak 39 but if this is of God, you all will not be able to destroy it. You might even be found opposing God.” And they were persuaded by him, 40 and after calling in the apostles and beating them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41 The indeed, they were going, rejoicing from the presence of the Sanhedrin because they were counted worthy to be dishonored for the name. 42 And every day in the temple and from house to house they were not ceasing teaching and preaching the Christ is Jesus.

Seven Chosen to Serve

6 And in these days, when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose by the Hellenists^al against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And after summoning the full number of disciples, the twelve said, “It is not fitting we should abandon^am the word of God to serve tables. 3 But pick out, brothers, seven men from you all of good repute full of the Spirit and wisdom, who we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.” 5 And their words pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and after praying, they laid hands on them.

7 And the word of God was increasing, and the number of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great crowd of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.

Stephen is Seized

8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing wonders and great signs among the people. 9 And some rose up out of the synagogue, being called the Freedmen, and the Cyrenians, and the Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not strong enough to resist the wisdom and Spirit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly instigated men, saying, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and after coming upon him, they seized him and brought him to the Sanhedrin, 13 and they set up false witnesses, saying, “This man does not cease speaking words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him saying that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs of Moses delivered to us.” 15 And after gazing at him, all those sitting in the Sanhedrin saw his face was like the face of an angel.

Stephen's Speech

7 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And he said,

        “Men, brothers and fathers, listen. The glory of God appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, 'Go out from your land and from your relatives and go into the land that I will show to you.'^an 4 Then, after going out from the land of the Chaldeans, he lived in Haran. And after his father died, He removed him into this land in which you all are now living. 5 And He gave to him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his offspring after him though he had no child. 6 And God said this — that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others who would enslave them and afflict them for four hundred years. 7 'And the nation to whom they will be enslaved I will judge,'^ao said God, 'and after that, they will come out and worship me in this place.'^ap 8 And He gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him 10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him grace and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 11 And there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers were not finding any food. 12 But after hearing there was grain in Egypt, Jacob sent our fathers first. 13 And on the second visit, Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. 14 And after sending, Joseph summoned Jacob, his father, and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. 15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, 16 and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

17 “But as the time of promise drew near which God professed to Abraham, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt 18 until another king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph. 19 He, after dealing shrewdly with our race, treated our fathers evilly to make them cast out their infants so that they would not be kept alive. 20 At this time, Moses was born and he was beautiful to God. He was brought up for three months in his father's house, 21 and after being exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was instructed in ball the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.

23 “And when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And after seeing one of them being wronged, he defended and avenged the oppressed man after striking down the Egyptian. 25 He was thinking his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation through his hand, but they did not understand. 26 And on the following day, he appeared to them where they were arguing, and he was urging them to peace, after saying, 'Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?' 27 But the one wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, after saying, 'Who made you a ruler and judge over us? 28 Do you wish to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'^aqar 29 And Moses fled at this saying and became an exile in the land of Midian where he became the father of two sons.

30 “And after forty years passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mt. Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 But Moses, after seeing, was amazed at the sight, and drawing near to look^as, there came the voice of the Lord. 32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.'^at And Moses trembled and was not daring to look. 33 And the Lord said to him, 'Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you have stood is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen^au the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and their groanings I heard, and I came down to deliver them. And now come, I send you to Egypt.'^av

35 “This Moses, whom they rejected after saying, 'Who made you a ruler and judge?'^aw — this man God has sent as both a ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel after appearing to him in the bush. 36 This man led them after performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 This is the Moses after saying to the sons of Israel, 'God will raise up a prophet for you all from your brothers like me.'^ax 38 This is the one who was in the wilderness with the angel, saying to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers who received living oracles to give to us, 39 in whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him aside and turned their hearts to Egypt 40 after saying to Aaron, 'Make for us gods who will go before us. For this Moses, who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what happened to him.'^ay 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away and gave them over to serve the host of heaven, as it has been written in the book of the prophets:

 “ 'Slain beasts and sacrifices did you bring me

        during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?^az

43 You took up the tent of Moloch,

 and the star of your God Rephan,

 the images that you all made to worship;

         and I will carry you all away beyond Babylon.'^ba

44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness as the One speaking to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen 45 which also our fathers that came after brought with Joshua^bb when they took possession of the nations that God drove out before the face of our fathers until the days of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

47 But Solomon built a house for Him. 48 But the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hand, as the prophet says,

49 “'Heaven is my throne,

      and the earth is my footstool.

What kind of house will build for me, says the Lord,

  or what is my place of rest?

50 Did not my hands make all things?^bc

51 “You obstinate people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you all always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did, so do you all. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those after announcing beforehand about the coming of the Righteous One, whom now you all betrayed and murdered, 53 you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”

The Stoning of Stephen

54 And while hearing these things, their hearts were being cut,^bd and they were grinding their teeth at him. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, after gazing into heaven, saw the glory of God and Jesus standing^be at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens being opened, and the Son of God standing^bf at the right hand of God.” 57 And after crying out in a loud voice, they stopped their ears and rushed with one accord at him, 58 and after throwing him out of the city, they were stoning him. And witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And after falling to his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold^bg this sin against them.” And after saying this, he fell asleep.

Saul Ravages the Church

8 And Saul was approving of his execution.

        And there was on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. 3 But Saul was ravaging^bh the church and entering house after house. He was dragging off men and women, delivering them to prison.

Philip Proclaims Christ in Samaria

4 Then indeed, those who were scattered went about, preaching the word. 5 And Philip went down to the city of Samaria, preaching to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds were paying attention to what was being said by Philip with one accord when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For many having unclean spirits crying out with a loud voice came out, and many, who were paralyzed and lame, were healed. 8 And there was much joy in that city.

Simon the Magician Believes

9 But there was a man named Simon, previously practicing magic in the city and amazing the people of Samaria, saying he himself was somebody great. 10 They all were paying attention to him from least to greatest, saying, “This man is the power of God that is called Great.” 11 And they were paying attention to him because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were being baptized, both men and women. 13 And Simon himself believed, and after being baptized, was devoted to Philip. And seeing signs and great works of power being performed, he was amazed.

14 And after hearing that Samaria had received the word of God, the apostles in Jerusalem sent to them Peter and John, 15 who, after coming down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then they were laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spirit. 18 And after seeing that through the laying of hands of the apostles the Spirit was given, Simon offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this authority also in order that anyone I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you because you thought to obtain the gift of God with money! 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. 22 Repent therefore, of this wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart will be forgiven to you. 23 For I see that you are in the bile of bitterness and the bond of unrighteousness.” 24 And after answering, Simon said, “You all pray for me to the Lord that nothing come upon me that you all have said.”

25 Then indeed, those, after blessing and speaking the word of the Lord, were returning to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans.

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

26 And an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Rise and go to the south to read, going down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert. 27 And after rising, he went. And behold, an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all of her treasure, had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And he was returning and sitting in his chariot and reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and join this chariot.” 30 And after running to him, Philip heard him reading the prophet Isaiah and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?”^bi 31 And he said, “For how am I able unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip, after coming up, to sit with him. 32 And the passage of scripture that he was reading was this:

“Like a sheep He was led to the slaughter,

and like a lamb before its shearer is silent,

so He does not open His mouth.

33 In His humiliation justice was denied Him.

Who can describe His generation?

        Since His life is taken away from the earth.”^bj

34 And after answering, the eunuch said to Philip, “I ask you about whom does the prophet say this? About himself or about someone else?” 35 And Philip, after opening his mouth and beginning from this Scripture, preached to him about Jesus. 36 And as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, water! What hinders me to be baptized?^bk 38 And he commanded to stop the chariot, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him anymore, for he went his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus, and while passing through, he was preaching the gospel to all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

The Conversion of Saul

9 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, after going to the high priest, 2 asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, after having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem. 3 And as he went, he drew near to Damascus, and suddenly, a light from heaven shone around him, 4 and after falling on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And He said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter into the city, and it will be told to you what is necessary for you to do.” 7 The men travelling with him had stood speechless, indeed hearing the voice but seeing no one. 8 And Saul rose from the ground, and his eyes, after having been opened, were seeing nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without seeing and neither ate nor drank.

10 And there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias,” and he said, “Behold, I am here, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street being called Straight, and in the house of Judas, seek Saul named Tarsus, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he saw a man in a vision named Ananias after coming in and laying his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I heard from many about this man, how much evil he did to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all those calling upon your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go because he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much is necessary for him to suffer for my name.” 17 And Ananias went and entered into the house, and, after laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to you on the road which you came so that you might regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight. And after rising, he was baptized; 19 and after taking food, he was strengthened.

Saul Proclaims Jesus in the Synagogues

        And he was with the disciples in Damascus for some days, 20 and immediately in the synagogue he was preaching Jesus, “This is the Son of God.” 21 And all those hearing were amazed and were saying, “Is this not him destroying in Jerusalem those calling on this name and has come here for this purpose in order that, after being bound, he might bring them before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul was increasing even more in strength and was confounding the Jews living in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

Saul Escapes From Damascus

23 And as sufficient days were being filled, the Jews plotted to kill him 24 but their plot became known to Saul. And they were also watching the gates both day and night, so that they might kill him, 25 but after taking him by night, the disciples let him down through the wall after lowering him in a basket.

Saul in Jerusalem

26 And after coming to Jerusalem, he was attempting to join the disciples, and all were fearing him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas, after taking him, brought him to the apostles and declared to them how, on the road, he saw the Lord, and that He spoke to him, and how in Damascus he was preaching boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was with them, coming in and going out at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord. 29 And he was speaking and disputing against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill him. 30 And after learning this, the brothers brought him to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus.

31 Then indeed, the church throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being built up and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it was being multiplied.

The Healing of Aeneas

32 And it came to pass, Peter went through them all to come down also to the saints living at Lydda. 33 And he found there a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.” And immediately he rose. 35 And all those hearing in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.

Dorcas Restored to Life

36 And in Joppa, there was a disciple named Tabitha which translated means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. 37 And it came to pass in those days, after becoming I'll, she died. And after washing her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda is near Joppa, the disciples, after hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging, “Come to us without delay.”^bl 39 And after rising, Peter went with them. After arriving, they took him to the upper room, and all the widows stood beside him, weeping and showing tunics and garments that Dorcas was making while she was with them. 40 And after throwing them all outside and kneeling down, Peter prayed, and after turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and after seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 And after giving her his hand, he raised her up. And after calling the saints and the widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass, he stayed in Joppa many days with one Simon, a tanner.

Peter and Cornelius

10 And there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was known as the Italian Cohort, 2 devout and fearing God with all his household, giving alms generously to all the people and praying continually to God. 3 He saw clearly in a vision, about the ninth hour of the day^bm, an angel of God, coming into^bn him and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And after staring at him in terror, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms ascended as a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and bring one Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is lodging with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.” 7 And as the angel speaking to him left, after calling two of his servants and a devout soldier from among those attending him 8 and declaring everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter's Vision

9 And on the next day, as they were journeying and approaching the city, Peter went up to the roof to pray about the sixth hour^bo. 10 And he became hungry and was wishing for something to eat, but while they were preparing it, a trance came upon him 11 and he saw heaven, after having been opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals^bp and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him, “After rising, Peter, kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, because I have never eaten anything common and unclean.” 15 And the voice came a second time to him, “What God made clean, you do not call^bq common.” 16 And this happened three times, and immediately this thing was taken up to heaven.

17 And as Peter was inwardly perplexed what the vision that he saw might mean, behold, the men, after having been sent by Cornelius inquiring about Simon's house, stood at the gate, 18 and after calling out, were asking if Simon called Peter was lodging there. 19 And while Peter was pondering about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you, 20 but after rising, go down and go with them without hesitation because I have sent them.” 21 And after going down to the men, Peter said, “Behold, I am whom you all are seeking. What is the reason for your coming?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear your words.” 23 Then, after inviting them in, he received them as guests.

        The next day, after rising, he went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. 24 And on the following day, they entered Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them and called together^br his relatives and close friends. 25 And as Peter entered, Cornelius, after meeting him and falling at his feet, worshipped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Stand up, I myself am also man.” 27 And while talking with him, he went in and found many people, after having gathered together. 28 And he said to them, “You all know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate or visit with anyone of another nation, but God showed me not to call any person common or unclean. 29 So after being sent for, I came without objection. I ask, therefore, why you all sent for me?”

30 And Cornelius said, “Four days from about this hour, I was praying in my house at the ninth hour^bs, and behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer was heard and your alms were remembered before God. 32 Send, therefore, into Joppa and ask for Simon who is called Peter. He is lodging at the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea.' 33 At once, therefore, I sent for you, and you did well coming. Now therefore, we are all here before God to hear all, after having been commanded to you by the Lord.”

Gentiles Hear the Good News

34 And after opening his mouth, Peter said, “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation the one fearing Him and working righteousness is acceptable to Him. 36 The word that He sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all), 37 you all know what happened throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: 38 Jesus of Nazareth, as God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were being oppressed by the devil because God was with Him. 39 And we are witnesses of all that He did, both in the county of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they killed after hanging on a tree. 40 God raised Him on the third day and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses after having been chosen by God for us, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead, 42 and He commanded us to preach to the people and witness that He is the One appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him, all the prophets witness everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

The Holy Spirit Falls on the Gentiles

44 While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the word. 45 And they were amazed the circumcised believers who came out with Peter because even on the Gentiles the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out. 46 For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Is anyone able to withhold water for baptizing these people who received the Holy Spirit as we also have?”^bt 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.

Peter Reports to the Church

11 And the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party was criticizing him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But after beginning, Peter was explaining it to them in order, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision of something like a great sheet descending, being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to me. 6 After fixing my gaze at it, I was observing it closely, and I saw animals and beasts of prey and reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, 'After rising, Peter, kill and eat.' 8 But I said, 'By no means, Lord, because nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth.' 9 But the voice answered a second time from heaven, 'What the Lord cleaned, you do not call^bu common.' 10 And this happened three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, immediately three men arrived at the house which we were, after having been sent from Caesarea to me. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them without wavering. And they came with me, these six brothers, and we entered into the man's house. 13 And he announced to us how he saw the angel, after standing in his house and saying, 'Send to Joppa and bring Simon being called Peter; 14 who will speak a message to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.' 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, 'John, indeed, baptized with water, but you all will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 If therefore, God gave them the same gift and also to us after believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to be able to forbid God?” 18 And after hearing these things, they fell silent and glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also, God gave the repentance that leads to eternal life.”

The Church in Antioch

19 Then indeed, those, scattered from the persecution that arose over Stephen, travelled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, not speaking the word to anyone except Jews only. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who after coming to Antioch, were speaking to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 And the report was heard in the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to pass through to Antioch, 23 who after coming and seeing the grace of God, rejoiced and was exhorting all with steadfast purpose to remain with the Lord 24 because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 And he went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and after finding him, brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, for a whole year, they met with the church to teach a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

27 And in those days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And after standing up, one of them named Agabus foretold through the Holy Spirit that there was about to be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). 29 And the disciples, according to his ability, each determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea, 30 which they also did, after sending it to the elders through the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

James Killed and Peter Imprisoned

12 And about that time, Herod the king laid violent hands on some from the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with a sword, 3 and after seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also — and it was during the days of Unleavened Bread — 4 and after seizing him, he put him in prison, after delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 Then indeed, Peter was being kept in prison, but intense prayer was being made by the church to God for him.

Peter is Rescued

6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, after having been bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. 7 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood and a light shone in the cell. And after striking Peter's side, he woke him, saying, “Rise quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Dress yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your clock around you and follow me.” 9 And after going out, he was following him and had not known what was being done by the angel was real but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 And after passing the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate leading to the city which automatically^bv opened for them, and after going out, they went along one street, and immediately the angel left from them. 11 And Peter, after coming to himself, said, “Now, I truly know that the Lord sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectations of the Jewish people.”

12 After realizing this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was being called Mark, where many gathered together and were praying. 13 And after knocking at the door of the gateway, a servant girl came to answer named Rhoda, 14 and after recognizing Peter's voice, in her joy, she did not open the gate, but after running in, she announced that Peter stood at the gate. 15 But they said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she was insisting that it was so, but they were saying, “It is his angel!” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and after opening, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But after motioning to them all with his hand to be silent, he described to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Announce these things to James and to the brothers.” And after leaving, he went to another place.

18 And when another day came, there was no little disturbance among the soldiers over what happened to Peter. 19 And after searching for him and not finding him and interrogating the sentries, Herod ordered them to be killed.

The Death of Herod

20 And he was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and with one accord they came to him, and after persuading Blastus, the king's chamberlain^bw, they were asking for peace because their country depended on the king's country for food. 21 And on an appointed day, Herod, after putting on his royal robes and sitting on the throne, was orating to them. 22 And the people were shouting, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!” 23 And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give glory to God, and after being eaten by worms, he breathed his last.

24 But the word of God was increasing and being multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, after completing their service and bringing with them John, whose other name was Mark.

Barnabas and Saul Sent Off

13 And there were at the church in Antioch prophets and teachers Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And while they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Now, set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I called them to. 3 Then after fasting and praying and laying hands on them, they sent them off.

Barnabas and Saul on Cyprus

4 Then indeed, after being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there, they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And after arriving in Salamis, they were preaching the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John to assist. 6 And after going through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Bar—Jesus, 7 who was with the proconsul^bx, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence, who after summoning Barnabas and Saul, sought to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas, the magician (for that is the meaning of his name), was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from their faith. 9 But Saul, who was also called Paul, after being filled with the Holy Spirit and looking at him intently, 10 said, “O, full of all deceit and villainy, son of the devil, will you not stop making crooked 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 time,” and immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and he was going about, seeking people to lead him by the hand. 12 Then, after seeing what had happened, the proconsul believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas at Antioch in Pisidia

13 And after setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia. And after leaving from them, John returned to Jerusalem. 14 And after going from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and after going into the synagogues on the sabbath day, they sat down. 15 And after the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Men, brothers, if you all have a word of consolation for the people, say it.” 16 And Paul, after standing up and motioning with his hand, said:

        “Men of Israel and those fearing God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people during the foreign residence in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm, He led them out of it, 18 and for about forty years, He put up with them in the wilderness. 19 And after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave them their land as an inheritance. 20 All this took about 450 years. And after that, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin for forty years. 22 And after removing him, He raised up David to be their king, to whom He also said, after witnessing, 'I found in David,^by the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my wishes.'^bz 23 God, from this man's offspring, according to His promise, brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. 24 Before His coming, John proclaimed^ca a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John was finishing his career^cb, he was saying, 'Who do you all suppose me to be? I am not He. But behold, one is coming after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'

26 “Men, brothers, sons of the family of Abraham and those among you all fearing God, to us the message of salvation was sent. 27 For those living in Jerusalem and their rulers, after not recognizing Him nor the voice of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning Him. 28 And after finding no guilt worthy of death, they asked Pilate to execute Him. 29 And as they completed all that was written about Him, after taking Him down from the tree, they laid Him in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 who appeared for many days to those coming up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who now are His witnesses to the people. 32 And we bring you all the good news, the promise after being made to the fathers 33 that this God has fulfilled to us, their children, after raising Jesus, as also it has been written in the second Psalm,

        “ 'You are my Son,

        I today have begotten^cc you.'^cd

34 And because He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken in this way,

“ 'I will give you all the holy and faithful blessings of David.'^ce

35 Therefore, He says also in another Psalm,

        “ 'You will not give your Holy One to see corruption.'^cf

36 For David, indeed in his own generation, after serving the will of God, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but whom God raised up, did not see corruption. 38 Let it be known to you all, therefore, men, brothers, that through this man, forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you all and from everything which you all are not able to be justified by the Law of Moses, 39 by Him all those believing are justified. 40 Beware, therefore, that was has been said in the Prophets should not come about^cg:

41 “'Look, you scoffers,

        and be astounded and perish;

because I am doing a work in your days,

        a work that you all will not believe^ch, even if someone tells it to you all.'”^ci

42 And as they were going out, the people were begging, the next Sabbath, these things be told to them. 43 And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who while speaking with them, were persuading them to continue in the grace of God.

44 The next Sabbath, almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. 45 But the Jews, after seeing the crowds, were filled with great jealousy and were speaking against what was spoken by Paul, blaspheming him. 46 After speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, “To you all it was necessary first to speak the word of God. Since you all thrust it away and judged yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commended us,

“'I have appointed you as a light to the Gentiles,

for you to be salvation to the ends of the earth.'”

48 And while the Gentiles were hearing this, they were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and all who believed were appointed to eternal life. 49 And the word of the Lord was being spread throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews incited the devout and honorable women and the leading men of the city and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and threw them out of their district. 51 But after shaking off the dust from their feet against them, they went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

14 And it came to pass in Iconium, they entered together into a Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers. 3 Then indeed they remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, witnessing to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands. 4 But the people of the city were divided; some were with the Jews and some were with the apostles. 5 And when an attempt was made by both Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and stone them, 6 after learning of it, they fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia and to the surrounding county, 7 and there they continued to preach the gospel.

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

8 And there was a man sitting in Lystra not able to use his feet, crippled from his mother's womb, who never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking, who after looking intently at him, and seeing that he had faith to be saved, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leapt up and was walking. 11 And the crowds, after seeing what Paul did, lifted up their voices, saying in Lycoanian, “The gods, in the likeness of men, came down to us!” 12 And they called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, because he was their chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was at the entrance to the city, after bringing oxen and garland to the gate with the crowds, was wishing to offer sacrifice. 14 But after hearing it and tearing their garments, the apostles Barnabas and Paul rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you all doing these things? We are also men of a like nature with you all, bringing you all the good news from these vain^cj things to turn to a living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, 16 who in past generations, permitted all nations to walk their own ways. 17 Yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving you all rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And saying these words scarcely restrained the people not to sacrifice to them.

Paul Stoned at Lystra

19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and after persuading the crowds and stoning Paul, were dragging him out of the city, supposing he had died. 20 But after the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and entered the city. And the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And after preaching the gospel to that city and making many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, since through many tribulations, it is necessary we enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And after appointing elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting, they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed.

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch In Syria

24 And after passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And after speaking the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia, 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch where they had been commended for the work that they fulfilled. 27 And after arriving and gathering the church together, they were announcing all God did with them, and that He opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained no little time with the disciples.

The Jerusalem Council

15 And some men, after coming down from Judea, were teaching the brothers, “Unless you all are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you all are not able to be saved.” 2 And being no small dissension and debate with Paul and Barnabas and them, Paul and Barnabas and some of the others were appointed to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders in question. 3 Therefore indeed, those, after being sent on their way by the church, were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversation of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. 4 And after coming to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they announced all God did with them. 5 But some of those belonging to the party of the Pharisees rose up, having believed, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.”

6 And the apostles and elders gathered together to consider this matter. 7 And after much debate, Peter stood up and said, “Men, brothers, you all know that from the early days among you all, God chose the Gentiles to hear through my mouth, the word of the gospel and to believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, witnesses to this, after giving them the Holy Spirit as also to us, 9 and He made no distinction between us and them, after cleansing their hearts in faith. 10 Now, therefore, why are you all putting God to the test, placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we are strong enough to bear? 11 But through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe we will be saved just as they will.”

12 And all the assembly fell silent and were listening to Barnabas and Paul declaring what signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them. 13 And after they spoke, James asked, “Men, brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon declared how God visited to take out the Gentiles as a people for His name. 15 And with this, the words of the prophets agree, as it has been written,

16 “'After this, I will return,

 and I will rebuild the tent of David, having fell,

 the ruins themselves I will rebuild,

 and I will restore it,

17 that those left behind of mankind may seek the Lord,

 and all the Gentiles who have been called by my name,

         says the Lord who makes these things 18 known from old.'^ck

19 Therefore, I judge not to trouble those of the Gentiles turning to God, 20 but to write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols and from illicit sexual intercourse and from what has been strangled and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations, Moses has in every city those proclaiming him, being read every Sabbath in the synagogues.

The Council's Letter to Gentile Believers

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders with the whole church, after choosing men from among them, to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. They sent Judas being called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 after writing through their hands: “The apostles and elders, the brothers, to those in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, brothers who are of the Gentiles, greetings. 24 Since we heard that some people, after going out from us, troubled you all with words unsettling your souls, to them, no commandment was given, 25 it seemed good to us, after coming to one accord and choosing men, to send them to you all with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men after having surrendered their souls for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. 27 We have, therefore, sent Judas and Silas who themselves will announce^cl these things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you all no greater burden than these necessities: 29 to abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from illicit sexual intercourse. Keeping yourselves from these, you all will do well. Farewell.”

30 Then indeed, after having been sent off, they went down to Antioch, and after gathering the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 And after reading it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judas and Silas, being themselves prophets, with many words encouraged and strengthened the brothers. 33 And after spending time, they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those sending them.^cm 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others also, the word of the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas Separate

36 And after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, “After returning, we should visit the brothers in every city in which we preached to word of the Lord and see how they are.” 37 And Barnabas was wishing^cn to take with them John being called Mark. 38 But Paul thought best not to take with them the one withdrawing from them in Pamphylia and not going with them to the work. 39 And there arose a sharp disagreement so that they separated from each other. And Barnabas, after taking Mark with him, sailed to Cyprus, 40 but Paul, after choosing Silas, departed, after being commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41 And he was going through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Timothy Joins Paul And Silas

16 And he also came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a disciple was there named Timothy, the son of Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek, 2 who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted him to accompany him and after taking him, he circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all had known his father was a Greek. 4 But as they were going through the cities, they were delivering to them to guard the dogma^co, after having been preached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 Indeed then, the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in numbers daily.

The Macedonian Call

6 And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 And after coming up to Mysia, they were attempting to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 But after passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia was standing there and urging him, saying, “After coming over to Macedonia, help^cp us.” 10 And as he saw the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

The Conversion of Lydia

11 And after setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Semothrace and the following day to Neapolis, 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We remained in this city some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day, we went outside the gate to the riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and after sitting down, we were speaking to the women who had come together. 14 And a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple goods from the city of Thyatira, a worshipper of God, heard that which the Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was being said by Paul. 15 And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you all have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, after coming to my house, stay.” And she compelled us.

Paul and Silas in Prison

16 And it came to pass, while going to the place of prayer, a slave girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her owners much gain by fortune telling. 17 While following Paul and us, she was crying out and saying, “These men are servants of the Most High God who proclaim to you all the way of salvation.” 18 And she was doing this for many days. And Paul, after being greatly annoyed and turning to her, said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out that very hour.

19 But after seeing that their hope of gain was gone and seeing Paul and Silas, her owners dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. 20 And after bringing them before the magistrates, they said, “These men disturbing our city are Jews. 21 And they preach customs that are not lawful to accept or practice as Romans.” 22 And the crowd joined together against them, and the magistrates, after tearing the garments off of them, were giving orders to beat them with rods. 23 And after inflicting many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, after ordering the jailer to keep them safely. 24 After receiving this order, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Philippian Jailer Converted

25 And about midnight, Paul and Silas, while praying, were singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake so as to shake the foundations of the prison, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened. 27 And after waking and seeing the prison doors were opened and drawing his sword, the jailer was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm^cq, for we are all here.” 29 And after calling for lights, he rushed in, and trembling with fear, fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 And after bringing them out, he said, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do in order to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved: you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him with all those in his house. 33 And after taking them in that same hour in the night, he washed their wounds and was baptized, he and his whole family at once. 34 And after bringing them to the house, he set food before them and rejoiced with his whole household, having believed in God.

35 And after it was day, the magistrates sent the police, saying, “Release these men.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, “The magistrates have sent to let you all go. Now then, after coming out, go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “After beating us publicly, uncondemned men who are Roman citizens, they threw us into prison; and now secretly, they throw us out? No! But after coming themselves, they take us out.” 38 And the police reported these words to the magistrates. And they were afraid after hearing they were Roman citizens. 39 And after coming, they apologized to them, and after taking them out, they were asking them to leave the city. 40 And after leaving from the prison, they went to Lydia, and after seeing the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.

Paul and Silas in Thessalonica

17 And after passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And as was his custom, Paul went in unto them, and on three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and that, “This Jesus is the Christ, whom I proclaim to you all.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas as did a great many of the devout Greeks and not a few of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, after being jealous and taking some wicked men of the market^cr and forming a mob, set the city in an uproar, and after attacking the house of Jason, were seeking to bring them to the crowd. 6 And after not finding them, they were dragging Jason and some of the brothers before the authorities, shouting, “These men, after turning the world upside down, came here also. 7 Jason received them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king, Jesus.” 8 And the people and the city authorities were disturbed while hearing these things. 9 And after taking the money as security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

Paul and Silas in Berea

10 And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and after arriving, they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 And these were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, daily examining the Scriptures to see if these things were so. 12 Then indeed, many of them believed with not a few Greek women of high standing and men. 13 But as the Jews from Thessalonica learned that also in Berea the word of the Lord was proclaimed by Paul, they came there, too, agitating and stirring up the crowd. 14 Then immediately, the brothers sent Paul to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 And those appointing Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

Paul in Athens

16 And while waiting for them in Athens, Paul's spirit was provoked within him, seeing the city full of idols. 17 Then indeed, he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and devout people and in the marketplace every day to those who happened to be there. 18 And some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. And some were saying, “What does this babbler wish to say?” And others said, “He thinks he is a preacher of foreign divinities” — because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And after taking him, they brought him to the Aeropagus, saying, “Are we able to know what this new teaching is that you are saying? 20 For you bring strange things to our ears; therefore, we are willing to know what these things mean.” 21 And all the Athenians and the foreigners living there were spending their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.

Paul Addresses the Aeropagus

22 And Paul, after standing in the midst of the Aeropagus, said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you all are very religious^cs. 23 For while going through and observing the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What, therefore, is unknown you all worship, this I proclaim to you all. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of this heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by hand, 25 nor by human hands is He served, needing anything, He, giving to all mankind life and breath and everything. 26 And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, after determining allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, 27 to seek God and perhaps feel their way toward Him and find Him and actually not being far from each one of us. 28 For

“ 'In Him we live and move and have our being';

as even some of your own poets have said,

“ 'For we also are His offspring.'

29 Therefore, being the offspring of God, we are all under obligation not to think gold or silver or stone, an image of art and imagination of man, to be like the Godhead. 30 Therefore indeed, after overlooking the times of ignorance, God now commands all people everywhere to repent 31 because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by a man He ordained, after giving faith to all, raising Him from the dead.”

32 And after hearing of the resurrection of the dead, some indeed were mocking. But others said, “We will hear you about this again.” 33 So Paul went out from their midst. 34 But some of the men, after joining him, believed, among whom also were Dionysus the Aeropagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Paul in Corinth

18 After this he left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently having come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. And he went to them, 3 and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and was working, for they were tentmakers by trade. 4 And he was reasoning in the synagogue every Sabbath, persuading the Jews and the Greeks.

5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, witnessing to the Jews that the Christ is Jesus. 6 And while they were opposing and blaspheming him, after shaking out his garment, he said to them, “Your blood is on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And after leaving there, he went to the house of a man named Titus Justus, a worshipper of God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with his whole household. And many of the Corinthians, while hearing, believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said during the night in a vision to Paul, “Do not fear^ct, but speak, and do not be silent^cu 10 because I am with you and no one will attack you to harm you because many people are mine in this city.” 11 And he stayed there a year and six months, teaching them the word of God.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13 saying, “Contrary to the law, this man is persuading people to worship God.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it were a matter of wrongdoing or evil crime, O Jews, I would have reason to put up with your complaint. 15 But if it is a matter of questions about words and names and your own law, see to it yourself. I refuse to be a judge of these things.” 16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 17 And after seizing Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, they all were beating him in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio paid no attention to any of this.

Paul Returns to Antioch

18 And yet Paul, after staying there many days and taking leave of the brothers, set sail for Syria and with him Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchreae, he cut^cv his hair, for he took a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he, after going into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews. 20 And after asking him to stay for a longer time, he declined. 21 But after taking leave of them and saying, “Again I will return to you all, God willing,” he set sail from Ephesus.

22 And after coming down to Caesarea and going up and greeting the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 And after making some time there, he departed, going from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phyrgia, strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus

24 And a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, being competent in the Scriptures. 25 He was instructed in the way of the Lord and fervent^cw in the Spirit, speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but after hearing him, Priscilla and Aquila took him and accurately explained to him the way of God. 27 And wishing to cross to Achaia, after encouraging him, the brothers wrote to the disciples to welcome him. After arriving, he greatly helped those, after having believed through grace, 28 for he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, showing through the Scriptures that the Christ is Jesus.

Paul in Ephesus

19 And it came to pass while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul, after passing through the highland county, came to Ephesus and found some disciples. 2 And he said to them, “Did you all receive the Holy Spirit after believing?” They said to him, “But we have not heard there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what, then, were you all baptized?” And they said, “Into the baptism of John.” 4 And Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling people to believe in the One coming after him, that is, Jesus.” 5 After hearing, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And after Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they were speaking in tongues and prophesying. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

8 And after entering the synagogue, he was speaking boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some became stubborn and continued in unbelief, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, after withdrawing from them, he took the disciples, daily reasoning in the hall of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years so that all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

The Sons of Sceva

11 And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them. 13 And some of the wandering Jewish exorcists took upon them to call over those hearing evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, “I adjure you all by the Jesus Paul preaches.” 14 And there were seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva doing this. 15 And after answering, the evil spirit said to them, “Indeed, Jesus I know, Paul I am acquainted with, but who are you all?” 16 And after leaping on them and mastering both of them, the man in whom was the evil spirit overpowered them so that, naked and wounded, they fled out of the house. 17 And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, and all those dwelling in Ephesus. And fear fell upon them all and they were magnifying the name of the Lord Jesus. 18 And many of those, after having believed, were coming, confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And many of them, after practicing magic arts^cx and bringing out their books, were burning them before all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So mightily the word of the Lord was increasing and prevailing.

A Riot at Ephesus

21 And after these things, Paul put in his spirit, after passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, it is necessary for me to see Rome.” 22 And after sending into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed awhile in Asia.

23 And about that time, there arose no little disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen. 25 These, after gathering together with workmen of similar trades, said, “Men, you all know from this business we have our wealth, 26 and you all see and hear that, not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul, after persuading, turned away a great many people, saying that gods are not made with hands. 27 And not only this, our trade is in danger to come into disrepute, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis to be counted as nothing, and she is about to be taken down from her magnificence, whom all Asia and the world worship.”

28 And after hearing and becoming enraged, they were crying out and saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed together into the theater, after dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul's companions in travel. 30 And Paul was willing to go into the crowd, but the disciples were not permitting him. 31 And some of the Asiarchs^cy, being friends with him, after sending to him, were urging him not to venture into the theater. 32 Then indeed, some were crying out one thing, some another, for the church was in confusion, and most of them had not known why they had come together. 33 And some of the crowd prompted Alexander: the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander, after motioning with his hand, was wishing to make a defense to the crowd. 34 But after recognizing that he was a Jew, they all began with one voice for about two hours, crying out and saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

35 And after quieting the crowd, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, for what man is there who does not know the city of the Ephesians is the temple keeper of the great Artemis and the sacred stone that fell from the sky?^cz 36 Therefore, these things cannot be spoken against. It is necessary for you all to be quiet and do nothing rash, 37 for you all brought these men, who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 If indeed then, Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a word against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls^da. Let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you all seek anything further, it will be settled in the regular assembly^db. 40 For we are also in danger of being charged with rioting today, not having any cause about which we are able to give a word about this commotion.” 41 ^dcAnd after saying these things, he dismissed the assembly.

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

20 And after the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging them and saying farewell, he departed to go to Macedonia. 2 And after going through those regions and encouraging them with much word, he came to Greece. 3 And after spending three months, a plot was made against him by the Jews. While he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 Sopater, the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 And these, after going ahead, were waiting for us in Troas, 6 but we sailed away after the days of Unleavened Bread from Philippi and we came to them in Troas after five days, where we stayed for seven days.

Eutychus Raised from the Dead

7 And on the first day of the week, after having gathered together to break bread, Paul talked with them, intending to depart on the next day and was extending his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9 And a young man named Eutychus, while sitting at the window, sank into a deep sleep as Paul spoke longer. And after being overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was taken up dead. 10 But after going down, Paul bent over him, and after taking him up in his arms, said, “Do not be alarmed^dd, for his soul is in him.” 11 And after going up and breaking bread and eating and conversing a long while until daybreak, he departed. 12 And they took the youth away alive and were not a little comforted.

13 And we, after going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, for so he had arranged, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he met us at Assos, after taking him onboard, we went to Mitylene. 15 After sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios; and on the next day, we reached Samos,^de and the day after that, we went to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he might not have^df to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening, if it were possible, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.^dg

Paul Speaks to the Ephesian Elders

17 And from Miletus, after sending to Ephesus, he summoned the elders of the church. 18 And when they came to him, he said to them:

        “You yourselves know from the first day I set foot Asia, how I lived with you all the whole time, 19 serving the Lord with all humility, and tears and trials happening to me by the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not withdraw anything profitable, announcing to you all and teaching you all in public and from house to house, 21 witnessing the Jews and the Greeks repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus. 22 And now behold, after having been bound by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit in every city witnesses about me, saying that imprisonment and afflictions await me. 24 But of no account do I make my life precious to myself as I finish my course^dh and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, witnessing to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now behold, I know that none of you all to whom I went about preaching the kingdom will see my face. 26 Therefore, I witness to you all this day that I am clean from the blood of you all, 27 for I did not withdraw, announcing to you all the whole will of God. 28 Pay attention to yourselves and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit made you overseers^di to shepherd^dj the church of God which He obtained through His own blood. 29 I know that after my departure, fierce wolves will come in among you all, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among yourselves will rise men speaking twisted things^dk to wrench away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore, be alert, remembering that for three years, night and day I did not cease, with tears, admonishing everyone. 32 And now I commend you all to God and to the word of His grace which is able to build up and give inheritance among all those who have been made holy. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. 34 You yourselves know that these lands ministered to my necessities and those who were with me. 35 In all things, I showed you all that working hard this way, it is necessary to help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' ”

36 And after saying these things and kneeling down, he prayed with them all. 37 And there was much weeping by all, and after embracing Paul, they were kissing him, 38 being sorrowful most of all because the word which he had spoken, since they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.

Paul Goes to Jerusalem

21 And it came to pass, after parting with them to set sail by a straight course, we came to Cos and the next day Rhodes and from there to Patra.^dl 2 And after finding a ship crossing to Phoenicia and going aboard, we set sail. 3 And after coming in sight of Cyprus and leaving it on the left, we were sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And after finding the disciples, we stayed there for seven days. They were telling Paul through the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. 5 And when our days there were finished, after departing, we went, accompanied by their wives and children until we were outside the city. And after kneeling down on the beach and praying, 6 we said farewell to one another and went up to the ship, and they returned home.

7 And after finishing the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brothers, we stayed with them one day. 8 And on the next day, after departing, we came to Caesarea, and after entering the house of Philip, the evangelist who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. 9 And he had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 While we were staying many days, a prophet came down from Jerusalem named Agabus, 11 and after coming to us and taking up Paul's belt and binding his own feet and hands, he said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'the man who's belt this is, this is how the Jews will bind him in Jerusalem and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.'” 12 And as we heard this, we and the people urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And not being persuaded, we ceased after saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”

15 And after these days, after packing up, we were going up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples went from Caesarea with us, bringing us near whom we should lodge to the house of Mnason of Cyprus, an elderly disciple.

Paul Visits James

17 And after coming to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 And on the following day, Paul was going with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 And after greeting them, he was declaring one by one the things God did among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And after hearing, they were glorifying God and said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have believed and are zealous for the law, 21 and they were told about you that you teach all the Jews among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to our customs. 22 What then is to be done? They all will hear that you have come; 23 therefore, do what we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow, 24 after taking these men, purify yourself with them and pay their expenses in order that they shave their heads, and all will know that what they have been told about you is nothing, but you live in observances of the law. 25 But as far as the Gentiles who have believed, we sent a letter, after judging they should abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols and blood, and what has been strangled, and from illicit sexual intercourse.” 26 Then Paul took the men the next day with him, and after purifying himself, he went to the temple to declare the fulfillment of the days of purification until the offering was presented for each of them.

Paul Arrested in the Temple

27 And as the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, after seeing him in the temple, were stirring up the whole crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man teaching everyone everywhere against the people and the law and this place; moreover, he brought Greeks to the temple and defined this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, supposing that Paul brought him in the temple. 30 And then the whole city was stirred up, and the people ran together. And after seizing Paul, they were dragging him out of the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 And as they were seeking to kill him, a word came to the commander^dm of the cohort^dn that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He immediately, after taking soldiers and centurions, ran down to them, and after seeing the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then, after coming up, the commander arrested him and ordered him to be bound with two chains, and he was inquiring who he was and what he had done. 34 And some were shouting one thing, some another among the crowd. And while he was not able to learn the facts because of the uproar, he ordered to bring him into the barracks. 35 And when he came to the steps, he happened to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the mob of the people were following, crying out, “Away with him!”

Paul Speaks to the People

37 And as he was about to be brought into the barracks, Paul said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Are you not, then, the Egyptian, who before these days, stirred up a revolt and led into the wilderness the four thousand men of the Assassins?” 39 And Paul said, “I indeed am a Jewish man from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no obscure city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40 And after allowing him, Paul, having stood on the steps, motioned with his hand toward the people. And after a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:

22 “Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense that I now make to you all.” 2 And after hearing that he was speaking to them in the Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet, and he said: 3 “I am a Jewish man born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but after having been brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the precise manner of the law, being zealous for God as all of you are this day, 4 this Way I persecuted to death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as also the high priest witnesses to me and all the elders. From them, I also received letters from the brothers while going toward Damascus, taking those also who were there, after having been bound, to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 “And it came to pass, while walking and drawing near to Damascus, around noon, suddenly, out of heaven, a great light 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, Lord?' And He said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth whom you are persecuting.' 9 And those being with me indeed saw the light, but the voice they did not hear of the One speaking to me. 10 And I said, 'What should I do, Lord?' And He said to me, 'After rising, go to Damascus. There you will be told all about all that has been appointed for you to do.' 11 And since I could not see because of the glory of that light, I was being led by the hand by those who were with me and came to Damascus.

12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well—spoken of by all the Jews living there, 13 after coming to me and standing by me, said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.' And I, at that very hour, received my sight and saw him. 14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear a voice from His mouth 15 because you will be a witness to Him and to all men of what you have seen and heard, 16 and now, why do you wait? After rising, be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on His name.'

17 “And it came to pass after returning to Jerusalem, while praying in the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and I saw Him saying to me, 'Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly because they will not accept your witness about me.' 19 And I said, 'Lord, they themselves know that I was imprisoning and beating in every synagogue those believing in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen, your witness, was being shed, I myself was standing by and approving and guarding the garments of those killing him.' 21 And He said to me, 'Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'”

Paul and the Roman Tribute

22 And they were listening to him up to this word, and they raised their voices, saying, “Away with such a fellow from the earth! For it is not fitting that he live.” 23 And while shouting and throwing off their cloaks and throwing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought to the barracks to be examined by flogging in order to find out why they were shouting against him like this. 25 But as they stretched him out for the whips, Paul said to the centurion standing by, “If a man is a Roman citizen and uncondemned, is it lawful for you all to flog him?” 26 And after hearing and going to the commander, the centurion announced, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.” 27 And after coming to him, the commander said, “Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 And the commander answered, “I bought this citizenship for a large sum.” But Paul said, “I am a citizen by birth.” 29 Then immediately, those about to examine him withdrew from him, and the commander also was afraid, after realizing Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had bound him.

Paul Before the Council

30 But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was accused by the Jews, he unbound and commanded the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to meet, and after bringing Paul down, he set him before them.

23 And after looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Men, brothers, I, in all good conscience, have lived my life before God up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those, after having stood by him, to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is about to strike you, you whitewashed wall! And you sit judging me according to the law, and contrary to the law, you order me to be struck?” 4 And those, after having stood by, said, “Do you revile God's high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I had not known, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it has been written, 'You will not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'”^do

6 And after perceiving that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul was crying out in the Sanhedrin, “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. Concerning hope and the resurrection of the dead, I am on trial.” 7 And after saying this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For indeed, the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees confesses them all. 9 And a great clamor arose, and after standing up, some of the scribes of the Pharisees' party were contending sharply, saying, “We find nothing wrong in this man. What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?” 10 And when the dissension became violent, the tribune, fearing lest Paul be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him away from among them by force and bring him into the barracks.

11 And the following night, after standing by him, the Lord said, “Have courage, for as you witnessed the facts about me to Jerusalem, so it is necessary for you also to witness in Rome.”

A Plot to Kill Paul

12 And when it was day, the Jews, after making a plot, bound themselves by an oath, saying not to eat nor drink until they killed Paul. 13 And there were more than forty making this conspiracy, 14 who after going to the chief priests and the elders, said, “We strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food until we kill Paul.” 15 Now therefore, you all, give notice to the commander with the Sanhedrin that they should bring him down to you all as if you all were about to determine his case more exactly. And we, before he is near, are ready to kill him.”

16 And after hearing about the ambush, the son of Paul's sister went and entered into the barracks and told Paul. 17 And after calling one of the centurions, Paul said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to announce to him.” 18 Then indeed, after taking him, they brought him to the commander and said, “The prisoner Paul, after calling me, asked to bring this young man to you; he has something to say to you.” 19 And after taking him by the hand and going aside, the commander was asking him, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews agreed to ask you that tomorrow you bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin, as they were about to inquire somewhat more closely about him. 21 You therefore, do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men lie in ambush for him, who have bound themselves with an oath neither to eat nor drink until they kill him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.” 22 Then indeed, the commander dismissed the young man, after commanding him, “Tell no one you informed me of these things.”

Paul Sent to Felix the Governor

23 And after calling two of the centurions, he said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen at the third hour of the night^dp. 24 And also prepare mounts in order that after riding, they might bring Paul safely to Felix, the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter to this effect:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to his Excellency the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. After coming upon them with soldiers, I rescued him, after learning that he was a Roman citizen. 28 And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found he was being accused about questions of their law but being charged with nothing worthy of death or imprisonment. 30 And after being disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, at once I sent him to you, after ordering his accusers also to say what they have against him before you.”

31 Then indeed, the soldiers, according to their instructions, after taking Paul, brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 And on the next day, after letting the horsemen go along with them, they returned to the barracks. 33 After coming to Caesarea and delivering the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And after reading the letter and asking what province he was from, and learning he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive,” after commanding him to be guarded in Herod's praetorium.^dq

Paul Before Felix at Caesarea

24 And after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a speaker^dr, one Tertullus, who presented their case to the governor against Paul. 2 And after being summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Much peace we are enjoying through you, and reforms are being made for this nation by your foresight 3 in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we accept this with all gratitude. 4 But in order that we detain you no further, I beg you to hear us briefly, in your kindness. 5 For after finding this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of Nazarenes, 6 who also tried to profane the temple, who we also seized,^ds 8 from whom yourself you will be able, after examining about everything, to find out of what we are accusing him.”

9 And the Jews also joined in the charge, affirming that all these things were so.

10 And Paul answered, after the governor nodded to him to speak,

        “Knowing for many years you have been a judge over this nation, I cheerfully make my defense. 11 You are able to know that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem, 12 and in the temple, they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd in the synagogue or in the city. 13 Neither are they able to prove for you what they now bring up against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, this way I worship the God of our fathers, believing all things according to the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having hope in God which these men themselves receive that there is about to be a resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous. 16 In this also, I myself take pains to have a clear conscience towards both God and man always. 17 And after several years, I came to make alms to my nation and present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me, after having been purified in the temple without any crowd or tumult. 19 But some Jews from Asia — it is necessary they be here before you and to make an accusation, if they may have anything against me. 20 Or else, these men themselves say what unrighteousness they found after I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 other than this one sound that I cried out after having stood among them, 'It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.'”

Paul Kept in Custody

22 But Felix put them off, having an accurate knowledge about the Way, after saying, “When Lysias, the commander, comes down, I will decide your case”, 23 after giving orders to the centurion that he should be kept in custody but have some liberty and that none of his friends should be prevented from attending his needs.

24 After some days, Felix, after coming which his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, sent for Paul and heard him about faith in Christ Jesus. 25 And while reasoning about righteousness and self—control and the coming judgment, Felix, after becoming alarmed, said, “Go away for now. After getting some time, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time, he was hoping that money would be given to him by Paul, and so he sent for him often, conversing with him. 27 After two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.

Paul Appeals to Caesar

25 Then Festus, after arriving in the province, after three days, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the principal men of the Jews laid out their case against Paul, and they were urging him, 3 asking as a favor against Paul that he might summon him to Jerusalem — because they were planning an ambush to kill him along the way. 4 Then indeed, Festus answered that Paul was being kept at Caesarea and that he himself was about to go there shortly. 5 “Then those among you all in authority,” he said, “after going down with me, if there is anything out of place in the man, charge the man.”

6 And after staying among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, after sitting in the judgment seat, he ordered Paul to be brought. 7 And after arriving, the Jews, after having come down from Jerusalem, stood around him, bringing many serious charges against him that they could not prove. 8 Paul argued in his defense, “Neither against the Law of the Jews nor against the temple nor against Caesar have I committed any offense.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, after answering to Paul, said, “Do you wish, after going up to Jerusalem, to be tried on these charges before me?” 10 But Paul said, “Before Caesar's judgment seat I am standing, where it is necessary I be tried. To the Jews, I have done no wrong, so yourself knows very well. 11 If indeed, I am a wrongdoer and have committed anything worthy to die for, I do not avoid death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one is able to deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, after conferring with his council, answered, “To Caesar, you appealed; to Caesar, you will go.”

Paul Before Agrippa and Bernice

13 And after the passing of some days, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived at Caesarea after greeting Festus. 14 And as they stayed there many days, Festus laid the charges against Paul to the king, saying, “There is a man, after having been left by Felix, a prisoner 15 against whom, after I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders laid out their case, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 To them, I answered that it was not a custom of the Romans to give up any man before the accused met the accusers face to face and had opportunity to make a defense concerning the charge laid against him. 17 Then after they came together here, I made no delay; on the next day after sitting on the tribunal, I ordered the man to be brought, 18 concerning whom, after the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of evils as I was supposing. 19 But certain points of dispute they had about their own religion with him and about a certain Jesus, who was dead, who Paul is affirming to be alive. 20 But being at a loss about these questions, I was asking if he wanted to go to Jerusalem and be tried about them. 21 But after Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of the emperor, I ordered him to be held until I could send him to Caesar.” 22 But Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you will hear him.”

23 Then on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice, after coming with great pomp and entering the audience hall with the commanders and the prominent men of the city, and after the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all men present with us, you all see this man about whom the whole Jewish people petitioned me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting it is not necessary for him to live anymore. 25 But I had found he had done nothing worthy of death, but after he himself appealed to the emperor, I decided to send him. 26 I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore, I brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after being examined, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me, sending a prisoner and not indicating the charges against him.”

Paul's Defense Before Agrippa

26 And Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, after stretching out his hand, was making his defense: 2 “Against all the accusations of the Jews, King Agrippa, I have considered myself blessed before you, to make my defense today, 3 especially because you are familiar with all the customs and controversies of the Jews. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

4 “Indeed then, my manner of life from my youth, spent from the beginning in my nation and in Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews, 5 who knew from the beginning if they wish to testify that according to the strictest party of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now because of my hope in the promise made by God to our fathers, I have stood here being tried 7 to which our twelve tribes earnestly worshipping night and day hope to attain. And for this hope, I am being accused by the Jews, O King! 8 Why is it is judged unbelievable by any of you all if God raises the dead?

9 “Then indeed, I myself thought it was necessary to practice many things opposing the name of Jesus of Nazareth, 10 which I also did in Jerusalem. And many of the saints I locked up in prison, after receiving authority from the chief priests, and while they were being put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And in all the synagogues, I punished them often, trying to make them blaspheme, and in raging fury against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

Paul Tells of His Conversion

12 “While journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday I saw, O King, a heavenly light brighter than the sun shining around me and those journeying with me. 14 And after all of us fell to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It’s hard for you to kick against the goads^dt.' 15 And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But rise up and stand on your feet. For this reason I appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and a witness both in things which you saw me and what I will show you, 17 delivering you from the people and the Gentiles — to whom I am sending you 18 to open their eyes to turn from the darkness to light and the authority of Satan to God, to receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been sanctified by faith in me.'

19 “Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but first to those in Damascus and also in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea and also to the Gentiles, I was announcing to repent and turn toward to God, practicing works in keeping with repentance. 21 For this reason, the Jews seized me in the temple, attempting to kill me. 22 Then, after obtaining the help that comes from God, to this day, I have stood here witnessing to both small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: 23 that the Christ must suffer, that He must be the first resurrected of the dead, about to preach light to the people and the Gentiles.”

24 And while saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “You are out of your mind, Paul; much learning is making you crazy.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but true and reasonable^du words I am speaking. 26 For the King knows about these things, and to him, I speak boldly. For I am persuaded, none of these things are hidden from him; for this has not been done in a corner. 27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.” 28 But Agrippa said to Paul, “In short time you are persuading to make me a Christian!” 29 But Paul said, “I wish to God, whether short or long, not only you, but also all those hearing me this day might become such as I am — except these chains.”

30 And the King rose, and the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them, 31 and after withdrawing, they were saying to one another, “This man practices 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.”

Paul Sails for Rome

27 And when it was decided for us to sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the Augustan^dv Cohort. 2 And after embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to ports along the coast of Asia, we were accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica. 3 The next day we moored at Sidon, and Julius, after taking Paul kindly, allowed Paul, after going to his friends, to be cared for. 4 And after putting out to sea from there, we sailed under Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 And after sailing across the open sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 And there, after finding a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, the centurion put us on board. 7 And we were sailing slowly for a number of days, and after arriving with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind was not allowing us to go farther. We sailed under Crete off Salmone, 8 and coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

9 And after much time passed, the voyage was now dangerous because the Fast^dw was now over, and Paul was advising, 10 saying to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage is about to be with injury and much loss, not only the cargo and the ship, but also our lives.” 11 But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and the owner of the ship than to what Paul was saying. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, if somehow after reaching Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, to spend the winter there.

The Storm at Sea

13 And after the south wind was blowing gently, and supposing they had obtained their purpose and weighing anchor, they were sailing along Crete close to shore. 14 And not long after, a tempestuous wind struck down from the land, called a northeaster. 15 And after the ship was caught and was not able to face the wind and we gave way to it, we were being driven along. 16 And after sailing under a small island called Cauda^dx, we managed to secure the skiff. 17 After hoisting it up, they used supports to undergird^dy the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis^dz, after lowering the gear, they were being driven along. 18 And being violently storm-tossed, the next day we were jettisoning cargo. 19 And on the third day, with their own hands, they threw the ships tackle overboard. 20 And when neither sun nor stars were appearing for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, we abandoned all hope of being saved.

21 And being without food for a long time then, after standing up in the midst of them, Paul said, “Indeed, O men, after listening to me not to sail from Crete and incurring this injury and loss, 22 now I urge you all to be cheerful, for there will be no loss of life among you all, but of the ship. 23 For this night, stood before me an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I worship, 24 saying, 'Do not fear^ea Paul, it is necessary for you to stand before Caesar, and behold, God has favored you and all those sailing with you.' 25 So be cheerful men, for I believe in God that this will be according to the manner it has been told to me. 26 But is it necessary we run aground on some island.”

27 But as the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven across the Adriatic Sea, in the middle of the night, the sailors were suspecting they drew near to some land. 28 And after taking soundings, they found twenty fathoms^eb. And a little farther on, after taking a sounding again, they found fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that they might run on the rocks, after letting down four anchors from the stern, they were praying for it to be day. 30 And while the sailors were seeking to escape from the boat, and after lowering the skiff into the sea under the pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you all are not able to be saved.” 32 And then the soldiers cut away the roles of the skiff and let it go.

33 And as day was about to dawn, Paul was urging them to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you all are continuing in anticipation without food, after taking nothing. 34 Therefore, I urge you all to take food, for this is for your salvation, for not a hair from any of your heads will perish.” 35 And after saying these words and taking bread, be gave thanks to God before all, and after breaking it, began to eat. 36 And after bring encouraged, they ate food themselves. 37 (And we were all 276 souls in the ship.) 38 And after eating enough, they were lightening the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

The Shipwreck

39 And when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a bay with a beach on which they were deliberating, if possible, to run the ship ashore. 40 And after casting off the anchors and leaving them in the sea—at the same time loosening the ropes that tied the rudder and hoisting the foresail to the wind they made for the beach. 41 But after striking a reef, they ran the vessel aground, and indeed, after the bow struck, it remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. 42 The will of the soldiers was to kill the prisoners lest any after swimming away may escape. 43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, restrained them from their plan and ordered those able to swim, after jumping overboard first, to make for the land 44 and the rest on planks or pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to the land.

Paul on Malta

28 And after being brought safely through, then we learned that the island was called Malta. 2 And the barbarians^ec showed us no little kindness, for after kindling a fire, they welcomed us all because it had begun to rain and was cold. 3 And after gathering a bundle of sticks and putting them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on Paul's hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the creature hanging from his hand, they were saying to one another, “Surely this man is a murderer whom, after escaping from the sea, Justice did not permit him to live.” 5 Then indeed, after shaking off the creature into the fire, he suffered no harm. 6 And they were waiting for him to swell up or to fall down dead. But while waiting a long time and seeing nothing wrong happen to him, after changing their minds, they were saying he was a god.

7 And in the area of that place there were lands belonging to the chief man of the island named Publius, who, after receiving us, for three days entertained us hospitably. 8 And it came to pass, the father of Publius lay sick with fever and dysentery, to whom Paul, after coming to and praying and laying hands on him, healed him. 9 And after this had taken place, the rest of the people on the island, having diseases, also were coming and were cured. 10 And they honored us with many honors, and while we were about to sail, they put on board whatever we needed.

Paul Arrives at Rome

11 And after three months, we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the twin gods^ed as a figurehead. 12 And after putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there, after making a circuit, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There, after finding brothers, we were invited to stay there seven days. And so we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers there, after hearing about us, came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. After seeing them and thanking God, Paul took courage. 16 And when we came to Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him.

Paul in Rome

17 And it came to pass, after three days, he called together the local leaders of the Jews, and after gathering them, he was saying to them, “I, men and brothers, after having done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 After interrogating me, they were willing to set me free because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. 19 But while the Jews were objecting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar — though I had no charge to bring against my nation. 20 For this reason, then, I asked to see and speak with you all, for it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” 21 And they said to him, “We received no letters about you from Judea and none of the brothers, after coming here, announced or spoke any evil against you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what your views are, for indeed concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.”

23 And after appointing a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in greater numbers. He was expounding to them, witnessing to the kingdom of God and convincing them about Jesus both from the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 And indeed, they were being convinced by what he said, but others were disbelieving. 25 And disagreeing among themselves, they were departing after Paul made one statement: “Well did the Holy Spirit speak through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers:

26 “'Go to this people and say,

         Hearing, you all will hear and never perceive^ee

27 For this people's heart has grown dull,

 and with their ears they can barely hear,

 and their eyes have closed;

that they might not see with their eyes

 and hear with their ears

and understand with their heart

         and turn, and I will heal them.'^ef

28 Therefore, let it be known to you all that this salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.”^eg

30 And he lived there two whole years in his rented house and welcomed all those coming to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ freely, with all boldness.