ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1 1 The former account, O Theophilus, of all that Ihsou began both to do and to teach, 2 until the day in which he was taken up, after he had given commandments through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen; 3 to whom he also presented himself alive after his suffering by many infallible proofs, appearing to them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And while he was conversing with them, he commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which you have heard from me: 5 For John baptized me with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now. 6 When they had come together, they asked him, saying, “Lord, are you at this time restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And he said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” 9 And when he had said these things, while they were looking on, he came, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they were looking steadfastly toward heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, 11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Ihsou, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in like manner as you have seen him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they were come in, they went up into the upper room, where they abode, Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. 14 These all with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Ihsou, and with his brethren. 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said (the number of names was about a hundred and twenty), 16 Brothers, this scripture was to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, who was made guide to them that took Ihsou: 17 For he was numbered with us, and received the portion of this ministry. 18 But this man, having obtained a portion with the wages of iniquity, being bent down, fell down in the midst, and poured out all his bowels. 19 And it became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so that that place was called in their own language, Akeldama, that is, The Village of Blood. 20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his house be desolate, and let no one live in it; and, Let another take his office. 21 Therefore, of the men who have come to us at all times during which the Lord Ihsou went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day he was taken up from us, one of these should become a witness with us of his resurrection. 23 And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.24 And they prayed, saying, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two I have chosen, 25 to take the place of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas transgressed, to go to this place.” 26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was chosen with the eleven apostles. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 2 1 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Sacred Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and was confounded, because they heard each one speaking in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed, saying to one another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galileans? 8 And how is it that we hear each in our own language, in which we were born? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, and the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and sojourners of Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabians, we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they all stood and went about, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 But others mocking said, They are full of wine. 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken unto my words: 15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose: for it is the third hour of the day: 16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy: and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: 18 And on my servants and on my handmaids in those days will I pour out of my spirit, and they shall prophesy: 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and notable day of the Lord come: 21 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. 22 Men of Israel, hear these words: Ihsou of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as you yourselves know; 23 This man, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have delivered up by the hands of wicked men, and have brought him up: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pangs of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. 25 For David saith of him, I have set the Lord always before me; for he is at my right hand, that I should not be moved. I will be shaken; 26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced; moreover my flesh also shall dwell in hope; 27 because you will not abandon my soul to hell,You will not allow your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy with your presence. 29 Brothers, I can freely speak to you about the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins he would raise up Christ according to the flesh, to sit on his throne, 31 he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Ihsou hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted to the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the Sacred Spirit, he hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made this Ihsou, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Ihsou Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, everyone the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he protested and implored, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who eagerly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as anyone had need. 46 Day by day, continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.33 Being therefore exalted to the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Ihsou, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Ihsou Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he protested and implored, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who eagerly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as anyone had need. 46 Day by day, continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.33 Being therefore exalted to the right hand of God, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand, 35 until I make your enemies your footstool.’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Ihsou, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 When they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Ihsou Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” 40 With many other words he protested and implored, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who eagerly received his word were baptized, and that day about three thousand souls were added. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 All who believed were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold their possessions and goods and distributed them to all, as anyone had need. 46 Day by day, continuing with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.and they had all things in common, 45 and they distributed all their possessions and goods to all, as any had need. 46 And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having grace toward all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as were being saved.and they had all things in common, 45 and they distributed all their possessions and goods to all, as any had need. 46 And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God, and having grace toward all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as were being saved. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 3 1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. 2 And behold, a man lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple called the Door of the Temple to ask alms of those entering the temple. 3 Who, seeing Peter and John about to enter the temple, asked alms. 4 And Peter, looking intently at him with John, said, Look on us. 5 And he went after them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “Silver and gold I have none, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Ihsou Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up; and the shackles and the irons were fastened to his feet. 8 And he stood up and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking and leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Black Gate of the temple: and they were filled with amazement and astonishment at that which had happened unto him. 11 And the man that was healed held Peter and John: and all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, astonished. 12 And Peter, seeing this, answered the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye upon us, as if by our own power or piety we had made him walk? 13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Servant Ihsou: whom ye delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had judged that he should be let go. 14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and desired a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And through faith in his name, whom you see and know, he has made him strong, and the faith which is through him has given him this perfect standing before you all. 17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But what God foretold beforehand through the mouth of all his prophets, that his Christ would suffer, he has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and turn back, so that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that he may send Ihsou Christ, who was preached to you, 21 whom heaven sees as being received up until the times of restoration of all things, about which God spoke through the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet from among your brothers, like me. You must listen to him in everything he tells you. 23 And it shall be that anyone who does not listen to that prophet will be destroyed from among the people. 24 And all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed him have spoken and foretold these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’26 To you first God, having raised up his Son Ihsou, sent him to bless you in turning away every one of you from your wickedness. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 4 1 And as they spake unto the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 And they were troubled that they should teach the people, and testify in Ihsou the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid their hands on them, and set them to guard against the morrow: for it was now evening. 4 And many of them which heard the word believed: and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together, 6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, 7 And they set them in the midst, and asked, By what power or in what name have ye done this? 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 9 if we are being examined today about a sick man’s good deeds, by what means he was made well, 10 be it known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Ihsou Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand before you healthy. 11 This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the head of the corner. 12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. 13 And when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlettered and ordinary men, they marveled, and took notice of them, that they had been with Ihsou. 14 But seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 And having put them outside the council, they reasoned with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men?” For a notable sign had been done by them, evident to all who lived in Jerusalem, and we could not deny it. 17 But so that it would spread no further among the people, we threatened them with threats and told them not to speak to anyone in this name. 18 And they called them and ordered them not to speak at all or teach in the name of Ihsou. 19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves.” 20 For we cannot but speak concerning the things which we have seen and heard. 21 And when they had threatened them, they let them go, finding no way how they might punish them, because of the people: for all glorified God for that which was done. 22 For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this sign of healing was done. 23 And when they were let go, they came to their own company, and told all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And they that heard it lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 As by the mouth of thy son David saith, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood, and the rulers gathered themselves together against the Lord:and against his Christ: 27 For truly against thy holy child Ihsou, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 To do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined to be done. 29 And now, Lord, grant unto their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants with all boldness to speak thy word, 30 While thou stretchest out thine hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of thy holy child Ihsou. 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. 32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and soul: and not one of them said that any of them was his own; but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness to the resurrection of the Lord Ihsou: and great grace was upon them all. 34 For there was no needy among them; for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, they brought the proceeds of the things sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles' feet; and distribution was made to each as any had need. 36 And Joseph, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, which is, being interpreted, the son of Pergamos, a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, 37 having a field, sold it, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 5 1 But a man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2 and brought back part of the price of his wife’s property, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to be deceived by the price of the land? 4 It is not in your power to do this, and it is in your power to do it. Why do you hold this thing in your heart? I will not lie to men but to God. 5 And Ananias, hearing these words, fell down, and died: and great fear came upon all them that heard these things. 6 And the younger men arose, and restrained him, and carried him out, and buried him. 7 And it came to pass about three hours after, that his wife, not knowing what was done, came in. 8 And Peter answered her, Tell me, if so be it. And she said, Yea, so be it. 9 And Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall carry thee out. 10 And she fell down dead at his feet, and gave up the spirit: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carried her out, and buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came upon all the church, and upon all that heard these things. 12 And many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles: and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. 13 But no one dared to join them, but the people magnified them. 14 And believers in the Lord were added to them, multitudes of both men and women. 15 So that they carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats, so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16 A large crowd also came out of the towns around to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 17 But the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with zeal, 18 And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody. 19 But an angel of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and brought them out, and said, 20 Go, and stand in the temple, and speak to the people all the words of this life. 21 And when they heard it, they entered into the temple about dawn, and taught. And the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called together the council, and all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 And the officers, when they came, found them not in the prison: but they returned, and told, 23 saying, The prison we found shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. 24 When the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they wondered what this might mean. 25 And he went out and reported to them, saying, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them.not by force, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And they brought them, and set them in the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 Saying, Did we not strictly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and will ye bring this man's blood upon us? 29 But Peter and the apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Ihsou, whom you condemned and hanged on a tree. 31 This one God exalted to his right hand as a Leader and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him. 33 And those who heard it were filled with joy and were determined to have mercy on them. 34 Then a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, respected by all the people, stood up in the council and asked the apostles what to do. 35 He said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you intend to do to these men. 36 Before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be someone else, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He became a liar, and all who followed him were scattered and brought to nothing. 37 After this man rose up Judas the Galilean in the days of the census, and drew away a great multitude after him: and he fell, and all that followed him were scattered. 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and beware of them: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it: for ye are found even to be fighters against God. 40 And they were persuaded by him: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Ihsou, and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And every day, in the temple, and from house to house, they ceased not to teach and preach Ihsou Christ.Take heed to yourselves what you intend to do with these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, claiming to be someone himself, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. When he fell, all who followed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man rose up Judas the Galilean in the days of the census, and drew away a considerable crowd after him; but he himself perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 But now I say to you, stay away from these men and listen to them. For if this plan or this work is from men, it will come to nothing. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow it, for you will even be found to be fighters against God. 40 They were persuaded by him. They called the apostles in, flogged them, and ordered them not to speak in the name of Ihsou, and let them go. 41 So they went away from the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Ihsou Christ.Take heed to yourselves what you intend to do with these men. 36 For before these days rose up Theudas, claiming to be someone himself, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. When he fell, all who followed him were scattered and came to nothing. 37 After this man rose up Judas the Galilean in the days of the census, and drew away a considerable crowd after him; but he himself perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 But now I say to you, stay away from these men and listen to them. For if this plan or this work is from men, it will come to nothing. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow it, for you will even be found to be fighters against God. 40 They were persuaded by him. They called the apostles in, flogged them, and ordered them not to speak in the name of Ihsou, and let them go. 41 So they went away from the council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer disgrace for his name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Ihsou Christ. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 6 1 Now in those days, as the number of disciples increased, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were overlooked in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve called together the multitude of the disciples, and said, It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brethren, look out for men from among you of good report, full of the Sacred Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this matter. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word. 5 And the word pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Sacred Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. 9 Then some of the synagogue called the Freedmen's, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia, stood up, disputing with Stephen. 10 And they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke. 11 Then some men came forward, saying, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.” 12 They stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they seized him and brought him to the council. 13 They set up false witnesses, saying, “This man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law. 14 For we have heard him say that this Ihsou of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.” 15 And all who sat in the council, looking intently at him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 7 1 Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 He said, “Brothers and fathers, listen! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, “Get out of your country and from your relatives, and come to a land that I will show you.” 4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. From there, when his father died, he moved him to this land in which you now live. 5 But he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground to set foot on. He promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him, even though he had no child. 6 And God spoke thus, that his seed should be a stranger in a strange land, and that they should serve it, and afflict it four hundred years. 7 And the nation which they shall serve, I will judge, said God: and after that they shall come out, and serve me in this place. 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day: and Isaac begat Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. 9 And the patriarchs, moved with jealousy, sent Joseph down to Egypt; and God was with him, 10 and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 And there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers could not find sustenance. 12 And when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent our fathers away first. 13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was made known to Pharaoh. 14 And Joseph sent and called Jacob his father, and all his kindred, seventy and five souls. 15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers. 16 And they were carried over to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem. 17 But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, 18 until another king arose, who did not know Joseph. 19 This one, having come to our people, dealt treacherously with our fathers, to expose their infants, that they might not live. 20 At which time Moses was born, and was a laughingstock to God; and he was nourished up in his father's house for three months. 21 And when he was grown up, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds. 23 And when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one being wronged, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian. 25 And he thought to bring his brethren together, that God by his hand would deliver them: but they came not together. 26 And on the morrow he appeared unto them as they fought, and brought them together again to peace, saying, Men,You are brothers; why do you wrong one another? 27 But he who wronged his neighbor pushed him away, saying, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Do you not want to go up to me, as you did to the Egyptian yesterday?” 29 And Moses fled at this saying, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. 30 And when forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 And Moses, seeing it, wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to understand, there came the voice of the LORD unto him, 32 I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses was afraid, and durst not understand. 33 And the LORD said unto him, Loose the shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning; and I am come down to deliver them: and now, behold, I will send thee into Egypt. 35 This Moses whom they rejected, saying, Who made you a ruler and a judge? God sent him to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 This is he who led them out, having performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness forty years. 37 This is the Moses who said to the children of Israel, The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet from among your brothers, like me; to him you shall listen. 38 This is he who was in the church in the wilderness, after the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and to our fathers, who received living oracles to give to us. 39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust them away, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, Make us gods who shall go before us: for as for this Moses, who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifices to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42 But God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, Ye offered me no slain nor sacrifice forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel: 43 And ye took up the tabernacle of Molech, and the star of your god Remphan, the figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon. 44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, as the speaker commanded Moses, that he should make it according to the pattern which he had seen. 45 Which also our fathers brought in after Ihsou, when they dispossessed the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, until the days of David, 46 who found grace before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built him an house. 48 But the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says, 49 Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What house will you build for me? says the Lord, or where is the place of my rest? 50 Has not my hand made all these things? 51 You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears,You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers; 53 who received the law as the commandment of angels, and have not kept it. 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart and gnashed their teeth at him. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Ihsou standing on the right hand of God, 56 and said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. 57 And they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran together upon him with one accord. 58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59And stoned Stephen, calling upon him, and saying, Lord Ihsou, receive my spirit. 60 And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And having said this, he fell asleep. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 8 1 Saul was in agreement with his rejection. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men gathered together Stephen, and they inflicted great punishment on him. 3 But Saul was destroying the church, entering house after house, and dragging off both men and women, he committed them to prison. 4 And those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 The crowds followed Philip with one accord, hearing and seeing the signs which he was doing. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed by them, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 Now a certain man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. 10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they were attentive to him, for the time being he had amazed them with his sorcery. 12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Ihsou Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 And Simon himself believed, and being baptized, he continued with Philip: and beholding the mighty works and signs which were done, he stood firm. 14 Now when the apostles which were in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: 15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Sacred Spirit: 16 For there was no devil upon any of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Ihsou. 17 Then laid they hands on them, and they received the Sacred Spirit. 18 And Simon, seeing that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that on whomever I lay my hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “Your silver is gone with you, because you have purchased the gift of God with money. 21 You have no part or lot in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.” 22 Repent therefore of this wickedness of yours, and pray to God, if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I see that you are full of the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity. 24 Then Simon answered and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me. 25 And they that had testified against me, and had spoken the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel to many nations of the Samaritans. 26 But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert.” 27 So he arose and went, and behold, an Ethiopian eunuch under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her province, who had come to worship at Jerusalem,28 And he was returning, and sitting in his chariot, he was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spirit said to Philip, Go near and join yourself to this chariot. 30 And Philip ran up and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, Knowest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except thou guide me? beseech Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture that he was reading was this: He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he does not open his mouth. 33 In his humiliation his judgment came, and who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth. 34 The eunuch answered Philip, “You must ask, about whom does the prophet say this? about himself, or about someone else?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Ihsou. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto some water: and the eunuch said, See, water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Ihsou Christ is the Son of God. 38 And he commanded the chariot to stop: and they went down both 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 caught away Philip: and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through, he preached the gospel to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus; and passing through he preached the gospel to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 9 1 But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed, he came near Damascus. Suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 He said, “Who are you, Lord?” And the Lord said, I am Ihsou, whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to cast him into prison. 6 And he said, Trembling and trembling, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou seest to do. 7 And the men that followed him stood by, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth: and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, 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, Here am I, Lord. 11 And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go to the street called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth. 12 And he hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in, and lay his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name. 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 Then Ananias went and entered the house, and laying his hands on him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, Ihsou, who appeared to you on the road to Jerusalem, has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he saw clearly. He got up and was baptized. 19 And he took food and was strengthened. And Saul was with the disciples at Damascus for some days. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 And all that heard him stood up, and said, Is not this he that destroyed them which called upon this name in Jerusalem? And is he come hither for this purpose, that he may bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. 23 And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to lay hands on him: 24 And their plot became known unto Saul: and they watched the gates day and night, that they might lay hands on him: 25 But the disciples took him by night, and sat down upon the wall, and lay down in the dust. 26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples: and they were all afraid of him.not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached in the name of Ihsou. 28 And he was with them, going in and out of Jerusalem, 29 and preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Ihsou, speaking and disputing with the Hellenists: but they sought to put him to death. 30 But when the brethren knew it, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed through them all, he came down also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had been sick of the palsy eight years, lying upon a bed. 34 And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Ihsou Christ healeth thee: arise, and make thy bed. And immediately he arose. 35 And all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 Now at Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which, being interpreted, is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and alms which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days that she was sick, even to the point of death; and when they had washed her, she was healed. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him not to come to them. 39 But Peter, having risen, went to them. They brought him into the upper room, and all the widows stood by him weeping and showing coats and garments, which Dorcas used to make. 40 But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down to the ground, and worshipped him. And turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hands, and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it happened that he stayed in Joppa for a day with one Simon, a tanner.33 And there he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, lying on a bed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Ihsou Christ heals you; arise and make your bed.” And immediately he arose. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which, being interpreted, is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and alms which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in the upper room. 38 And when Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, beseeching him not to tarry to them. 39 And Peter having risen, met with them: and they brought him into the upper room: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing coats and garments, which Dorcas used to make. 40 But Peter, putting them all outside, knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and raised her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it happened that he was able to stay in Joppa for a day because of Simon the tanner.33 And there he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed for eight years, lying on a bed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Ihsou Christ heals you; arise and make your bed.” And immediately he arose. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. 36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha, which, being interpreted, is Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and alms which she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: and when they had washed her, they laid her in the upper room. 38 And when Lydda was nigh unto Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men unto him, beseeching him not to tarry to them. 39 And Peter having risen, met with them: and they brought him into the upper room: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and shewing coats and garments, which Dorcas used to make. 40 But Peter, putting them all outside, knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 He gave her his hand and raised her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it happened that he was able to stay in Joppa for a day because of Simon the tanner. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 10 1 Now there was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what is called the Italian band, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms much to the people and prayed to God always. 3 He saw in a vision clearly about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And he looked at him and was afraid and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God.” 5 And now send men to Joppa, and send for Simon, whose surname is Peter. 6 He lodgeth with one Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what he seeth thee doing. 7 And when the angel that spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him. 8 And when he had explained all things unto them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 And the next day, as they journeyed, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour. 10 And he was hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, 11 And he saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet, let down by four corners, and set upon the earth: 12 In which were all manner of beasts of the earth, and beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, Arise, Peter; rise and eat. 14 But Peter said, Not so, Lord: for I have never eaten any thing common or unclean. 15 And a voice came again to him a second time, What God hath cleansed, make not thou partaker. 16 And this was done three times: and the vessel was taken up again into heaven. 17 Now as Peter was thinking about what the vision he had seen might mean, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon’s house, stood at the gate, 18 and called out to him, asking if Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. 19 And Peter remembered the vision, and the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 But get up, go down, and go with them, not knowing who you are, for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent from Cornelius to him and said, “I am the one you are looking for. What is the reason for your arrest?” 22 They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God and has a good report from all the Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he went up and greeted them. The next day Peter went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa met him. 24 And the next day they entered Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them, and had called together his relatives and friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. 26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, Stand up; I also am but a man. 27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many people come together,28 And he said unto them, Ye yourselves maintain that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or to come unto one of another nation: and God hath shewed me no common or unclean man: 29 For which cause I came converted. I wonder, then, for what reason have you sent me? 30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house: and behold, a man stood before me in a radiant raiment, 31 And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth in the house of Simon a tanner by the sea side: who shall speak unto thee when he is come. 33 So I sent for you. You have done well in being born. Now therefore we all stand before God to hear all that is commanded you by God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons. 35 But in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Ihsou Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You yourselves know the word which was spread throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 How God anointed Ihsou of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem: whom they hanged on a tree. 40 This man God raised up on the third day, and shewed him manifest, 41 not to all the people, but to us, which were chosen before of God, who did eat with him, and were with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which is ordained of God, judge of the living and the dead. 43 To this all the prophets testify, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 And the circumcised believers who had come together with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 Can the water forbid these men to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 Command them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him how many days to tarry.A man stood before me in a state of great splendor, 31 and said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms have been remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He lodges in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea side; he will speak to you when he comes. 33 I have therefore sent for you; you have done well when you come. Now therefore we all stand before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee by God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Ihsou Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You yourselves know the word which was spread throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 How God anointed Ihsou of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem: whom they hanged on a tree. 40 This man God raised up on the third day, and shewed him manifest, 41 not to all the people, but to us, which were chosen before of God, who did eat with him, and were with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which is ordained of God, judge of the living and the dead. 43 To this all the prophets testify, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 And the circumcised believers who had come together with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 Can the water forbid these men to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 Command them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him how many days to tarry.A man stood before me in a state of great splendor, 31 and said, Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your alms have been remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter. He lodges in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea side; he will speak to you when he comes. 33 I have therefore sent for you; you have done well when you come. Now therefore we all stand before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee by God. 34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35 But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36 The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Ihsou Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You yourselves know the word which was spread throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism which John preached: 38 How God anointed Ihsou of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem: whom they hanged on a tree. 40 This man God raised up on the third day, and shewed him manifest, 41 not to all the people, but to us, which were chosen before of God, who did eat with him, and were with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which is ordained of God, judge of the living and the dead. 43 To this all the prophets testify, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 And the circumcised believers who had come together with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 Can the water forbid these men to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 Command them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him how many days to tarry.preaching peace through Ihsou Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You yourselves know the word that spread throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 38 How God anointed Ihsou of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem: whom they hanged on a tree. 40 This man God raised up on the third day, and shewed him manifest, 41 not to all the people, but to us, which were chosen before of God, who did eat with him, and were with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which is ordained of God, judge of the living and the dead. 43 To this all the prophets testify, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 And the circumcised believers who had come together with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 Can the water forbid these men to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 Command them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him how many days to tarry.preaching peace through Ihsou Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You yourselves know the word that spread throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached. 38 How God anointed Ihsou of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with him. 39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem: whom they hanged on a tree. 40 This man God raised up on the third day, and shewed him manifest, 41 not to all the people, but to us, which were chosen before of God, who did eat with him, and were with him after he rose from the dead. 42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which is ordained of God, judge of the living and the dead. 43 To this all the prophets testify, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins. 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 And the circumcised believers who had come together with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, 47 Can the water forbid these men to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have? 48 Command them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him how many days to tarry. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 11 1 Now the apostles and the brethren who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went in to men who have a prostitute and ate with them.” 4 Then Peter began to speak to them, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending from heaven, let down to me. 6 When I looked down, I saw four-footed animals, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; eat and drink.’ 8 And I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth. 9 And a voice answered me a second time from heaven, What God hath cleansed, call not thou common. 10 And this was done thrice: and again all was drawn up into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately three men stood in the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit told me to come unto them, and no man discerned them. And these six brothers came with me, and we entered into the man's house. 13 Tell us how he saw the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, Send a man to Joppa, and send for Simon, whose surname is Peter, 14 who will speak words to you, by which you and all your household will be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized me with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 If then God gave them the same gift as he did to us, if they believed in the Lord Ihsou Christ, who was I that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard this, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, ‘Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.’ 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews only. 20 But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, proclaiming the Lord Ihsou. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 And the news about them came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem; and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came and saw the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all with purpose of heart to wait for the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and a great multitude was added unto the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went forth to Tarsus to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it happened that they were gathered together in the church throughout the year, and taught a great multitude, first in Antioch, to make disciples of Christians.27 In those days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine was going to come on the whole world. This happened during the reign of Claudius Caesar. 29 And the disciples, as they had opportunity, appointed each one of them to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 Which they did, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 12 1 At that time Herod the king laid hands on some of the church. 2 He had James the brother of John executed with the sword. 3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was the days of unleavened bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5 But Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the church to God for him. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him forth, that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the guards before the door kept the watch. 7 And, behold, an angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise quickly. And the chains fell off his hands. 8 And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and put on thy sandals. And he did so. And he said unto him, Put on thy garment, and follow me. 9 And he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was real, but that he had seen a vision. 10 And when they were past the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord. And when they had gone out, they heard a sound, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And Peter, coming to himself, said, Now I know of a truth that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and out of all the expectation of the people of the Jews. 12 And when he saw it, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where the devout were gathered together and praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to answer him, named Rhoda. 14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for joy, but ran in, and told that Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said unto her, It is he. And she maintained that it was so. Others said, It is his angel. 16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him, and stood up. 17 And beckoning them with his hand to be quiet, he declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison, and said, “Tell James and the brothers.” And he went out and went to another place. 18 And on the next day there was no small commotion among the soldiers, what had become of Peter. 19 And Herod, having sought him, and not finding him, having examined the keepers, sent him away to be punished. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and was being punished. 20 Now Herod was at enmity with the people of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him with one accord, and having persuaded Blastus, who was in the king's chamber, they gave him peace, that they might be fed from the king's food. 21 And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on the throne, and made a speech unto them. 22 And the people cried out, The voice of a God, and not of a man. 23 And an angel of the Lord smote him suddenly, because he gave not the glory to God: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the spirit.24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having fulfilled the ministry, and taking with them John, whose surname was Mark. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 13 1 Now there were in Antioch certain prophets and teachers in the church, as Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, the companion of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And as they ministered unto the Lord, and fasted, the Sacred Spirit said, Set apart unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to minister unto them. 6 And when they had gone through the island unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-Ihsou: 7 Who was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, an prudent man: who, having called for Barnabas and Saul, sought to hear the word of God. 8 And Elymas the sorcerer, (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. 9 Then Saul, who is also Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him, 10 and said, “You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and all subtilty, will you not cease to pervert the straight ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went about seeking guides. 12 Then the proconsul, seeing what had happened, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord. 13 Now those who were with Paul, having set out from Paphos, came to Perga in Pamphylia. But John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 14 But they, having passed through Perga, came to Antioch in Pisidia, and having entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, sat down. 15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” 16 Then Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people out of the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm he brought them out of it. 18 And he led them about forty years in the wilderness, 19 And having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance, 20 And after these things, when they were four hundred and fifty years old, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 And from thence they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years old. 22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be king, to whom also he testified, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, who shall do all my will. 23 From this man's seed God, according to promise, hath raised unto Israel a Saviour, Ihsou, 24 Having preached before his coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And when John had completed his journey,He said, "Who do you think I am? It is not I. But behold, he comes after me, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie. 26 Brothers, sons of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, to you is the word of this salvation sent. 27 For those who dwell at Jerusalem and their rulers, not knowing this, and judging the voices of the prophets, which are proclaimed every Sabbath, fulfilled them. 28 And finding no cause for death, they asked Pilate to release him. 29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him, he took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead. 31 He was seen many days by those who went up from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. 32 And we proclaim to you the good news that the promise made to the fathers, 33 that God has fulfilled this to us their children, in that he has raised up Ihsou; as it is also written in the second psalm, You are my Son, today I have begotten you. 34 But since he raised him from the dead, no longer to return to corruption, he has said, “I will give you the sure promises of David.” 35 And again he says in another place, “You will not let your Holy One see corruption.” 36 For David, who in his own generation had served the will of God, fell asleep and was laid to his fathers and saw corruption. 37 But whom God raised up did not see corruption. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 And from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses, yet by this everyone who believes is justified. 40 See therefore that what is spoken in the prophets does not come upon you: 41 Look, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish; for I am working a work in your days, a work you will not believe, even if it is recounted to you. 42 And when the synagogue of the Jews was broken up, they besought the Gentiles that these words might be preached unto them on the second sabbath. 43 And when the synagogue was broken up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking unto them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. 44 And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. 45 And when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with zeal, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 But Paul and Barnabas spoke out and said, “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and do not judge yourselves worthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, that you may be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’ 48 When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord. As many as were ordained to eternal life believed, 49 and the word of the Lord spread throughout the whole region. 50 But the Jews stirred up the devout women and the prominent women and the leading men of the city, and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their borders.51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them and came to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 14 1 And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the Jews which believed stirred up and vexed the souls of the Gentiles against the brethren. 3 And they spent a good while speaking boldly of the Lord, testifying to the word of his grace, and causing signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 And the multitude of the city was divided: and some were with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5 But when there was an attempt by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers to insult and stone them, 6 they saw them and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region. 7 There they were preaching the gospel. 8 And a certain man in Lystra, a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked, heard Paul speak. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be saved, 10 said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet." and he came and walked about. 11 And when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12 And they called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, who was before their city, brought bulls and crowns to the gates, and would have offered sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out, 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We too are fellow human beings, proclaiming to you that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, 16 who in past generations commanded all nations to walk in their own ways.” 17 He did not leave himself without witness in doing good, giving us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18 And when he had said these things, he had calmed the crowds so that they would not sacrifice to them. 19 But some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he had died. 20 But the disciples surrounded him, and he rose up and entered the city. And the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught them well, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and to Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through much tribulation they should enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in the church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. 24 And when they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 And from there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.27 And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they declared all things that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they tarried there no little time with the disciples. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 15 1 And certain men came down from Judea and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved. 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and debate with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, to go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And they being brought on their way by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. 4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, and they reported all that God had done with them. 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who had believed rose up, saying, "See, I am circumcising them and ordering them to keep the law of Moses." 6 The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And after much discussion, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that from early times God made a choice among us that the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel by my mouth and believe. 8 And God, who knows the hearts, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he did to us. 9 And he made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Ihsou Christ, even as they. 12 And all the multitude stood still, and heard Barnabas and Paul declare what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. 13 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14 Symeon hath declared how God at the first did visit to take out of the Gentiles a people for his name. 15 And with this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written, 16 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build up its ruins, and I will set it up: 17 That the residue of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord that doeth all these things. 18 Known from everlasting are all his works unto God. 19 Therefore my judgment is that I should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God, 20 but that I command them to abstain from things polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses from ancient times has had in every city those who preach him, being preached in the synagogues every Sabbath. 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; 23 and they wrote by their hands as follows: The apostles and elders and the brethren in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles:Rejoice. 24 For we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, “You must be circumcised and keep the law,” to whom we did not send them. 25 It seemed good to us, being of one mind, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Ihsou Christ. 27 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they also will tell you these things by word of mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things, 29 to abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication; from which, keeping yourselves, do well. You are forgiven. 30 So those who were released came to Antioch; and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced at the exhortation. 32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets themselves also, exhorted the brethren with much speech, and strengthened them. 33 And after they had spent some time, they were sent away in peace by the brethren unto the apostles. 34 But it pleased Silas to continue with him. 35 But Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others also, the word of the Lord. 36 And after certain days Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us return and visit our brethren in every city, where we have preached the gospel.The word of the Lord, how they received it. 37 But Barnabas was determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul, having departed from them from Pamphylia, and having not gone with them to the work, did not take him with them. 39 There was therefore a sharp disagreement, so that they departed from one another; and Barnabas took Mark, and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul, having chosen Silas, departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 16 1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain woman who was a Jewess, but his father was a Greek. 2 Whom the brethren at Lystra and Iconium bore witness against. 3 Paul wanted to take him with him, and taking him with him, we went around because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them for to keep the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5 And the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. 6 And when they had gone through Phrygia and the country of Galatia, being forbidden of the Sacred Spirit to speak the word in Asia, 7 And when they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: and the Spirit suffered them not. 8 And passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul during the night: a man of Macedonia was pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 So we set sail from Troas and sailed straight for Samothrace, and on the south to Neapolis. 12 From there we went to Philippi, which is the leading city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. We stayed in that city for some days. 13 On the Sabbath day we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was called, and we sat down and spoke to the women who had come together. 14 And a woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshipped God, heard us; whose heart the Lord opened to pay attention to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide. And she came to us. 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, that a certain damsel having a spirit of Python came to us, which brought much profit to her mistresses by divination. 17 She followed Paul and us, crying out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation.” 18 This she did for many days. But Paul, being distressed, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Ihsou Christ to come out of her.” And it came out of her that very hour. 19 But when her masters saw that the hope of their business was gone, they took Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the rulers, 20 and brought them to the commanders and said, “These men are disturbing our city, being Jews, 21 and are speaking about things that it is not lawful for us to accept or do, being Romans.” 22 And the crowd rushed together against them, and the commanders tore their clothes and began to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely. 24 And when he had received such a charge, he put them in the inner prison,and their feet were fastened in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And suddenly all the doors were opened, and everyone's chains were loosed. 27 And the jailer, being alert, and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword, and was about to cut himself off, supposing that he had escaped the prisoners. 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all in the house.” 29 And he called for lights, sprang in, and fell down in fear before Paul and Silas. 30 And brought them out, and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe on the Lord Ihsou Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him, and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them that same hour of the night, and washed them from their wounds, and was baptized, he and all his, immediately. 34 And he brought them into his house, and set a table, and rejoiced greatly, believing in God. 35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison, and now they are throwing us out secretly. No, they did not; but they themselves came and dragged us out.” 38 The guards reported these words to the centurions. They were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 39 They came and begged them and asked them to leave the city. 40 They left the prison and went to Lydia. When they saw the brothers, they begged them and left.35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? Nay; but they themselves came and dragged us out. 38 And the officers reported these words to the centurions; and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, asking them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia: and when they saw the brethren, they besought them, and departed.35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, Let those men go. 36 And the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul, saying, The magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? Nay; but they themselves came and dragged us out. 38 And the officers reported these words to the centurions; and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, asking them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia: and when they saw the brethren, they besought them, and departed. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 17 1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And when Paul had come to them, he went in unto them, and for three sabbaths reasoned with them from the scriptures, 3 opening and explaining, that Christ must suffer, and rise again from the dead, and that this is Ihsou Christ, whom I preach unto you. 4 And some of them believed, and came to Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief men not a few women. 5 But the Jews who had rejected him, being jealous, took some wicked men from the market-place, and forming a mob, set the city on an uproar. They went to Jason's house and tried to bring them into the city. 6 But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the magistrates, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down are also being arrested, 7 whom Jason has welcomed." And these all act contrary to the customs of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Ihsou. 8 And they stirred up the people and the magistrates when they heard these things. 9 And they took the power from Jason and the rest, and let them go. 10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: who, going into the synagogue of the Jews, they dissuaded them. 11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the scriptures day by day, whether these things were so. 12 And many of them believed, and not a few of the fair Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that the word of God had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea, they came there also, agitating and agitating the crowds. 14 Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go as far as the sea, while Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 And they took Paul and brought him as far as Athens. And receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed. 16 Now when Paul was in Athens, he was provoked to anger, because they saw that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout men, and in the marketplace every day with those who were idle. 18 And certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers joined him. And some said, What would this babbler like to say? Others said, He is a preacher of strange demons. For he preached to them Ihsou and the resurrection. 19 And when they had taken him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is which you are presenting? 20 For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; we would therefore know what these things mean. 21 But all the Athenians and the strangers who were there would spend their time in nothing else, except to tell something or to hear something new. 22 Then Paul stood in the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, in all things I see that you are very superstitious. 23 For as I passed by and observed your objects of worship, I found also an altar on which was inscribed, To an Unknown God.Therefore, whom you worship without knowing it, this I denounce to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made with hands, 25 nor is he healed by human hands, being joined to someone, since he himself gives to all life and breath and everything. 26 He made from one blood every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings. 27 That they might seek the Lord, if perhaps they might grope for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. 28 For in him we live and move and have our being; as some of your fellow-workers have said, for we are also his offspring. 29 Since we are the offspring of God, we should not think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image of art and human device. 30 The times of this ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has set a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, having provided assurance for all by raising him from the dead. 32 But when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, they mocked me; but others said, “We will hear you again about this.” 33 So Paul went out from among them. 34 But some men joined him and believed, among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 18 1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. 2 And finding a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome, he came to them. 3 And being of the same trade, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their trade they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was filled with the spirit, testifying to the Jews that Ihsou is the Christ. 6 And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook his clothes and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads; I am clean; from now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he departed from there and entered the house of a man named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his household; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized. 9 And the Lord said to Paul by a vision in the night, Fear not, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10 For I am with thee, and no man shall set upon thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. 11 And so abide there a year, and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, This man persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If I were guilty of any wrongdoing or wicked deed, O Jews, I would have reason to have been acquitted by you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and the law of which you are accused, look to it yourselves; for I will not be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them from the platform. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and brought him before the platform. But none of these men spoke to Gallio. 18 But Paul, after waiting a few more days, took leave of the brothers and sailed for Syria, taking Priscilla and Aquila with him, and having taken his leave at Cenchreae, for he had a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus, and they stayed with him: but he himself went into the synagogue, and was persuaded by the Jews. 20 And when they desired him to tarry longer with them, he consented not; 21 but sent them away, saying, Behold, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh to Jerusalem; and I will return unto you again, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus, 22 and when he had come down to Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and went down to Antioch, 23 and after spending some time there he departed and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus, 25 who had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in the Spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning the Lord,26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him to them and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27 When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who believed through grace. 28 For he thoroughly convinced the Jews publicly, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Ihsou was the Christ. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 19 1 Now it came to pass, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper parts, came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2 he said unto them, Have ye received the Sacred Spirit since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have heard no more whether there be any Sacred Spirit. 3 He said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto the baptism of John. 4 Paul said, John baptized me with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, That he should believe on him which should come after him, that he should believe on Ihsou Christ. 5 And when they heard, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Ihsou. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Sacred Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7 And there were about twelve men in all. 8 And he entered into the synagogue, and reasoned for three months, persuading and persuading concerning the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Ihsou, both Jews and Greeks. 11 And God wrought miracles beyond measure by the hands of Paul, 12 so that even from his body handkerchiefs or aprons were brought to the sick, and their diseases were healed, and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the Jewish exorcists who came there took upon themselves the name of the Lord Ihsou over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We adjure you by Ihsou whom Paul preaches.” 14 And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, who were doing this. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “Ihsou I know, and Paul I believe; but whose are you?” 16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the Jews and Greeks dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Ihsou was magnified. 18 And many of those who believed came, confessing and declaring their deeds. 19 And those who had done the miracles brought the books together and burned them in the sight of everyone. And they counted the price of them, and found it five thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord grew and prevailed. 21 And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, see me also in Rome. 22 And he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus: but he himself tarried for a season in Asia. 23 And at that time there arose no small stir in the way. 24 For a certain Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no small business unto the craftsmen: 25 And he called together them, and said unto them which were of such workmanship, Men,Believe that from this work we have our prosperity. 26 And you see and hear that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable crowd, saying that they are no gods made with hands. 27 And not only this, but also the temple of the great goddess Artemis is in danger of being esteemed as nothing, and her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships. 28 When they heard this, they were filled with wrath and cried out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion. They rushed with one accord into the theater and seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s traveling companions. 30 But when Paul wanted to enter the city, the disciples did not allow him. 31 And some of the governors of Asia, who were his friends, sent to him, pleading that he would not venture into the theater. 32 But others cried something else, for the assembly was confused, and the majority did not know for whom they had come together. 33 Some of the crowd brought forward Alexander, accusing him of being a Jew. But Alexander shook his hand and would have defended himself to the city council. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, about two o'clock they all shouted with one voice, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 35 And the scribe having subdued the multitude, said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not that the city of the Ephesians is the worshipper of the great goddess Artemis and of Zeus? 36 Therefore, since you are not able to answer such things, you ought to be subdued, and to do no evil. 37 For you have brought these men, who are neither holy nor blasphemers of your god. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have any matter against me, they are merchants, and are rulers; let them be free from one another. 39 But if you inquire about anything else, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called to account for this very day, for there is no cause of action that we can give for this perversity. 41 And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.33 And some of the crowd brought forward Alexander, accusing him of being a Jew. But Alexander shook his hand and wanted to defend himself to the city council. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, about two o'clock all of them raised one voice, crying out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 35 Then the town clerk addressed the crowd, "Men of Ephesians, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a temple of the great goddess Artemis and of Zeus?" 36 Therefore, since these things are not to be contradicted, you ought to be restrained and not to act rashly. 37 For you have brought these men, who are neither holy men nor blasphemers of your god. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have any matter against me, they are merchants and are rulers; let them go one from another. 39 But if you have any claim against others, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40 And we are in danger of being called to account for this day, for there is no reason to which we can give an account of this perversion. 41 And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly.33 And some of the crowd brought forward Alexander, accusing him of being a Jew. But Alexander shook his hand and wanted to defend himself to the city council. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, about two o'clock all of them raised one voice, crying out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!" 35 Then the town clerk addressed the crowd, "Men of Ephesians, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a temple of the great goddess Artemis and of Zeus?" 36 Therefore, since these things are not to be contradicted, you ought to be restrained and not to act rashly. 37 For you have brought these men, who are neither holy men nor blasphemers of your god. 38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have any matter against me, they are merchants and are rulers; let them go one from another. 39 But if you have any claim against others, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40 And we are in danger of being called to account for this day, for there is no reason to which we can give an account of this perversion. 41 And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 20 1 And when the uproar had ceased, Paul, having called the disciples to him, and having embraced them, departed to go into Macedonia. 2 And when he had passed through those parts, and had exhorted them much, he came into Greece. 3 And after three months, when he was counseled by the Jews to sail into Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia. 4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him into Asia; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. 5 These men, having gone on ahead, stayed with us at Troas. 6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, not staying seven days. 7 And on one of the Sabbaths, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul spoke to them, intending to go out the next day, and continued his discourse until midnight. 8 Now there were lamps burning in the upper room where they were assembled. 9 And a certain young man named Eutychus sat at the window, being fallen into a deep sleep, while Paul was speaking to him, and being overcome by sleep, he fell down through the upper chamber, and was dead. 10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and comforted him, and said, Be not troubled; for his life is in him. 11 And he went up, and brake bread, and took his food, and spake as much as he could, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they brought the child alive, and prayed without ceasing. 13 And we, going on board the ship, sailed to Assos, intending from there to take in Paul; for so it had been arranged that he himself should go ashore. 14 And when he had brought us to Essos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 And from there we sailed and came to the east of Chios, and on the other we touched at Samos. And we stayed at Trogyllium, and on the next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia. For he hastened, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they were come unto him, he said unto them, Ye know how I was with you all the time, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, 19 serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations which befell me in the plots of the Jews: 20 How that I shunned no advantage, but preached unto you, and taught you publicly, and from house to house, 21 testifying both to Jews, and also to Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Ihsou Christ. 22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what things will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city that bonds and afflictions await me. 24 But I make no excuses, nor do I count my life of any account to myself, so that I may finish my journey with joy and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Ihsou, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 And now, behold,I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will never see my face again. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am clean from the blood of all men. 27 For I have not shunned to declare to you all the counsel of God. 28 Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my coming grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 And from among your own selves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 Therefore be diligent, remembering that for three years I did not cease night and day, admonishing each one with tears. 32 And now I commend you, brethren, to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. 33 I coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. 34 But you yourselves know that these hands ministered to my needs and to those who were with me. 35 I have always shown you that in this way you should see the laboring and the weak, and remember the words of the Lord Ihsou, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." 36 And when he had said this, he bowed his knees with them all. 37 And there was great weeping on all sides; and falling on Paul's neck, they kissed him, 38 sorrowing the more for the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they sent him away to the ship.that they would see his face no more. And they sent him away to the ship.that they would see his face no more. And they sent him away to the ship. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 21 1 And when we had been separated from them, we set sail and came to Conos, and the next to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, and had left it, which is well-named, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was unloading its cargo. 4 And finding disciples, we stayed with him seven days. Who said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5 And when the days were fulfilled, we departed, and went on our way, bringing them all, with wives and children, until we were out of the city. And kneeling down on the shore, we prayed. 6 And embracing one another, we went up into the ship; and they returned to their own places. 7 And we, having sailed from Tyre, came to Ptolemais, and having greeted the brothers, we stayed with them one day. 8 And the next day we departed with Paul, and came to Caesarea: and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him. 9 And he had four virgin daughters which prophesied. 10 And as we tarried many days, there came down from Judea a prophet named Agabus, 11 and coming to us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Sacred Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man, to whom this girdle belong, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. 12 And when we heard these things, both we and the people of that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Ihsou.” 14 But when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” 15 After these days we packed up and went up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us, bringing with them one Mnason, a Cypriot, an early disciple. 17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18 And the next day Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. 19 And he embraced them, and declared every one all things that God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20 And they that heard glorified the Lord. And he said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which have believed; and they are all zealous for the law. 21 But they have been accused of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children, neither should they make them walk. 22 What then is this? But behold, a multitude is come together: for they are heard that thou hast spoken. 23 Do therefore this that we say to you: We have four men who have a vow on them. 24 Take these and purify yourself with them, and spend on them, so that they may shave their heads, and all may know that there is nothing of what they are teaching about you, but that you yourself are righteous, keeping the law.25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have sent, judging that they ought not to observe such a custom, unless they abstain from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. 26 Then Paul took the men, and on the next day he purified himself and went into the temple with them, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering should be offered for each of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, gathered the whole multitude together, and laid hands on him, 28 crying, Men of Israel, help: this is the man that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and moreover brought a Greek also into the temple, and profaned this holy place. 29 For they had with him Trophimus the Ephesian in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple. 30 And the whole city was moved, and the people ran together: and they laid hold on Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut. 31 And as they sought to take him, he went up to the tribune of the band, because all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 And he himself took soldiers and centurions, and ran down upon them: but when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they ceased beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came and took him, and commanded to bind him with two chains, and to inquire who he was, and what he had done. 34 But some others cried out in the crowd; and not being able to know for certain for the tumult, he commanded to bring him into the midst. 35 And when he came upon the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd. 36 For the multitude of the people followed, crying, Away with him. 37 Then Paul, about to enter the audience chamber, said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you speak Greek?” 38 Are you not the Egyptian who before these days stirred up a riot and led out into the wilderness four thousand men of the Sicarii?” 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew, a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, not a citizen of any important city; but I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,and he made known this holy place. 29 For there was with him in the city a certain Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed had brought into the temple. 30 And the whole city was moved, and the people ran together: and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut. 31 And seeking to seize him, he went up to the commander of the band, because all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 Who himself took soldiers and centurions, and rushed upon them: but when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came near, and took hold of him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was, and what he had done. 34 But some cried out something else among the crowd; and not being able to know for certain because of the tumult, he ordered him to be brought into the audience. 35 And when he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the multitude of the people followed, crying out, "Away with him!" 37 And as Paul was about to enter the audience, he said to the commander, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek?" 38 Are you not the Egyptian who before these days stirred up a riot and led out into the wilderness four thousand men of the Sicarii? 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew, a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, not of any important city; but I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,and he made known this holy place. 29 For there was with him in the city a certain Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed had brought into the temple. 30 And the whole city was moved, and the people ran together: and they laid hold on Paul, and dragged him out of the temple: and straightway the doors were shut. 31 And seeking to seize him, he went up to the commander of the band, because all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 Who himself took soldiers and centurions, and rushed upon them: but when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came near, and took hold of him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and he asked who he was, and what he had done. 34 But some cried out something else among the crowd; and not being able to know for certain because of the tumult, he ordered him to be brought into the audience. 35 And when he came to the stairs, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd, 36 for the multitude of the people followed, crying out, "Away with him!" 37 And as Paul was about to enter the audience, he said to the commander, "May I say something to you?" And he said, "Do you know Greek?" 38 Are you not the Egyptian who before these days stirred up a riot and led out into the wilderness four thousand men of the Sicarii? 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew, a citizen of Tarsus in Cilicia, not of any important city; but I beg you, permit me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,Paul, standing on the steps, motioned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying, ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 22 1 Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense before you. 2 But when I heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, I rather gave him peace and understanding. 3 I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, educated according to the strictness of the ancestral law, being zealous for God, as you all are this day. 4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. 5 As the high priest also beareth witness unto me, and all the elders: from whom also, having received letters unto the brethren, I journeyed to Damascus, bringing them also which were there bound to Jerusalem, to be punished. 6 And it came to pass, as I journeyed, and drew nigh unto Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. 7 And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? He said to me, “I am Ihsou of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.” 9 And those who were with me saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of the one who spoke to me. 10 And I said, “What shall I do, Lord?” And the Lord said to me, “Arise, go into Damascus, and there you will be told everything you are to do.” 11 And since I could not see because of the glory of that light, I, led by those who were with me, came to Damascus. 12 And Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well spoken of by all the Jews who dwelt there, 13 came to me and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I saw him. 14 And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has granted you to know his will, and to see the Just One, and to hear a voice from his mouth, 15 so that you may be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And what do you say? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ 17 And it came to pass, that as I was returning to Jerusalem and praying in the temple, I fell into a trance, 18 and saw him saying to me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thee to bear witness concerning me. 19 And I said, Lord, they themselves bear witness that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also stood by, and consented unto his slaying, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21 And he said to me, “Depart, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.” 22 And they heard him until this word, and lifted up their voice, saying, “Away with such a one from the earth; for it is not right for him to live.” 23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, 24 the tribune commanded him to be brought into the midst, commanding that he should be scourged, that he might know for what cause they were thus accusing him. 25 And as they were leading him to the clothes, Paul said to the centurion,Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned? 26 When the centurion heard this, he went and told the commander, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27 Then the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” 28 The commander answered, “I have brought great wealth to this city.” But Paul said, “I am also born.” 29 So those who were going to beat him immediately withdrew from him. And the tribune was afraid, knowing that he was a Roman, and that he had been given a charge against him. 30 And on the morrow, desiring to know for certain why he was accused of the Jews, he released him from his bonds, and called together the chief priests and all their council, and having brought down Paul, he set him before them. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 23 1 And Paul, looking round at the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day. 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall; and do you sit judging me according to the law, and commanding me to be struck unlawfully? 4 And they who stood by said, Do you revile God's high priest? 5 Then Paul said, “I do not know, brothers, that he is high priest; for it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.’” 6 But Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. I am on trial about the hope and resurrection of the dead.” 7 And when he had said this, the Pharisees and Sadducees arose, and the multitude was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. 9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes of the Pharisees' party rose up, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God. 10 And when there was much opposition, the chief captain, fearing that Paul should be torn by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take him from among them, and to go into the midst. 11 And the next night the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as I have testified of myself in Jerusalem, so must I bear witness at Rome also. 12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews stirred up a conspiracy, and bound themselves under a curse, saying, neither to eat nor to drink until they had killed Paul. 13 And there were more than forty men who were part of this conspiracy. 14 And they came to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore, you and the council have informed the commander that he will bring him down to you tomorrow, as though we were going to inquire more accurately about him. But we are ready to take him down before he comes near.” 16 But Paul's sister's son, hearing of the ambush, came and entered the palace and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, "Bring this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him." 18 So he took him and brought him to the commander, saying, "Paul the prisoner asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you." 19 Then the commander took him by the hand and went away by himself, asking, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 He said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow into the council, as they may try to find out more clearly about him. 21 Do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have seen him. And now they are ready, waiting for the promise you have made.22 Then the commander released the young man, ordering him not to cry out, because he had seen these things before me. 23 And he called two of the centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, seventy horsemen, and two hundred cavalry, at the third hour of the night. 24 And provide horses, so that when they have brought Paul, they may take him to the governor Felix. 25 And write a letter to this effect: 26 Claudius Lysias, to the governor Felix, greetings. 27 This man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be released by them. When I had come with the soldiers, I threatened him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 But wanting to know the reason for which they accused him, I brought him down to their council. 29 I found him accused of questions of their law, but of no crime worthy of death or bonds. 30 When it was reported to me that the man was going to be arrested by the Jews, I sent to you of my own accord, ordering the accusers to also state the charges against him against you. Tell me. 31 So the soldiers, as it was ordered them, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 The next day, leaving the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the barracks. 33 They entered Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, and presented Paul to him. 34 When the governor had read it, he asked what province he was from. He learned that he was from Cilicia. 35 He said, “I will hear your case when your accusers are also brought in.” Send him away to be kept in Herod's praetorium.When your accusers are also brought forward, release him to be kept in Herod's praetorium.When your accusers are also brought forward, release him to be kept in Herod's praetorium. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 24 1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with the elders, and a certain orator Tertullus, who presented themselves to the governor against Paul. 2 And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that we enjoy much peace through thee, and that by thy providence this nation is prospering, 3 we receive everything and everywhere with all thanksgiving, most excellent Felix. 4 But that I may not be further burdensome to thee, I beseech thee to hear us shortly, seeing that thou art merciful. 5 For we found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; 6 who also tried to profane the temple; whom we also seized, and would have judged according to our law. 7 But Lysias the commander came and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 and commanded his accusers to come before you; by whom, having examined him, you may learn of all these things whereof we accuse him. 9 And the Jews also were gathered together, saying these things. 10 Then Paul, nodding to the governor, said, “For many years I have been a judge of this nation, and I will make my defense more readily, 11 as you may know, that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 Neither in the temple did I find anyone arguing or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues nor throughout the city. 13 Nor can they prove the charges against me. 14 But this I confess to you, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I God the Father, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets. 15 Having hope toward God, which these also themselves accept, that there is going to be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. 16 But in this I ask, having always a conscience void of offence toward God and men. 17 For many years I have been doing alms to my nation and offerings. 18 When some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a crowd nor with a tumult, 19 whom they have caused to come and accuse you, if they have done anything wrong to me, 20 or if they themselves have said, if they have found any wrong in me, standing in the council, 21 or if it is about this voice which I cried out to them, that there is a resurrection. I am the judge of the dead today before you. 22 When Felix heard this, he adjourned them, having more accurate knowledge of the way, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will know your case.” 23 He also ordered the centurion to keep Paul, so that he may have freedom and no hindrance to his own people from attending to him or coming to him. 24 After some days, Felix, having come with his wife Drusilla, who was not a Jewess, sent for Paul and heard him about the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned with him about righteousness and self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and answered, “For now I am going; but when I have a better time I will send for you. 26 But I am hoping that money will be given to him by Paul,that he might loose him: therefore he sent for him the more frequently, and spake unto him. 27 And when two years were fulfilled, Felix received Porcius Festus as his successor: and willing to do the Jews a favour, Felix left Paul bound. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 25 1 Then Festus, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the high priest and the chief of the Jews presented themselves unto him against Paul, and besought him, 3 And desired a favor against him, that he would send him to Jerusalem, lying in wait for him in the way. 4 And Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself should depart shortly. 5 And let them therefore which are able among you, when they have come down, say, if there be any thing wrong in this man, and accuse him. 6 And after he had spent more than ten days with them, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day he sat on the platform and ordered Paul to be brought to trial. 7 And when this was done, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem came up, bringing many and serious charges against Paul, which they were unable to prove. 8 He answered that he had committed no offense against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar. 9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things? 10 But Paul said, I stand before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou dost seem to me to be. 11 For if I be an offender, and have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of those things whereof these accuse me, no man can deliver me unto them. To Caesar I appeal. 12 Then Festus, having called the council together, answered, “Have you appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go.” 13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea, greeting Festus. 14 And as they were staying there many days, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “A certain man is left a prisoner by Felix, 15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a charge against him.” 16 To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to deliver any man to death, before the accused man meet his accusers face to face, and have occasion to defend himself concerning the crime. 17 When they had come together, I made no further objection, and the next day I sat on the platform, and commanded the man to be condemned. 18 When the accusers stood up, they brought no charge against him of the things which I had suspected, 19 but they had certain questions against him concerning his own superstition, and concerning a certain Ihsou, whom Paul allowed to live. 20 And I, being perplexed about this matter, said, Whether it be lawful for me to go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things. 21 But when Paul was appealed to be kept until Sebastus' judgment, I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar. 22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I have heard the man himself: and he said, To morrow, hear him. 23 The next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with much fanfare, and had entered the audience hall with the commanders and the leading men of the city, and Festus had invited Paul, Paul brought him in. 24 When Festus had spoken,King Agrippa, and all men who are present with us, consider this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews both in Jerusalem and in Antioch came together against me, begging that they should not see him live any longer. 25 But I, finding that he had done nothing worthy of death, and having called this man Sebastus, I have condemned him. 26 About whom I have no confidence what to write to the Lord. For I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that when the examination is made, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me, while he is a prisoner, not to mention the charges against him. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 26 1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, stretching out his hand, made his defense, 2 “I am happy to have come before you today to make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews, King Agrippa. 3 Because I am very familiar with all the customs and questions among the Jews, I ask you to listen to me patiently.” 4 My life from my youth, which was from the beginning among my nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews agree, 5 who have a record of me from above, if they are willing to testify, that according to the most strict sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to the fathers, 7 which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving him night and day, hope to fulfill. For which hope I am called by the Jews, King Agrippa. 8 Why is it considered unbelieving by you, if God raises the dead? 9 I have therefore considered myself to have done many things contrary to the name of Ihsou of Nazareth. 10 Which also I did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and having cast them out by force. 11 And in every synagogue I punished them often, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly furious against them, I persecuted them even to the outer cities. 12 And as I was journeying to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14 And when we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? for it is hard for thee to strike me in the stomach. 15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Ihsou, whom thou persecutest. 16 But arise, and stand upon thy feet: for for this cause have I appeared unto thee, to appoint thee a minister and a witness of things which thou hast seen neither yet, neither yet seen; 17 Separating thee from the people and from the Gentiles, unto whom I now send thee, 18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them which are 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 then to Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to use me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, I have stood here to this day, testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 23 that Christ had to suffer, and that he would be the first to rise from the dead to proclaim light to the people and to the Gentiles. 24 As he was defending himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Farewell, Paul! You are turning many things in your letters into madness.” 25 But he said, “I am not mad, I am mad; hold on, Festus.”but I speak words of truth and soberness. 26 For the king is convinced of these things, to whom I also speak openly; for I am not persuaded of any of these things, for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you do. 28 And Agrippa said to Paul, In a short time you persuade me to become a Christian. 29 But Paul said, “I would to God, whether in little or in much, not only you but also all who hear me today, were such as I am, except for these bonds.” 30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them; 31 and they departed, and communed one with another, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or bonds. 32 And Agrippa said unto Festus, This man might have been released, if he had not appealed unto Caesar. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 27 1 When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, a son of Sebaste. 2 We embarked on a ship of Adramyttium, intending to sail for the coasts of Asia, and took on board Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, who was with us. 3 The next day we arrived at Sidon. Julius, being a friend to Paul, allowed him to go to his friends and take care of them. 4 And from thence we put out to sea, and sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and put us on board. 7 And after a few days, sailing slowly, we came over against Cnidus, the wind not being favorable to us, and sailed under Crete, over against Salmone. 8 And when we had passed it, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 When a considerable time had passed, and the ship was already in danger of being lost, and the fast was already over, Paul went to them, 10 saying, “Men, I think that the voyage will be with great loss and damage, not only to the cargo and the ship, but also to our lives.” 11 But the centurion spoke even more to the pilot and the sailor than to those whom Paul had spoken to. 12 And when the harbor was ready for wintering, the majority decided to sail from there, if they could, having reached Phoenicia and wintering there, a harbor of Crete, in sight of the sea and the country. 13 But when the wind blew southward, they, being glad of their purpose, refrained from sailing, and sailed along the coast of Crete. 14 But not long after, a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydes, came against it. 15 And the ship being caught, and not being able to keep up with the wind, we were driven aground. 16 And running under an island called Claudi, we were soon able to secure the ship. 17 And they, having taken hold of it, were using it as a support, and were undergirding the ship; and fearing lest we should fall into the hold and break the ship, they did so. 18 But when we were very much wintering, they made the next attempt to sail; 19 and on the third day we threw overboard the ship's gear with our own hands. 20 Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and winter was not yet at hand, so that all hope of our being saved was abandoned. 21 And when there was much fasting, Paul stood up in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, I beseech you, that ye should not sail from Crete, and gain this wind and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any life among you, but of the ship. 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24 Saying, Fear not, Paul: thou art judged of Caesar: and, behold, God hath given thee grace in all them that sail with thee. 25 Therefore be of good cheer, men: for I believe God, that it shall be so even as I have spoken. 26 And if any island see us cast away. 27 And when the forty-sixth night was come, as we were driven about in Adria,In the middle of the night, the sailors were about to bring some land to them. 28 And having weighed anchor, they found it about twenty fathoms wide. But having weighed anchor a little further, they weighed again, and found it about fifteen fathoms wide. 29 Fearing lest we should run aground on rough ground, they cast out four anchors from the stern, hoping for day. 30 But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship, and were letting the boat down into the sea, under pretense of setting out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship and were about to let her go. 33 But until the next day, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been waiting and going without food, taking nothing.” 34 I urge you to take some food, for this is for your salvation, for not a grain of wheat will fall from the head of any of you. 35 When he had said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and they began to eat. 36 They were all glad and took some food. 37 We were all two hundred seventy-six souls in the ship. 38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw the wheat into the sea. 39 When day came, they did not go to land, but they found a certain bay with a beach, where they intended, if possible, to run the ship ashore. 40 And they let down the anchors into the sea, and hoisted up the rudders; and taking up the rudder, they made for the shore. 41 And running into a place where the sea was rough, they ran the ship aground. And the prow, which had been anchored, remained immovable, but the stern was being broken by the force of the waves. 42 But the soldiers were planning to kill the prisoners, lest they should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their plan, and let those who could swim first throw themselves onto land, 44 and the rest, those who could swim, on the ropes, and those who could not, on some of the things from the ship. And so it happened that all were saved on land.34 I urge you to take some food, for this is for your salvation, for not a grain of wheat will fall from the head of any of you. 35 When he had said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and they began to eat. 36 They were all glad and took some food. 37 We were all two hundred seventy-six souls in the ship. 38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw the wheat into the sea. 39 When day came, they did not go to land, but they found a certain bay with a beach, where they intended, if possible, to run the ship ashore. 40 And they lowered the anchors into the sea, and hoisted up the rudders; and taking up the rudder, they made for the shore. 41 And running into a place where the sea was rough, they ran the ship aground. And the prow, which had been anchored, remained immovable, but the stern was being broken by the force of the waves. 42 But the soldiers were planning to kill the prisoners, lest they should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their plan, and let those who could swim first throw themselves onto land, 44 and the rest, those who could swim, on the ropes, and those who could not, on some of the things from the ship. And so it happened that all were saved on land.34 I urge you to take some food, for this is for your salvation, for not a grain of wheat will fall from the head of any of you. 35 When he had said this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and they began to eat. 36 They were all glad and took some food. 37 We were all two hundred seventy-six souls in the ship. 38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and threw the wheat into the sea. 39 When day came, they did not go to land, but they found a certain bay with a beach, where they intended, if possible, to run the ship ashore. 40 And they lowered the anchors into the sea, and hoisted up the rudders; and taking up the rudder, they made for the shore. 41 And running into a place where the sea was rough, they ran the ship aground. And the prow, which had been anchored, remained immovable, but the stern was being broken by the force of the waves. 42 But the soldiers were planning to kill the prisoners, lest they should swim away and escape. 43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their plan, and let those who could swim first throw themselves onto land, 44 and the rest, those who could swim, on the ropes, and those who could not, on some of the things from the ship. And so it happened that all were saved on land. ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 28 1 And when they were saved, they then learned that the island was called Melite. 2 But the barbarians did not show us the same kindness that they had shown them. For they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because of the sudden rain and the cold. 3 And as Paul was stirring up the crowd, and laying it on the fire, a viper came out of the heat and sat on his hand. 4 And when the barbarians saw the beast hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man is certainly a murderer, whom the law did not permit to live, having been saved from the sea.” 5 So the man who threw the beast into the fire suffered no harm. 6 But those who were present expected him to be either beaten or to fall down dead. But many of them, expecting nothing unusual to happen to him, changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7 Now in that place there was a village belonging to the chief of the island, named Publius, who, having received us for three days, treated us kindly. 8 Now it happened that the father of Publius was sick with a fever and dysentery, to whom Paul went in, and worshipped him, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9 Now when this was done, the rest also that had diseases in the island came and were healed: 10 Who also honored us with many honors, and, being brought, supplied such things as were necessary. 11 And after three months we set sail, and tarried in an island called Alexandria, called Dioscuri. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried three days: 13 And from thence we sailed on, and came to Rhegium: and after a day's sailing southward, we came the second time to Potioli: 14 Where we found brethren, and were entreated of them to tarry seven days: and so we came to Rome. 15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns: which when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage. 16 When we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the commander, but Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him. 17 And it came to pass after three days, that Paul was called unto him, being chief of the Jews: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered bound from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans: 18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. 19 But when the Jews opposed it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar, not as to my nation, but as to my own cause. 20 For this reason I have called for you to see and speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound in this chain. 21 But they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea about you, nor has anyone from the brothers reported or spoken anything evil about you. 22 But we deserve to hear from you what you think, for it is known to us that this sect is spoken against everywhere.” 23 And when they had appointed him a day, many came unto him into the country, to whom he stood, disputing the kingdom of God,persuading them concerning Ihsou, both out of the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening. 24 And they that believed believed not. 25 But they disagreed with one another and were dismissed, after Paul had said one thing, “The Holy Spirit spoke well through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “Hearing, hear, and do not understand; and seeing, see, and do not perceive. 27 For this people’s heart has become dull, and with their ears they have heard dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn back, and heal them. 28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and they also hear. 29 And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having much disputing among themselves. 30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own house, and received all that came unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Ihsou Christ, with all boldness, unhindered.