1 |
The former
treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do
and
teach, 2Until the day in which He
was taken up, after that He through The
Holy Spirit had given commandments unto the apostles
whom He had
chosen: 3To whom also He
shewed Himself alive after His
Passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of
them forty
days, and speaking of the things pertaining to The
Kingdom of God: 4And, being assembled
together
with them, commanded them that they should not depart from
Jerusalem,
but wait for the promise of The
Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me.
5For John truly baptized with water; but ye
shall be [baptized BP->12] with The
Holy Spirit not many
days hence. 6When they therefore were come together, they
asked of Him, saying, Lord, wilt Thou
at this time
restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7And He
said unto them, It is
not for you to know the times or the seasons, which The
Father hath put in His own authority. 8But
ye shall receive power, after that The
Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses
unto Me
both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost
part of the earth. 9And when He
had spoken these things, while they beheld, He
was taken up; and a
cloud received Him out of their sight. 10And while
they looked
stedfastly toward Heaven as He
went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11Which
also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into Heaven?
this same Jesus,
which is taken up from you into Heaven,
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen Him
go into Heaven. 12Then
returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is
from
Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. 13And when they were
come in,
they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and
John,
and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the
son
of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
14These
all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the
women, and
Mary The Mother
of Jesus, and
with His Brethren.
15And
in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the
disciples, and said, the number of names together were about an hundred
and
twenty, 16Men and brethren, The
Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which The
Holy Spirit by the
mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them
that took
Jesus. 17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part
of this
ministry. 18Now this man purchased a field with the reward
of
iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all
his
bowels gushed out. 19And it was known unto all the dwellers
at
Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue,
Aceldama,
that is to say, The field of blood. 20For it is written in
the book
of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell
therein: and
his bishoprick let another take. 21Wherefore of these men
which have
companied with us all the time that The
Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22Beginning
from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He
was taken up from us,
must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His
[Resurrection
RS->16]. 23And they
appointed
two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24And
they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men,
shew whether of these two Thou
hast chosen, 25That he may take part of this
ministry and Apostleship, from which Judas by transgression
fell, that he might go to
his own place. 26And they gave forth their lots; and the
lot fell
upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the [eleven TW->36]
Apostles.
2 |
And when
the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in
one
place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from Heaven
as of a rushing
mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And
there appeared unto them Cloven Tongues
like as of Fire, and It
sat upon each of them. 4And they were all
filled with The
Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as The
Spirit gave them
utterance. 5And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews,
devout men,
out of every nation under the heaven. 6Now when this was noised
abroad, the
multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man
heard them
speak in his own language. 7And they were all amazed and
marvelled,
saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak
Galilaeans? 8And
how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9Parthians,
and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in
Judaea, and
Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10Phrygia, and Pamphylia,
in Egypt,
and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and
proselytes, 11Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in
our
tongues the wonderful works of God. 12And they were all
amazed, and
were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13Others
mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14But
Peter, standing up with the [eleven TW->37],
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 to my words: 15For
these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the
third hour of
the day. 16But this is that which was spoken by the prophet
Joel; 17And
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: 18And
on My servants and on My
handmaidens I will
pour out in those days of My
Spirit; and they shall prophesy: 19And I will
shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood,
and fire,
and vapour of smoke: 20The sun shall be turned into
darkness, and
the moon into blood, before that great and notable Day
of The Lord come: 21And
it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on The
[Name NM.C->10 NM.E->1]
of The Lord
shall be saved. 22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus
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 ye yourselves also know: 23Him, being delivered by the
determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by
wicked
hands have [crucified CR.B->31] and slain: 24Whom God hath
raised up, having
loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that He
should be holden of
it. 25For David speaketh concerning Him,
I foresaw The Lord always before my face, for He
is on my right ~, that I should not be
moved: 26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was
glad;
moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope: 27Because Thou
wilt not leave my
soul in hades,
neither wilt Thou suffer Thine
Holy One to see corruption. 28Thou hast
made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with
thy countenance.
29Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of
the
patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is
with us
unto this day. 30Therefore being a prophet, and knowing
that God had
sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to
the
flesh, He
would raise up The Christ to sit on his throne; 31He
seeing this
before spake of The [Resurrection
RS->17] of Christ, that His
Soul was not left in hades, neither His
Flesh did see
corruption. 32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all
are
witnesses. 33Therefore being by the Right
~ of God exalted, and having received of The
Father the promise
of The Holy
Spirit, He
hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. 34For
David is not
ascended into The Heavens:
but he saith himself, The Lord
said unto my Lord,
Sit Thou on
My Right ~,
35Until I
make Thy
foes Thy
footstool. 36Therefore let all the house of Israel know
assuredly,
that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have [crucified CR.B->32],
both Lord and Christ.
37Now
when they heard this, they were pricked in their
heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the Apostles,
Men and
brethren, what shall we do? 38Then Peter said unto them,
Repent, and
be [baptized BP->13] every one of you in The
[Name NM.C->11 NM.E->2]
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the
gift of The Holy Spirit. 39For
the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar
off, even
as many as The
Lord our God shall call. 40And with many other words did he
testify
and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41Then
they that gladly received his word were [baptized BP->14]: and the same day there were added unto
them
about three thousand souls. 42And they continued stedfastly
in the
apostles’ teaching and communion, and in The Breaking of The
[Bread EU->23], and in prayers. 43And fear came
upon every
soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the Apostles.
44And
all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And
sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men,
as every
man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord
in The Temple,
and Breaking [Bread EU->24]
from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of
heart, 47Praising
God, and having favour with all the people. And The
Lord added to The Church
daily such as should be saved.
3 |
Now Peter
and John went up together into The
Temple at the hour of prayer, being the
ninth hour.
2And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was
carried, whom
they laid daily at the gate of The
Temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of
them that
entered into The Temple;
3Who seeing Peter and John about to go into The
Temple asked an alms. 4And
Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 5And
he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 6Then
Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I
thee: In The [Name NM.C->12 NM.E->3]
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 7And he took
him by
the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and
ancle
bones received strength. 8And he leaping up stood, and
walked, and
entered with them into The Temple,
walking, and leaping, and praising God. 9And
all the people saw him walking and praising God: 10And they
knew
that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of The
Temple: and they were
filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 11And
as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people
ran
together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon’s, greatly
wondering.
12And
when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people,
Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on
us, as
though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk? 13The
God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers,
hath Glorified His
Son Jesus; Whom ye delivered up,
and denied Him
in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14But ye denied The
Holy One and the Righteous, and desired a
murderer to be granted unto you; 15And killed The
Prince of Life, Whom
God hath raised
from the dead; whereof we are witnesses. 16And His
[Name NM.C->13 NM.E->4]
through faith in His [Name NM.C->14 NM.E->5] hath made this man strong, whom ye see and
know: yea,
the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the
presence of
you all. 17And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance
ye did it,
as did also your rulers. 18But those things, which
God before
had shewed by the mouth of all His
prophets, that The Christ should suffer, He
hath so fulfilled.
19Repent
ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may
be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the
presence of The Lord; 20And
He shall
send Jesus Christ, Which before was preached unto you: 21Whom
The Heaven
must receive
until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by
the
mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22For
Moses truly
said unto the fathers, A prophet shall The
Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like
unto me; Him
shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He
shall say unto you. 23And it shall come to
pass, that every soul, which will not hear that Prophet,
shall be
destroyed from among the people. 24Yea, and all the
prophets from
Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have
likewise
foretold of these days. 25Ye are the children of the
prophets, and
of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham,
And in
thy Seed
shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. 26Unto you
first
God, having raised up His Son Jesus, sent Him
to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his
iniquities.
4 |
And as
they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of The
Temple, and the
Sadducees, came upon them, 2Being grieved that they taught
the
people, and preached through Jesus The
[Resurrection
RS->18] from the dead. 3And
they
laid hands on them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for
it was
now eventide. 4Howbeit many of them which heard The
Word believed; and the
number of the men was about five thousand.
5And it
came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and
elders, and scribes, 6And Annas the high priest, and
Caiaphas, and
John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high
priest,
were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7And when they had set
them in
the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what name, have ye done
this? 8Then
Peter, filled with The Holy Spirit, said unto them, Ye rulers of the
people,
and elders of Israel, 9If we this day be examined of the
good deed
done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole; 10Be
it
known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by The
[Name NM.C->15 NM.E->6]
of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, Whom
ye [crucified CR.B->33], Whom
God raised from the dead, even by Him
doth this man stand
here before you whole. 11This is The
Stone which was set at nought of you builders, Which
is become The Head
of the corner. 12Neither
is there Salvation
in any other: for there is none other name under Heaven
given among men, whereby we
must be saved.
13Now
when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and
perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled;
and they
took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus. 14And
beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say
nothing
against it. 15But when they had commanded them to go aside
out of
the council, they conferred among themselves, 16Saying,
What shall
we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by
them is
manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
17But
that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten
them, that
they speak henceforth to no man in this [Name NM.C->16].
18And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at
all nor
teach in The
[Name NM.C->17] of Jesus. 19But Peter and John
answered and
said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto
you
more than unto God, judge ye. 20For we cannot but speak the
things
which we have seen and heard. 21So when they had further
threatened
them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them,
because of
the people: for all men Glorified
God for that which was done. 22For the
man was above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was
shewed.
23And
being let go, they went to their own company, and
reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24And
when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one
accord, and
said, Lord, Thou
art God, Which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea,
and all that
in them is: 25Who by the mouth of Thy
servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and
the people imagine vain things? 26The kings of the earth
stood up,
and the rulers were gathered together against The
Lord, and against His Christ. 27For of a truth against Thy
Holy Child
Jesus, Whom Thou
hast anointed, both
Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel,
were
gathered together, 28For to do whatsoever Thy
Hand and Thy
Counsel determined
before to be done. 29And now, Lord, behold their
threatenings: and
grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak Thy
Word, 30By
stretching forth Thine Hand
to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the [Name NM.C->18] of Thy
Holy Child
Jesus.
31And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they
were assembled together; and they were all filled with The
Holy Spirit, and
they spake The
Word of God
with boldness. 32And the multitude of them that believed
were of one
heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of
the things
which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33And
with great power gave the Apostles
witness of The [Resurrection
RS->19] of The
Lord Jesus: and great Grace was upon them all. 34Neither
was there any
among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or
houses sold
them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35And
laid them down at the Apostles’
feet: and distribution was made unto every man
according as he had need. 36And Joses, who by the Apostles
was surnamed
Barnabas, which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation, a
Levite, and
of the country of Cyprus, 37Having land, sold it,
and brought
the money, and laid it at the Apostles’
feet.
5 |
But a
certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession, 2And
kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to
it, and
brought a certain part, and laid it at the Apostles’
feet. 3But
Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to The
Holy Spirit, and to
keep back part of the price of the land? 4Whiles it
remained,
was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own
power? why
hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto
men, but
unto God. 5And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and
gave up
the spirit: and great fear came on all them that heard these things. 6And
the young men arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and
buried him.
7And it was about the space of three hours after, when
his wife,
not knowing what was done, came in. 8And Peter answered
unto her,
Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea, for so
much. 9Then
Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt The
Spirit of The Lord? behold, the
feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and
shall
carry thee out. 10Then fell she down straightway at his
feet, and
yielded up the spirit: and the young men came in, and found her dead,
and,
carrying her forth, buried her by her husband. 11And
great fear came upon all The Church,
and upon as many as heard these things.
12And
by the hands of the Apostles were many signs and wonders wrought
among the
people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13And
of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified
them. 14And
believers were the more added to The
Lord, multitudes both of men and women. 15Insomuch
that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them
on beds
and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might
overshadow
some of them. 16There came also a multitude out of
the cities
round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were
vexed with
unclean spirits: and they were healed every one.
17Then
the high priest rose up, and all they that were with
him, which is the sect of the Sadducees, and were filled with
indignation, 18And
laid their hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prison. 19But
the angel of The Lord by night opened the prison doors, and
brought them forth, and
said, 20Go, stand and speak in The
Temple to the people all the words of this life. 21And
when they heard that, they entered into The
Temple early in the morning, and taught. But the
high priest
came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and
all the
senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them
brought. 22But
when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they
returned, and
told, 23Saying, The prison truly found we shut with all
safety, and
the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened,
we found
no man within. 24Now when the high priest and the captain
of the
temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them
whereunto
this would grow. 25Then came one and told them, saying,
Behold, the
men whom ye put in prison are standing in The
Temple, and teaching the people. 26Then
went the
captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they
feared
the people, lest they should have been stoned. 27And when
they had
brought them, they set them before the council: and the high
priest
asked them, 28Saying, Did not we straitly command you that
ye should
not teach in this [Name NM.C->19]?
and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this Man’s
[Blood BL->15] upon us.
29Then
Peter and the other Apostles
answered and
said, We ought to obey God rather than men. 30The God of
our fathers
raised up Jesus, Whom ye slew and hanged on a Tree.
31Him hath God exalted with His
Right Hand
to be a
Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness
of
sins. 32And we are His
witnesses of these things; and so is also The
Holy Spirit, Whom God hath given to
them that obey Him.
33When
they heard that, they were cut to the heart,
and took counsel to slay them. 34Then stood there up one in
the
council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, had in reputation among all the
people, and
commanded to put the Apostles forth a little space; 35And
said unto
them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as
touching these men. 36For before these days rose up
Theudas,
boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four
hundred,
joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were
scattered, and brought to nought. 37After this man rose up
Judas of
Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him:
he also
perished; and all, even as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. 38And
now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if
this
counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39But
if it
be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight
against
God. 40And to him they agreed: and when they had called the
Apostles, and beaten them,
they commanded that they should not speak in The
[Name NM.C->20]
of Jesus, and let them go.
41And
they departed from the presence of the council,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His
[Name NM.C->21]. 42And daily in The
Temple, and in every
house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
6 |
And in
those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there
arose a
murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows
were
neglected in the daily ministration. 2Then the [twelve TW->38]
called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It
is not
reason that we should leave the Word
of God, and serve tables. 3Wherefore,
brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of The
Holy Spirit and
wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4But we
will give
ourselves continually to the
prayer, and to the ministry of the Word.
5And
the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose
Stephen, a man full of faith and of The
Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and
Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: 6Whom
they
set before the Apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their
hands on them. 7And the Word
of God increased; and the number of the disciples
multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests
were
obedient to The
Faith. 8And
Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among
the
people.
9Then
there arose certain of the synagogue, which is
called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and
Alexandrians, and of
them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. 10And
they were
not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. 11Then
they suborned men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous
words
against Moses, and against God. 12And they stirred
up the
people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and
caught
him, and brought him to the council, 13And set up
false
witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words
against
this holy place, and the law: 14For we have heard him say,
that this
Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the
customs which
Moses delivered us. 15And all that sat in the council,
looking
stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
7 |
Then said
the high priest, Are these things so? 2And he said, Men,
brethren,
and fathers, hearken; The God of Glory
appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in
Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, 3And said unto
him, Get
thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land
which I
shall shew thee. 4Then came he out of the land of the
Chaldaeans,
and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he
removed him
into this land, wherein ye now dwell. 5And He
gave him none
inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on: yet
he
promised that He would give it to him for a possession, and to
his seed
after him, when as yet he had no child. 6And God
spake on
this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that
they should
bring them into bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred
years. 7And
the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and
after
that shall they come forth, and serve Me
in this place. 8And He
gave him the covenant
of circumcision: and so Abraham begat Isaac, and circumcised
him the
eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the
twelve
patriarchs. 9And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold
Joseph into
Egypt: but God was with him, 10And delivered him out of all
his
afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh
king of
Egypt; and He
made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11Now there
came a
dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction:
and our
fathers found no sustenance. 12But when Jacob heard that
there was
corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first. 13And at the
second time
Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph’s kindred was made
known unto
Pharaoh. 14Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to
him,
and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. 15So
Jacob went
down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, 16And were
carried
over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a
sum of
money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem. 17But
when
the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the
people
grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18Till another king arose,
which knew
not Joseph. 19The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and
evil
entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to
the end
they might not live. 20In which time Moses was born, and
was
exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months: 21And
when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him
for her
own son. 22And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the
Egyptians,
and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23And when he was
full forty
years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of
Israel.
24And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him,
and avenged him that was oppressed, and smote the Egyptian: 25For
he
supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand
would
deliver them: but they understood not. 26And the next day
he shewed
himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again,
saying,
Men, ye are
brethren; why do ye wrong one to another? 27But he that did
his
neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a
judge over
us? 28Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian
yesterday? 29Then
fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian,
where he
begat two sons. 30And when forty years were expired, there
appeared
to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an Angel
of The Lord in a Flame
of Fire in a bush. 31When Moses saw it,
he
wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to behold it, the Voice
of The Lord came unto him, 32Saying,
I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of
Isaac,
and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold. 33Then
said The
Lord to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feet: for the place where thou
standest
is Holy
ground. 34I have seen, I have seen the affliction of My
people which is in
Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them. And
now come, I will send thee into Egypt. 35This Moses whom
they
refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God
send to
be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of The
Angel which appeared to him in the bush. 36He
brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the
land of
Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
37This
is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel,
A Prophet
shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto
me; Him shall ye hear. 38This
is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with The
Angel which spake to him
in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the
lively oracles
to give unto us: 39To whom our fathers would not obey, but
thrust him
from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 40Saying
unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this
Moses, which
brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 41And
they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol,
and
rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42Then God
turned, and
gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the
book of the
prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to Me
slain beasts and
sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? 43Yea,
ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan,
figures
which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond
Babylon. 44Our
fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He
had appointed,
speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion
that he
had seen. 45Which also our fathers that came after brought
in with Joshua into the
possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out before the face of our
fathers,
unto the days of David; 46Who found favour before God, and
desired
to find a tabernacle for The God of Jacob. 47But Solomon built
Him an house. 48Howbeit
The Most
High dwelleth not
in temples made with hands; as saith the prophet, 49Heaven is
My throne,
and earth is My footstool: what house will ye build Me?
saith The Lord: or what is
the place of My Rest?
50Hath not My Hand made all these things?
51Ye
stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do
always resist The Holy Spirit: as your fathers did, so do
ye. 52Which of the prophets have not your fathers
persecuted? and
they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Righteous One; of Whom
ye have been now
the betrayers and murderers: 53Who have received the law by
the
disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
54When
they heard these things, they were cut to the heart,
and they gnashed on him with their teeth. 55But he,
being
full of The
Holy Spirit, looked up stedfastly into Heaven,
and saw The Glory
of God, and Jesus standing on the Right
~ of God, 56And
said, Behold, I see The Heavens
opened, and The Son of man standing on the Right
~ of God. 57Then
they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon
him with
one accord, 58And cast him out of the city, and
stoned him:
and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose
name was
Saul. 59And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God,
and
saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. 60And he kneeled
down, and
cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And
when he
had said this, he fell asleep.
8 |
And Saul
was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great
persecution
against The
Church
which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout
the
regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the Apostles.
2And devout men carried Stephen to
his burial, and made great lamentation over him. 3As
for Saul,
he made havock of The Church,
entering into every house, and haling men and women
committed them to prison. 4Therefore they that were
scattered
abroad went every where preaching the Word.
5Then Philip went down to the city of
Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. 6And the people
with one
accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and
seeing the
miracles which he did. 7For unclean spirits, crying with
loud voice,
came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken
with
palsies, and that were lame, were healed. 8And there was
great joy
in that city. 9But there was a certain man, called Simon,
which
beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of
Samaria,
giving out that himself was some great one: 10To whom they
all gave
heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great
power of god. 11And to
him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them
with
sorceries. 12But when they believed Philip preaching the
things
concerning the kingdom of God, and The
[Name NM.C->22]
of Jesus Christ, they were [baptized BP->15],
both men and women. 13Then Simon himself believed also: and
when he
was [baptized BP->e], he continued with
Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14Now
when the Apostles
which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the Word
of God, they sent
unto them Peter and John: 15Who, when they were come down,
prayed
for them, that they might receive The
Holy Spirit: 16For as yet He
was fallen upon none
of them: only they were [baptized BP->16]
in The [Name NM.C->23] of The
Lord Jesus. 17Then laid they their
hands on them, and they received The
Holy Spirit. 18And when Simon saw that
through laying on of the Apostles’ hands The
Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, 19Saying,
Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive
The Holy Spirit. 20But
Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast
thought that
the gift of God may be purchased with money. 21Thou hast
neither
part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of
God. 22Repent
therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought
of thine
heart may be forgiven thee. 23For I perceive that thou art
in the
gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity. 24Then
answered
Simon, and said, Pray ye to The
Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have
spoken come upon me. 25And they, when they had testified
and
preached the Word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and
preached The Gospel
in many villages
of the Samaritans. 26And the angel of the Lord spake unto
Philip,
saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down
from
Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. 27And he arose and
went: and,
behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace
queen of
the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to
Jerusalem for to [worship WR->26], 28Was returning, and sitting in
his chariot
read Isaiah
the prophet. 29Then
The Spirit
said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. 30And
Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah,
and said,
Understandest thou what thou readest? 31And he said, How
can I,
except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would
come up
and sit with him. 32The place of The
Scripture which he read was this, He was led as a
sheep to
the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened He
not His Mouth:
33In His humiliation His
judgment was taken
away: and who shall declare His
Generation? for His
Life is taken from the earth. 34And
the eunuch
answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet
this? of
himself, or of some other man? 35Then Philip opened his
mouth, and
began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36And
as
they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the
eunuch
said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be [baptized BP->17]? 37And Philip said, If thou
believest with
all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that
Jesus
Christ is [The Son of God
SG->21]. 38And he
commanded the
chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both
Philip and
the eunuch; and he [baptized BP->18]
him. 39And when they were come up out of the water, The
Spirit of The Lord caught away
Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing. 40But
Philip was found at Azotus: and passing through he preached in all the
cities,
till he came to Caesarea.
9 |
And Saul,
yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of
the Lord,
went unto the high priest, 2And desired of him letters to
Damascus
to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were
men or
women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3And as he
journeyed,
he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a
light from
heaven: 4And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying
unto
him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5And he said, Who
art
thou, Lord? And the Lord said, [I AM
'ego
eimi' IA->33] Jesus whom thou
persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6And
he trembling and astonished said, 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 must do. 7And the men which journeyed with
him stood
speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8And 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. 9And he
was three
days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
10And
there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named
Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said,
Behold, I am
here, Lord. 11And the Lord said unto him,
Arise, and go
into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of
Judas for
one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12And
hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his
hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13Then
Ananias
answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath
done to
thy saints at Jerusalem: 14And here he hath authority from
the chief
priests to bind all that call on Thy
[Name NM.C->24].
15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen
vessel
unto me, to bear My [Name NM.C->25]
before the Gentiles, and kings, and the
children of
Israel: 16For I will shew him how great things he must
suffer for My [Name NM.C->26] ~.
17And Ananias went his way, and entered into
the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even
Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me,
that
thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. 18And
immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he
received
sight forthwith, and arose, and was [baptized BP->19].
19And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then
was Saul
certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20And
straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is [The Son of God SG->22].
21But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is
not this
he that destroyed them which called on this [Name NM.C->27]
in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them
bound
unto the chief priests? 22But Saul increased the more in
strength,
and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is
very
Christ.
23And
after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took
counsel to kill him: 24But their laying await was known of
Saul. And
they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25Then
the
disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a
basket. 26And
when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the
disciples:
but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a
disciple. 27But
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 he had preached boldly at Damascus in the [Name NM.C->28 NM.E->7] of Jesus. 28And he was with them
coming in
and going out at Jerusalem. 29And he spake boldly in the [Name NM.C->29
NM.E->8] of
the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about
to slay
him. 30Which when the brethren knew, they brought
him down to
Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31Then had the
churches rest
throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and
walking in
the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, were
multiplied.
32And
it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters,
he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. 33And
there he
found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years,
and was
sick of the palsy. 34And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus
Christ
maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. 35And
all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord. 36Now
there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by
interpretation is
called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which
she did. 37And
it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when
they had
washed, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38And
forasmuch as
Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was
there, they
sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to
come to
them. 39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was
come, they
brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him
weeping,
and shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was
with them. 40But
Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him
to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she
saw
Peter, she sat up. 41And he gave her his hand, and
lifted her
up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive. 42And
it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. 43And
it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a
tanner.
10 |
There was
a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band
called the
Italian band, 2A devout man, and one that
feared God
with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to
God
alway. 3He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour
of the day
an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. 4And
when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And
he said
unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before
God. 5And
now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is
Peter: 6He
lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he
shall tell
thee what thou oughtest to do. 7And when the angel which
spake unto
Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a
devout
soldier of them that waited on him continually; 8And when
he had
declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
9On the
morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh
unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth
hour: 10And
he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready,
he fell
into a trance, 11And saw heaven opened, and a certain
vessel
descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four
corners, and
let down to the earth: 12Wherein were all manner of
fourfooted
beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of
the
air. 13And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill,
and eat. 14But
Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is
common or
unclean. 15And the voice spake unto him again the
second
time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 16This
was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. 17Now
while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen
should mean,
behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made enquiry for
Simon’s
house, and stood before the gate, 18And called, and asked
whether
Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19While
Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto
him, Behold, three men seek thee. 20Arise therefore, and
get thee
down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them. 21Then
Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius; and
said,
Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye
are come? 22And
they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth
God, and
of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by
an holy
angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. 23Then
called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter
went away
with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. 24And
the morrow after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for
them, and
had called together his kinsmen and near friends. 25And as
Peter was
coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped
him.
26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also
am a man.
27And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that
were
come together. 28And he said unto them, Ye know how that it
is an
unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto
one of
another nation; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man
common or
unclean. 29Therefore came I unto you without
gainsaying, as
soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent
for me? 30And
Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the
ninth
hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright
clothing, 31And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and
thine alms
are had in remembrance in the sight of God. 32Send
therefore to
Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in
the house
of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh,
shall speak
unto thee. 33Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou
hast
well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present
before God,
to hear all things that are commanded thee of God.
34Then
Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I
perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in
every nation
he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. 36The
word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching
peace by
Jesus Christ: he is Lord of all: 37That word, I say,
ye know,
which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee,
after the
baptism which John preached; 38How God anointed Jesus of
Nazareth
with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and
healing all
that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 39And
we are
witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and
in
Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40Him God
raised up
the third day, and shewed him openly; 41Not to all the
people, but
unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat
and drink
with him after he rose from the dead. 42And he commanded us
to
preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained
of God to
be the Judge of quick and dead. 43To him give all the
prophets
witness, that through his [Name NM.C->30 NM.E->9]
whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44While
Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on
all them which heard the word. 45And they of the
circumcision which
believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on
the
Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. 46For
they
heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, 47Can
any man forbid water, that these should not be [baptized BP->20],
which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? 48And he
commanded them to be [baptized BP->21]
in the [Name NM.C->31
NM.E->10] of the Lord. Then
prayed they him
to tarry certain days.
11 |
And the
apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had
also
received the word of God. 2And when Peter was come up to
Jerusalem,
they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3Saying,
Thou
wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4But
Peter
rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it
by
order unto them, saying, 5I was in the city of Joppa
praying: and in
a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a
great
sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6Upon
the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw
fourfooted
beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of
the
air. 7And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter;
slay and
eat. 8But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or
unclean hath
at any time entered into my mouth. 9But the voice answered
me again
from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
10And
this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11And,
behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house
where I
was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12And the spirit bade me
go with them,
nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we
entered
into the man’s house: 13And he shewed us how he had seen an
angel in
his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call
for
Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14Who shall tell thee words,
whereby
thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15And as I began to
speak,
the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16Then
remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed
baptized with
water; but ye shall be [baptized BP->22]
with the Holy Spirit. 17Forasmuch then as God gave them the
like
gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ;
what was
I, that I could withstand God? 18When they heard these
things, they
held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the
Gentiles
granted repentance unto life.
19Now
they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution
that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and
Antioch,
preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20And
some of
them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to
Antioch,
spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21And
the hand of
the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto
the Lord.
22Then
tidings of these things came unto the ears of the
church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he
should go
as far as Antioch. 23Who, when he came, and had seen the
grace of
God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they
would
cleave unto the Lord. 24For he was a good man, and full of
the Holy
Spirit and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25Then
departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26And when
he had
found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a
whole year
they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And
the
disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
27And
in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto
Antioch. 28And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and
signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout
all the
world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29Then
the
disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send
relief unto
the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30Which also they did,
and sent
it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
12 |
Now about
that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex
certain of the
church. 2And he killed James the brother of John with the
sword. 3And
because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter
also.
Then were the days of unleavened bread. 4And when he had
apprehended
him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four
quaternions
of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to
the
people. 5Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was
made
without ceasing of the church unto God for him. 6And when
Herod
would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between
two
soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept
the
prison. 7And, behold, the 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 up quickly. And his chains fell off from his
hands. 8And the angel said unto him, Gird thyself, and bind
on thy
sandals. And so he did. And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about
thee, and
follow me. 9And he went out, and followed him; and wist not
that it
was true which was done by the angel; but thought he saw a vision. 10When
they were past the first and the second ward, they came unto the iron
gate that
leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they
went
out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed
from
him. 11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I
know of a
surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of
the
hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of
the Jews. 12And
when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary
the
mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered
together
praying. 13And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a
damsel
came to hearken, named Rhoda. 14And when she knew Peter’s
voice, she
opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood
before
the gate. 15And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she
constantly
affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. 16But
Peter continued knocking: and when they had opened the door,
and saw
him, they were astonished. 17But he, beckoning unto them
with the
hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought
him out
of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the
brethren. And he departed, and went into another place. 18Now
as
soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what
was become
of Peter. 19And when Herod had sought for him, and found
him not, he
examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to
death.
And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.
20And
Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and
Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus
the
king’s chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country
was
nourished by the king’s country. 21And upon a set
day Herod,
arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto
them. 22And
the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and
not of a
man. 23And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him,
because he
gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the
spirit.
24But
the word of God grew and multiplied. 25And
Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their
ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
13 |
Now there
were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers;
as
Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and
Manaen,
which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As
they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate
me
Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3And
when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them,
they sent
them away.
4So
they, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, departed unto
Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus. 5And when
they were
at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the
Jews: and
they had also John to their minister. 6And when
they had gone
through the isle unto Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false
prophet, a
Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus: 7Which was with the
deputy of
the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who called for Barnabas and
Saul,
and desired to hear the word of God. 8But Elymas the
sorcerer for so
is his name by interpretation withstood them, seeking to turn away the
deputy
from the faith. 9Then Saul, who also is called
Paul, filled
with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, 10And said, O
full of all
subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou
enemy of
all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the
Lord? 11And
now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt
be blind,
not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a
mist and a
darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. 12Then
the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at
the
doctrine of the Lord. 13Now when Paul and his company
loosed from
Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them
returned
to Jerusalem.
14But
when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in
Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. 15And
after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the
synagogue sent
unto them, saying, Ye men and brethren, if ye have any
word of
exhortation for the people, say on. 16Then Paul stood up,
and
beckoning with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear
God, give
audience. 17The God of this people of Israel chose our
fathers, and
exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt,
and with
an high arm brought he them out of it. 18And about the time
of forty
years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. 19And
when he had
destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided their land
to them
by lot. 20And after that he gave unto them judges
about the
space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21And
afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of
Cis, a
man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. 22And
when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king;
to whom
also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of
Jesse, a
man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will. 23Of
this
man’s seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel
a
Saviour, Jesus: 24When John had first preached before his
coming the
baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25And as
John
fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he.
But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet
I am not
worthy to loose. 26Men and brethren, children of
the stock of
Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of
this
salvation sent. 27For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and
their
rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets
which are
read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.
28And
though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they
Pilate that
he should be slain. 29And when they had fulfilled all that
was
written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him
in
a sepulchre. 30But God raised him from the dead: 31And
he
was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to
Jerusalem,
who are his witnesses unto the people. 32And we declare
unto you
glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, 33God
hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised
up Jesus
again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this
day
have I begotten thee. 34And as concerning that he raised
him up from
the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said on this
wise, I
will give you the sure mercies of David. 35Wherefore he
saith also
in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see
corruption. 36For David, after he had served his own
generation by
the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw
corruption: 37But he, whom God raised again, saw no
corruption.
38Be it
known unto you therefore, men and brethren,
that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: 39And
by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye
could not
be justified by the law of Moses. 40Beware therefore, lest
that come
upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets; 41Behold, ye
despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a
work which
ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you. 42And
when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought
that these
words might be preached to them the next sabbath. 43Now
when the
congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes
followed
Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in
the
grace of God.
44And
the next sabbath day came almost the whole city
together to hear the word of God. 45But when the Jews saw
the
multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things
which
were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46Then
Paul and
Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God
should
first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge
yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. 47For
so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a
light of
the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the
earth. 48And
when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of
the
Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49And
the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. 50But
the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men
of the
city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled
them out
of their coasts. 51But they shook off the dust of their
feet against
them, and came unto Iconium. 52And the disciples were
filled with
joy, and with the Holy Spirit.
14 |
And it
came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the
synagogue of the
Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of
the
Greeks believed. 2But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the
Gentiles, and
made their minds evil affected against the brethren. 3Long
time
therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony
unto the
word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their
hands. 4But
the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews, and
part
with the apostles. 5And when there was an assault made both
of the
Gentiles, and also of the Jews with their rulers, to use them
despitefully, and to stone them, 6They were ware of it,
and
fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region
that lieth
round about: 7And there they preached the gospel.
8And
there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his
feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked: 9The
same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving
that he had
faith to be healed, 10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright
on thy
feet. And he leaped and walked. 11And when the people saw
what Paul
had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of
Lycaonia, The
gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12And they
called
Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief
speaker. 13Then
the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and
garlands
unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14Which
when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their
clothes,
and ran in among the people, crying out, 15And saying,
Sirs, why do
ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach
unto you
that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made
heaven,
and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16Who
in
times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17Nevertheless
he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us
rain from
heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and
gladness. 18And
with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not
done
sacrifice unto them.
19And
there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and
Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him
out
of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20Howbeit, as the
disciples
stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next
day he
departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21And when they had
preached the
gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to
Lystra, and to
Iconium, and Antioch, 22Confirming the souls of the
disciples, and
exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much
tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23And when they
had
ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they
commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. 24And
after they
had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25And
when
they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia: 26And
thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the
grace of
God for the work which they fulfilled. 27And when they were
come,
and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had
done with
them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles. 28And
there they abode long time with the disciples.
15 |
And
certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and
said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2When
therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation
with them,
they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them,
should go up
to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. 3And
being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice
and
Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused
great joy
unto all the brethren. 4And when they were come to
Jerusalem, they
were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders,
and they
declared all things that God had done with them. 5But there
rose up
certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it
was
needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law
of
Moses.
6And
the apostles and elders came together for to consider
of this matter. 7And when there had been much disputing,
Peter rose
up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a
good while
ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear
the
word of the gospel, and believe. 8And God, which knoweth
the hearts,
bare them witness, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did
unto us; 9And
put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
10Now
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? 11But we
believe that
through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as
they.
12Then
all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to
Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought
among
the Gentiles by them.
13And
after they had held their peace, James answered,
saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: 14Simeon
hath
declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of
them a
people for his [Name NM.C->32 NM.E->11].
15And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is
written, 16After
this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which
is
fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set
it up: 17That
the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles,
upon whom
my [Name NM.C->33] is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all
these things. 18Known
unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. 19Wherefore
my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles
are
turned to God: 20But that we write unto them, that they
abstain from
pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from
things
strangled, and from blood. 21For Moses of old time
hath in
every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every
sabbath
day. 22Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the
whole
church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul
and
Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men
among
the brethren: 23And they wrote letters by them
after this
manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto
the
brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: 24Forasmuch
as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you
with
words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised,
and keep
the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: 25It
seemed
good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto
you with
our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26Men that have hazarded
their lives
for the [Name NM.C->34
NM.E->12] of
our Lord Jesus Christ. 27We have sent therefore Judas and
Silas, who
shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28For
it seemed
good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden
than
these necessary things; 29That ye abstain from meats
offered to
idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication:
from
which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 30So
when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had
gathered the
multitude together, they delivered the epistle: 31Which
when
they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32And
Judas and
Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many
words,
and confirmed them. 33And after they had tarried there
a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34Notwithstanding
it pleased Silas to abide there still. 35Paul also and
Barnabas
continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with
many
others also.
36And
some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go
again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the
word of
the Lord, and see how they do. 37And Barnabas
determined to
take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38But Paul
thought not
good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and
went not
with them to the work. 39And the contention was so sharp
between
them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas
took Mark,
and sailed unto Cyprus; 40And Paul chose Silas, and
departed, being
recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. 41And he
went
through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
16 |
Then came
he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there,
named
Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and
believed; but
his father was a Greek: 2Which was well reported of
by the
brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3Him would Paul
have to go
forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which
were in
those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4And
as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to
keep,
that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. 5And
so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number
daily. 6Now
when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were
forbidden of the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia, 7After
they
were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit
suffered
them not. 8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. 9And
a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia,
and
prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. 10And
after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into
Macedonia,
assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto
them. 11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a
straight course
to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; 12And from
thence to
Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and
a
colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. 13And
on the
sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont
to be
made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
14And a
certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the
city of Thyatira, which reverenced God, heard us: whose heart the Lord
opened, that
she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. 15And
when
she was [baptized BP->23], and her
household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be
faithful
to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she
constrained
us.
16And
it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel
possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters
much
gain by soothsaying: 17The same followed Paul and us, and
cried,
saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew
unto us the
way of salvation. 18And this did she many days. But Paul,
being
grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the [Name NM.C->35
NM.E->13] of Jesus Christ to come
out of
her. And he came out the same hour.
19And
when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was
gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the
marketplace
unto the rulers, 20And brought them to the magistrates,
saying,
These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, 21And
teach
customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe,
being
Romans. 22And the multitude rose up together against them:
and the
magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23And
when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into
prison,
charging the jailer to keep them safely: 24Who, having
received such
a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast
in the
stocks.
25And
at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises
unto God: and the prisoners heard them. 26And suddenly
there was a
great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken:
and
immediately all the doors were opened, and every one’s bands were
loosed. 27And
the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the
prison doors
open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing
that the
prisoners had been fled. 28But Paul cried with a loud
voice, saying,
Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. 29Then he called
for a
light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and
Silas, 30And
brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? 31And
they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved,
and thy
house. 32And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and
to all
that were in his house. 33And he took them the same hour of
the
night, and washed their stripes; and was [baptized BP->24], he and all his, straightway. 34And
when he
had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced,
believing in God with all his house. 35And when it was day,
the
magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go. 36And
the
keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The magistrates have
sent to let
you go: now therefore depart, and go in peace. 37But Paul
said unto
them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have
cast us
into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let
them
come themselves and fetch us out. 38And the serjeants told
these
words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they
were
Romans. 39And they came and besought them, and brought them
out,
and desired them to depart out of the city. 40And
they went
out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia and when
they had
seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
17 |
Now when
they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to
Thessalonica,
where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2And Paul, as his manner
was,
went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the
scriptures, 3Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs
have
suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I
preach
unto you, is Christ. 4And some of them believed, and
consorted with
Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the
chief
women not a few.
5But
the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto
them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company,
and set
all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought
to
bring them out to the people. 6And when they found them
not, they
drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying,
These that
have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7Whom
Jason
hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar,
saying that
there is another king, one Jesus. 8And they
troubled the
people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. 9And
when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them
go.
10And
the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of
the
Jews. 11These were more noble than those in Thessalonica,
in that
they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
scriptures
daily, whether those things were so. 12Therefore many of
them
believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a
few. 13But
when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was
preached
of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people. 14And
then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the
sea: but
Silas and Timotheus abode there still. 15And they that
conducted
Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas
and
Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
16Now
while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was
stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17Therefore
disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout
persons, and in
the market daily with them that met with him. 18Then
certain
philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him.
And some
said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter
forth
of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and The [Resurrection RS->20].
19And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying,
May we
know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? 20For
thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we would know
therefore what
these things mean. 21For all the Athenians and strangers
which were
there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear
some new
thing.
22Then
Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye
men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23For
as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this
inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly reverence, Him declare I unto you. 24God
that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of
heaven
and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither
is served with men’s hands,
as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and
breath, and
all things; 26And hath made of one blood all nations of men
for to
dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times
before
appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27That they
should
seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though
he be
not far from every one of us: 28For in him we live, and
move, and
have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are
also
his offspring. 29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of
God, we
ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or
stone,
graven by art and man’s device. 30And the times of this
ignorance
God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because
he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in
righteousness
by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath
given
assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the
dead.
32And
when they heard of The [Resurrection
RS->21] of the dead, some mocked:
and
others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. 33So
Paul departed from among them. 34Howbeit certain men clave
unto him,
and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and
a woman
named Damaris, and others with them.
18 |
After
these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2And
found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from
Italy, with
his wife Priscilla; because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to
depart from
Rome: and came unto them. 3And because he was of the same
craft, he
abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were
tentmakers. 4And
he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and
the
Greeks. 5And when Silas and Timotheus were come from
Macedonia, Paul
was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus
was
Christ. 6And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed,
he shook his
raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads;
I am
clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7And he
departed thence, and entered into a certain man’s
house, named Justus, one that reverenced God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. 8And
Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with
all his
house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were [baptized BP->25]. 9Then spake the Lord to Paul in
the night
by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: 10For
[I AM 'ego eimi' IA->34] with thee, and no man shall set on thee to
hurt thee:
for I have much people in this city. 11And he continued there
a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12And
when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made
insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the
judgment
seat, 13Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to reverence God contrary
to the law. 14And when Paul was now about to open his
mouth,
Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked
lewdness, O ye
Jews, reason would that I should bear with you: 15But if it
be a
question of words and names, and of your law, look ye to it;
for
I will be no judge of such matters. 16And he drave
them from
the judgment seat. 17Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes,
the chief
ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat.
And
Gallio cared for none of those things.
18And
Paul after this tarried there yet a good
while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into
Syria,
and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in
Cenchrea:
for he had a vow. 19And he came to Ephesus, and left them
there: but
he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. 20When
they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented
not; 21But
bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that
cometh in
Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed
from
Ephesus. 22And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up,
and
saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23And after he
had
spent some time there, he departed, and went over all
the country
of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
24And a
certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an
eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25This
man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the
spirit, he
spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the
baptism of
John. 26And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom
when
Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and
expounded
unto him the way of God more perfectly. 27And when he was
disposed
to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to
receive
him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through
grace: 28For
he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by
the
scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
19 |
And it
came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed
through
the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, 2He
said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? And
they
said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy
Spirit. 3And
he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto
John’s
baptism. 4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the
baptism of
repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him
which
should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. 5When they
heard this,
they were [baptized BP->26]
in the [Name NM.C->36
NM.E->14] of the Lord Jesus. 6And
when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on
them;
and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. 7And all the
men were
about twelve. 8And he went into the synagogue, and spake
boldly for
the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things
concerning the
kingdom of God. 9But when divers were hardened, and
believed not,
but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them,
and
separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
10And
this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt
in Asia
heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. 11And
God
wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12So that
from his
body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the
diseases
departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.
13Then
certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon
them to call over them which had evil spirits the [Name NM.C->37] of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by
Jesus whom
Paul preacheth. 14And there were seven sons of one
Sceva, a
Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. 15And
the evil
spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are
ye? 16And
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. 17And
this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and
fear
fell on them all, and the [Name NM.C->38]
of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18And
many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. 19Many
of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and
burned
them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and
found it
fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20So mightily grew
the word
of God and prevailed.
21After
these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit,
when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem,
saying,
After I have been there, I must also see Rome. 22So he sent
into
Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus;
but he
himself stayed in Asia for a season. 23And the same time
there arose
no small stir about that way. 24For a certain man
named
Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought
no small
gain unto the craftsmen; 25Whom he called together with the
workmen
of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have
our
wealth. 26Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at
Ephesus, but
almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away
much
people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27So
that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also
that
the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her
magnificence
should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world reverenceth. 28And when
they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried
out,
saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 29And the
whole city
was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men
of
Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord
into the
theatre. 30And when Paul would have entered in unto the
people, the
disciples suffered him not. 31And certain of the chief of
Asia,
which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he
would not
adventure himself into the theatre. 32Some therefore cried
one
thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more
part knew
not wherefore they were come together. 33And they drew
Alexander out
of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned
with the
hand, and would have made his defence unto the people. 34But
when
they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two
hours
cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. 35And
when the
townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus,
what man
is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a
worshipper of
the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from
Jupiter? 36Seeing
then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet,
and to
do nothing rashly. 37For ye have brought hither these men,
which are
neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38Wherefore
if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter
against any
man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one
another. 39But
if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be
determined in a
lawful assembly. 40For we are in danger to be called in
question for
this day’s uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account
of this
concourse. 41And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the
assembly.
20 |
And after
the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them,
and departed for to go into Macedonia. 2And when he had
gone over
those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece, 3And
there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him,
as he was
about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4And
there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the
Thessalonians,
Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of
Asia,
Tychicus and Trophimus. 5These going before tarried for us
at Troas.
6And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of
unleavened
bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven
days. 7And
upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to
break [Bread EU->25],
Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued
his
speech until midnight. 8And there were many lights in the
upper
chamber, where they were gathered together. 9And there sat
in a
window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep
sleep: and
as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from
the
third loft, and was taken up dead. 10And Paul went down,
and fell on
him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his
life is in
him. 11When he therefore was come up again, and had broken [Bread EU->26],
and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he
departed. 12And
they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
13And
we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there
intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to
go
afoot. 14And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in,
and came
to Mitylene. 15And we sailed thence, and came the next day
over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and
tarried at
Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. 16For
Paul
had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time
in Asia:
for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day
of
Pentecost.
17And
from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders
of the church. 18And when they were come to him, he said
unto them,
Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I
have
been with you at all seasons, 19Serving the Lord with all
humility
of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the
lying in
wait of the Jews: 20And how I kept back nothing that
was
profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you
publickly,
and from house to house, 21Testifying both to the Jews, and
also to
the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ. 22And
now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the
things
that shall befall me there: 23Save that the Holy Spirit
witnesseth
in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. 24But
none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself,
so that
I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have
received of
the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. 25And
now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the
kingdom
of God, shall see my face no more. 26Wherefore I take you
to record
this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. 27For
I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28Take
heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Spirit hath made you overseers, to feed the
church of
God, which he hath purchased with his own [Blood BL->16]. 29For I know this, that after
my departing
shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30Also
of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw
away
disciples after them. 31Therefore watch, and remember, that
by the
space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with
tears. 32And
now, brethren, I commend you 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. 33I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or
apparel. 34Yea,
ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my
necessities, and
to them that were with me. 35I have shewed you all things,
how that
so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of
the
Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36And
when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed
with them all. 37And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s
neck,
and kissed him, 38Sorrowing most of all for the words which
he
spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him
unto the
ship.
21 |
And it
came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we
came
with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto
Rhodes, and
from thence unto Patara: 2And finding a ship sailing over
unto
Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3Now when we had
discovered
Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed
at Tyre:
for there the ship was to unlade her burden. 4And finding
disciples,
we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that
he
should not go up to Jerusalem. 5And when we had
accomplished those
days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way,
with
wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we
kneeled down on
the shore, and prayed. 6And when we had taken our leave one
of
another, we took ship; and they returned home again. 7And
when we
had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and
saluted the
brethren, and abode with them one day. 8And the next day
we
that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we
entered
into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the
seven; and
abode with him. 9And the same man had four daughters,
virgins, which
did prophesy. 10And as we tarried there many days,
there came
down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. 11And
when he was
come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet,
and
said, Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind
the man
that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands
of the
Gentiles. 12And when we heard these things, both we, and
they of
that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then
Paul
answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready
not to
be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the [Name NM.C->39 NM.E->15] of the Lord Jesus. 14And when he
would not
be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
15And
after those days we took up our carriages, and went up
to Jerusalem. 16There went with us also certain of
the
disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an
old
disciple, with whom we should lodge. 17And when we were
come to
Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18And the day
following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were
present. 19And
when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had
wrought
among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20And when they heard it,
they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how
many
thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of
the law:
21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the
Jews
which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought
not to
circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22What
is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will
hear
that thou art come. 23Do therefore this that we say to
thee: We have
four men which have a vow on them; 24Them take, and purify
thyself
with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their
heads:
and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed
concerning thee,
are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and
keepest the
law. 25As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have
written and
concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep
themselves
from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from
strangled, and
from fornication. 26Then Paul took the men, and the next
day
purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the
accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering
should be
offered for every one of them.
27And
when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which
were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the
people, and
laid hands on him, 28Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This
is the
man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and
the law,
and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and
hath
polluted this holy place. 29For they had seen before with
him in the
city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought
into the
temple. 30And all the city was moved, and the people ran
together:
and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the
doors
were shut. 31And as they went about to kill him, tidings
came unto
the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32Who
immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and
when they
saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul. 33Then
the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to
be bound
with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done. 34And
some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he
could not
know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into
the
castle. 35And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that
he was
borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. 36For
the
multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him. 37And
as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain,
May I
speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? 38Art
not thou
that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest
out into
the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? 39But
Paul
said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in
Cilicia, a
citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto
the
people. 40And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on
the
stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was
made a
great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
22 |
Men,
brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto
you. 2And
when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept
the more
silence: and he saith, 3I am verily a man which am
a Jew,
born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the
feet of
Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law
of the
fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day. 4And
I
persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons
both
men and women. 5As also the high priest doth bear me
witness, and
all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto
the
brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound
unto
Jerusalem, for to be punished. 6And it came to pass, that,
as I made
my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there
shone
from heaven a great light round about me. 7And I fell unto
the
ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest
thou me? 8And
I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, [I AM 'ego eimi' IA->35]
Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. 9And they that
were with
me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice
of him
that spake to me. 10And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And
the Lord
said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told
thee of
all things which are appointed for thee to do. 11And when I
could
not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that
were
with me, I came into Damascus. 12And one Ananias, a devout
man
according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
13Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother
Saul,
receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. 14And
he
said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know
his
will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
15For
thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and
heard. 16And
now why tarriest thou? arise, and be [baptized BP->27],
and wash away thy sins, calling on the [Name NM.C->40 NM.E->16]
of the Lord. 17And it came to
pass, that,
when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple,
I was in
a trance; 18And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get
thee
quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony
concerning
me. 19And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and
beat in
every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20And when the
blood of
thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting
unto his
death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. 21And he
said unto
me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. 22And
they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their
voices,
and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not
fit that
he should live. 23And as they cried out, and cast off their
clothes, and threw dust into the air, 24The chief captain
commanded
him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined
by
scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him. 25And
as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood
by, Is
it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? 26When
the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain,
saying,
Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. 27Then
the chief
captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said,
Yea. 28And
the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom.
And Paul
said, But I was free born. 29Then straightway they
departed
from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was
afraid,
after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him. 30On
the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was
accused
of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the
chief
priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set
him
before them.
23 |
And Paul,
earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have
lived in
all good conscience before God until this day. 2And the
high priest
Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. 3Then
said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for
sittest
thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten
contrary to the
law? 4And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God’s high
priest? 5Then
said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is
written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people. 6But
when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other
Pharisees,
he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee,
the son
of a Pharisee: of the hope and [Resurrection
RS->22] of the dead I am called
in
question. 7And when he had so said, there arose a
dissension between
the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. 8For
the Sadducees say that there is no [Resurrection
RS->23], neither angel, nor
spirit: but the
Pharisees confess both. 9And there arose a great cry: and
the
scribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, 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. 10And when there arose a great
dissension,
the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces
of them,
commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among
them,
and to bring him into the castle. 11And the night
following
the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou
hast
testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome. 12And
when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound
themselves
under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they
had
killed Paul. 13And they were more than forty which had made
this
conspiracy. 14And they came to the chief priests and
elders, and
said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat
nothing
until we have slain Paul. 15Now therefore ye with the
council
signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow,
as though
ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or
ever he
come near, are ready to kill him. 16And when Paul’s
sister’s son
heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and
told
Paul. 17Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him,
and
said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a
certain thing
to tell him. 18So he took him, and brought him to
the chief
captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and
prayed me
to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
19Then
the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside
privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me? 20And
he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring
down Paul
to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of
him more
perfectly. 21But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie
in wait
for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with
an oath,
that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now
are
they ready, looking for a promise from thee. 22So the chief
captain then
let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man
that
thou hast shewed these things to me. 23And he called unto him
two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to
Caesarea, and
horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third
hour of the
night; 24And provide them beasts, that they may set
Paul on,
and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. 25And
he wrote a
letter after this manner: 26Claudius Lysias unto the most
excellent
governor Felix sendeth greeting. 27This man was
taken of the
Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army,
and
rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 28And
when I
would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him
forth into
their council: 29Whom I perceived to be accused of
questions of
their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of
bonds. 30And
when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent
straightway
to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee
what they
had against him. Farewell. 31Then the soldiers, as it
was
commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to
Antipatris. 32On
the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the
castle: 33Who,
when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor,
presented Paul also before him. 34And when the governor had
read the
letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood
that he
was of Cilicia; 35I will hear thee, said he, when thine
accusers
are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
24 |
And after
five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with
a
certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor
against Paul. 2And
when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him,
saying, Seeing
that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are
done unto
this nation by thy providence, 3We accept it
always, and in
all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4Notwithstanding,
that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest
hear us
of thy clemency a few words. 5For we have found this man a
pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews
throughout
the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes: 6Who
also
hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have
judged
according to our law. 7But the chief captain Lysias came upon
us,
and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8Commanding
his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest
take
knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him. 9And
the Jews
also assented, saying that these things were so. 10Then
Paul, after
that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch
as I know
that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the
more
cheerfully answer for myself: 11Because that thou mayest
understand,
that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to [worship WR->27].
12And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any
man,
neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the
city: 13Neither
can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. 14But
this I
confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so serve I the God of my
fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the
prophets:
15And have hope toward God, which they themselves also
allow, that
there shall be a [Resurrection
RS->24] of the dead, both of the
just and
unjust. 16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a
conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men. 17Now
after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. 18Whereupon
certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with
multitude,
nor with tumult. 19Who ought to have been here before thee,
and object,
if they had ought against me. 20Or else let these same here
say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the
council,
21Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing
among them,
Touching The
[Resurrection RS->25]
of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
22And
when Felix heard these things, having more perfect
knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias
the chief
captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter. 23And
he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have
liberty, and
that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto
him.
24And
after certain days, when Felix came with his wife
Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him
concerning the
faith in Christ. 25And as he reasoned of righteousness,
temperance,
and judgment to come Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this
time;
when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. 26He
hoped
also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose
him:
wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him. 27But
after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix,
willing to
shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
25 |
Now when
Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from
Caesarea
to Jerusalem. 2Then the high priest and the chief of the
Jews
informed him against Paul, and besought him, 3And desired
favour
against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in
the way to
kill him. 4But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at
Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither. 5Let
them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me,
and
accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him. 6And
when he had
tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and
the next
day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought. 7And
when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round
about,
and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could
not prove.
8While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of
the Jews,
neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any
thing
at all. 9But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure,
answered
Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of
these
things before me? 10Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar’s
judgment
seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as
thou very
well knowest. 11For if I be an offender, or have committed
any thing
worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these
things
whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto
Caesar.
12Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council,
answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
13And
after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto
Caesarea to salute Festus. 14And when they had been there
many days,
Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain
man left
in bonds by Felix: 15About whom, when I was at Jerusalem,
the chief
priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to
have
judgment against him. 16To whom I answered, It is not the
manner of
the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused
have the
accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself
concerning the
crime laid against him. 17Therefore, when they were come
hither,
without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and
commanded the
man to be brought forth. 18Against whom when the accusers
stood up,
they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: 19But
had
certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one
Jesus,
which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20And
because I
doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he
would go to
Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. 21But when
Paul had
appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him
to be
kept till I might send him to Caesar. 22Then Agrippa said
unto
Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou
shalt hear
him.
23And
on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with
great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief
captains,
and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought
forth. 24And
Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us,
ye see
this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me,
both at
Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any
longer. 25But
when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he
himself
hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. 26Of
whom
I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought
him
forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that,
after
examination had, I might have somewhat to write. 27For it
seemeth to
me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the
crimes laid
against him.
26 |
Then
Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then
Paul
stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: 2I
think myself
happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before
thee
touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews: 3Especially
because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions
which are
among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently. 4My
manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own
nation at
Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 5Which knew me from the
beginning, if
they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion
I lived
a Pharisee. 6And now I stand and am judged for the hope of
the
promise made of God unto our fathers: 7Unto which promise
our
twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to
come. For
which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews. 8Why
should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise
the
dead? 9I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do
many things
contrary to the [Name NM.C->41 NM.E->17]
of Jesus of Nazareth. 10Which thing I also did in
Jerusalem: and
many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority
from the
chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against
them.
11And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and
compelled them
to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them
even unto strange cities. 12Whereupon as I went to Damascus
with
authority and commission from the chief priests, 13At
midday, O
king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the
sun,
shining round about me and them which journeyed with me. 14And
when
we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and
saying
in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is
hard
for thee to kick against the pricks. 15And I said, Who art
thou,
Lord? And he said, [I AM 'ego
eimi' IA->36] Jesus whom thou persecutest. 16But
rise, and
stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to
make
thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast
seen, and of
those things in the which I will appear unto thee; 17Delivering
thee
from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send
thee, 18To
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
inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 19Whereupon,
O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: 20But
shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout
all the
coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should
repent and
turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. 21For these
causes
the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me. 22Having
therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing
both to
small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets
and
Moses did say should come: 23That Christ should suffer, and
that he should be the first #of the [Resurrection RS->26]
from the dead,
and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24And
as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud
voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25But
he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of
truth
and soberness. 26For the king knoweth of these things,
before whom
also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are
hidden
from him; for this thing was not done in a corner. 27King
Agrippa,
believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28Then
Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29And
Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear
me this
day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
30And
when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and
Bernice, and
they that sat with them: 31And when they were gone aside,
they
talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of
death or of
bonds. 32Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have
been set
at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
27 |
And when
it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul
and
certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of
Augustus’
band. 2And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we
launched, meaning
to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of
Thessalonica, being with us. 3And the next day we
touched at
Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him
liberty to go
unto his friends to refresh himself. 4And when we had
launched from
thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. 5And
when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to
Myra, a
city of Lycia. 6And there the centurion found a ship of
Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. 7And
when we
had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus,
the wind
not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone; 8And,
hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens;
nigh
whereunto was the city of Lasea.
9Now
when much time was spent, and when sailing was now
dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
10And
said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and
much
damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives. 11Nevertheless
the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than
those
things which were spoken by Paul. 12And because the haven
was not
commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also,
if by any
means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which
is
an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west. 13And
when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their
purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete. 14But
not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called
Euroclydon. 15And
when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her
drive. 16And running under a certain island which is called
Clauda,
we had much work to come by the boat: 17Which when they had
taken
up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they
should fall
into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven. 18And
we being
exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened
the ship;
19And the third day we cast out with our own hands
the
tackling of the ship. 20And when neither sun nor stars in
many days
appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we
should be
saved was then taken away. 21But after long abstinence Paul
stood
forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened
unto me,
and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss. 22And
now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any
man’s life among you, but of the ship. 23For there
stood by me
this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, 24Saying,
Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath
given
thee all them that sail with thee. 25Wherefore, sirs, be of
good
cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. 26Howbeit
we must be cast upon a certain island. 27But when the
fourteenth
night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight
the
shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country; 28And
sounded,
and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little
further,
they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. 29Then
fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors
out of
the stern, and wished for the day. 30And as the shipmen
were about
to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea,
under
colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, 31Paul
said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the
ship, ye
cannot be saved. 32Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of
the boat,
and let her fall off. 33And while the day was coming on,
Paul
besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the
fourteenth day
that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 34Wherefore
I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for
there
shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you. 35And
when he
had thus spoken, he took [Bread EU->27], and gave thanks to God in presence of them
all: and
when he had broken it, he began to eat. 36Then were
they all
of good cheer, and they also took some meat. 37And
we were in
all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. 38And
when
they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat
into the
sea. 39And when it was day, they knew not the land: but
they
discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were
minded, if it
were possible, to thrust in the ship. 40And when they had
taken up
the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed
the
rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward
shore. 41And
falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and
the
forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was
broken
with the violence of the waves. 42And the soldiers’ counsel
was to
kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape. 43But
the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their
purpose; and
commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves
first into
the sea, and get to land: 44And the rest, some on
boards, and
some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that
they
escaped all safe to land.
28 |
And when
they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita. 2And
the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a
fire, and
received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the
cold. 3And
when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the
fire,
there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4And
when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand,
they said
among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath
escaped
the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live. 5And he shook
off the
beast into the fire, and felt no harm. 6Howbeit they looked
when he
should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had
looked a
great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and
said
that he was a god.
7In the
same quarters were possessions of the chief man of
the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us
three days
courteously. 8And it came to pass, that the father of
Publius lay
sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and
prayed, and
laid his hands on him, and healed him. 9So when this was
done,
others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed: 10Who
also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us
with such things as were necessary.
11And
after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria,
which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12And
landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13And
from
thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the
south
wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 14Where we
found
brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we
went toward
Rome. 15And from thence, when the brethren heard of us,
they came to
meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul
saw, he
thanked God, and took courage. 16And when we came to Rome,
the
centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul
was
suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
17And
it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the
chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said
unto
them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against
the
people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from
Jerusalem
into the hands of the Romans. 18Who, when they had examined
me,
would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in
me. 19But
when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal
unto Caesar;
not that I had ought to accuse my nation of. 20For this
cause
therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you:
because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. 21And
they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea
concerning thee,
neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22But
we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this
sect, we
know that every where it is spoken against. 23And when they
had
appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging;
to whom he
expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning
Jesus,
both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from
morning till
evening. 24And some believed the things which were spoken,
and some
believed not. 25And when they agreed not among themselves,
they
departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy
Spirit by
Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, 26Saying, Go unto this
people,
and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye
shall
see, and not perceive: 27For the heart of this people is
waxed
gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they
closed;
lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their
ears,
and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I
should
heal them. 28Be it known therefore unto you, that the
salvation of
God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. 29And
when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great
reasoning among
themselves.
30And
Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and
received all that came in unto him, 31Preaching the kingdom
of God,
and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all
confidence, no man forbidding him.