And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples
of the Lord, went unto the high priest, And 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. And as he
journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about
him a light from heaven: And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying
unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou,
Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for
thee to kick against the pricks. And 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. And the
men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing
no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he
saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.
And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.
And 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. And
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, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias
coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much
evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from
the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him,
Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before
the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him
how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And 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 Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been
scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. And
when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain
days with the disciples which were at Damascus. And straightway he
preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. But all that
heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which
called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he
might bring them bound unto the chief priests? But Saul increased the more
in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that
this is very Christ.
And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: But
their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and
night to kill him. Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by
the wall in a basket. And 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. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the
apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and
that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in
the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at
Jerusalem. And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed
against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. Which when the
brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to
Tarsus. Then 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 Ghost, were multiplied.
And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down
also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man
named Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the palsy.
And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise, and
make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda and
Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
Now 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. And 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. And 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. Then 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. But 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. And he gave
her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and
widows, presented her alive. And it was known throughout all Joppa; and
many believed in the Lord. And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in
Joppa with one Simon a tanner.
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band
called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his
house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway. He
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. And 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. And now
send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: He
lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell
thee what thou oughtest to do. And 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; And when he had
declared all these things unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
On 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: And he
became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he
fell into a trance, And 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: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and
wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice
to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never
eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him
again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.
This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Now
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, And called, and asked whether
Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men
seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting
nothing: for I have sent them. Then 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? And 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. Then called he them in, and lodged them.
And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from
Joppa accompanied him. And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea.
And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsmen and near
friends. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his
feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself
also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that
were come together. And 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. Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying, as soon
as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me? And
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, And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in
remembrance in the sight of God. Send 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.
Immediately 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.
Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no
respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh
righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the
children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That
word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began
from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed
Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing
good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
And 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: Him God raised up
the third day, and shewed him openly; Not 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. And 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. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his
name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which
heard the word. And 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 Ghost. For they heard them speak with
tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water,
that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as
well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.
Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles
had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to
Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying,
Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. But Peter
rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto
them, saying, I 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: Upon 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. And I heard a voice
saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing
common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. But the voice
answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou
common. And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into
heaven. And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto
the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. And the Spirit bade me
go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied
me, and we entered into the man's house: And 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; Who shall tell thee words,
whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the
Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the
word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but
ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Forasmuch 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? When they heard these things, they
held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the
Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
Now 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. And some of them were
men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake
unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was
with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Then 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.
Who, 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. For he
was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people
was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek
Saul: And 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.
And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. And 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. Then the disciples, every man according to his ability,
determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: Which also
they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain
of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And
because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also.
(Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And 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. Peter
therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the
church unto God for him. And 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. And, 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. And 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. And 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.
When 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. And 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. And 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. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel
came to hearken, named Rhoda. And when she knew Peter's voice, she
opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before
the gate. And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed
that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel. But Peter continued
knocking: and when they had opened the door, and saw him, they were
astonished. But 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. Now as soon as it was day, there was
no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And 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.
And 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. And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his
throne, and made an oration unto them. And the people gave a shout, saying,
It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. And 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 ghost.
But the word of God grew and multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul returned
from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them
John, whose surname was Mark.
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. As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they
sent them away.
So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from
thence they sailed to Cyprus. And 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. And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos, they
found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus:
Which 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. But
Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them,
seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith. Then Saul, (who also is called
Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him, And 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? And
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. Then
the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the
doctrine of the Lord. Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos,
they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to
Jerusalem.
But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and
went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down. And 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. Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, Men of
Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience. The 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. And about
the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. And
when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan, he divided
their land to them by lot. And after that he gave unto them judges about the
space of four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. And
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. And 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. Of this man's seed hath God
according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: When John had
first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people
of Israel. And 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. Men and brethren, children of the stock of Abraham,
and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation
sent. For 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. And though they found no cause
of death in him, yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain. And when they
had fulfilled all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree,
and laid him in a sepulchre. But God raised him from the dead: And he was
seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem,
who are his witnesses unto the people. And we declare unto you glad tidings,
how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God 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. And 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. Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer thine
Holy One to see corruption. For 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: But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.
Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is
preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are
justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of
Moses. Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the
prophets; Behold, 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. And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles
besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
Now 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.
And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the
word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with
envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul,
contradicting and blaspheming. Then 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. For 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. And 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. And the word of the Lord was published
throughout all the region. But 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. But they shook off the
dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples
were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.
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. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the
Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Long 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. But the multitude of the city was divided: and part held with the Jews,
and part with the apostles. And 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, They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of
Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about: And there they
preached the gospel.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple
from his mother's womb, who never had walked: The same heard Paul speak:
who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
And 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. And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius,
because he was the chief speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter, which was
before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have
done sacrifice with the people. Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul,
heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out,
And 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: Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
Nevertheless 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. And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that
they had not done sacrifice unto them.
And 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. Howbeit, 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. And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and
had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
Confirming 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. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had
prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they
believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to
Pamphylia. And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down
into Attalia: And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been
recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled. And
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. And there they abode long time with the disciples.
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.
When 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. And 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. And 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. But 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.
And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And
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. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between
us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye
God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers
nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
Then 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.
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and
brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did
visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree
the words of the prophets; as it is written, After 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: That the residue of men might
seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith
the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from
the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not
them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write
unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication,
and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in
every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath
day. Then 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:
And 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: Forasmuch 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: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord,
to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that
have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent
therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater
burden than these necessary things; That 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. So when they were
dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude
together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced
for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves,
exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they
had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto
the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also
and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the
Lord, with many others also.
And 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. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose
surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who
departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder
one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And
Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto
the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the
churches.
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: Which was well reported of by the
brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him 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. And 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. And so
were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were
come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them
not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And 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. And 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.
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia,
and the next day to Neapolis; And 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. And 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.
And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira,
which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she
attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was
baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me
to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she
constrained us.
And 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: The 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. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and
said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of
her. And he came out the same hour.
And 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,
And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do
exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us
to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up
together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and
commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them,
they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who,
having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made
their feet fast in the stocks.
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the
prisoners heard them. And 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. And 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. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm:
for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came
trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and
said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord
Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto
him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them
the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he
and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he
set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. And
when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
And 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. But 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. And the serjeants told these words
unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were
Romans. And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and
desired them to depart out of the city. And 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.
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to
Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: And Paul, as his manner
was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of
the scriptures, Opening 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. And 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.
But 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. And 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; Whom Jason hath received: and
these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another
king, one Jesus. And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when
they heard these things. And when they had taken security of Jason, and of
the other, they let them go.
And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea:
who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. These 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. Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which
were Greeks, and of men, not a few. But 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. And then immediately the brethren
sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode
there still. And 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.
Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when
he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. Therefore disputed he in the
synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market
daily with them that met with him. Then 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. And they
took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this
new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest certain strange
things to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean. (For all
the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing
else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I
perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. For as I passed by, and
beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE
UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto
you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of
heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is
worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he
giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And 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; That 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: For 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. Forasmuch 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. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent: Because 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.
And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and
others said, We will hear thee again of this matter. So Paul departed from
among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the
which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and
others with them.
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And
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. And because he was of the same craft, he
abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were
tentmakers. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and
persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timotheus were
come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the
Jews that Jesus was Christ. And 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.
And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's house, named
Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue.
And 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.
Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace: For I am with thee, and no man shall set
on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this city. And he
continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among
them.
And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with
one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, Saying, This
fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law. And 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: But 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. And he drave them from
the judgment seat. Then 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.
And 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. And he came to
Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and
reasoned with the Jews. When they desired him to tarry longer time with
them, he consented not; But 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. And when he had landed at Caesarea,
and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. And 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.
And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and
mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This 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. And 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. And 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: For he mightily convinced the Jews,
and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
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, He
said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they
said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy
Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they
said, Unto John's baptism. Then 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. When they heard
this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had
laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he went
into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months,
disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. But
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. And 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. And God wrought special miracles by the
hands of Paul: So 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.
Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over
them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you
by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a
Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so. And the evil spirit answered and
said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? And the man in whom
the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against
them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was
known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on
them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many that
believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds. Many 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. So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
After 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. So he sent into Macedonia two of
them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed
in Asia for a season. And the same time there arose no small stir about that
way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver
shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; Whom he called
together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by
this craft we have our wealth. Moreover 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:
So 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 worshippeth.
And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out,
saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And 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.
And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered
him not. And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto
him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre. Some
therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused;
and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. And 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. But 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. And 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? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye
ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. For ye have brought hither these
men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your
goddess. Wherefore 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. But if ye enquire any thing concerning other
matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For 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. And when he had thus spoken, he
dismissed the assembly.
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and
embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had
gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he came into
Greece, And 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.
And 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. These going before tarried
for us at Troas. And 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. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples
came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on
the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many
lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together. And 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. And Paul went down,
and fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his life is
in him. When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread, and
eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he departed. And
they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
And 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. And when he met
with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And 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. For
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.
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
And 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, Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and
temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews: And how I kept
back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have
taught you publickly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews,
and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord
Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not
knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost
witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But 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. And now, behold, I know
that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see
my face no more. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure
from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the
counsel of God.
Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the
Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he
hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing
shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your
own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples
after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years
I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And 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. I
have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know,
that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were
with me. I 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.
And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, Sorrowing
most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no
more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
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: And finding a ship sailing over unto
Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. Now 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. And finding disciples, we tarried
there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go
up to Jerusalem. And 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. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and
they returned home again. And when we had finished our course from Tyre,
we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one
day. And 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. And the same man had four
daughters, virgins, which did prophesy. And as we tarried there many days,
there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. And when
he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and
feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind
the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the
Gentiles. And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place,
besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then 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 of the Lord Jesus. And when he would
not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.
There 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.
And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And
the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were
present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things
God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And 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: And 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. What is it
therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that
thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men
which have a vow on them; Them 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. As 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. Then 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.
And 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, Crying 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. (For
they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they
supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) And 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. And as they went about to kill
him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in
an uproar. Who 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. Then 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. And 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. And when he came upon the
stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the
people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
And 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? Art not thou that
Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the
wilderness four thousand men that were murderers? But 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. And 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,
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you. (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) I 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. And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. As 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. And 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. And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. And 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. And 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. And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him. And 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. For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard. And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord. And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: And 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. And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles. And 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. And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, The 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. And 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? When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman. Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea. And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born. Then 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. On 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.
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. Then 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? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then 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. But 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 of the dead I am called in question. And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. And 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. And 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. And 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. And 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. And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy. And 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. Now 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. And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. Then 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. So 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. Then 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? And 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. But 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. So 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. And 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; And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor. And he wrote a letter after this manner: Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting. This 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. And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council: Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. And 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. Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle: Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia; I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
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. And 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, We accept it always, and in all
places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Notwithstanding, that I be not
further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy
clemency a few words. For 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: Who also hath gone about to profane the
temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. But the
chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out
of our hands, Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of
whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse
him. And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so. Then 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: Because that thou mayest
understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem
for to worship. And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any
man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me. But this I
confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the
God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the
prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that
there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And
herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence
toward God, and toward men. Now after many years I came to bring alms to
my nation, and offerings. Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me
purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult. Who ought to
have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. Or else
let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood
before the council, Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among
them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you
this day.
And 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. And 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.
And 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. And 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. He 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. But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix'
room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended
from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews
informed him against Paul, and besought him, And desired favour against
him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill
him. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he
himself would depart shortly thither. Let them therefore, said he, which
among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any
wickedness in him. And 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. And 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. While 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. But 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? Then 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. For 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. Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council,
answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute
Festus. And 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:
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the
Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. To 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.
Therefore, 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.
Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of
such things as I supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own
superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be
alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him
whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters. But
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. Then Agrippa said
unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt
hear him.
And 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.
And 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.
But 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. Of
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. For it seemeth to me
unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid
against him.
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then
Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself: I 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: Especially 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. My manner of life from
my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know
all the Jews; Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that
after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand
and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
Unto 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.
Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise
the dead? I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things
contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which 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. And 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. Whereupon as I went to Damascus
with authority and commission from the chief priests, At 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. And 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. And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am
Jesus whom thou persecutest. But 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; Delivering thee from the people,
and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, To open their eyes,
and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan
unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. Whereupon, O
king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: But 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. For these causes the Jews caught me in the
temple, and went about to kill me. Having 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: That
Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the
dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art
beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad. But he said, I am not
mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
For 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. King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know
that thou believest. Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me
to be a Christian. And 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. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the
governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them: And when they were
gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing
worthy of death or of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might
have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
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. And 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. And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously
entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because
the winds were contrary. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and
Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the centurion found a
ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein. And 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; And, hardly
passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto
was the city of Lasea.
Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous,
because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, And 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. Nevertheless the centurion
believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which
were spoken by Paul. And 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. And when the south wind blew softly,
supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed
close by Crete. But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind,
called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into
the wind, we let her drive. And running under a certain island which is called
Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat: Which 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. And we being
exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship; And
the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. And
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. But 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. And 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. For there
stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath
given thee all them that sail with thee. Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I
believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me. Howbeit we must be cast
upon a certain island. But 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; And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and
when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen
fathoms. Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four
anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day. And 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,
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship,
ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let
her fall off. And 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. Wherefore 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. And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks
to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat. And we were
in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls. And when they
had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the
sea. And 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. And 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. And 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. And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of
them should swim out, and escape. But 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: And 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.
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called
Melita. And 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. And 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. And 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. And he
shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm. Howbeit 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.
In 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.
And 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. So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in
the island, came, and were healed: Who also honoured us with many
honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were
necessary.
And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had
wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. And landing at
Syracuse, we tarried there three days. And 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: Where we found brethren, and were desired
to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. And 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. And 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.
And 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. Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because
there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews spake against it, I was
constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation
of. For 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. And 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. But
we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we
know that every where it is spoken against. And 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.
And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul
had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto
our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and
shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For 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. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent
unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these
words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that
came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things
which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding
him.