Acts
The Acts
of the Apostles
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[1]
The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus
began both to do and teach,
[2] Until the day in which he
was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given
commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen:
[3] To
whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many
infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the
things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
[4] And, being
assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not
depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which,
saith he, ye have heard of me.
[5] For John truly baptized
with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many
days hence.
[6] When they therefore were come together,
they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again
the kingdom to Israel?
[7] And he said unto them, It is not
for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put
in his own power.
[8] But ye shall receive power, after
that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto
me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the
uttermost part of the earth.
[9] And when he had spoken
these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud
received him out of their sight.
[10] And while they looked
stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them
in white apparel;
[11] Which also said, Ye men of Galilee,
why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken
up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen
him go into heaven.
[12] Then returned they unto Jerusalem
from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's
journey.
[13] And when they were come in, they went up into
an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and
Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son
of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James.
[14]
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with
the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
[15]
And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and
said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and
twenty,)
[16] Men and brethren, this scripture must needs
have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake
before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took
Jesus.
[17] For he was numbered with us, and had obtained
part of this ministry.
[18] Now this man purchased a field
with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder
in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
[19] And it
was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field
is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field
of blood.
[20] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let
his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his
bishoprick let another take.
[21] Wherefore of these men
which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in
and out among us,
[22] Beginning from the baptism of John,
unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained
to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
[23] And they
appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and
Matthias.
[24] And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which
knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast
chosen,
[25] That he may take part of this ministry and
apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go
to his own place.
[26] And they gave forth their lots; and
the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven
apostles.
[1]
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one
accord in one place.
[2] And suddenly there came a sound
from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house
where they were sitting.
[3] And there appeared unto them
cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.
[4]
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with
other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
[5] And
there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every
nation under heaven.
[6] Now when this was noised abroad,
the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every
man heard them speak in his own language.
[7] And they were
all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all
these which speak Galilaeans?
[8] And how hear we every man
in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
[9] Parthians, and
Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea,
and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
[10] Phrygia, and
Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and
strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
[11] Cretes and
Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of
God.
[12] And they were all amazed, and were in doubt,
saying one to another, What meaneth this?
[13] Others
mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
[14] But
Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said
unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be
this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
[15] For
these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour
of the day.
[16] But this is that which was spoken by the
prophet Joel;
[17] And it shall come to pass in the last
days, saith God,I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your
sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see
visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
[18] And on
my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my
Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
[19] And I will shew
wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and
fire, and vapour of smoke:
[20] The sun shall be turned
into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable
day of the Lord come:
[21] And it shall come to pass, that
whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
[22]
Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved
of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by
him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
[23]
Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of
God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and
slain:
[24] Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the
pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden
of it.
[25] For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw
the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I
should not be moved:
[26] Therefore did my heart rejoice,
and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in
hope:
[27] Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell,
neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
[28]
Thou hast made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full
of joy with thy countenance.
[29] Men and brethren, let me
freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead
and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day.
[30]
Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an
oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh,
he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
[31] He
seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul
was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
[32]
This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
[33]
Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received
of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this,
which ye now see and hear.
[34] For David is not ascended
into the heavens: but he saith himself, The LORD said unto my Lord,
Sit thou on my right hand,
[35] Until I make thy foes thy
footstool.
[36] Therefore let all the house of Israel know
assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have
crucified, both Lord and Christ.
[37] Now when they heard
this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to
the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?
[38]
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you
in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall
receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
[39] For the promise is
unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as
many as the Lord our God shall call.
[40] And with many
other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from
this untoward generation.
[41] Then they that gladly
received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added
unto them about three thousand souls.
[42] And they
continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in
breaking of bread, and in prayers.
[43] And fear came upon
every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the
apostles.
[44] And all that believed were together, and had
all things common;
[45] And sold their possessions and
goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
[46]
And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and
breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness
and singleness of heart,
[47] Praising God, and having
favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily
such as should be saved.
[1]
Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of
prayer, being the ninth hour.
[2] And a certain man lame
from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate
of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that
entered into the temple;
[3] Who seeing Peter and John
about to go into the temple asked an alms.
[4] And Peter,
fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us.
[5]
And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of
them.
[6] Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but
such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth
rise up and walk.
[7] And he took him by the right hand,
and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ancle bones received
strength.
[8] And he leaping up stood, and walked, and
entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising
God.
[9] And all the people saw him walking and praising
God:
[10] And they knew that it was he which sat for alms
at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder
and amazement at that which had happened unto him.
[11] And
as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people
ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly
wondering.
[12] And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the
people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so
earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made
this man to walk?
[13] The God of Abraham, and of Isaac,
and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified his Son Jesus;
whom ye delivered up, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when
he was determined to let him go.
[14] But ye denied the
Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto
you;
[15] And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath
raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
[16] And
his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye
see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this
perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
[17] And now,
brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your
rulers.
[18] But those things, which God before had shewed
by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath
so fulfilled.
[19] Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall
come from the presence of the Lord;
[20] And he shall send
Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
[21] Whom
the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the
world began.
[22] For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A
prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren,
like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say
unto you.
[23] And it shall come to pass, that every soul,
which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the
people.
[24] Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and
those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise
foretold of these days.
[25] Ye are the children of the
prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying
unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be
blessed.
[26] Unto you first God, having raised up his Son
Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from
his iniquities.
[1]
And as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the captain of
the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
[2] Being
grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the
resurrection from the dead.
[3] And they laid hands on
them, and put them in hold unto the next day: for it was now
eventide.
[4] Howbeit many of them which heard the word
believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand.
[5]
And it came to pass on the morrow, that their rulers, and elders, and
scribes,
[6] And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and
John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high
priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
[7] And when
they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what
name, have ye done this?
[8] Then Peter, filled with the
Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of
Israel,
[9] If we this day be examined of the good deed
done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
[10]
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by
the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God
raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you
whole.
[11] This is the stone which was set at nought of
you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
[12]
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
[13]
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that
they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took
knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
[14] And
beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say
nothing against it.
[15] But when they had commanded them
to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,
[16]
Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable
miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in
Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.
[17] But that it spread
no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they
speak henceforth to no man in this name.
[18] And they
called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the
name of Jesus.
[19] But Peter and John answered and said
unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto
you more than unto God, judge ye.
[20] For we cannot but
speak the things which we have seen and heard.
[21] So when
they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing
how they might punish them, because of the people: for all men
glorified God for that which was done.
[22] For the man was
above forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was
shewed.
[23] And being let go, they went to their own
company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said
unto them.
[24] And when they heard that, they lifted up
their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God,
which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them
is:
[25] Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said,
Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
[26]
The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered
together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
[27] For
of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed,
both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of
Israel, were gathered together,
[28] For to do whatsoever
thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
[29]
And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy
servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
[30]
By stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders
may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.
[31] And
when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled
together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they
spake the word of God with boldness.
[32] And the multitude
of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said
any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own;
but they had all things common.
[33] And with great power
gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and
great grace was upon them all.
[34] Neither was there any
among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or
houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were
sold,
[35] And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and
distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
[36]
And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is,
being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the
country of Cyprus,
[37] Having land, sold it, and brought
the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.
[1]
But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a
possession,
[2] And kept back part of the price, his wife
also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at
the apostles' feet.
[3] But Peter said, Ananias, why hath
Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back
part of the price of the land?
[4] Whiles it remained, was
it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own
power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast
not lied unto men, but unto God.
[5] And Ananias hearing
these words fell down, and gave up the ghost: and great fear came on
all them that heard these things.
[6] And the young men
arose, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
[7]
And it was about the space of three hours after, when his wife, not
knowing what was done, came in.
[8] And Peter answered unto
her, Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much? And she said, Yea,
for so much.
[9] Then Peter said unto her, How is it that
ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the
feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door, and shall
carry thee out.
[10] Then fell she down straightway at his
feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found
her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
[11]
And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard
these things.
[12] And by the hands of the apostles were
many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all
with one accord in Solomon's porch.
[13] And of the rest
durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified
them.
[14] And believers were the more added to the Lord,
multitudes both of men and women.)
[15] Insomuch that they
brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and
couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might
overshadow some of them.
[16] There came also a multitude
out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks,
and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed
every one.
[17] Then the high priest rose up, and all they
that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were
filled with indignation,
[18] And laid their hands on the
apostles, and put them in the common prison.
[19] But the
angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them
forth, and said,
[20] Go, stand and speak in the temple to
the people all the words of this life.
[21] And when they
heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and
taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and
called the council together, and all the senate of the children of
Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.
[22]
But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they
returned, and told,
[23] Saying, The prison truly found we
shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the
doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
[24]
Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief
priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would
grow.
[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the
men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching
the people.
[26] Then went the captain with the officers,
and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest
they should have been stoned.
[27] And when they had
brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest
asked them,
[28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you
that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled
Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood
upon us.
[29] Then Peter and the other apostles answered
and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
[30] The
God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a
tree.
[31] Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a
Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and
forgiveness of sins.
[32] And we are his witnesses of these
things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them
that obey him.
[33] When they heard that, they were cut to
the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
[34] Then stood
there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of
the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put
the apostles forth a little space;
[35] And said unto them,
Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as
touching these men.
[36] For before these days rose up
Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men,
about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as
many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
[37]
After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing,
and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, even
as many as obeyed him, were dispersed.
[38] And now I say
unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this
counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:
[39]
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found
even to fight against God.
[40] And to him they agreed: and
when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded
that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them
go.
[41] And they departed from the presence of the
council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for
his name.
[42] And daily in the temple, and in every house,
they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
[1]
And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,
there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because
their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
[2]
Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and
said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and
serve tables.
[3] Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among
you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,
whom we may appoint over this business.
[4] But we will
give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the
word.
[5] And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and
they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and
Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and
Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
[6] Whom they set before
the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on
them.
[7] And the word of God increased; and the number of
the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of
the priests were obedient to the faith.
[8] And Stephen,
full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the
people.
[9] Then there arose certain of the synagogue,
which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and
Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with
Stephen.
[10] And they were not able to resist the wisdom
and the spirit by which he spake.
[11] Then they suborned
men, which said, We have heard him speak blasphemous words against
Moses, and against God.
[12] And they stirred up the
people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and
caught him, and brought him to the council,
[13] And set up
false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak
blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
[14]
For we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy
this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered
us.
[15] And all that sat in the council, looking
stedfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
[1]
Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
[2] And he
said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared
unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt
in Charran,
[3] And said unto him, Get thee out of thy
country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall
shew thee.
[4] Then came he out of the land of the
Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father
was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell.
[5]
And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his
foot on: yet he promised that he would give it to him for a
possession, and to his seed after him, when as yet he had no
child.
[6] And God spake on this wise, That his seed should
sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into
bondage, and entreat them evil four hundred years.
[7] And
the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God:
and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place.
[8]
And he gave him the covenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begat
Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day; and Isaac begat Jacob; and
Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs.
[9] And the patriarchs,
moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,
[10]
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and
wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him
governor over Egypt and all his house.
[11] Now there came
a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great
affliction: and our fathers found no sustenance.
[12] But
when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our
fathers first.
[13] And at the second time Joseph was made
known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto
Pharaoh.
[14] Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob
to him, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.
[15]
So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers,
[16]
And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that
Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of
Sychem.
[17] But when the time of the promise drew nigh,
which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in
Egypt,
[18] Till another king arose, which knew not
Joseph.
[19] The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and
evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young
children, to the end they might not live.
[20] In which
time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his
father's house three months:
[21] And when he was cast out,
Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own
son.
[22] And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the
Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
[23] And
when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his
brethren the children of Israel.
[24] And seeing one of
them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was
oppressed, and smote the Egyptian:
[25] For he supposed his
brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver
them: but they understood not.
[26] And the next day he
shewed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at
one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to
another?
[27] But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust
him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
[28]
Wilt thou kill me, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
[29]
Then fled Moses at this saying, and was a stranger in the land of
Madian, where he begat two sons.
[30] And when forty years
were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina
an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
[31]
When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight: and as he drew near to
behold it, the voice of the Lord came unto him,
[32]
Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abrham, and the God
of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not
behold.
[33] Then said the Lord to him, Put off thy shoes
from thy feet: for the place where thou standest is holy ground.
[34]
I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in
Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
[35] This
Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge?
the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of
the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
[36] He
brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the
land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty
years.
[37] This is that Moses, which said unto the
children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto
you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
[38]
This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel
which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who
received the lively oracles to give unto us:
[39] To whom
our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their
hearts turned back again into Egypt,
[40] Saying unto
Aaron, Make us gods to go before us: for as for this Moses, which
brought us out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of
him.
[41] And they made a calf in those days, and offered
sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own
hands.
[42] Then God turned, and gave them up to worship
the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O
ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices
by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
[43] Yea, ye
took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan,
figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away
beyond Babylon.
[44] Our fathers had the tabernacle of
witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses,
that he should make it according to the fashion that he had
seen.
[45] Which also our fathers that came after brought
in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out
before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
[46]
Who found favour before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the
God of Jacob.
[47] But Solomon built him an house.
[48]
Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands; as
saith the prophet,
[49] Heaven is my throne, and earth is
my footstool: what house will ye build me? saith the Lord: or what is
the place of my rest?
[50] Hath not my hand made all these
things?
[51] Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and
ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do
ye.
[52] Which of the prophets have not your fathers
persecuted? and they have slain them which shewed before of the
coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and
murderers:
[53] Who have received the law by the
disposition of angels, and have not kept it.
[54] When they
heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on
him with their teeth.
[55] But he, being full of the Holy
Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God,
and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,
[56] And said,
Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the
right hand of God.
[57] Then they cried out with a loud
voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,
[58]
And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid
down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
[59]
And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit.
[60] And he kneeled down, and cried with
a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had
said this, he fell asleep.
[1]
And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a
great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they
were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and
Samaria, except the apostles.
[2] And devout men carried
Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
[3]
As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house,
and haling men and women committed them to prison.
[4]
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching
the word.
[5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria,
and preached Christ unto them.
[6] And the people with one
accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and
seeing the miracles which he did.
[7] For unclean spirits,
crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with
them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were
healed.
[8] And there was great joy in that city.
[9]
But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the
same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving
out that himself was some great one:
[10] To whom they all
gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the
great power of God.
[11] And to him they had regard,
because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
[12]
But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the
kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized,
both men and women.
[13] Then Simon himself believed also:
and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered,
beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
[14] Now
when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
[15]
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might
receive the Holy Ghost:
[16] (For as yet he was fallen upon
none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus.)
[17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they
received the Holy Ghost.
[18] And when Simon saw that
through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he
offered them money,
[19] Saying, Give me also this power,
that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
[20]
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou
hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
[21]
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not
right in the sight of God.
[22] Repent therefore of this
thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart
may be forgiven thee.
[23] For I perceive that thou art in
the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.
[24]
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none
of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.
[25] And
they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord,
returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of
the Samaritans.
[26] And the angel of the Lord spake unto
Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that
goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
[27]
And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of
great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the
charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to
worship,
[28] Was returning, and sitting in his chariot
read Esaias the prophet.
[29] Then the Spirit said unto
Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
[30] And
Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and
said, Understandest thou what thou readest?
[31] And he
said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired
Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
[32] The
place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep
to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened
he not his mouth:
[33] In his humiliation his judgment was
taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is
taken from the earth.
[34] And the eunuch answered Philip,
and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself,
or of some other man?
[35] Then Philip opened his mouth,
and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.
[36]
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and
the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be
baptized?
[37] And Philip said, If thou believest with all
thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that
Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
[38] And he commanded the
chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both
Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
[39] And when
they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught
away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way
rejoicing.
[40] But Philip was found at Azotus: and passing
through he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
[1]
And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the
disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
[2] 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.
[3] And as he journeyed, he came
near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from
heaven:
[4] And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice
saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
[5]
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.
[6]
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.
[7] And the men which
journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no
man.
[8] And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes
were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought
him into Damascus.
[9] And he was three days without sight,
and neither did eat nor drink.
[10] 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.
[11]
And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is
called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called
Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
[12] And hath
seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand
on him, that he might receive his sight.
[13] Then Ananias
answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he
hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:
[14] And here he hath
authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy
name.
[15] 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:
[16] For I will shew him
how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
[17]
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.
[18]
And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and
he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
[19]
And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul
certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.
[20]
And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the
Son of God.
[21] 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?
[22] But Saul increased the
more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus,
proving that this is very Christ.
[23] And after that many
days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
[24]
But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates
day and night to kill him.
[25] Then the disciples took him
by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.
[26]
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.
[27] But Barnabas took him, and brought
him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord
in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached
boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
[28] And he was
with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
[29] And he
spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the
Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
[30] Which when
the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him
forth to Tarsus.
[31] 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.
[32] And it came to pass, as Peter passed
throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints which dwelt
at Lydda.
[33] And there he found a certain man named
Aeneas, which had kept his bed eight years, and was sick of the
palsy.
[34] And Peter said unto him, Aeneas, Jesus Christ
maketh thee whole: arise, and make thy bed. And he arose
immediately.
[35] And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw
him, and turned to the Lord.
[36] 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.
[37] 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.
[38] 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.
[39]
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.
[40] 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.
[41]
And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called
the saints and widows, presented her alive.
[42] And it was
known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
[43]
And it came to pass, that he tarried many days in Joppa with one
Simon a tanner.
[1]
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of
the band called the Italian band,
[2] A devout man, and one
that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the
people, and prayed to God alway.
[3] 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.
[4] 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.
[5] And now send men to Joppa, and call for one
Simon, whose surname is Peter:
[6] He lodgeth with one
Simon a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee
what thou oughtest to do.
[7] 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;
[8] And when he had declared all these things
unto them, he sent them to Joppa.
[9] 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:
[10] And
he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made
ready, he fell into a trance,
[11] 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:
[12]
Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild
beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
[13] And
there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat.
[14]
But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that
is common or unclean.
[15] And the voice spake unto him
again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou
common.
[16] This was done thrice: and the vessel was
received up again into heaven.
[17] 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 inquiry for Simon's
house, and stood before the gate,
[18] And called, and
asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged
there.
[19] While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit
said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.
[20] Arise
therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for
I have sent them.
[21] 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?
[22]
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.
[23] Then called he them in, and
lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went away with them, and certain
brethren from Joppa accompanied him.
[24] And the morrow
after they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, and
had called together his kinsmen and near friends.
[25] And
as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet,
and worshipped him.
[26] But Peter took him up, saying,
Stand up; I myself also am a man.
[27] And as he talked
with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.
[28]
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.
[29] 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?
[30] 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,
[31] And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard,
and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
[32]
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.
[33]
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.
[34] Then
Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is
no respecter of persons:
[35] But in every nation he that
feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
[36]
The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace
by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
[37] That word, I
say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began
from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
[38]
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.
[39] 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:
[40]
Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
[41]
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.
[42] 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.
[43] To him give all the prophets
witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall
receive remission of sins.
[44] While Peter yet spake these
words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
[45]
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.
[46] For they heard them speak
with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
[47]
Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which
have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
[48] And he
commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed
they him to tarry certain days.
[1]
And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the
Gentiles had also received the word of God.
[2] And when
Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision
contended with him,
[3] Saying, Thou wentest in to men
uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.
[4] But Peter
rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order
unto them, saying,
[5] 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:
[6] 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.
[7] And
I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat.
[8]
But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any
time entered into my mouth.
[9] But the voice answered me
again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou
common.
[10] And this was done three times: and all were
drawn up again into heaven.
[11] And, behold, immediately
there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent
from Caesarea unto me.
[12] And the spirit bade me go with
them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me,
and we entered into the man's house:
[13] 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;
[14]
Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be
saved.
[15] And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on
them, as on us at the beginning.
[16] 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.
[17]
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?
[18] When they heard these things, they held their
peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles
granted repentance unto life.
[19] 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.
[20] 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.
[21] And
the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and
turned unto the Lord.
[22] 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.
[23]
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.
[24] For he was a good man, and full of the Holy
Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
[25]
Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
[26]
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.
[27] And in these days came prophets from
Jerusalem unto Antioch.
[28] 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.
[29] Then the disciples, every man
according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren
which dwelt in Judaea:
[30] Which also they did, and sent
it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
[1]
Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex
certain of the church.
[2] And he killed James the brother
of John with the sword.
[3] And because he saw it pleased
the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the
days of unleavened bread.)
[4] 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.
[5] Peter therefore was kept in prison: but
prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
[6]
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.
[7] 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.
[8] 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.
[9] 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.
[10] 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.
[11]
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.
[12] 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.
[13] And as Peter
knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named
Rhoda.
[14] 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.
[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But
she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is
his angel.
[16] But Peter continued knocking: and when they
had opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
[17]
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.
[18] Now as
soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what
was become of Peter.
[19] 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.
[20] 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.
[21] And upon a set day Herod, arrayed in royal
apparel, sat upon his throne, and made an oration unto them.
[22]
And the people gave a shout, saying, It is the voice of a god, and
not of a man.
[23] 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.
[24] But the word of God grew
and multiplied.
[25] And Barnabas and Saul returned from
Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them
John, whose surname was Mark.
[1]
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.
[2] 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.
[3] And when they had
fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them
away.
[4] So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost,
departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
[5]
And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the
synagogues of the Jews: and they had also John to their minister.
[6]
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:
[7] 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.
[8] But Elymas the
sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them,
seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
[9] Then
Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his
eyes on him,
[10] 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?
[11]
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.
[12] Then the deputy, when he saw what was
done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
[13]
Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga
in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to
Jerusalem.
[14] But when they departed from Perga, they
came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the
sabbath day, and sat down.
[15] 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.
[16] Then Paul stood up, and beckoning
with his hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give
audience.
[17] 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.
[18]
And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the
wilderness.
[19] And when he had destroyed seven nations in
the land of Chanaan, he divided their land to them by lot.
[20]
And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four
hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
[21] 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.
[22] 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.
[23] Of this man's
seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour,
Jesus:
[24] When John had first preached before his coming
the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
[25]
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.
[26] Men and brethren,
children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth
God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
[27] 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.
[28] And
though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate
that he should be slain.
[29] And when they had fulfilled
all that was written of him, they took him down from the tree, and
laid him in a sepulchre.
[30] But God raised him from the
dead:
[31] And he was seen many days of them which came up
with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the
people.
[32] And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that
the promise which was made unto the fathers,
[33] 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.
[34] 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.
[35] Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou
shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
[36] 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:
[37] But he, whom God raised again, saw no
corruption.
[38] Be it known unto you therefore, men and
brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness
of sins:
[39] And by him all that believe are justified
from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of
Moses.
[40] Beware therefore, lest that come upon you,
which is spoken of in the prophets;
[41] 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.
[42] And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue,
the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the
next sabbath.
[43] 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.
[44] And the next sabbath day came almost the whole
city together to hear the word of God.
[45] 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.
[46] 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.
[47]
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.
[48] 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.
[49] And the word
of the Lord was published throughout all the region.
[50]
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.
[51] But
they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto
Iconium.
[52] And the disciples were filled with joy, and
with the Holy Ghost.
[1]
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.
[2] But the
unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil
affected against the brethren.
[3] 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.
[4] But the multitude of the city was divided: and
part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.
[5]
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,
[6] They were ware of it, and fled unto Lystra and
Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round
about:
[7] And there they preached the gospel.
[8]
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a
cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
[9]
The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and
perceiving that he had faith to be healed,
[10] Said with a
loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked.
[11]
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.
[12] And they called Barnabas,
Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
[13]
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.
[14] Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul,
heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people,
crying out,
[15] 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:
[16]
Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own
ways.
[17] 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.
[18]
And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they
had not done sacrifice unto them.
[19] 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.
[20] 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.
[21] And when they had
preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned
again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
[22]
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.
[23] 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.
[24] And after
they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
[25]
And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into
Attalia:
[26] And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence
they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they
fulfilled.
[27] 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.
[28]
And there they abode long time with the disciples.
[1]
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.
[2] 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.
[3] 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.
[4] 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.
[5] 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.
[6] And
the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this
matter.
[7] 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.
[8]
And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the
Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
[9] And put no
difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
[10]
Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the
disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
[11]
But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we
shall be saved, even as they.
[12] 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.
[13]
And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and
brethren, hearken unto me:
[14] Simeon hath declared how
God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people
for his name.
[15] And to this agree the words of the
prophets; as it is written,
[16] After this I will return,
and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down;
and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:
[17]
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.
[18] Known unto God are all his works from
the beginning of the world.
[19] Wherefore my sentence is,
that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to
God:
[20] But that we write unto them, that they abstain
from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things
strangled, and from blood.
[21] For Moses of old time hath
in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues
every sabbath day.
[22] 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:
[23] 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:
[24] 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:
[25] It seemed good unto us, being assembled
with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved
Barnabas and Paul,
[26] Men that have hazarded their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
[27] We have sent
therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by
mouth.
[28] For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to
us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary
things;
[29] 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.
[30]
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had
gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
[31]
Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
[32]
And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the
brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
[33] And
after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from
the brethren unto the apostles.
[34] Notwithstanding it
pleased Silas to abide there still.
[35] Paul also and
Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the
Lord, with many others also.
[36] 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.
[37] And Barnabas determined to take with them John,
whose surname was Mark.
[38] But Paul thought not good to
take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went
not with them to the work.
[39] 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;
[40] And
Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren
unto the grace of God.
[41] And he went through Syria and
Cilicia, confirming the churches.
[1]
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:
[2] Which
was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and
Iconium.
[3] 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.
[4]
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.
[5] And so were the churches established in
the faith, and increased in number daily.
[6] 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,
[7]
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but
the Spirit suffered them not.
[8] And they passing by Mysia
came down to Troas.
[9] 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.
[10] And after he
had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia,
assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the
gospel unto them.
[11] Therefore loosing from Troas, we
came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to
Neapolis;
[12] 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.
[13] 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.
[14] 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.
[15] And when she was baptized, and
her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be
faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she
constrained us.
[16] 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:
[17]
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.
[18] 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.
[19]
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,
[20] And brought them to the magistrates, saying,
These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
[21]
And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to
observe, being Romans.
[22] And the multitude rose up
together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes,
and commanded to beat them.
[23] And when they had laid
many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the
jailor to keep them safely:
[24] Who, having received such
a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast
in the stocks.
[25] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed,
and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
[26]
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.
[27] 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.
[28] But Paul cried with
a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
[29]
Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and
fell down before Paul and Silas,
[30] And brought them out,
and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
[31] And they
said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and
thy house.
[32] And they spake unto him the word of the
Lord, and to all that were in his house.
[33] And he took
them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was
baptized, he and all his, straightway.
[34] And when he had
brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced,
believing in God with all his house.
[35] And when it was
day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men
go.
[36] 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.
[37] 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.
[38] And the
serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared,
when they heard that they were Romans.
[39] And they came
and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart
out of the city.
[40] 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.
[1]
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came
to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
[2] And
Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days
reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
[3] 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.
[4]
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.
[5] 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.
[6]
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;
[7] Whom Jason hath
received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying
that there is another king, one Jesus.
[8] And they
troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these
things.
[9] And when they had taken security of Jason, and
of the other, they let them go.
[10] And the brethren
immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming
thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.
[11] 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.
[12] Therefore many of them
believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not
a few.
[13] 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.
[14] And then immediately
the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas
and Timotheus abode there still.
[15] 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.
[16] Now while Paul waited for them at Athens,
his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to
idolatry.
[17] 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.
[18] 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.
[19] And they took him, and brought him unto
Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou
speakest, is?
[20] For thou bringest certain strange things
to our ears: we would know therefore what these things mean.
[21]
(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.)
[22] 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.
[23] 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.
[24] 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;
[25] Neither is worshipped with men's
hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life,
and breath, and all things;
[26] 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;
[27] 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:
[28] 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.
[29] 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.
[30]
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all
men every where to repent:
[31] 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.
[32] And
when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and
others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
[33]
So Paul departed from among them.
[34] Howbeit certain men
clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the
Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
[1]
After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to
Corinth;
[2] 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.
[3] And because he was of the same craft, he
abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were
tentmakers.
[4] And he reasoned in the synagogue every
sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
[5] And
when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed
in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.
[6]
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.
[7] 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.
[8] 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.
[9] Then
spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but
speak, and hold not thy peace:
[10] For I am with thee, and
no man shall set on thee to hurt thee: for I have much people in this
city.
[11] And he continued there a year and six months,
teaching the word of God among them.
[12] And when Gallio
was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord
against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
[13]
Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the
law.
[14] 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:
[15]
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.
[16] And he
drave them from the judgment seat.
[17] 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.
[18]
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.
[19] And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but
he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the
Jews.
[20] When they desired him to tarry longer time with
them, he consented not;
[21] 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.
[22] And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone
up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch.
[23]
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.
[24] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born
at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to
Ephesus.
[25] 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.
[26]
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.
[27] 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:
[28] For he mightily
convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures
that Jesus was Christ.
[1]
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,
[2] 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.
[3] And he said
unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto
John's baptism.
[4] 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.
[5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus.
[6] And when Paul had laid his
hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with
tongues, and prophesied.
[7] And all the men were about
twelve.
[8] 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.
[9] 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.
[10] 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.
[11] And God wrought special miracles by the hands
of Paul:
[12] 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.
[13] 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.
[14] And there were seven sons
of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.
[15]
And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know;
but who are ye?
[16] And the man in whom the evil spirit
was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so
that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
[17]
And this 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.
[18] And many that believed came, and
confessed, and shewed their deeds.
[19] 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.
[20] So mightily grew the
word of God and prevailed.
[21] 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.
[22] So he sent into Macedonia
two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he
himself stayed in Asia for a season.
[23] And the same time
there arose no small stir about that way.
[24] For a
certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines
for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
[25]
Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and
said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
[26]
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:
[27]
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.
[28] And when they heard these sayings, they
were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the
Ephesians.
[29] 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.
[30] And when Paul would have entered in unto the
people, the disciples suffered him not.
[31] 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.
[32]
Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly
was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come
together.
[33] 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.
[34]
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.
[35]
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?
[36] Seeing then that
these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to
do nothing rashly.
[37] For ye have brought hither these
men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of
your goddess.
[38] 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.
[39]
But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be
determined in a lawful assembly.
[40] 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.
[41] And
when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
[1]
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples,
and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
[2]
And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much
exhortation, he came into Greece,
[3] 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.
[4]
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.
[5] These
going before tarried for us at Troas.
[6] 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.
[7]
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.
[8] And
there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered
together.
[9] 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.
[10] And Paul went down, and
fell on him, and embracing him said, Trouble not yourselves; for his
life is in him.
[11] 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.
[12] And they brought the
young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
[13] 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.
[14] And when he met with us at Assos, we took him
in, and came to Mitylene.
[15] 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.
[16] 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.
[17]
And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the
church.
[18] 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,
[19] 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:
[20]
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,
[21] Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the
Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus
Christ.
[22] And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto
Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
[23]
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds
and afflictions abide me.
[24] 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.
[25]
And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching
the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
[26]
Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the
blood of all men.
[27] For I have not shunned to declare
unto you all the counsel of God.
[28] 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.
[29] For I know this, that
after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not
sparing the flock.
[30] Also of your own selves shall men
arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after
them.
[31] Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space
of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with
tears.
[32] 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.
[33] I
have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
[34]
Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my
necessities, and to them that were with me.
[35] 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.
[36] And when he had
thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
[37]
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
[38]
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.
[1]
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:
[2] And
finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set
forth.
[3] 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.
[4] And finding
disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the
Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
[5] 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.
[6]
And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and
they returned home again.
[7] And when we had finished our
course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and
abode with them one day.
[8] 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.
[9] And the same man had four
daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
[10] And as we
tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain
prophet, named Agabus.
[11] 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.
[12] And when we heard these things, both we,
and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
[13]
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.
[14] And when he would not be
persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
[15]
And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to
Jerusalem.
[16] 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.
[17] And when we
were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
[18]
And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the
elders were present.
[19] And when he had saluted them, he
declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles
by his ministry.
[20] 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:
[21] 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.
[22] What is it therefore? the
multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art
come.
[23] Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have
four men which have a vow on them;
[24] 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.
[25] 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.
[26] 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 purifcation, until that an offering
should be offered for every one of them.
[27] 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,
[28] 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.
[29] (For they had seen
before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed
that Paul had brought into the temple.)
[30] 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.
[31]
And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief
captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
[32]
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.
[33] 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.
[34] 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.
[35] And when he came upon the stairs, so it was,
that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the
people.
[36] For the multitude of the people followed
after, crying, Away with him.
[37] 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?
[38] Art not thou
that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest
out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
[39]
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.
[40] 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,
[1]
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto
you.
[2] (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew
tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
[3]
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.
[4] And I
persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into
prisons both men and women.
[5] 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.
[6] 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.
[7] And I
fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul,
why persecutest thou me?
[8] And I answered, Who art thou,
Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou
persecutest.
[9] 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.
[10] 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.
[11] 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.
[12] And one Ananias, a devout man according to
the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
[13]
Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy
sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
[14] 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.
[15] For thou shalt be his witness unto all men
of what thou hast seen and heard.
[16] And now why tarriest
thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the
name of the Lord.
[17] 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;
[18] And saw him saying unto me, Make haste,
and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy
testimony concerning me.
[19] And I said, Lord, they know
that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on
thee:
[20] And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was
shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept
the raiment of them that slew him.
[21] And he said unto
me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.
[22]
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.
[23] And as they cried out,
and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,
[24]
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.
[25] 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?
[26] When the centurion heard that, he went
and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for
this man is a Roman.
[27] Then the chief captain came, and
said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
[28]
And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this
freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
[29] 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.
[30] 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.
[1]
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I
have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
[2]
And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite
him on the mouth.
[3] 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?
[4]
And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
[5]
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.
[6] 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.
[7] And
when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees
and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
[8] For
the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor
spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
[9] 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.
[10]
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.
[11] 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.
[12] 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.
[13] And
they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
[14]
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.
[15] Now therefore ye with the council
signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to
morrow, as though ye would inquire something more perfectly
concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill
him.
[16] And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying
in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
[17]
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.
[18] 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.
[19] 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?
[20] 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 inquire somewhat of him more
perfectly.
[21] 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.
[22] 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.
[23] 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;
[24] And provide them
beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the
governor.
[25] And he wrote a letter after this
manner:
[26] Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent
governor Felix sendeth greeting.
[27] 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.
[28]
And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I
brought him forth into their council:
[29] 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.
[30] 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.
[31] Then
the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by
night to Antipatris.
[32] On the morrow they left the
horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:
[33]
Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the epistle to the
governor, presented Paul also before him.
[34] And when the
governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And
when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
[35] I will hear
thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded
him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
[1]
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.
[2] 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,
[3] We accept it always, and in all
places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.
[4]
Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee
that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
[5]
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:
[6] Who also hath gone about to
profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to
our law.
[7] But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and
with great violence took him away out of our hands,
[8]
Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom
thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse
him.
[9] And the Jews also assented, saying that these
things were so.
[10] 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:
[11] Because that thou mayest
understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to
Jerusalem for to worship.
[12] 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:
[13] Neither
can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
[14]
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:
[15] 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.
[16] And herein do I exercise myself, to have
always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
[17]
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and
offerings.
[18] Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me
purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
[19]
Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had
ought against me.
[20] Or else let these same here say, if
they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the
council,
[21] 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.
[22] 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.
[23] 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.
[24] 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.
[25] 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.
[26] 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.
[27]
But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix,
willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
[1]
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he
ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
[2] Then the high
priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and
besought him,
[3] And desired favour against him, that he
would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill
him.
[4] But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at
Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
[5]
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.
[6]
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.
[7] 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.
[8]
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.
[9] 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?
[10] 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.
[11]
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.
[12] Then Festus, when he had conferred with the
council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt
thou go.
[13] And after certain days king Agrippa and
Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
[14] 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:
[15]
About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders
of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
[16]
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.
[17] 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.
[18] Against
whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such
things as I supposed:
[19] But had certain questions
against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was
dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
[20] 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.
[21]
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.
[22] Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also
hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
[23]
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.
[24] 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.
[25]
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.
[26] 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.
[27] For it seemeth to me
unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes
laid against him.
[1]
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
[2]
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:
[3] 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.
[4] My manner of life
from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at
Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
[5] Which knew me from the
beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect
of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
[6] And now I stand and
am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our
fathers:
[7] 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.
[8] Why
should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should
raise the dead?
[9] I verily thought with myself, that I
ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of
Nazareth.
[10] 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.
[11] 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.
[12]
Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from
the chief priests,
[13] 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.
[14] 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.
[15] And I
said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou
persecutest.
[16] 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;
[17]
Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now
I send thee,
[18] To open their eyes, and to turn them from
darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they
may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are
sanctified by faith that is in me.
[19] Whereupon, O king
Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
[20]
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.
[21] For these causes the Jews caught me in the
temple, and went about to kill me.
[22] 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:
[23] 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.
[24] And as he thus spake for himself, Festus
said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning
doth make thee mad.
[25] But he said, I am not mad, most
noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
[26]
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.
[27] King
Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou
believest.
[28] Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou
persuadest me to be a Christian.
[29] 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.
[30] And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up,
and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
[31]
And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves,
saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
[32]
Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at
liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
[1]
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.
[2] 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.
[3]
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.
[4] And when we had launched from thence,
we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
[5]
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came
to Myra, a city of Lycia.
[6] And there the centurion found
a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.
[7]
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;
[8] And, hardly passing it, came unto
a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city
of Lasea.
[9] Now when much time was spent, and when
sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past,
Paul admonished them,
[10] 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.
[11]
Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the
ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
[12]
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.
[13] And when the
south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their
purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
[14]
But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called
Euroclydon.
[15] And when the ship was caught, and could
not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
[16] And
running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much
work to come by the boat:
[17] 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.
[18] And we being exceedingly tossed with a
tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
[19] And the
third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the
ship.
[20] 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.
[21] 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.
[22] 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.
[23] For there stood by me this night the angel
of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,
[24] Saying, Fear
not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath
given thee all them that sail with thee.
[25] Wherefore,
sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as
it was told me.
[26] Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain
island.
[27] 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;
[28] And sounded, and
found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further,
they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
[29] Then
fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors
out of the stern, and wished for the day.
[30] 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,
[31] Paul said to the
centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye
cannot be saved.
[32] Then the soldiers cut off the ropes
of the boat, and let her fall off.
[33] 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.
[34] 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.
[35] 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.
[36] Then
were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
[37]
And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen
souls.
[38] And when they had eaten enough, they lightened
the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.
[39] 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.
[40] 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.
[41] 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.
[42] And the soldiers' counsel was to kill
the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
[43]
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:
[44] 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.
[1]
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called
Melita.
[2] 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.
[3] 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.
[4]
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.
[5]
And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
[6]
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.
[7] 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.
[8] 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.
[9] So when this was done, others also, which
had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
[10] Who
also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded
us with such things as were necessary.
[11] And after three
months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the
isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
[12] And landing at
Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
[13] 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:
[14]
Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven
days: and so we went toward Rome.
[15] And from thence,
when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as
Appiiforum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked
God, and took courage.
[16] 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.
[17] 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.
[18] Who, when they had examined me, would have let
me go, because there was no cause of death in me.
[19] But
when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto
Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
[20]
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.
[21] 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.
[22]
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning
this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
[23]
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.
[24] And
some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed
not.
[25] 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,
[26] Saying,
Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not
understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
[27]
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.
[28]
Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent
unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
[29] And
when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great
reasoning among themselves.
[30] And Paul dwelt two whole
years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto
him,
[31] Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those
things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no
man forbidding him.