Acts

Jesus Ascends to Heaven

1:1 I wrote1 the former2 account,3 Theophilus,4 about all that Jesus began to do and teach 1:2 until the day he was taken up to heaven,5 after he had given orders6 by7 the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. 1:3 To the same apostles8 also, after his suffering,9 with many convincing proofs he presented himself alive. He was seen by them over a forty-day period10 and spoke about matters concerning the kingdom of God. 1:4 While he was with them,11 he declared,12 "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait there13 for what my14 Father promised,15 which you heard about from me.16 1:5 For17 John baptized with water, but you18 will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

1:6 So when they had gathered together, they began to ask him,19 "Lord, is this the time when you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?" 1:7 He told them, "You are not permitted to know20 the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the farthest parts21 of the earth." 1:9 After22 he had said this, while they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud hid him from their sight. 1:10 As23 they were still staring into the sky while he was going, suddenly24 two men in white clothing stood near them 1:11 and said, "Men of Galilee, why do you stand here25 looking up into the sky? This same Jesus who has been taken up from you into heaven26 will come back in the same way you saw him go into heaven."

A Replacement for Judas is Chosen

1:12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain27 called the Mount of Olives28 (which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey29 away). 1:13 When30 they had entered Jerusalem,31 they went to the upstairs room where they were staying. Peter32 and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James were there.33 1:14 All these continued together in prayer with one mind, together with the women, along with Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.34 1:15 In those days35 Peter stood up among the believers36 (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty people) and said, 1:16 "Brothers,37 the scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through38 David concerning Judas--who became the guide for those who arrested Jesus-- 1:17 for he was counted as one of us and received a share in this ministry."39 1:18 (Now this man Judas40 acquired a field with the reward of his unjust deed,41 and falling headfirst42 he burst open in the middle and all his bowels43 gushed out. 1:19 This44 became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so that in their own language45 they called the field46 Hakeldama, that is, "Field of Blood.") 1:20 "For it is written in the book of Psalms, `Let his house become deserted,47 and let there be no one to live in it,'48 and `Let another take his position of responsibility.'49 1:21 Thus one of the men50 who have accompanied us during all the time the Lord Jesus associated with51 us, 1:22 beginning from the baptism by John until the day he52 was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness of his resurrection together with us." 1:23 So they proposed two candidates:53 Joseph called Barsabbas (also called Justus) and Matthias. 1:24 Then they prayed,54 "Lord, you know the hearts of all. Show us which one of these two you have chosen 1:25 to assume the task55 of this service56 and apostleship from which Judas turned aside57 to go to his own place."58 1:26 Then59 they cast lots for them, and the one chosen was Matthias;60 so he was counted with the eleven apostles.61

The Coming of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost

2:1 Now1 when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2:2 Suddenly2 a sound3 like a violent wind blowing4 came from heaven5 and filled the entire house where they were sitting. 2:3 And tongues spreading out like a fire6 appeared to them and came to rest on each one of them. 2:4 All7 of them were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak8 in other languages9 as the Spirit enabled them.

2:5 Now there were devout Jews10 from every nation under heaven residing in Jerusalem.11 2:6 When this sound12 occurred, a crowd gathered and was in confusion,13 because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 Completely baffled, they said,14 "Aren't15 all these who are speaking Galileans? 2:8 And how is it that each one of us hears them16 in our own native language?17 2:9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,18 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene,19 and visitors from Rome, 2:11 both Jews and proselytes,20 Cretans and Arabs--we hear them speaking in our own languages about the great deeds God has done!"21 2:12 All were astounded and greatly confused, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" 2:13 But others jeered at the believers,22 saying, "They are drunk on new wine!"23

Peter's Address on the Day of Pentecost

2:14 But Peter stood up24 with the eleven, raised his voice, and addressed them: "You Jewish men25 and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and listen carefully to what I say. 2:15 In spite of what you think, these men are not drunk,26 for it is only nine o'clock in the morning.27 2:16 But this is what was spoken about through the prophet Joel:28

2:22 "Israelite men, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man clearly attested to you by God with powerful deeds,38 wonders, and miraculous signs39 that God performed through him among you, just as you yourselves know-- 2:23 this man, who was handed over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you executed40 by nailing him to a cross at the hands of Gentiles.41 2:24 But God raised him up,42 having released43 him from the pains44 of death, because it was not possible for him to be held in its power.45 2:25 For David says about him,

2:29 "Brothers, I can speak confidently51 to you about our forefather52 David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 2:30 So then, because53 he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn to him with an oath to seat one of his descendants54 on his throne,55 2:31 David by foreseeing this56 spoke about the resurrection of the Christ,57 that he was neither abandoned to Hades,58 nor did his body59 experience60 decay.61 2:32 This Jesus God raised up, and we are all witnesses of it.62 2:33 So then, exalted63 to the right hand64 of God, and having received65 the promise of the Holy Spirit66 from the Father, he has poured out67 what you both see and hear. 2:34 For David did not ascend into heaven, but he himself says,

2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know beyond a doubt71 that God has made this Jesus whom you crucified72 both Lord73 and Christ."74

The Response to Peter's Address

2:37 Now when they heard this,75 they were acutely distressed76 and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "What should we do, brothers?" 2:38 Peter said to them, "Repent, and each one of you be baptized77 in the name of Jesus Christ78 for79 the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.80 2:39 For the promise81 is for you and your children, and for all who are far away, as many as the Lord our God will call to himself." 2:40 With many other words he testified82 and exhorted them saying, "Save yourselves from this perverse83 generation!" 2:41 So those who accepted84 his message85 were baptized, and that day about three thousand people86 were added.87

The Fellowship of the Early Believers

2:42 They were devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship,88 to the breaking of bread and to prayer.89 2:43 Reverential awe90 came on everyone,91 and many wonders and miraculous signs92 came about by the apostles. 2:44 All who believed were together and held93 everything in common, 2:45 and they began selling94 their property95 and possessions and distributing the proceeds96 to everyone, as anyone had need. 2:46 Every day97 they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts,98 breaking bread from99 house to house, sharing their food with glad100 and humble hearts,101 2:47 praising God and having the good will102 of all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number every day103 those who were being saved.

Peter and John Heal a Lame Man at the Temple

3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time1 for prayer,2 at three o'clock in the afternoon.3 3:2 And a man lame4 from birth5 was being carried up, who was placed every day6 at the temple gate called "the Beautiful Gate" so he could beg for money7 from those going into the temple courts.8 3:3 When he saw Peter and John about to go into the temple courts,9 he asked them for money.10 3:4 Peter looked directly11 at him (as did John) and said, "Look at us!" 3:5 So the lame man12 paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them. 3:6 But Peter said, "I have no silver or gold,13 but what I do have I give you. In the name14 of Jesus Christ15 the Nazarene, stand up and16 walk!" 3:7 Then17 Peter18 took hold19 of him by the right hand and raised him up, and at once the man's20 feet and ankles were made strong.21 3:8 He22 jumped up,23 stood and began walking around, and he entered the temple courts24 with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 3:9 All25 the people saw him walking and praising God, 3:10 and they recognized him as the man who used to sit and ask for donations26 at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with astonishment and amazement27 at what had happened to him.

Peter's Address to the Crowd in the Temple Courts

3:11 While the man28 was hanging on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the covered walkway29 called Solomon's Portico,30 completely astounded. 3:12 When Peter saw this, he declared to the people, "Men of Israel,31 why are you amazed at this? Why32 do you stare at us as if we had made this man33 walk by our own power or piety? 3:13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,34 the God of our forefathers,35 has glorified36 his servant37 Jesus, whom you handed over and rejected38 in the presence of Pilate after he had decided39 to release him. 3:14 But you rejected40 the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a man who was a murderer be released to you. 3:15 You killed41 the Originator42 of life, whom God raised43 from the dead. To this fact we are witnesses.44 3:16 And on the basis of faith in Jesus'45 name,46 his very name has made this man strong whom you see and know. The47 faith that is through Jesus48 has given him this complete health in the presence49 of you all. 3:17 And now, brothers, I know you acted in ignorance,50 as your rulers did too. 3:18 But the things God foretold51 long ago through52 all the prophets, that his Christ53 would suffer, he has fulfilled in this way. 3:19 Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, 3:20 so that times of refreshing54 may come from the presence of the Lord,55 and so that he may send the Messiah56 appointed57 for you--that is, Jesus. 3:21 This one58 heaven must59 receive until the time all things are restored,60 which God declared61 from times long ago62 through his holy prophets. 3:22 Moses said, `The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must obey63 him in everything he tells you.64 3:23 Every person65 who does not obey that prophet will be destroyed and thus removed66 from the people.'67 3:24 And all the prophets, from Samuel and those who followed him, have spoken about and announced68 these days. 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your ancestors,69 saying to Abraham, `And in your descendants70 all the nations71 of the earth will be blessed.'72 3:26 God raised up73 his servant and sent him first to you, to bless you by turning74 each one of you from your iniquities."75

The Arrest and Trial of Peter and John

4:1 While Peter and John1 were speaking to the people, the priests and the commander2 of the temple guard3 and the Sadducees4 came up5 to them, 4:2 angry6 because they were teaching the people and announcing7 in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 4:3 So8 they seized9 them and put them in jail10 until the next day (for it was already evening). 4:4 But many of those who had listened to11 the message12 believed, and the number of the men13 came to about five thousand.

4:5 On the next day,14 their rulers, elders, and experts in the law15 came together16 in Jerusalem. 4:6 Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others who were members of the high priest's family.17 4:7 After18 making Peter and John19 stand in their midst, they began inquiring, "By what power or by what name20 did you do this?" 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,21 replied,22 "Rulers of the people and elders, 4:9 if23 we are being examined24 today for a good deed25 done to a sick man--by what means this man was healed26-- 4:10 let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ27 the Nazarene whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, this man stands before you healthy. 4:11 This Jesus28 is the stone that was rejected by you,29 the builders, that has become the cornerstone.30 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among people31 by which we must32 be saved."

4:13 When they saw the boldness33 of Peter and John, and discovered34 that they were uneducated35 and ordinary36 men, they were amazed and recognized these men had been with Jesus. 4:14 And because they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against this.37 4:15 But when they had ordered them to go outside the council,38 they began to confer with one another, 4:16 saying, "What should we do with these men? For it is plain39 to all who live in Jerusalem that a notable miraculous sign40 has come about through them,41 and we cannot deny it. 4:17 But to keep this matter from spreading any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more42 to anyone in this name." 4:18 And they called them in and ordered43 them not to speak or teach at all in the name44 of Jesus. 4:19 But Peter and John replied,45 "Whether it is right before God to obey46 you rather than God, you decide, 4:20 for it is impossible47 for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard." 4:21 After threatening them further, they released them, for they could not find how to punish them on account of the people, because they were all praising48 God for what had happened. 4:22 For the man, on whom this miraculous sign49 of healing had been performed,50 was over forty years old.

The Followers of Jesus Pray for Boldness

4:23 When they were released, Peter and John51 went to their fellow believers52 and reported everything the high priests and the elders had said to them. 4:24 When they heard this, they raised their voices to God with one mind53 and said, "Master of all,54 you who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything that is in them, 4:25 who said by the Holy Spirit through55 your servant David our forefather,56

4:27 "For both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together in this city against63 your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed,64 4:28 to do as much as your power65 and your plan66 had decided beforehand67 would happen. 4:29 And now, Lord, pay attention to68 their threats, and grant69 to your servants70 to speak your message71 with great courage,72 4:30 while you extend your hand to heal, and to bring about miraculous signs73 and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." 4:31 When74 they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken,75 and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak76 the word of God77 courageously.78

Conditions Among the Early Believers

4:32 The group of those who believed were of one heart and mind,79 and no one said that anything that belonged to him was his own, but everything was held in common.80 4:33 With81 great power the apostles were giving testimony82 to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all. 4:34 For there was no one needy83 among them, because those who were owners of land or houses were selling84 them85 and bringing the proceeds from the sales 4:35 and placing them at the apostles' feet. The proceeds86 were distributed to each, as anyone had need. 4:36 So Joseph, a Levite who was a native of Cyprus, called by the apostles Barnabas (which is translated "son of encouragement"),87 4:37 sold88 a field89 that belonged to him and brought the money90 and placed it at the apostles' feet.

The Judgment on Ananias and Sapphira

5:1 Now a man named Ananias, together with Sapphira his wife, sold a piece of property. 5:2 He1 kept back for himself part of the proceeds with his wife's knowledge; he brought2 only part of it and placed it at the apostles' feet. 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled3 your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back for yourself part of the proceeds from the sale of4 the land? 5:4 Before it was sold,5 did it not6 belong to you? And when it was sold, was it not at your disposal? How have you thought up this deed in your heart?7 You have not lied to people8 but to God!"

5:5 When Ananias heard these words he collapsed and died, and great fear gripped9 all who heard about it. 5:6 So the young men came,10 wrapped him up,11 carried him out, and buried12 him. 5:7 After an interval of about three hours,13 his wife came in, but she did not know14 what had happened. 5:8 Peter said to her, "Tell me, were the two of you15 paid this amount16 for the land?" Sapphira17 said, "Yes, that much." 5:9 Peter then told her, "Why have you agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!" 5:10 At once18 she collapsed at his feet and died. So when the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 5:11 Great19 fear gripped20 the whole church,21 and all who heard about these things.

The Apostles Perform Miraculous Signs and Wonders

5:12 Now many miraculous signs22 and wonders came about among the people through the hands of the apostles. By23 common consent24 they were all meeting together in Solomon's Portico.25 5:13 None of the rest dared to join them,26 but the people held them in high honor.27 5:14 More and more believers in the Lord were added to their number,28 crowds of both men and women. 5:15 Thus29 they even carried the sick out into the streets, and put them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by at least his shadow would fall on some of them. 5:16 A crowd of people from the towns around Jerusalem also came together, bringing the sick and those troubled by unclean spirits.30 They31 were all32 being healed.

Further Trouble for the Apostles

5:17 Now the high priest rose up, and all those with him (that is, the religious party of the Sadducees33),34 and they were filled with jealousy.35 5:18 They36 laid hands on37 the apostles and put them in a public jail. 5:19 But during the night an angel of the Lord38 opened39 the doors of the prison,40 led them out,41 and said, 5:20 "Go and stand in the temple courts42 and proclaim43 to the people all the words of this life." 5:21 When they heard this, they entered the temple courts44 at daybreak and began teaching.45

Now when the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they summoned the Sanhedrin46--that is, the whole high council47 of the Israelites48--and sent to the jail to have the apostles49 brought before them.50 5:22 But the officers51 who came for them52 did not find them in the prison, so they returned and reported,53 5:23 "We found the jail locked securely and the guards standing at the doors, but when we opened them,54 we found no one inside." 5:24 Now when the commander55 of the temple guard56 and the chief priests heard this report,57 they were greatly puzzled concerning it,58 wondering what this could59 be. 5:25 But someone came and reported to them, "Look! The men you put in prison are standing in the temple courts60 and teaching61 the people!" 5:26 Then the commander62 of the temple guard63 went with the officers64 and brought the apostles65 without the use of force66 (for they were afraid of being stoned by the people).67

5:27 When they had brought them, they stood them before the council,68 and the high priest questioned69 them, 5:28 saying, "We gave you strict orders70 not to teach in this name.71 Look,72 you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and you intend to bring this man's blood73 on us!" 5:29 But Peter and the apostles replied,74 "We must obey75 God rather than men. 5:30 The God of our forefathers76 raised up Jesus, whom you seized and killed by hanging him on a tree.77 5:31 God exalted him78 to his right hand as Leader79 and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.80 5:32 And we are witnesses of these events,81 and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey82 him."

5:33 Now when they heard this, they became furious83 and wanted to execute them.84 5:34 But a Pharisee85 whose name was Gamaliel,86 a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up87 in the council88 and ordered the men to be put outside for a short time. 5:35 Then he said to the council,89 "Israelite men, pay close attention to90 what you are about to do to these men. 5:36 For some time ago91 Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He92 was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and nothing came of it.93 5:37 After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the census,94 and incited people to follow him in revolt.95 He too was killed, and all who followed him were scattered. 5:38 So in this case I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, because if this plan or this undertaking originates with men, it will come to nothing,96 5:39 but if97 it is from God, you will not be able to stop them, or you may even be found98 fighting against God." He convinced them,99 5:40 and they summoned the apostles and had them beaten.100 Then101 they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and released them. 5:41 So they left the council rejoicing because they had been considered worthy102 to suffer dishonor for the sake of the name.103 5:42 And every day both in the temple courts104 and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news105 that Jesus was the Christ.106

The Appointment of the First Seven Deacons

6:1 Now in these days, when the disciples were growing in number,1 a complaint arose on the part of the Greek-speaking Jews2 against the native Hebraic Jews,3 because their widows4 were being overlooked5 in the daily distribution of food.6 6:2 So the twelve7 called8 the whole group9 of the disciples together and said, "It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to wait on tables.10 6:3 But carefully select from among you, brothers,11 seven12 men who are well-attested,13 full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge14 of this necessary task.15 6:4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word." 6:5 The16 proposal pleased the entire group, so17 they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, with18 Philip,19 Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a Jewish convert20 from Antioch. 6:6 They stood these men before the apostles, who prayed21 and placed22 their hands on them. 6:7 The word of God continued to spread,23 the number of disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly, and a large group24 of priests became obedient to the faith.

Stephen is Arrested

6:8 Now Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and miraculous signs25 among the people. 6:9 But some men from the Synagogue26 of the Freedmen (as it was called),27 both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, as well as some from Cilicia and Asia,28 stood up and argued with Stephen. 6:10 Yet29 they were not able to resist30 the wisdom and the Spirit with which he spoke. 6:11 Then they secretly instigated31 some men to say, "We have heard this man32 speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God." 6:12 They incited the people, the33 elders, and the experts in the law;34 then they approached Stephen,35 seized him, and brought him before the council.36 6:13 They brought forward false witnesses who said, "This man does not stop saying things against this holy place37 and the law.38 6:14 For we have heard him saying that Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place and change the customs39 that Moses handed down to us." 6:15 All40 who were sitting in the council41 looked intently at Stephen42 and saw his face was like the face of an angel.43

Stephen's Defense Before the Council

7:1 Then the high priest said, "Are these things true?"1 7:2 So he replied,2 "Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our forefather3 Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran, 7:3 and said to him, `Go out from your country and from your relatives, and come to the land I will show you.'4 7:4 Then he went out from the country of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God5 made him move6 to this country where you now live. 7:5 He7 did not give any of it to him for an inheritance,8 not even a foot of ground,9 yet God10 promised to give it to him as his possession, and to his descendants after him,11 even though Abraham12 as yet had no child. 7:6 But God spoke as follows: `Your13 descendants will be foreigners14 in a foreign country, whose citizens will enslave them and mistreat them for four hundred years.15 7:7 But I will punish16 the nation they serve as slaves,' said God, `and after these things they will come out of there17 and worship18 me in this place.'19 7:8 Then God20 gave Abraham21 the covenant22 of circumcision, and so he became the father of Isaac and circumcised him when he was eight days old,23 and Isaac became the father of24 Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.25 7:9 The26 patriarchs, because they were jealous of Joseph, sold27 him into Egypt. But28 God was with him, 7:10 and rescued him from all his troubles, and granted him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made29 him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. 7:11 Then a famine came on all Egypt and Canaan, causing30 great suffering, and our31 ancestors32 could not find food. 7:12 So when Jacob heard that there was grain33 in Egypt, he sent our ancestors34 there35 the first time. 7:13 On their second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers again, and Joseph's family36 became known to Pharaoh. 7:14 So Joseph sent a message37 and invited38 his father Jacob and all his relatives to come, seventy-five people39 in all. 7:15 So Jacob went down to Egypt and died there,40 along with our ancestors,41 7:16 and their bones42 were later moved to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a certain sum of money43 from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

7:17 "But as the time drew near for God to fulfill the promise he had declared to Abraham,44 the people increased and multiplied45 in Egypt, 7:18 until another king who did not know about46 Joseph ruled47 over Egypt.48 7:19 This was the one who exploited49 our people50 and was cruel to our ancestors,51 forcing them to abandon52 their infants so they would die.53 7:20 At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful54 to God. For55 three months he was brought up in his father's house, 7:21 and when he had been abandoned,56 Pharaoh's daughter adopted57 him and brought him up58 as her own son. 7:22 So Moses was trained59 in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful60 in his words and deeds. 7:23 But when he was about forty years old, it entered his mind61 to visit his fellow countrymen62 the Israelites.63 7:24 When64 he saw one of them being hurt unfairly,65 Moses66 came to his defense67 and avenged the person who was mistreated by striking down the Egyptian. 7:25 He thought his own people68 would understand that God was delivering them69 through him,70 but they did not understand.71 7:26 The next day Moses72 saw two men73 fighting, and tried to make peace between74 them, saying, `Men, you are brothers; why are you hurting one another?' 7:27 But the man who was unfairly hurting his neighbor pushed75 Moses76 aside, saying, `Who made77 you a ruler and judge over us? 7:28 You don't want to kill me the way you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?'78 7:29 When the man said this,79 Moses fled and became a foreigner80 in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.

7:30 "After81 forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the desert82 of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.83 7:31 When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and when he approached to investigate, there came the voice of the Lord, 7:32 `I am the God of your forefathers,84 the God of Abraham, Isaac,85 and Jacob.'86 Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look more closely.87 7:33 But the Lord said to him, `Take the sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.88 7:34 I have certainly seen the suffering89 of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to rescue them.90 Now91 come, I will send you to Egypt.'92 7:35 This same93 Moses they had rejected, saying, `Who made you a ruler and judge?'94 God sent as both ruler and deliverer95 through the hand of the angel96 who appeared to him in the bush. 7:36 This man led them out, performing wonders and miraculous signs97 in the land of Egypt,98 at99 the Red Sea, and in the wilderness100 for forty years. 7:37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites,101 `God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.'102 7:38 This is the man who was in the congregation103 in the wilderness104 with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors,105 and he106 received living oracles107 to give to you.108 7:39 Our109 ancestors110 were unwilling to obey111 him, but pushed him aside112 and turned back to Egypt in their hearts, 7:40 saying to Aaron, `Make us gods who will go in front of us, for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt,113 we do not know what has happened to him!'114 7:41 At115 that time116 they made an idol in the form of a calf,117 brought118 a sacrifice to the idol, and began rejoicing119 in the works of their hands.120 7:42 But God turned away from them and gave them over121 to worship the host122 of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: `It was not to me that you offered slain animals and sacrifices123 forty years in the wilderness, was it,124 house of Israel? 7:43 But you took along the tabernacle125 of Moloch126 and the star of your god Rephan,127 the images you made to worship, but I will make you move128 beyond Babylon.'129 7:44 Our ancestors130 had the tabernacle131 of testimony in the wilderness,132 just as God133 who spoke to Moses ordered him134 to make it according to the pattern he had seen. 7:45 Our135 ancestors136 received possession of it and brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our ancestors,137 until the time138 of David. 7:46 He139 found favor140 with141 God and asked that he could142 find a dwelling place143 for the house144 of Jacob. 7:47 But Solomon built a house145 for him. 7:48 Yet the Most High146 does not live in houses made by human hands,147 as the prophet says,

7:51 "You stubborn151 people, with uncircumcised152 hearts and ears!153 You are always resisting the Holy Spirit, like your ancestors154 did! 7:52 Which of the prophets did your ancestors155 not persecute?156 They157 killed those who foretold long ago the coming of the Righteous One,158 whose betrayers and murderers you have now become!159 7:53 You160 received the law by decrees given by angels,161 but you did not obey162 it."163

Stephen is Killed

7:54 When they heard these things, they became furious1 and ground their teeth2 at him. 7:55 But Stephen,3 full4 of the Holy Spirit, looked intently5 toward heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing6 at the right hand of God. 7:56 "Look!" he said.7 "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!" 7:57 But they covered their ears,8 shouting out with a loud voice, and rushed at him with one intent. 7:58 When9 they had driven him out of the city, they began to stone him,10 and the witnesses laid their cloaks11 at the feet of a young man named Saul. 7:59 They12 continued to stone Stephen while he prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!" 7:60 Then he fell13 to his knees and cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!"14 When15 he had said this, he died.16 8:1And Saul agreed completely with killing17 him.

Saul Begins to Persecute the Church

Now on that day a great18 persecution began19 against the church in Jerusalem, and all20 except the apostles were forced to scatter throughout the regions21 of Judea and Samaria. 8:2 Some22 devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation23 over him.24 8:3 But Saul was trying to destroy25 the church; entering one house after another, he dragged off26 both men and women and put them in prison.27

Philip Preaches in Samaria

8:4 Now those who had been forced to scatter went around proclaiming the good news of the word. 8:5 Philip went down to the main city of Samaria28 and began proclaiming29 the Christ30 to them. 8:6 The crowds were paying attention with one mind to what Philip said,31 as they heard and saw the miraculous signs32 he was performing. 8:7 For unclean spirits,33 crying with loud shrieks, were coming out of many who were possessed,34 and many paralyzed and lame people were healed; 8:8 so there was35 great joy36 in that city.

8:9 Now in that city was a man named Simon, who had been practicing magic37 and amazing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great. 8:10 All the people,38 from the least to the greatest, paid close attention to him, saying, "This man is the power of God that is called `Great.'"39 8:11 And they paid close attention to him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he was proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God40 and the name of Jesus Christ,41 they began to be baptized,42 both men and women. 8:13 Even Simon himself believed, and after he was baptized he stayed close to43 Philip constantly, and when he saw the signs and great miracles that were occurring, he was amazed.44

8:14 Now when the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word45 of God, they sent46 Peter and John to them. 8:15 These two47 went down and prayed for them so that they would receive the Holy Spirit. 8:16 (For the Spirit48 had not yet come upon49 any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)50 8:17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on the Samaritans,51 and they received the Holy Spirit.52

8:18 Now Simon, when he saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, offered them money, 8:19 saying, "Give me this power53 too, so that everyone I place my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit." 8:20 But Peter said to him, "May your silver perish with you,54 because you thought you could acquire55 God's gift with money! 8:21 You have no share or part56 in this matter,57 because your heart is not right before God! 8:22 Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord58 that he may perhaps forgive you for the intent of your heart.59 8:23 For I see that you are bitterly envious60 and in bondage to sin." 8:24 But Simon replied,61 "You pray to the Lord for me so that nothing of what you have said may happen to62 me."

8:25 So after Peter and John63 had solemnly testified64 and spoken the word of the Lord,65 they started back to Jerusalem, proclaiming66 the good news to many Samaritan villages67 as they went.68

Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

8:26 Then an angel of the Lord69 said to Philip,70 "Get up and go south71 on the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert72 road.)73 8:27 So74 he got up75 and went. There76 he met77 an Ethiopian eunuch,78 a court official of Candace,79 queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasury. He80 had come to Jerusalem to worship,81 8:28 and was returning home, sitting82 in his chariot, reading83 the prophet Isaiah. 8:29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go over and join this chariot." 8:30 So Philip ran up84 to it85 and heard the man86 reading Isaiah the prophet. He87 asked him,88 "Do you understand what you're reading?" 8:31 The man89 replied, "How in the world can I,90 unless someone guides me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 8:32 Now the passage of scripture the man91 was reading was this:

8:34 Then the eunuch said98 to Philip, "Please tell me,99 who is the prophet saying this about--himself or someone else?"100 8:35 So Philip started speaking,101 and beginning with this scripture102 proclaimed the good news about Jesus to him. 8:36 Now as they were going along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Look, there is water! What is to stop me103 from being baptized?"104 8:38 So he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water,105 and Philip baptized106 him. 8:39 Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any more, but107 went on his way rejoicing.108 8:40 Philip, however, found himself109 at Azotus,110 and as he passed through the area111 he proclaimed the good news112 to all the towns113 until he came to Caesarea.114

The Conversion of Saul

9:1 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing out threats1 to murder2 the Lord's disciples, went to the high priest 9:2 and requested letters from him to the synagogues3 in Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way,4 either men or women, he could bring them as prisoners5 to Jerusalem.6 9:3 As he was going along, approaching7 Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed8 around him. 9:4 He9 fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul,10 why are you persecuting me?"11 9:5 So he said, "Who are you, Lord?" He replied, "I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 9:6 But stand up12 and enter the city and you will be told13 what you must do." 9:7 (Now the men14 who were traveling with him stood there speechless,15 because they heard the voice but saw no one.)16 9:8 So Saul got up from the ground, but although his eyes were open,17 he could see nothing.18 Leading him by the hand, his companions19 brought him into Damascus. 9:9 For20 three days he could not see, and he neither ate nor drank anything.21

9:10 Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The22 Lord23 said to him in a vision, "Ananias," and he replied, "Here I am,24 Lord." 9:11 Then the Lord told him, "Get up and go to the street called `Straight,'25 and at Judas' house look for a man from Tarsus named Saul. For he is praying, 9:12 and he has seen in a vision26 a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he may see again." 9:13 But Ananias replied,27 "Lord, I have heard from many people28 about this man, how much harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem, 9:14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to imprison29 all who call on your name."30 9:15 But the Lord said to him, "Go, because this man is my chosen instrument31 to carry my name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel.32 9:16 For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name."33 9:17 So Ananias departed and entered the house, placed34 his hands on Saul35 and said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came here,36 has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit."37 9:18 Immediately38 something like scales39 fell from his eyes, and he could see again. He40 got up and was baptized, 9:19 and after taking some food, his strength came back.

For several days41 he was with the disciples in Damascus, 9:20 and immediately he began to proclaim Jesus in the synagogues,42 saying, "This man is the Son of God."43 9:21 All44 who heard him were amazed and were saying, "Is this not45 the man who in Jerusalem was ravaging46 those who call on this name, and who had come here to bring them as prisoners47 to the chief priests?" 9:22 But Saul became more and more capable,48 and was causing consternation49 among the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving50 that Jesus51 is the Christ.52

Saul's Escape from Damascus

9:23 Now after some days had passed, the Jews plotted53 together to kill him, 9:24 but Saul learned of their plot against him.54 They were also watching55 the city gates56 day and night so that they could kill him. 9:25 But his disciples took him at night and let him down through an opening57 in the wall by lowering him in a basket.58

Saul Returns to Jerusalem

9:26 When he arrived in Jerusalem, he attempted to associate59 with the disciples, and they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe60 that he was a disciple. 9:27 But Barnabas took61 Saul,62 brought63 him to the apostles, and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, that64 the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken out boldly65 in the name of Jesus. 9:28 So he was staying with them, associating openly with them66 in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of the Lord. 9:29 He was speaking and debating67 with the Greek-speaking Jews,68 but they were trying to kill him. 9:30 When the brothers found out about this, they brought him down to Caesarea69 and sent him away to Tarsus.

9:31 Then70 the church throughout Judea, Galilee,71 and Samaria experienced72 peace and thus was strengthened.73 Living74 in the fear of the Lord and in the encouragement of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers.

Peter Heals Aeneas

9:32 Now75 as Peter was traveling around from place to place,76 he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda.77 9:33 He found there a man named Aeneas who had been confined to a pallet for eight years because78 he was paralyzed. 9:34 Peter79 said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ80 heals you. Get up and make your own bed!"81 And immediately he got up. 9:35 All82 those who lived in Lydda83 and Sharon84 saw him, and they85 turned86 to the Lord.

Peter Raises Dorcas

9:36 Now in Joppa87 there was a disciple named Tabitha (which in translation means88 Dorcas).89 She was continually doing good deeds and acts of charity.90 9:37 At that time91 she became sick92 and died. When they had washed93 her body,94 they placed it in an upstairs room. 9:38 Because Lydda95 was near Joppa, when the disciples heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him and urged him, "Come to us without delay."96 9:39 So Peter got up and went with them, and97 when he arrived98 they brought him to the upper room. All99 the widows stood beside him, crying and showing him100 the tunics101 and other clothing102 Dorcas used to make103 while she was with them. 9:40 But Peter sent them all outside,104 knelt down,105 and prayed. Turning106 to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up." Then she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.107 9:41 He gave108 her his hand and helped her get up. Then he called109 the saints and widows and presented her alive. 9:42 This became known throughout all110 Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.111 9:43 So112 Peter113 stayed many days in Joppa with a man named114 Simon, a tanner.115

Peter Visits Cornelius

10:1 Now there was a man in Caesarea1 named Cornelius, a centurion2 of what was called the Italian Cohort.3 10:2 He4 was a devout, God-fearing man,5 as was all his household; he did many acts of charity for the people6 and prayed to God regularly. 10:3 About three o'clock one afternoon7 he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God8 who came in9 and said to him, "Cornelius." 10:4 Staring at him and becoming greatly afraid, Cornelius10 replied,11 "What is it, Lord?" The angel12 said to him, "Your prayers and your acts of charity13 have gone up as a memorial14 before God. 10:5 Now15 send men to Joppa16 and summon a man named Simon,17 who is called Peter. 10:6 This man is staying as a guest with a man named Simon, a tanner,18 whose house is by the sea." 10:7 When the angel who had spoken to him departed, Cornelius19 called two of his personal servants20 and a devout soldier from among those who served him,21 10:8 and when he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

10:9 About noon22 the next day, while they were on their way and approaching23 the city, Peter went up on the roof24 to pray. 10:10 He became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing the meal, a trance came over him.25 10:11 He26 saw heaven27 opened28 and an object something like a large sheet29 descending,30 being let down to earth31 by its four corners. 10:12 In it32 were all kinds of four-footed animals and reptiles33 of the earth and birds of the sky.34 10:13 Then35 a voice said36 to him, "Get up, Peter; slaughter37 and eat!" 10:14 But Peter said, "Certainly not, Lord, for I have never eaten anything defiled and ritually unclean!"38 10:15 The voice39 spoke to him again, a second time, "What God has made clean, you must not consider40 ritually unclean."41 10:16 This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into heaven.42

10:17 Now while Peter was puzzling over43 what the vision he had seen could mean, the men sent by Cornelius had learned where Simon's house was44 and approached45 the gate. 10:18 They46 called out to ask if Simon, called Peter,47 was staying there as a guest. 10:19 While Peter was still thinking seriously about48 the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Look! Three men are looking for you. 10:20 But get up,49 go down, and accompany them without hesitation,50 because I have sent them." 10:21 So Peter went down51 to the men and said, "Here I am,52 the person you're looking for. Why have you come?" 10:22 They said, "Cornelius the centurion,53 a righteous54 and God-fearing man, well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation,55 was directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear a message56 from you." 10:23 So Peter57 invited them in and entertained them as guests.

On the next day he got up and set out58 with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa59 accompanied him. 10:24 The following day60 he entered Caesarea.61 Now Cornelius was waiting anxiously62 for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 10:25 So when63 Peter came in, Cornelius met64 him, fell65 at his feet, and worshiped66 him. 10:26 But Peter helped him up,67 saying, "Stand up, I too am only a man." 10:27 Peter68 kept on talking with him as he went in, and he found many people gathered together.69 10:28 He said to them, "You know that70 it is unlawful71 for a Jew72 to associate with or visit a Gentile,73 yet God has shown me that I should call no person74 defiled or ritually unclean.75 10:29 Therefore when you sent for me,76 I came without any objection. Now may I ask why77 you sent for me?" 10:30 Cornelius78 replied,79 "Four days ago at this very hour, at three o'clock in the afternoon,80 I was praying in my house, and suddenly81 a man in shining clothing stood before me 10:31 and said, `Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your acts of charity82 have been remembered before God.83 10:32 Therefore send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. This man is staying as a guest in the house of Simon the tanner,84 by the sea.' 10:33 Therefore I sent for you at once, and you were kind enough to come.85 So now we are all here in the presence of God86 to hear87 everything the Lord has commanded you to say to us."88

10:34 Then Peter started speaking:89 "I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism in dealing with people,90 10:35 but in every nation91 the person who fears him92 and does what is right93 is welcomed before him. 10:36 You know94 the message95 he sent to the people96 of Israel, proclaiming the good news of peace97 through98 Jesus Christ99 (he is Lord100 of all)-- 10:37 you know what happened throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John announced:101 10:38 with respect to Jesus from Nazareth,102 that103 God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power. He104 went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,105 because God was with him.106 10:39 We107 are witnesses of all the things he did both in Judea108 and in Jerusalem. They109 killed him by hanging him on a tree,110 10:40 but111 God raised him up on the third day and caused him to be seen,112 10:41 not by all the people, but by us, the witnesses God had already chosen,113 who ate and drank114 with him after he rose from the dead. 10:42 He115 commanded us to preach to the people and to warn116 them117 that he is the one118 appointed119 by God as judge120 of the living and the dead. 10:43 About him all the prophets testify,121 that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins122 through his name."

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on123 all those who heard the message.124 10:45 The125 circumcised believers126 who had accompanied Peter were greatly astonished127 that128 the gift of the Holy Spirit129 had been poured out130 even on the Gentiles, 10:46 for they heard them speaking in tongues and praising131 God. Then Peter said, 10:47 "No one can withhold the water for these people to be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did,132 can he?"133 10:48 So he gave orders to have them baptized134 in the name of Jesus Christ.135 Then they asked him to stay for several days.

Peter Defends His Actions at Caesarea to the Church in Jerusalem

11:1 Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles too had accepted1 the word of God.2 11:2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers3 took issue with4 him, 11:3 saying, "You went to5 uncircumcised men and shared a meal with6 them." 11:4 But Peter began and explained it to them point by point,7 saying, 11:5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision,8 an object something like a large sheet descending,9 being let down from heaven10 by its four corners, and it came to me. 11:6 As I stared11 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles,12 and birds of the sky.13 11:7 I also heard a voice saying to me, `Get up, Peter; slaughter14 and eat!' 11:8 But I said, `Certainly not, Lord, for nothing defiled or ritually unclean15 has ever entered my mouth!' 11:9 But the voice replied a second time from heaven, `What God has made clean, you must not consider16 ritually unclean.' 11:10 This happened three times, and then everything was pulled up to heaven again. 11:11 At that very moment,17 three men sent to me from Caesarea18 approached19 the house where we were staying.20 11:12 The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation. These six brothers21 also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 11:13 He informed us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying, `Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter, 11:14 who will speak a message22 to you by which you and your entire household will be saved.' 11:15 Then as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on23 them just as he did24 on us at the beginning.25 11:16 And I remembered the word of the Lord,26 as he used to say,27 `John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'28 11:17 Therefore if God gave them the same gift29 as he also gave us after believing30 in the Lord Jesus Christ,31 who was I to hinder32 God?" 11:18 When they heard this,33 they ceased their objections34 and praised35 God, saying, "So then, God has granted the repentance36 that leads to life even to the Gentiles."37

Activity in the Church at Antioch

11:19 Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen38 went as far as39 Phoenicia,40 Cyprus,41 and Antioch,42 speaking the message43 to no one but Jews. 11:20 But there were some men from Cyprus44 and Cyrene45 among them who came46 to Antioch47 and began to speak to the Greeks48 too, proclaiming the good news of the Lord Jesus. 11:21 The49 hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed50 turned51 to the Lord. 11:22 A report52 about them came to the attention53 of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to54 Antioch.55 11:23 When56 he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true57 to the Lord with devoted hearts,58 11:24 because he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and a significant number of people59 were brought to the Lord. 11:25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to look for Saul, 11:26 and when he found him he brought him to Antioch.60 So61 for a whole year Barnabas and Saul62 met with the church and taught a significant number of people.63 Now it was in Antioch64 that the disciples were first called Christians.65

Famine Relief for Judea

11:27 At that time66 some67 prophets68 came down69 from Jerusalem to Antioch.70 11:28 One of them, named Agabus, got up71 and predicted72 by the Spirit that a severe73 famine74 was about to come over the whole inhabited world.75 (This76 took place during the reign of Claudius.)77 11:29 So the disciples, each in accordance with his financial ability,78 decided79 to send relief80 to the brothers living in Judea. 11:30 They did so,81 sending their financial aid82 to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

James is Killed and Peter Imprisoned

12:1 About that time King Herod1 laid hands on2 some from the church to harm them.3 12:2 He had James, the brother of John, executed with a sword.4 12:3 When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too. (This took place during the feast of Unleavened Bread.)5 12:4 When he had seized him, he put him in prison, handing him over to four squads6 of soldiers to guard him. Herod7 planned8 to bring him out for public trial9 after the Passover. 12:5 So Peter was kept in prison, but those in the church were earnestly10 praying to God for him.11 12:6 On that very night before Herod was going to bring him out for trial,12 Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while13 guards in front of the door were keeping watch14 over the prison. 12:7 Suddenly15 an angel of the Lord16 appeared, and a light shone in the prison cell. He struck17 Peter on the side and woke him up, saying, "Get up quickly!" And the chains fell off Peter's18 wrists.19 12:8 The angel said to him, "Fasten your belt20 and put on your sandals." Peter21 did so. Then the angel22 said to him, "Put on your cloak23 and follow me." 12:9 Peter24 went out25 and followed him;26 he did not realize that what was happening through the angel was real,27 but thought he was seeing a vision. 12:10 After they had passed the first and second guards,28 they came to the iron29 gate leading into the city. It30 opened for them by itself,31 and they went outside and walked down one narrow street,32 when at once the angel left him. 12:11 When33 Peter came to himself, he said, "Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued34 me from the hand35 of Herod36 and from everything the Jewish people37 were expecting to happen."

12:12 When Peter38 realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark,39 where many people had gathered together and were praying. 12:13 When he knocked at the door of the outer gate, a slave girl named Rhoda answered.40 12:14 When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she did not open the gate, but ran back in and told41 them42 that Peter was standing at the gate. 12:15 But they said to her, "You've lost your mind!"43 But she kept insisting that it was Peter,44 and they kept saying,45 "It is his angel!"46 12:16 Now Peter continued knocking, and when they opened the door47 and saw him, they were greatly astonished.48 12:17 He gave them a signal49 with his hand to be quiet and then related to them how the Lord had brought50 him out of the prison. He said, "Tell James and the brothers these things," and then he left and went to another place.51

12:18 At daybreak52 there was great consternation53 among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 12:19 When Herod54 had searched55 for him and did not find him, he questioned56 the guards and commanded that they be led away to execution.57 Then58 Herod59 went down from Judea to Caesarea60 and stayed there.

12:20 Now Herod61 was having an angry quarrel62 with the people of Tyre63 and Sidon.64 So they joined together65 and presented themselves before him. And after convincing66 Blastus, the king's personal assistant,67 to help them,68 they asked for peace,69 because their country's food supply was provided by the king's country. 12:21 On a day determined in advance, Herod70 put on his royal robes,71 sat down on the judgment seat72 and made a speech73 to them. 12:22 But the crowd74 began to shout,75 "The voice of a god,76 and not of a man!" 12:23 Immediately an angel of the Lord77 struck78 Herod79 down because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten by worms and died.80 12:24 But the word of God81 kept on increasing82 and multiplying.

12:25 So Barnabas and Saul returned to83 Jerusalem84 when they had completed85 their mission,86 bringing along with them John Mark.87

The Church at Antioch Commissions Barnabas and Saul

13:1 Now there were these prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch:1 Barnabas, Simeon called Niger,2 Lucius the Cyrenian,3 Manaen (a close friend of Herod4 the tetrarch5 from childhood6) and Saul. 13:2 While they were serving7 the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart8 for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." 13:3 Then, after they had fasted9 and10 prayed and placed their hands11 on them, they sent them off.

Paul and Barnabas Preach in Cyprus

13:4 So Barnabas and Saul,12 sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia,13 and from there they sailed to Cyprus.14 13:5 When15 they arrived16 in Salamis,17 they began to proclaim18 the word of God in the Jewish synagogues.19 (Now they also had John20 as their assistant.)21 13:6 When they had crossed over22 the whole island as far as Paphos,23 they found a magician, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus,24 13:7 who was with the proconsul25 Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. The proconsul26 summoned27 Barnabas and Saul and wanted to hear28 the word of God. 13:8 But the magician Elymas29 (for that is the way his name is translated)30 opposed them, trying to turn the proconsul31 away from the faith. 13:9 But Saul (also known as Paul),32 filled with the Holy Spirit,33 stared straight34 at him 13:10 and said, "You who are full of all deceit and all wrongdoing,35 you son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness--will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?36 13:11 Now37 look, the hand of the Lord is against38 you, and you will be blind, unable to see the sun for a time!" Immediately mistiness39 and darkness came over40 him, and he went around seeking people41 to lead him by the hand. 13:12 Then when the proconsul42 saw what had happened, he believed,43 because he was greatly astounded44 at the teaching about45 the Lord.

Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch

13:13 Then Paul and his companions put out to sea46 from Paphos47 and came to Perga48 in Pamphylia,49 but John50 left them and returned to Jerusalem.51 13:14 Moving on from52 Perga,53 they arrived at Pisidian Antioch,54 and on the Sabbath day they went into55 the synagogue56 and sat down. 13:15 After the reading from the law and the prophets,57 the leaders of the synagogue58 sent them a message,59 saying, "Brothers,60 if you have any message61 of exhortation62 for the people, speak it."63 13:16 So Paul stood up,64 gestured65 with his hand and said,

"Israelite men, and you Gentiles who fear God,66 listen: 13:17 The God of this people Israel67 chose our ancestors68 and made the people great69 during their stay as foreigners70 in the country71 of Egypt, and with uplifted arm72 he led them out of it. 13:18 For73 a period of about forty years he put up with74 them in the wilderness.75 13:19 After76 he had destroyed77 seven nations78 in the land of Canaan, he gave his people their land as an inheritance.79 13:20 All this took80 about four hundred fifty years. After this81 he gave them judges until the time of82 Samuel the prophet. 13:21 Then they asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled83 forty years. 13:22 After removing him, God84 raised up85 David their king. He testified about him:86 `I have found David87 the son of Jesse to be a man after my heart,88 who will accomplish everything I want him to do.'89 13:23 From the descendants90 of this man91 God brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, just as he promised.92 13:24 Before93 his coming John94 had proclaimed a baptism for repentance95 to all the people of Israel. 13:25 But while John was completing his mission96 he said repeatedly,97 `What do you think I am? I am not he. But look, one is coming after me. I am not worthy to untie the sandals on his feet!'98 13:26 Brothers,99 descendants100 of Abraham's family,101 and those Gentiles among you who fear God,102 the message103 of this salvation has been sent to us. 13:27 For the people who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize104 him,105 and they fulfilled the sayings106 of the prophets that are read every Sabbath by condemning107 him.108 13:28 Though109 they found110 no basis111 for a death sentence,112 they asked Pilate to have him executed. 13:29 When they had accomplished113 everything that was written114 about him, they took him down115 from the cross116 and placed him117 in a tomb. 13:30 But God raised118 him from the dead, 13:31 and119 for many days he appeared to those who had accompanied120 him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These121 are now his witnesses to the people. 13:32 And we proclaim to you the good news about the promise to our ancestors,122 13:33 that this promise123 God has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising124 Jesus, as also it is written in the second psalm, `You are my Son;125 today I have fathered you.'126 13:34 But regarding the fact that he has raised Jesus127 from the dead, never128 again to be129 in a state of decay, God130 has spoken in this way: `I will give you131 the holy and trustworthy promises132 made to David.'133 13:35 Therefore he also says in another psalm,134 `You will not permit your Holy One135 to experience136 decay.'137 13:36 For David, after he had served138 God's purpose in his own generation, died,139 was buried with his ancestors,140 and experienced141 decay, 13:37 but the one142 whom God raised up did not experience143 decay. 13:38 Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through this one144 forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, 13:39 and by this one145 everyone who believes is justified146 from everything from which the law of Moses could not justify147 you.148 13:40 Watch out,149 then, that what is spoken about by150 the prophets does not happen to you:

13:42 As Paul and Barnabas153 were going out,154 the people155 were urging156 them to speak about these things157 on the next Sabbath. 13:43 When the meeting of the synagogue158 had broken up,159 many of the Jews and God-fearing proselytes160 followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and were persuading161 them162 to continue163 in the grace of God.

13:44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city assembled together to hear the word of the Lord.164 13:45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy,165 and they began to contradict166 what Paul was saying167 by reviling him.168 13:46 Both Paul and Barnabas replied courageously,169 "It was necessary to speak the word of God170 to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy171 of eternal life, we172 are turning to the Gentiles.173 13:47 For this174 is what the Lord has commanded us: `I have appointed175 you to be a light176 for the Gentiles, to bring salvation177 to the ends of the earth.'"178 13:48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began to rejoice179 and praise180 the word of the Lord, and all who had been appointed for eternal life181 believed. 13:49 So the word of the Lord was spreading182 through the entire region. 13:50 But the Jews incited183 the God-fearing women of high social standing and the prominent men of the city, stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and threw them out184 of their region. 13:51 So after they shook185 the dust off their feet186 in protest against them, they went to Iconium.187 13:52 And the disciples were filled with joy188 and with the Holy Spirit.

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

14:1 The same thing happened in Iconium1 when Paul and Barnabas2 went into the Jewish synagogue3 and spoke in such a way that a large group4 of both Jews and Greeks believed. 14:2 But the Jews who refused to believe5 stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds6 against the brothers. 14:3 So they stayed there7 for a considerable time, speaking out courageously for the Lord, who testified8 to the message9 of his grace, granting miraculous signs10 and wonders to be performed through their hands. 14:4 But the population11 of the city was divided; some12 sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 14:5 When both the Gentiles and the Jews (together with their rulers) made13 an attempt to mistreat14 them and stone them,15 14:6 Paul and Barnabas16 learned about it17 and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra18 and Derbe19 and the surrounding region. 14:7 There20 they continued to proclaim21 the good news.

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra

14:8 In22 Lystra23 sat a man who could not use his feet,24 lame from birth,25 who had never walked. 14:9 This man was listening to Paul as he was speaking. When Paul26 stared27 intently at him and saw he had faith to be healed, 14:10 he said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet."28 And the man29 leaped up and began walking.30 14:11 So when the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted31 in the Lycaonian language,32 "The gods have come down to us in human form!"33 14:12 They began to call34 Barnabas Zeus35 and Paul Hermes,36 because he was the chief speaker. 14:13 The priest of the temple37 of Zeus,38 located just outside the city, brought bulls39 and garlands40 to the city gates; he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifices to them.41 14:14 But when the apostles42 Barnabas and Paul heard about43 it, they tore44 their clothes and rushed out45 into the crowd, shouting,46 14:15 "Men, why are you doing these things? We too are men, with human natures47 just like you! We are proclaiming the good news to you, so that you should turn48 from these worthless49 things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth,50 the sea, and everything that is in them. 14:16 In51 past52 generations he allowed all the nations53 to go their own ways, 14:17 yet he did not leave himself without a witness by doing good,54 by giving you rain from heaven55 and fruitful seasons, satisfying you56 with food and your hearts with joy."57 14:18 Even by saying58 these things, they scarcely persuaded59 the crowds not to offer sacrifice to them.

14:19 But Jews came from Antioch60 and Iconium,61 and after winning62 the crowds over, they stoned63 Paul and dragged him out of the city, presuming him to be dead. 14:20 But after the disciples had surrounded him, he got up and went back64 into the city. On65 the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.66

Paul and Barnabas Return to Antioch in Syria

14:21 After they had proclaimed the good news in that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra,67 to Iconium,68 and to Antioch.69 14:22 They strengthened70 the souls of the disciples and encouraged them to continue71 in the faith, saying, "We must enter the kingdom72 of God through many persecutions."73 14:23 When they had appointed elders74 for them in the various churches,75 with prayer and fasting76 they entrusted them to the protection77 of the Lord in whom they had believed. 14:24 Then they passed through78 Pisidia and came into Pamphylia,79 14:25 and when they had spoken the word80 in Perga,81 they went down to Attalia.82 14:26 From there they sailed back to Antioch,83 where they had been commended84 to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.85 14:27 When they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported86 all the things God87 had done with them, and that he had opened a door88 of faith for the Gentiles. 14:28 So they spent89 considerable90 time with the disciples.

The Jerusalem Council

15:1Now some men came down from Judea1 and began to teach the brothers, "Unless you are circumcised2 according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved." 15:2 When Paul and Barnabas had a major argument and debate3 with them, the church4 appointed Paul and Barnabas and some others from among them to go up to meet with5 the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about this point of disagreement.6 15:3 So they were sent on their way by the church, and as they passed through both Phoenicia7 and Samaria they were relating at length8 the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy9 to all the brothers. 15:4 When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received10 by the church and the apostles and the elders, and they reported11 all the things God had done with them.12 15:5 But some from the religious party of the Pharisees13 who had believed stood up and said, "It is necessary14 to circumcise the Gentiles15 and to order them to observe16 the law of Moses."

15:6 Both the apostles and the elders met together to deliberate17 about this matter. 15:7 After there had been much debate,18 Peter stood up and said to them, "Brothers, you know that some time ago19 God chose20 that from my mouth the Gentiles should hear the message21 of the gospel22 and believe. 15:8 And God, who knows the heart,23 has testified24 to them by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us,25 15:9 and he made no distinction26 between them and us, cleansing27 their hearts by faith. 15:10 So now why are you putting God to the test28 by placing on the neck of the disciples a yoke29 that neither our ancestors30 nor we have been able to bear? 15:11 On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through31 the grace of the Lord Jesus, in the same way as they are."32

15:12 The whole group kept quiet33 and listened to Barnabas and Paul while they explained all the miraculous signs34 and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 15:13 After they stopped speaking,35 James replied,36 "Brothers, listen to me. 15:14 Simeon37 has explained38 how God first concerned himself39 to select40 from among the Gentiles41 a people for his name. 15:15 The42 words of the prophets agree43 with this, as it is written,

15:19 "Therefore I conclude55 that we should not cause extra difficulty56 for those among the Gentiles57 who are turning to God, 15:20 but that we should write them a letter58 telling them to abstain59 from things defiled60 by idols and from sexual immorality and from what has been strangled61 and from blood. 15:21 For Moses has had those who proclaim him in every town from ancient times,62 because he is read aloud63 in the synagogues64 every Sabbath."

15:22 Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided65 to send men chosen from among them, Judas called Barsabbas and Silas,66 leaders among the brothers, to Antioch67 with Paul and Barnabas. 15:23 They sent this letter with them:68

From the apostles69 and elders, your brothers,70 to the Gentile brothers and sisters71 in Antioch,72 Syria,73 and Cilicia, greetings! 15:24 Since we have heard that some have gone out from among us with no orders from us and have confused74 you, upsetting75 your minds76 by what they said,77 15:25 we have unanimously78 decided79 to choose men to send to you along with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul, 15:26 who80 have risked their lives81 for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.82 15:27 Therefore we are sending83 Judas and Silas84 who will tell you these things themselves in person.85 15:28 For it seemed best to the Holy Spirit and to us86 not to place any greater burden on you than these necessary rules:87 15:29 that you abstain from meat that has been sacrificed to idols88 and from blood and from what has been strangled89 and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from doing these things,90 you will do well. Farewell.91

15:30 So when they were dismissed,92 they went down to Antioch,93 and after gathering the entire group94 together, they delivered the letter. 15:31 When they read it aloud,95 the people96 rejoiced at its encouragement.97 15:32 Both Judas and Silas, who were prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a long speech.98 15:33 After99 they had spent some time there,100 they were sent off in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them.101 15:35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch,102 teaching and proclaiming (along with many others)103 the word of the Lord.104

Paul and Barnabas Part Company

15:36 After some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's return105 and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord106 to see how they are doing."107 15:37 Barnabas wanted to bring John called Mark along with them too, 15:38 but Paul insisted108 that they should not take along this one who had left them in Pamphylia109 and had not accompanied them in the work. 15:39 They had110 a sharp disagreement,111 so that they parted company. Barnabas took along112 Mark and sailed away to Cyprus,113 15:40 but Paul chose Silas and set out, commended114 to the grace of the Lord by the brothers and sisters.115 15:41 He passed through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening116 the churches.

Paul and Silas Are Joined by Timothy

16:1 He also came to Derbe1 and to Lystra.2 A disciple3 named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer,4 but whose father was a Greek.5 16:2 The brothers in Lystra6 and Iconium7 spoke well8 of him.9 16:3 Paul wanted Timothy10 to accompany him, and he took11 him and circumcised12 him because of the Jews who were in those places,13 for they all knew that his father was Greek.14 16:4 As they went through the towns,15 they passed on16 the decrees that had been decided on by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the Gentile believers17 to obey.18 16:5 So the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.19

Paul's Vision of the Macedonian Man

16:6 They went through the region of Phrygia20 and Galatia,21 having been prevented22 by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message23 in Asia.24 16:7 When they came to25 Mysia,26 they attempted to go into Bithynia,27 but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow28 them to, 16:8 so they passed through29 Mysia30 and went down to Troas.31 16:9 A32 vision appeared to Paul during the night: a Macedonian man was standing there33 urging him,34 "Come over35 to Macedonia36 and help us!" 16:10 After Paul37 saw the vision, we attempted38 immediately to go over to Macedonia,39 concluding that God had called40 us to proclaim the good news to them.

Arrival at Philippi

16:11 We put out to sea41 from Troas42 and sailed a straight course43 to Samothrace,44 the next day to Neapolis,45 16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of that district46 of Macedonia,47 a Roman colony.48 We stayed in this city for some days. 16:13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the city gate to the side of the river, where we thought there would be a place of prayer, and we sat down49 and began to speak50 to the women51 who had assembled there.52 16:14 A53 woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth54 from the city of Thyatira,55 a God-fearing woman, listened to us.56 The Lord opened her heart to respond57 to what Paul was saying. 16:15 After she and her household were baptized, she urged us,58 "If59 you consider me to be a believer in the Lord,60 come and stay in my house." And she persuaded61 us.

Paul and Silas Are Thrown Into Prison

16:16 Now62 as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit that enabled her to foretell the future by supernatural means.63 She64 brought her owners65 a great profit by fortune-telling.66 16:17 She followed behind Paul and us and kept crying out,67 "These men are servants68 of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way69 of salvation."70 16:18 She continued to do this for many days. But Paul became greatly annoyed,71 and turned72 and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ73 to come out of her!" And it came out of her at once.74 16:19 But when her owners75 saw their hope of profit76 was gone, they seized77 Paul and Silas and dragged78 them into the marketplace before the authorities. 16:20 When79 they had brought them80 before the magistrates, they said, "These men are throwing our city into confusion.81 They are82 Jews 16:21 and are advocating83 customs that are not lawful for us to accept84 or practice,85 since we are86 Romans."

16:22 The crowd joined the attack87 against them, and the magistrates tore the clothes88 off Paul and Silas89 and ordered them to be beaten with rods.90 16:23 After they had beaten them severely,91 they threw them into prison and commanded92 the jailer to guard them securely. 16:24 Receiving such orders, he threw them in the inner cell93 and fastened their feet in the stocks.94

16:25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying95 and singing hymns to God,96 and the rest of97 the prisoners were listening to them. 16:26 Suddenly a great earthquake occurred, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. Immediately all the doors flew open, and the bonds98 of all the prisoners came loose. 16:27 When the jailer woke up99 and saw the doors of the prison standing open,100 he drew his sword and was about to kill himself,101 because he assumed102 the prisoners had escaped. 16:28 But Paul called out loudly,103 "Do not harm yourself,104 for we are all here!" 16:29 Calling for lights, the jailer105 rushed in and fell down106 trembling at the feet of Paul and Silas. 16:30 Then he brought them outside107 and asked, "Sirs, what must108 I do to be saved?" 16:31 They replied,109 "Believe110 in the Lord Jesus111 and you will be saved, you and your household." 16:32 Then112 they spoke the word of the Lord113 to him, along with all those who were in his house. 16:33 At114 that hour of the night he took them115 and washed their wounds;116 then117 he and all his family118 were baptized right away.119 16:34 The jailer120 brought them into his house and set food121 before them, and he rejoiced greatly122 that he had come to believe123 in God, together with his entire household.124 16:35 At daybreak125 the magistrates126 sent their police officers,127 saying, "Release those men." 16:36 The jailer reported these words to Paul, saying,128 "The magistrates have sent orders129 to release you. So come out now and go in peace."130 16:37 But Paul said to the police officers,131 "They had us beaten in public132 without a proper trial133--even though we are Roman citizens134--and they threw us135 in prison. And now they want to send us away136 secretly? No way! They137 themselves must come and escort us out!"138 16:38 The police officers reported these words to the magistrates. They were frightened when they heard Paul and Silas139 were Roman citizens,140 16:39 and came141 and apologized to them. After142 they brought them out, they asked them repeatedly143 to leave the city. 16:40 When they came out of the prison, they entered Lydia's house, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them and then144 departed.

Paul and Silas at Thessalonica

17:1 After they traveled through1 Amphipolis2 and Apollonia,3 they came to Thessalonica,4 where there was a Jewish synagogue.5 17:2 Paul went to the Jews in the synagogue,6 as he customarily did, and on three Sabbath days he addressed7 them from the scriptures, 17:3 explaining and demonstrating8 that the Christ9 had to suffer and to rise from the dead,10 saying,11 "This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ."12 17:4 Some of them were persuaded13 and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large group14 of God-fearing Greeks15 and quite a few16 prominent women. 17:5 But the Jews became jealous,17 and gathering together some worthless men from the rabble in the marketplace,18 they formed a mob19 and set the city in an uproar.20 They attacked Jason's house,21 trying to find Paul and Silas22 to bring them out to the assembly.23 17:6 When they did not find them, they dragged24 Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials,25 screaming, "These people who have stirred up trouble26 throughout the world27 have come here too, 17:7 and28 Jason has welcomed them as guests! They29 are all acting against Caesar's30 decrees, saying there is another king named31 Jesus!"32 17:8 They caused confusion among33 the crowd and the city officials34 who heard these things. 17:9 After35 the city officials36 had received bail37 from Jason and the others, they released them.

Paul and Silas at Berea

17:10 The brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Berea38 at once, during the night. When they arrived,39 they went to the Jewish synagogue.40 17:11 These Jews41 were more open-minded42 than those in Thessalonica,43 for they eagerly44 received45 the message, examining46 the scriptures carefully every day47 to see if these things were so. 17:12 Therefore many of them believed, along with quite a few48 prominent49 Greek women and men. 17:13 But when the Jews from Thessalonica50 heard that Paul had also proclaimed the word of God51 in Berea,52 they came there too, inciting53 and disturbing54 the crowds. 17:14 Then the brothers sent Paul away to the coast55 at once, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea.56 17:15 Those who accompanied Paul escorted him as far as Athens, and after receiving an order for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.57

Paul at Athens

17:16 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was greatly upset58 because he saw59 the city was full of idols. 17:17 So he was addressing60 the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles61 in the synagogue62 and in the marketplace every day63 those who happened to be there. 17:18 Also some of the Epicurean64 and Stoic65 philosophers were conversing66 with him, and some were asking,67 "What does this foolish babbler68 want to say?" Others said, "He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods."69 (They said this because he was proclaiming the good news about Jesus and the resurrection.)70 17:19 So they took Paul and71 brought him to the Areopagus,72 saying, "May we know what this new teaching is that you are proclaiming? 17:20 For you are bringing some surprising things73 to our ears, so we want to know what they74 mean." 17:21 (All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there used to spend their time75 in nothing else than telling76 or listening to something new.)77

17:22 So Paul stood78 before the Areopagus79 and said, "Men of Athens, I see that you are very religious80 in all respects.81 17:23 For as I went around and observed closely your objects of worship,82 I even found an altar with this inscription:83 `To an unknown god.' Therefore what you worship without knowing it,84 this I proclaim to you. 17:24 The God who made the world and everything in it,85 who is86 Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by human hands,87 17:25 nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed anything,88 because he himself gives life and breath and everything to everyone.89 17:26 From one man90 he made every nation of the human race91 to inhabit the entire earth,92 determining their set times93 and the fixed limits of the places where they would live,94 17:27 so that they would search for God and perhaps grope around95 for him and find him,96 though he is97 not far from each one of us. 17:28 For in him we live and move about98 and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, `For we too are his offspring.'99 17:29 So since we are God's offspring, we should not think the deity100 is like gold or silver or stone, an image101 made by human102 skill103 and imagination.104 17:30 Therefore, although God has overlooked105 such times of ignorance,106 he now commands all people everywhere to repent,107 17:31 because he has set108 a day on which he is going to judge the world109 in righteousness, by a man whom he designated,110 having provided proof to all by raising111 him from the dead."

17:32 Now when they heard about112 the resurrection from the dead, some began to scoff,113 but others said, "We will hear you again about this." 17:33 So Paul left the Areopagus.114 17:34 But some people115 joined him116 and believed. Among them117 were Dionysius, who was a member of the Areopagus,118 a woman119 named Damaris, and others with them.

Paul at Corinth

18:1 After this1 Paul2 departed from3 Athens and went to Corinth.4 18:2 He5 found6 there7 a Jew named Aquila,8 a native of Pontus,9 who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius10 had ordered all the Jews to depart from11 Rome. Paul approached12 them, 18:3 and because he worked at the same trade, he stayed with them and worked with them13 (for they were tentmakers14 by trade).15 18:4 He addressed16 both Jews and Greeks in the synagogue17 every Sabbath, attempting to persuade18 them.

18:5 Now when Silas and Timothy arrived19 from Macedonia,20 Paul became wholly absorbed with proclaiming21 the word, testifying22 to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.23 18:6 When they opposed him24 and reviled him,25 he protested by shaking out his clothes26 and said to them, "Your blood27 be on your own heads! I am guiltless!28 From now on I will go to the Gentiles!" 18:7 Then Paul29 left30 the synagogue31 and went to the house of a person named Titius Justus, a Gentile who worshiped God,32 whose house was next door to the synagogue. 18:8 Crispus, the president of the synagogue,33 believed in the Lord together with his entire household, and many of the Corinthians who heard about it34 believed and were baptized. 18:9 The Lord said to Paul by a vision35 in the night,36 "Do not be afraid,37 but speak and do not be silent, 18:10 because I am with you, and no one will assault38 you to harm39 you, because I have many people in this city." 18:11 So he stayed there40 a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.41

Paul Before the Proconsul Gallio

18:12 Now while Gallio42 was proconsul43 of Achaia,44 the Jews attacked Paul together45 and brought him before the judgment seat,46 18:13 saying, "This man is persuading47 people to worship God in a way contrary to48 the law." 18:14 But just as Paul was about to speak,49 Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of some crime or serious piece of villainy,50 I would have been justified in accepting the complaint51 of you Jews,52 18:15 but since it concerns points of disagreement53 about words and names and your own law, settle54 it yourselves. I will not be55 a judge of these things." 18:16 Then he had them forced away56 from the judgment seat.57 18:17 So they all seized Sosthenes, the president of the synagogue,58 and began to beat59 him in front of the judgment seat.60 Yet none of these things were of any concern61 to Gallio.

Paul Returns to Antioch in Syria

18:18 Paul, after staying62 many more days in Corinth, said farewell to63 the brothers and sailed away to Syria accompanied by64 Priscilla and Aquila.65 He66 had his hair cut off67 at Cenchrea68 because he had made a vow.69 18:19 When they reached Ephesus,70 Paul71 left Priscilla and Aquila72 behind there, but he himself went73 into the synagogue74 and addressed75 the Jews. 18:20 When they asked him to stay longer, he would not consent,76 18:21 but said farewell to77 them and added,78 "I will come back79 to you again if God wills."80 Then81 he set sail from Ephesus, 18:22 and when he arrived82 at Caesarea,83 he went up and greeted84 the church at Jerusalem85 and then went down to Antioch.86 18:23 After he spent87 some time there, Paul left and went through the region of Galatia88 and Phrygia,89 strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Begins His Ministry

18:24 Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, arrived in Ephesus. He was an eloquent speaker,90 well-versed91 in the scriptures. 18:25 He had been instructed in92 the way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm93 he spoke and taught accurately the facts94 about Jesus, although he knew95 only the baptism of John. 18:26 He began to speak out fearlessly96 in the synagogue,97 but when Priscilla and Aquila98 heard him, they took him aside99 and explained the way of God to him more accurately. 18:27 When Apollos100 wanted to cross over to Achaia,101 the brothers encouraged102 him103 and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he104 assisted greatly those who had believed by grace, 18:28 for he refuted the Jews vigorously105 in public debate,106 demonstrating from the scriptures that the Christ107 was Jesus.108

Paul Encounters Disciples of John the Baptist at Ephesus

19:1 While1 Apollos was in Corinth, Paul went through the inland2 regions3 and came to Ephesus. He4 found some disciples there5 19:2 and said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"6 They replied,7 "No, we have not even8 heard that there is a Holy Spirit." 19:3 So Paul9 said, "Into what then were you baptized?" "Into John's baptism," they replied.10 19:4 Paul said, "John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him,11 that is, in Jesus." 19:5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus, 19:6 and when Paul placed12 his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came13 on them, and they began to speak14 in tongues and to prophesy.15 19:7 (Now there were about twelve men in all.)16

Paul Continues to Minister at Ephesus

19:8 So Paul17 entered18 the synagogue19 and spoke out fearlessly20 for three months, addressing21 and convincing22 them about the kingdom of God.23 19:9 But when24 some were stubborn25 and refused to believe, reviling26 the Way27 before the congregation, he left28 them and took the disciples with him,29 addressing30 them every day31 in the lecture hall32 of Tyrannus. 19:10 This went on for two years, so that all who lived in Asia,33 both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord.34

The Seven Sons of Sceva

19:11 God was performing extraordinary35 miracles by Paul's hands, 19:12 so that when even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his body36 were brought37 to the sick, their diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.38 19:13 But some itinerant39 Jewish exorcists tried to invoke the name40 of the Lord Jesus over those who were possessed by41 evil spirits, saying, "I sternly warn42 you by Jesus whom Paul preaches." 19:14 (Now seven sons of a man named43 Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this.)44 19:15 But the evil spirit replied to them,45 "I know about Jesus46 and I am acquainted with47 Paul, but who are you?"48 19:16 Then the man who was possessed by49 the evil spirit jumped on50 them and beat them all into submission.51 He prevailed52 against them so that they fled from that house naked and wounded. 19:17 This became known to all who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks; fear came on53 them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was praised.54 19:18 Many of those who had believed came forward,55 confessing and making their deeds known.56 19:19 Large numbers57 of those who had practiced magic58 collected their books59 and burned them up in the presence of everyone.60 When61 the value of the books was added up, it was found to total fifty thousand silver coins.62 19:20 In this way the word of the Lord63 continued to grow in power64 and to prevail.65

A Riot in Ephesus

19:21 Now after all these things had taken place,66 Paul resolved67 to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia68 and Achaia.69 He said,70 "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."71 19:22 So after sending72 two of his assistants,73 Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia,74 he himself stayed on for a while in Asia.75

19:23 At76 that time77 a great disturbance78 took place concerning the Way.79 19:24 For a man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines80 of Artemis,81 brought a great deal82 of business83 to the craftsmen. 19:25 He gathered84 these85 together, along with the workmen in similar trades,86 and said, "Men, you know that our prosperity87 comes from this business. 19:26 And you see and hear that this Paul has persuaded88 and turned away89 a large crowd,90 not only in Ephesus but in practically all of Asia,91 by saying92 that gods made by hands are not gods at all.93 19:27 There is danger not only that this business of ours will come into disrepute,94 but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis95 will be regarded as nothing,96 and she whom all Asia97 and the world worship will suffer the loss of her greatness."98

19:28 When99 they heard100 this they became enraged101 and began to shout,102 "Great is Artemis103 of the Ephesians!" 19:29 The104 city was filled with the uproar,105 and the crowd106 rushed to the theater107 together,108 dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, the Macedonians who were Paul's traveling companions. 19:30 But when Paul wanted to enter the public assembly,109 the disciples would not let him. 19:31 Even some of the provincial authorities110 who were his friends sent111 a message112 to him, urging him not to venture113 into the theater. 19:32 So then some were shouting one thing, some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had met together.114 19:33 Some of the crowd concluded115 it was about116 Alexander, because the Jews had pushed him to the front.117 Alexander, gesturing118 with his hand, was wanting to make a defense119 before the public assembly.120 19:34 But when they recognized121 that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison,122 "Great is Artemis123 of the Ephesians!" for about two hours.124 19:35 After the city secretary125 quieted the crowd, he said, "Men of Ephesus, what person126 is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is the keeper127 of the temple of the great Artemis128 and of her image that fell from heaven?129 19:36 So because these facts130 are indisputable,131 you must keep quiet132 and not do anything reckless.133 19:37 For you have brought these men here who are neither temple robbers134 nor blasphemers of our goddess.135 19:38 If then Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint136 against someone, the courts are open137 and there are proconsuls; let them bring charges against one another there.138 19:39 But if you want anything in addition,139 it will have to be settled140 in a legal assembly.141 19:40 For142 we are in danger of being charged with rioting143 today, since there is no cause we can give to explain144 this disorderly gathering."145 19:41 After146 he had said147 this,148 he dismissed the assembly.149

Paul Travels Through Macedonia and Greece

20:1After the disturbance had ended, Paul sent for the disciples, and after encouraging1 them and saying farewell,2 he left to go to Macedonia.3 20:2 After he had gone through those regions4 and spoken many words of encouragement5 to the believers there,6 he came to Greece,7 20:3 where he stayed8 for three months. Because the Jews had made9 a plot10 against him as he was intending11 to sail12 for Syria, he decided13 to return through Macedonia.14 20:4 Paul15 was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea,16 Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica,17 Gaius18 from Derbe,19 and Timothy, as well as Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.20 20:5 These had gone on ahead21 and were waiting for us in Troas.22 20:6 We23 sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread,24 and within five days25 we came to the others26 in Troas,27 where we stayed for seven days. 20:7 On the first day28 of the week, when we met29 to break bread, Paul began to speak30 to the people, and because he intended31 to leave the next day, he extended32 his message until midnight. 20:8 (Now there were many lamps33 in the upstairs room where we were meeting.)34 20:9 A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window,35 was sinking36 into a deep sleep while Paul continued to speak37 for a long time. Fast asleep,38 he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. 20:10 But Paul went down,39 threw himself40 on the young man,41 put his arms around him,42 and said, "Do not be distressed, for he is still alive!"43 20:11 Then Paul44 went back upstairs,45 and after he had broken bread and eaten, he talked with them46 a long time, until dawn. Then he left. 20:12 They took the boy home alive and were greatly47 comforted.

The Voyage to Mitylene

20:13 We went on ahead48 to the ship and put out to sea49 for Assos,50 intending51 to take Paul aboard there, for he had arranged it this way.52 He53 himself was intending54 to go there by land.55 20:14 When he met us in Assos,56 we took him aboard57 and went to Mitylene.58 20:15 We set sail59 from there, and on the following day we arrived off Chios.60 The next day we approached61 Samos,62 and the day after that we arrived at Miletus.63 20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as not to spend time64 in Asia,65 for he was hurrying66 to arrive in Jerusalem, if possible,67 by the day of Pentecost. 20:17 From Miletus68 he sent a message69 to Ephesus, telling the elders of the church to come to him.70

20:18 When they arrived, he said to them, "You yourselves know how I lived71 the whole time I was with you, from the first day I set foot72 in Asia,73 20:19 serving the Lord with all humility74 and with tears, and with the trials that happened to me because of the plots75 of the Jews. 20:20 You know that I did not hold back from proclaiming76 to you anything that would be helpful,77 and from teaching you publicly78 and from house to house, 20:21 testifying79 to both Jews and Greeks about repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus.80 20:22 And now,81 compelled82 by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem83 without knowing what will happen to me there,84 20:23 except85 that the Holy Spirit warns86 me in town after town87 that88 imprisonment89 and persecutions90 are waiting for me. 20:24 But I do not consider my life91 worth anything92 to myself, so that93 I may finish my task94 and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news95 of God's grace.

20:25 "And now96 I know that none97 of you among whom I went around proclaiming the kingdom98 will see me99 again. 20:26 Therefore I declare100 to you today that I am innocent101 of the blood of you all.102 20:27 For I did not hold back from103 announcing104 to you the whole purpose105 of God. 20:28 Watch out for106 yourselves and for all the flock of which107 the Holy Spirit has made you overseers,108 to shepherd the church of God that he obtained109 with the blood of his own Son.110 20:29 I know that after I am gone111 fierce wolves112 will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 20:30 Even from among your own group113 men114 will arise, teaching perversions of the truth115 to draw the disciples away after them. 20:31 Therefore be alert,116 remembering that night and day for three years I did not stop warning117 each one of you with tears. 20:32 And now I entrust118 you to God and to the message119 of his grace. This message120 is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 20:33 I have desired121 no one's silver or gold or clothing. 20:34 You yourselves know that these hands of mine122 provided for my needs and the needs of those who were with me. 20:35 By all these things,123 I have shown you that by working in this way we must help124 the weak,125 and remember the words of the Lord Jesus that he himself said, `It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"126

20:36 When127 he had said these things, he knelt down128 with them all and prayed. 20:37 They all began to weep loudly,129 and hugged130 Paul and kissed him,131 20:38 especially saddened132 by what133 he had said, that they were not going to see him134 again. Then they accompanied135 him to the ship.

Paul's Journey to Jerusalem

21:1 When1 we2 tore ourselves away3 from them, we put out to sea,4 and sailing a straight course5 we came to Cos,6 on the next day to Rhodes,7 and from there to Patara.8 21:2 We found9 a ship crossing over to Phoenicia,10 went aboard,11 and put out to sea.12 21:3 After we sighted Cyprus13 and left it behind on our port side,14 we sailed on to Syria and put in15 at Tyre,16 because the ship was to unload its cargo there. 21:4 After we located17 the disciples, we stayed there18 seven days. They repeatedly told19 Paul through the Spirit20 not to set foot21 in Jerusalem. 21:5 When22 our time was over,23 we left and went on our way. All of them, with their wives and children, accompanied24 us outside of the city. After25 kneeling down on the beach and praying,26 21:6 we said farewell27 to one another.28 Then29 we went aboard the ship, and they returned to their own homes.30 21:7 We continued the voyage from Tyre31 and arrived at Ptolemais,32 and when we had greeted the brothers, we stayed with them for one day. 21:8 On the next day we left33 and came to Caesarea,34 and entered35 the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven,36 and stayed with him. 21:9 (He had four unmarried37 daughters who prophesied.)38

21:10 While we remained there for a number of days,39 a prophet named Agabus40 came down from Judea. 21:11 He came41 to us, took42 Paul's belt,43 tied44 his own hands and feet with it,45 and said, "The Holy Spirit says this: `This is the way the Jews in Jerusalem will tie up the man whose belt this is, and will hand him over46 to the Gentiles.'" 21:12 When we heard this, both we and the local people47 begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 21:13 Then Paul replied,48 "What are you doing, weeping and breaking49 my heart? For I am ready not only to be tied up,50 but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." 21:14 Because he could not be persuaded,51 we said no more except,52 "The Lord's will be done."53

21:15 After these days we got ready54 and started up55 to Jerusalem. 21:16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea56 came along with us too, and brought us to the house57 of Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple from the earliest times,58 with whom we were to stay. 21:17 When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly.59 21:18 The next day Paul went in with us to see James, and all the elders were there.60 21:19 When Paul61 had greeted them, he began to explain62 in detail63 what God64 had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 21:20 When they heard this, they praised65 God. Then they said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews66 there are who have believed, and they are all ardent observers67 of the law.68 21:21 They have been informed about you--that you teach all the Jews now living69 among the Gentiles to abandon70 Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children71 or live72 according to our customs. 21:22 What then should we do? They will no doubt73 hear that you have come. 21:23 So do what74 we tell you: we have four men75 who have taken76 a vow;77 21:24 take them and purify78 yourself along with them and pay their expenses,79 so that they may have their heads shaved.80 Then81 everyone will know there is nothing in what they have been told82 about you, but that you yourself live in conformity with83 the law.84 21:25 But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter, having decided85 that they should avoid86 meat that has been sacrificed to idols87 and blood and what has been strangled88 and sexual immorality." 21:26 Then Paul took the men the next day,89 and after he had purified himself90 along with them, he went to the temple and gave notice91 of the completion of the days of purification,92 when93 the sacrifice would be offered for each94 of them. 21:27 When the seven days were almost over,95 the Jews from Asia96 who had seen him in the temple area97 stirred up the whole crowd98 and seized99 him, 21:28 shouting, "Israelite men, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law,100 and this sanctuary!101 Furthermore102 he has brought Greeks into the inner courts of the temple103 and made this holy place ritually unclean!"104 21:29 (For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him previously, and105 they assumed Paul had brought him into the inner temple courts.)106 21:30 The whole city was stirred up,107 and the people rushed together.108 They seized109 Paul and dragged him out of the temple courts,110 and immediately the doors were shut. 21:31 While they were trying111 to kill him, a report112 was sent up113 to the commanding officer114 of the cohort115 that all Jerusalem was in confusion.116 21:32 He117 immediately took118 soldiers and centurions119 and ran down to the crowd.120 When they saw121 the commanding officer122 and the soldiers, they stopped beating123 Paul. 21:33 Then the commanding officer124 came up and arrested125 him and ordered him to be tied up with two chains;126 he127 then asked who he was and what128 he had done. 21:34 But some in the crowd shouted one thing, and others something else,129 and when the commanding officer130 was unable131 to find out the truth132 because of the disturbance,133 he ordered Paul134 to be brought into the barracks.135 21:35 When he came to the steps, Paul136 had to be carried137 by the soldiers because of the violence138 of the mob, 21:36 for a crowd of people139 followed them,140 screaming, "Away with him!" 21:37 As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks,141 he said142 to the commanding officer,143 "May I say144 something to you?" The officer145 replied,146 "Do you know Greek?147 21:38 Then you're not that Egyptian who started a rebellion148 and led the four thousand men of the `Assassins'149 into the wilderness150 some time ago?"151 21:39 Paul answered,152 "I am a Jew153 from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of an important city.154 Please155 allow me to speak to the people." 21:40 When the commanding officer156 had given him permission,157 Paul stood158 on the steps and gestured159 to the people with his hand. When they had become silent,160 he addressed161 them in Aramaic,162

Paul's Defense

22:1 "Brothers and fathers, listen to my defense1 that I now2 make to you." 22:2 (When they heard3 that he was addressing4 them in Aramaic,5 they became even6 quieter.)7 Then8 Paul said, 22:3 "I am a Jew,9 born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up10 in this city, educated with strictness11 under12 Gamaliel13 according to the law of our ancestors,14 and was15 zealous16 for God just as all of you are today. 22:4 I17 persecuted this Way18 even to the point of death,19 tying up20 both men and women and putting21 them in prison, 22:5 as both the high priest and the whole council of elders22 can testify about me. From them23 I also received24 letters to the brothers in Damascus, and I was on my way25 to make arrests there and bring26 the prisoners27 to Jerusalem28 to be punished. 22:6 As29 I was en route and near Damascus,30 about noon a very bright31 light from heaven32 suddenly flashed33 around me. 22:7 Then I34 fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, `Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?' 22:8 I answered, `Who are you, Lord?' He said to me, `I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.' 22:9 Those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand35 the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 22:10 So I asked,36 `What should I do, Lord?' The Lord said to me, `Get up37 and go to Damascus; there you will be told about everything38 that you have been designated39 to do.' 22:11 Since I could not see because of40 the brilliance41 of that light, I came to Damascus led by the hand of42 those who were with me. 22:12 A man named Ananias,43 a devout man according to the law,44 well spoken of by all the Jews who live there,45 22:13 came46 to me and stood beside me47 and said to me, `Brother Saul, regain your sight!'48 And at that very moment49 I looked up and saw him.50 22:14 Then he said, `The God of our ancestors51 has already chosen52 you to know his will, to see53 the Righteous One,54 and to hear a command55 from his mouth, 22:15 because you will be his witness56 to all people57 of what you have seen and heard. 22:16 And now what are you waiting for?58 Get up,59 be baptized, and have your sins washed away,60 calling on his name.'61 22:17 When62 I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance63 22:18 and saw the Lord64 saying to me, `Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.' 22:19 I replied,65 `Lord, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat those in the various synagogues66 who believed in you. 22:20 And when the blood of your witness67 Stephen was shed,68 I myself was standing nearby, approving,69 and guarding the cloaks70 of those who were killing him.'71 22:21 Then72 he said to me, `Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.'"

The Roman Commander Questions Paul

22:22 The crowd73 was listening to him until he said this.74 Then75 they raised their voices and shouted,76 "Away with this man77 from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live!"78 22:23 While they were screaming79 and throwing off their cloaks80 and tossing dust81 in the air, 22:24 the commanding officer82 ordered Paul83 to be brought back into the barracks.84 He told them85 to interrogate Paul86 by beating him with a lash87 so that he could find out the reason the crowd88 was shouting at Paul89 in this way. 22:25 When they had stretched him out for the lash,90 Paul said to the centurion91 standing nearby, "Is it legal for you to lash a man who is a Roman citizen92 without a proper trial?"93 22:26 When the centurion94 heard this,95 he went to the commanding officer96 and reported it,97 saying, "What are you about to do?98 For this man is a Roman citizen."99 22:27 So the commanding officer100 came and asked101 Paul,102 "Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?"103 He replied,104 "Yes." 22:28 The commanding officer105 answered, "I acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money."106 "But I was even107 born a citizen,"108 Paul replied.109 22:29 Then those who were about to interrogate him stayed away110 from him, and the commanding officer111 was frightened when he realized that Paul112 was113 a Roman citizen114 and that he had had him tied up.115

Paul Before the Sanhedrin

22:30 The next day, because the commanding officer116 wanted to know the true reason117 Paul118 was being accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and the whole council119 to assemble. He then brought120 Paul down and had him stand before them.

23:1 Paul looked directly1 at the council2 and said, "Brothers, I have lived my life with a clear conscience3 before God to this day." 23:2 At that4 the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near5 Paul6 to strike7 him on the mouth. 23:3 Then Paul said to him, "God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!8 Do9 you sit there judging me according to the law,10 and in violation of the law11 you order me to be struck?" 23:4 Those standing near him12 said, "Do you dare insult13 God's high priest?" 23:5 Paul replied,14 "I did not realize,15 brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, `You must not speak evil about a ruler of your people.'"16

23:6 Then when Paul noticed17 that part of them were Sadducees18 and the others Pharisees,19 he shouted out in the council,20 "Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection21 of the dead!" 23:7 When he said this,22 an argument23 began24 between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 23:8 (For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, or angel, or spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)25 23:9 There was a great commotion,26 and some experts in the law27 from the party of the Pharisees stood up28 and protested strongly,29 "We find nothing wrong30 with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?" 23:10 When the argument became31 so great the commanding officer32 feared that they would tear Paul to pieces,33 he ordered the detachment34 to go down, take him away from them by force,35 and bring him into the barracks.36

23:11 The following night the Lord37 stood near38 Paul39 and said, "Have courage,40 for just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome."41

The Plot to Kill Paul

23:12 When morning came,42 the Jews formed43 a conspiracy44 and bound themselves with an oath45 not to eat or drink anything46 until they had killed Paul. 23:13 There were more than forty of them who formed this conspiracy.47 23:14 They48 went49 to the chief priests50 and the elders and said, "We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath51 not to partake52 of anything until we have killed Paul. 23:15 So now you and the council53 request the commanding officer54 to bring him down to you, as if you were going to determine55 his case56 by conducting a more thorough inquiry.57 We are ready to kill him58 before he comes near this place."59

23:16 But when the son of Paul's sister heard about the ambush,60 he came and entered61 the barracks62 and told Paul. 23:17 Paul called63 one of the centurions64 and said, "Take this young man to the commanding officer,65 for he has something to report to him." 23:18 So the centurion66 took him and brought him to the commanding officer67 and said, "The prisoner Paul called68 me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you." 23:19 The commanding officer69 took him by the hand, withdrew privately, and asked, "What is it that you want70 to report to me?" 23:20 He replied,71 "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council72 tomorrow, as if they were going to inquire more thoroughly about him. 23:21 So do not let them persuade you to do this,73 because more than forty of them74 are lying in ambush75 for him. They76 have bound themselves with an oath77 not to eat or drink anything78 until they have killed him, and now they are ready, waiting for you to agree to their request."79 23:22 Then the commanding officer80 sent the young man away, directing him,81 "Tell no one that you have reported82 these things to me." 23:23 Then83 he summoned84 two of the centurions85 and said, "Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea86 along with seventy horsemen87 and two hundred spearmen88 by89 nine o'clock tonight,90 23:24 and provide mounts for Paul to ride91 so that he may be brought safely to Felix92 the governor."93 23:25 He wrote94 a letter that went like this:95

23:26 "Claudius Lysias to His Excellency Governor96 Felix,97 greetings.

23:27 This man was seized98 by the Jews and they were about to kill him,99 when I came up100 with the detachment101 and rescued him, because I had learned that he was102 a Roman citizen.103 23:28 Since I wanted to know104 what charge they were accusing him of,105 I brought him down to their council.106 23:29 I found he107 was accused with reference to controversial questions108 about their law, but no charge against him deserved death or imprisonment.109 23:30 When I was informed110 there would be a plot111 against this man, I sent him to you at once, also ordering his accusers to state their charges112 against him before you."

23:31 So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders,113 took114 Paul and brought him to Antipatris115 during the night. 23:32 The next day they let116 the horsemen117 go on with him, and they returned to the barracks.118 23:33 When the horsemen119 came to Caesarea120 and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented121 Paul to him. 23:34 When the governor122 had read123 the letter,124 he asked125 what province he was from.126 When he learned127 that he was from Cilicia,128 23:35 he said, "I will give you a hearing129 when your accusers arrive too." Then130 he ordered that Paul131 be kept under guard in Herod's palace.132

The Accusations Against Paul

24:1 After five days the high priest Ananias1 came down with some elders and an attorney2 named3 Tertullus, and they4 brought formal charges5 against Paul to the governor. 24:2 When Paul6 had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him,7 saying, "We have experienced a lengthy time8 of peace through your rule,9 and reforms10 are being made in this nation11 through your foresight.12 24:3 Most excellent Felix,13 we acknowledge this everywhere and in every way14 with all gratitude.15 24:4 But so that I may not delay16 you any further, I beg17 you to hear us briefly18 with your customary graciousness.19 24:5 For we have found20 this man to be a troublemaker,21 one who stirs up riots22 among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader23 of the sect of the Nazarenes.24 24:6 He25 even tried to desecrate26 the temple, so we arrested27 him.28 24:8 When you examine29 him yourself, you will be able to learn from him30 about all these things we are accusing him of doing."31 24:9 The Jews also joined in the verbal attack,32 claiming33 that these things were true.

Paul's Defense Before Felix

24:10 When the governor gestured for him to speak, Paul replied, "Because I know34 that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, I confidently make my defense.35 24:11 As you can verify36 for yourself, not more than twelve days ago37 I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 24:12 They did not find me arguing38 with anyone or stirring up a crowd39 in the temple courts40 or in the synagogues41 or throughout the city,42 24:13 nor can they prove43 to you the things44 they are accusing me of doing.45 24:14 But I confess this to you, that I worship46 the God of our ancestors47 according to the Way (which they call a sect), believing everything that is according to the law48 and that is written in the prophets. 24:15 I have49 a hope in God (a hope50 that51 these men52 themselves accept too) that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.53 24:16 This is the reason54 I do my best to always55 have a clear56 conscience toward God and toward people.57 24:17 After several years58 I came to bring to my people gifts for the poor59 and to present offerings,60 24:18 which I was doing when they found me in the temple, ritually purified,61 without a crowd or a disturbance.62 24:19 But there are some Jews from Asia63 who should be here before you and bring charges,64 if they have anything against me. 24:20 Or these men here65 should tell what crime66 they found me guilty of67 when I stood before the council,68 24:21 other than69 this one thing70 I shouted out while I stood before71 them: `I am on trial before you today concerning the resurrection of the dead.'"72

24:22 Then Felix,73 who understood the facts74 concerning the Way75 more accurately,76 adjourned their hearing,77 saying, "When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide your case."78 24:23 He ordered the centurion79 to guard Paul,80 but to let him have some freedom,81 and not to prevent any of his friends82 from meeting his needs.83

Paul Speaks Repeatedly to Felix

24:24 Some days later, when Felix84 arrived with his wife Drusilla,85 who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him speak86 about faith in Christ Jesus.87 24:25 While Paul88 was discussing89 righteousness, self-control,90 and the coming judgment, Felix91 became92 frightened and said, "Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity,93 I will send for you." 24:26 At the same time he was also hoping that Paul would give him money,94 and for this reason he sent for Paul95 as often as possible96 and talked97 with him. 24:27 After two years98 had passed, Porcius Festus99 succeeded Felix,100 and because he wanted to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul in prison.101

Paul's Appeal to Caesar

25:1 Now1 three days after Festus2 arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.3 25:2 So the chief priests and the most prominent men4 of the Jews brought formal charges5 against Paul to him. 25:3 Requesting him to do them a favor against Paul,6 they urged Festus7 to summon him to Jerusalem, planning an ambush8 to kill him along the way. 25:4 Then Festus9 replied that Paul was being kept at Caesarea,10 and he himself intended to go there11 shortly. 25:5 "So," he said, "let your leaders12 go down there13 with me, and if this man has done anything wrong,14 they may bring charges15 against him."

25:6 After Festus16 had stayed17 not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea,18 and the next day he sat19 on the judgment seat20 and ordered Paul to be brought. 25:7 When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him,21 bringing many serious22 charges that they were not able to prove.23 25:8 Paul said in his defense,24 "I have committed no offense25 against the Jewish law26 or against the temple or against Caesar."27 25:9 But Festus,28 wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be tried29 before me there on these charges?"30 25:10 Paul replied,31 "I am standing before Caesar's32 judgment seat,33 where I should be tried.34 I have done nothing wrong35 to the Jews, as you also know very well.36 25:11 If then I am in the wrong37 and have done anything that deserves death, I am not trying to escape dying,38 but if none of their charges against me are true,39 no one can hand me over to them.40 I appeal to Caesar!"41 25:12 Then, after conferring with his council,42 Festus43 replied, "You have appealed to Caesar;44 to Caesar45 you will go!"46

Festus Asks King Agrippa for Advice

25:13 After several days had passed, King Agrippa47 and Bernice arrived at Caesarea48 to pay their respects49 to Festus.50 25:14 While51 they were staying there many days, Festus52 explained Paul's case to the king to get his opinion,53 saying, "There is a man left here as a prisoner by Felix. 25:15 When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed54 me about him,55 asking for a sentence of condemnation56 against him. 25:16 I answered them57 that it was not the custom of the Romans to hand over anyone58 before the accused had met his accusers face to face59 and had been given60 an opportunity to make a defense against the accusation.61 25:17 So after they came back here with me,62 I did not postpone the case,63 but the next day I sat64 on the judgment seat65 and ordered the man to be brought. 25:18 When his accusers stood up, they did not charge66 him with any of the evil deeds I had suspected.67 25:19 Rather they had several points of disagreement68 with him about their own religion69 and about a man named Jesus70 who was dead, whom Paul claimed71 to be alive. 25:20 Because I was at a loss72 how I could investigate these matters,73 I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried74 there on these charges.75 25:21 But when Paul appealed to be kept in custody for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor,76 I ordered him to be kept under guard until I could send him to Caesar."77 25:22 Agrippa78 said to Festus,79 "I would also like to hear the man myself." "Tomorrow," he replied,80 "you will hear him."

Paul Brought Before King Agrippa and Bernice

25:23 So the next day Agrippa81 and Bernice came with great pomp82 and entered the audience hall,83 along with the senior military officers84 and the prominent men of the city. When Festus85 gave the order,86 Paul was brought in. 25:24 Then Festus87 said, "King Agrippa,88 and all you who are present here with us, you see this man about whom the entire Jewish populace89 petitioned90 me both in Jerusalem and here,91 shouting loudly92 that he ought not to live any longer. 25:25 But I found that he had done nothing that deserved death,93 and when he appealed94 to His Majesty the Emperor,95 I decided to send him.96 25:26 But I have nothing definite97 to write to my lord98 about him.99 Therefore I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa,100 so that after this preliminary hearing101 I may have something to write. 25:27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without clearly indicating102 the charges against him."

Paul Offers His Defense

26:1 So Agrippa1 said to Paul, "You have permission2 to speak for yourself." Then Paul held out his hand3 and began his defense:4

26:2 "Regarding all the things I have been accused of by the Jews, King Agrippa,5 I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, 26:3 because you are especially6 familiar with all the customs and controversial issues7 of the Jews. Therefore I ask8 you to listen to me patiently. 26:4 Now all the Jews know the way I lived9 from my youth, spending my life from the beginning among my own people10 and in Jerusalem. 26:5 They know,11 because they have known12 me from time past,13 if they are willing to testify, that according to the strictest party14 of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.15 26:6 And now I stand here on trial16 because of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors,17 26:7 a promise18 that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve God19 night and day. Concerning this hope the Jews are accusing me,20 Your Majesty!21 26:8 Why do you people22 think23 it is unbelievable24 that25 God raises the dead? 26:9 Of course,26 I myself was convinced27 that it was necessary to do many things hostile to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. 26:10 And that is what I did in Jerusalem: not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons by the authority I received28 from the chief priests, but I also cast my vote29 against them when they were sentenced to death.30 26:11 I punished31 them often in all the synagogues32 and tried to force33 them to blaspheme. Because I was so furiously enraged34 at them, I went to persecute35 them even in foreign cities.

26:12 "While doing this very thing,36 as I was going37 to Damascus with authority and complete power38 from the chief priests, 26:13 about noon along the road, Your Majesty,39 I saw a light from heaven,40 brighter than the sun, shining everywhere around41 me and those traveling with me. 26:14 When we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,42 `Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? You are hurting yourself43 by kicking against the goads.'44 26:15 So I said, `Who are you, Lord?' And the Lord replied,45 `I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 26:16 But get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this reason, to designate you in advance46 as a servant and witness47 to the things48 you have seen49 and to the things in which I will appear to you. 26:17 I will rescue50 you from your own people51 and from the Gentiles, to whom52 I am sending you 26:18 to open their eyes so that they turn53 from darkness to light and from the power54 of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share55 among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

26:19 "Therefore, King Agrippa,56 I was not disobedient57 to the heavenly58 vision, 26:20 but I declared to those in Damascus first, and then to those in Jerusalem and in all Judea,59 and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God,60 performing deeds consistent with61 repentance. 26:21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple courts62 and were trying63 to kill me. 26:22 I have experienced64 help from God to this day, and so I stand testifying to both small and great, saying nothing except65 what the prophets and Moses said66 was going to happen: 26:23 that67 the Christ68 was to suffer and be the first to rise from the dead, to proclaim light both to our people69 and to the Gentiles."70

26:24 As Paul71 was saying these things in his defense, Festus72 exclaimed loudly, "You have lost your mind,73 Paul! Your great learning is driving you insane!" 26:25 But Paul replied,74 "I have not lost my mind, most excellent Festus,75 but am speaking76 true and rational77 words. 26:26 For the king knows about these things, and I am speaking freely78 to him,79 because I cannot believe80 that any of these things has escaped his notice,81 for this was not done in a corner.82 26:27 Do you believe the prophets,83 King Agrippa?84 I know that you believe." 26:28 Agrippa85 said to Paul, "In such a short time are you persuading me to become a Christian?"86 26:29 Paul replied, "I pray to God that whether in a short or a long time87 not only you but also all those who are listening to me today could become such as I am, except for these chains."88

26:30 So the king got up, and with him the governor and Bernice and those sitting with them, 26:31 and as they were leaving they said to one another,89 "This man is not doing anything deserving90 death or imprisonment." 26:32 Agrippa91 said to Festus,92 "This man could have been released93 if he had not appealed to Caesar."94

Paul and Company Sail for Rome

27:1 When it was decided we1 would sail to Italy,2 they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion3 of the Augustan Cohort4 named Julius. 27:2 We went on board5 a ship from Adramyttium6 that was about to sail to various ports7 along the coast of Asia8 and put out to sea,9 accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian10 from Thessalonica. 27:3 The next day we put in11 at Sidon,12 and Julius, treating Paul kindly,13 allowed him to go to his friends so they could provide him with what he needed.14 27:4 From there we put out to sea15 and sailed under the lee16 of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 27:5 After we had sailed across the open sea17 off Cilicia and Pamphylia,18 we put in19 at Myra20 in Lycia.21 27:6 There the centurion22 found23 a ship from Alexandria24 sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 27:7 We sailed slowly25 for many days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus.26 Because the wind would not let us go any farther,27 we sailed under the lee28 of Crete off Salmone.29 27:8 With difficulty we sailed along the coast30 of Crete31 and came to a place called Fair Havens that was near the town of Lasea.32

Caught in a Violent Storm

27:9 Since considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous33 because the fast34 was already over,35 Paul advised them,36 27:10 "Men, I can see the voyage is going to end37 in disaster38 and great loss not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."39 27:11 But the centurion40 was more convinced41 by the captain42 and the ship's owner than by what Paul said.43 27:12 Because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided44 to put out to sea45 from there. They hoped that46 somehow they could reach47 Phoenix,48 a harbor of Crete facing49 southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 27:13 When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought50 they could carry out51 their purpose, so they weighed anchor52 and sailed close along the coast53 of Crete. 27:14 Not long after this, a hurricane-force54 wind called the northeaster55 blew down from the island.56 27:15 When the ship was caught in it57 and could not head into58 the wind, we gave way to it and were driven59 along. 27:16 As we ran under the lee of60 a small island called Cauda,61 we were able with difficulty to get the ship's boat62 under control. 27:17 After the crew63 had hoisted it aboard,64 they used supports65 to undergird the ship. Fearing they would run aground66 on the Syrtis,67 they lowered the sea anchor,68 thus letting themselves be driven along. 27:18 The next day, because we were violently battered by the storm,69 they began throwing the cargo overboard,70 27:19 and on the third day they threw the ship's gear71 overboard with their own hands. 27:20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and a violent72 storm continued to batter us,73 we finally abandoned all hope of being saved.74

27:21 Since many of them had no desire to eat,75 Paul76 stood up77 among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me78 and not put out to sea79 from Crete, thus avoiding80 this damage and loss. 27:22 And now I advise81 you to keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only the ship will be lost.82 27:23 For last night an angel of the God to whom I belong83 and whom I serve84 came to me85 27:24 and said,86 `Do not be afraid, Paul! You must stand before87 Caesar,88 and God has graciously granted you the safety89 of all who are sailing with you.' 27:25 Therefore keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God90 that it will be just as I have been told. 27:26 But we must91 run aground on some island."

27:27 When the fourteenth night had come, while we were being driven92 across the Adriatic Sea,93 about midnight the sailors suspected they were approaching some land.94 27:28 They took soundings95 and found the water was twenty fathoms96 deep; when they had sailed a little farther97 they took soundings again and found it was fifteen fathoms98 deep. 27:29 Because they were afraid99 that we would run aground on the rocky coast,100 they threw out101 four anchors from the stern and wished102 for day to come.103 27:30 Then when the sailors tried to escape from the ship and were lowering the ship's boat into the sea, pretending104 that they were going to put out anchors from the bow, 27:31 Paul said to the centurion105 and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay with the ship, you106 cannot be saved." 27:32 Then the soldiers cut the ropes107 of the ship's boat and let it drift away.108

27:33 As day was about to dawn,109 Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day you have been in suspense110 and have gone111 without food; you have eaten nothing.112 27:34 Therefore I urge you to take some food, for this is important113 for your survival.114 For not one of you will lose a hair from his head." 27:35 After he said this, Paul115 took bread116 and gave thanks to God in front of them all,117 broke118 it, and began to eat. 27:36 So all of them were encouraged and took food themselves. 27:37 (We were in all two hundred seventy-six119 persons on the ship.)120 27:38 When they had eaten enough to be satisfied,121 they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat122 into the sea.

Paul is Shipwrecked

27:39 When day came they did not recognize the land, but they noticed123 a bay124 with a beach,125 where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 27:40 So they slipped126 the anchors127 and left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the linkage128 that bound the steering oars129 together. Then they hoisted130 the foresail131 to the wind and steered toward132 the beach. 27:41 But they encountered a patch of crosscurrents133 and ran the ship aground; the bow stuck fast and could not be moved, but the stern was being broken up by the force134 of the waves. 27:42 Now the soldiers' plan was to kill the prisoners135 so that none of them would escape by swimming away.136 27:43 But the centurion,137 wanting to save Paul's life,138 prevented them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land,139 27:44 and the rest were to follow,140 some on planks141 and some on pieces of the ship.142 And in this way143 all were brought safely to land.

Paul on Malta

28:1 After we had safely reached shore,1 we learned that the island was called Malta.2 28:2 The local inhabitants3 showed us extraordinary4 kindness, for they built a fire and welcomed us all because it had started to rain5 and was cold. 28:3 When Paul had gathered a bundle of brushwood6 and was putting it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 28:4 When the local people7 saw the creature hanging from Paul's8 hand, they said to one another, "No doubt this man is a murderer! Although he has escaped from the sea, Justice herself9 has not allowed him to live!"10 28:5 However,11 Paul12 shook13 the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 28:6 But they were expecting that he was going to swell up14 or suddenly drop dead. So after they had waited15 a long time and had seen16 nothing unusual happen17 to him, they changed their minds18 and said he was a god.19

28:7 Now in the region around that place20 were fields belonging to the chief official21 of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably as guests for three days. 28:8 The father22 of Publius lay sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him23 and after praying, placed24 his hands on him and healed25 him. 28:9 After this had happened, many of the people on the island who were sick26 also came and were healed.27 28:10 They also bestowed many honors,28 and when we were preparing to sail,29 they gave30 us all the supplies we needed.31

Paul Finally Reaches Rome

28:11 After three months we put out to sea32 in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island and had the `Heavenly Twins'33 as its figurehead.34 28:12 We put in35 at Syracuse36 and stayed there three days. 28:13 From there we sailed from place to place37 and arrived at Rhegium,38 and after one day a south wind sprang up39 and on the second day we came to Puteoli.40 28:14 There41 we found42 some brothers43 and were invited to stay with them seven days. And in this way we came to Rome. 28:15 The brothers from there,44 when they heard about us, came as far as the Forum of Appius45 and Three Taverns46 to meet us. When he saw them,47 Paul thanked God and took courage. 28:16 When we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to live48 by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

Paul Addresses the Jewish Community in Rome

28:17 After three days49 Paul50 called the local Jewish leaders51 together. When they had assembled, he said to them, "Brothers,52 although I had done53 nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors,54 from Jerusalem I was handed over as a prisoner to the Romans.55 28:18 When56 they had examined me, they wanted to release me,57 because there was no basis for a death sentence58 against me. 28:19 But when the Jews objected,59 I was forced to appeal to Caesar60--not that I had some charge to bring61 against my own people.62 28:20 So for this reason I have asked to see you and speak with you, for I am bound with this chain because of the hope of Israel."63 28:21 They replied,64 "We have received no letters from Judea about you, nor have any of the brothers come from there65 and reported or said anything bad about you. 28:22 But we would like to hear from you what you think, for regarding this sect we know66 that people67 everywhere speak against68 it."

28:23 They set69 a day to meet with him,70 and they came to him where he was staying71 in even greater numbers.72 From morning until evening he explained to them,73 testifying74 about the kingdom of God75 and trying to convince76 them about Jesus from both the law of Moses and the prophets. 28:24 Some were convinced77 by what he said,78 but others refused79 to believe. 28:25 So they began to leave,80 unable to agree among themselves, after Paul made one last statement: "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly to your ancestors81 through the prophet Isaiah 28:26 when he said,

28:28 "Therefore be advised88 that this salvation from God89 has been sent to the Gentiles;90 they91 will listen!"92

28:30 Paul93 lived94 there two whole years in his own rented quarters95 and welcomed96 all who came to him, 28:31 proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ97 with complete boldness98 and without restriction.99