Chapter I: AM the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. (2)Every branch in (3)

(24)Then passing through Pisidia, they came unto Pamphylia. (25)And having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia: (26)and thence sailed for Antioch, from whence they had been commended to the grace of God for the service which they had performed. (27)So when they arrived they called the church together, and related what great things God had done by them, and that he had opened to the heathen the door of faith.

(28)And there they abode no inconsiderable time with the disciples.

CHAP. XV.

AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. (2)There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question. (3)They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren. (4)Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them. (5)But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. (6)Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. (7)When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them,

Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. (8)And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; (9)and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. (10)Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (11)But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. (12)Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

(13)Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: (14)Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon _the Gentiles_, to take from them a people for his name. (15)And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, (16)"After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: (17)that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things[46]." (18)Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. (19)Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: (20)but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol _sacrifices_, and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. (21)For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day.

(22)Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; (23)writing a letter by their hand, in these words:

The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: (24)Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: (25)it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26)men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (27)We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. (28)For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; (29)that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.

(30)They then being thus dispatched, came to Antioch: and assembling the multitude, they delivered the letter: (31)and when they had read it, they rejoiced in the consolation _of it_. (32)Then Judas and Silas, being also themselves prophets, exhorted the brethren, in many a discourse, and established them. (33)And having stayed their time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren to the apostles. (34)However Silas thought proper to abide there. (35)Paul also and Barnabas abode at Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others also, the word of the Lord.

(36)Then after certain days said Paul to Barnabas, Let us now return and visit our brethren in every city among whom we have preached the word of the Lord, that we may see how they hold on. (37)Now Barnabas had resolved to take with him John, whose surname is Mark. (38)But Paul did not think him a fit person to take with them, who had withdrawn from them from Pamphylia, and no longer went with them to the service. (39)So there grew up a sudden quarrel, insomuch that they separated from each other: and Barnabas, taking Mark with him, sailed away to Cyprus: (40)but Paul selecting Silas, departed, being commended by the brethren to the favour of God. (41)And he passed through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

CHAP. XVI.

THEN he came to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold! a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman, who believed; but his father was a Greek: (2)who was highly spoken of by the brethren at Lystra and Iconium. (3)Him Paul resolved to take out with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father, that he was a Greek. (4)So as they passed through the cities, they delivered to them for their observance the ordinances decreed by the apostles and presbyters that were at Jerusalem.

(5)Then were the churches established truly in the faith, and increased in number daily. (6)So passing through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, being forbidden by the Holy Ghost to speak the word in Asia, (7)coming as far as Mysia, they made an effort to go unto Bythinia: but the Spirit permitted them not. (8)Whereupon passing by Mysia they went down to Troas. (9)And a vision by night appeared to Paul; a certain man, a Macedonian, stood by him, entreating him, and saying, Pass over into Macedonia, and help us. (10)But when he saw the vision, immediately we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. (11)Therefore sailing from Troas, we came in a direct course to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis; (12)and from thence to Philippi, which is the first city in that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we abode in that city some days.

(13)And on the sabbath-day we went forth out of the city to the river side, where an oratory was by custom established; and sitting down, we spoke to the women who there assembled. (14)And a certain woman, Lydia by name, a seller of purple, from the city of Thyatira, a worshipper of God, hearkened: whose heart the Lord thoroughly opened, to attend to the words spoken by Paul. (15)So when she was baptised, and her house, she entreated, saying, Since ye have judged that I am faithful to the Lord, come and abide at my house. And she constrained us.

(16)Now it happened as we were going to the oratory, a certain damsel having a pythonic spirit met us, who produced for her masters much gain as a fortuneteller: (17)she following Paul and us, cried out, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, who preach to you the way of salvation. (18)And this she did for several days. Then Paul was wearied out, and turning, said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out that very hour. (19)But when her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they laid hold on Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the forum before the chief rulers, (20)and presenting them to the magistrates, they said, These are the men that exceedingly disturb the peace of our city, being Jews, (21)and enjoin customs which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to practise, being Romans. (22)And the populace stood up together against them: and the magistrates, after having had their garments torn from their backs, commanded them to be beaten with rods. (23)And laying on them many stripes, cast them into prison, commanding the jailor to keep them in safe custody: (24)who, receiving such an injunction, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. (25)But about midnight Paul and Silas, after joining in prayer, sang hymns to God: and the prisoners heard them. (26)And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the very foundations of the prison were shaken: and instantly all the doors flew open, and every man's chains were loosed. (27)Then the jailor being roused from sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword, going to destroy himself, supposing the prisoners had escaped. (28)But Paul called out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no injury: for we are all here. (29)Thereupon calling for a light, he rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas; (30)and having first brought them out, said, Sirs! what must I do to be saved? (31)And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, thou, and thy house. (32)And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all who were in his house. (33)And taking them that same hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was baptised, himself and all who belonged to him immediately. (34)And when he had brought them into his house, he spread the table, and greatly rejoiced with all his household, believing in God.

(35)But when it was day, the magistrates sent the lictors, saying, Set those men at large. (36)Then the jailor told these words to Paul, That the magistrates had sent to set them at liberty: now therefore, _said he,_ get ye out, and pursue your journey in peace. (37)But Paul said to them, They have beaten us publicly, uncondemned, men that are Roman citizens, and have cast us into prison; and would they now clandestinely send us away? no, verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out. (38)Then the lictors reported all these words to the magistrates: and they were terrified, when they heard they were Roman citizens. (39)So they came and spoke kindly to them, and fetching them out, besought them to depart from the city. (40)Then leaving the prison, they went unto Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and went their way.

CHAP. XVII.

SO journeying through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of Jews: (2)And Paul, according to his usual custom, went in to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the scriptures, (3)opening them clearly, and laying it evidently down that the Messiah must suffer, and rise again from the dead; and that this man is the Messiah, even Jesus, whom I preach unto you. (4)And some of them believed, and associated themselves with Paul and Silas; and of the religious Greeks a vast multitude, and of the wives of the first people not a few. (5)But the unbelieving Jews, roused to a fit of zeal, and taking some of the lowest vulgar men of vile characters, and raising a mob, set the city in an uproar, and besetting the house of Jason, sought them to bring them unto the people. (6)But not finding them there, they dragged Jason and certain brethren to the city magistrates, roaring out, These are the men who are movers of sedition through the world, and are come in hither; (7)whom Jason has entertained in his house: and the practice of all these fellows is in direct opposition to all Caesar's ordinances, for they affirm that another is king, one Jesus. (8)And they greatly agitated the people and the city magistrates when they heard these things. (9)So after taking sufficient security from Jason and the rest, they dismissed them.

(10)Then the disciples immediately by night sent off both Paul and Silas to Berea; who were no sooner arrived, than they went into the synagogue of the Jews. (11)Now these were more liberally minded men than those of Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness of mind, daily, examining the Scriptures if these things were really so. (12)Then many of them truly believed: and of the Grecian proselyte women of respectability, and of the men not a few.

(13)But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that at Berea also the word of God was preached by Paul, they came thither, and stirred up the populace. (14)Then immediately on this the brethren sent off Paul, to go as if by sea: but Silas and Timothy abode there still. (15)And those who conduced Paul brought him as far as Athens, and receiving an injunction for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as speedily as possible, they departed. (16)Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit within him was greatly grieved, beholding the city so devoted to idolatry. (17)Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews, and those who worshipped there, and in the forum every day with those he happened to meet.

(18)Then certain of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers attacked him: and some said, What will this chattering fellow say? but others, He seemeth to be a preacher of foreign deities, because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. (19)So they took him and led him to the hill of Mars, saying, May we know what this novel doctrine taught by thee is? (20)For thou bringest some strange stories to our ears; we wish therefore to know what these things mean. (21)Now all the Athenians and the strangers who come to sojourn there, take pleasure in spending their time in nothing else but in talking, or hearing of some novelty.

(22)Then Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus said, Ye men of Athens, I observe that in all things ye are too much devoted to the worship of daemons. (23)For as I walked about, and attentively viewed the objects of your worship, I found even an altar on which was this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore you in ignorance adore, him I preach unto you. (24)The God who created the world, and all things in it, he that is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples of man's construction; (25)nor is he served by human hands, as if he needed any creature, himself imparting to all beings life, and breath, and all things. (26)And hath made from one man's blood all the nations of mankind, to dwell upon the whole face of the earth, fixing the predetermined periods of their existence, and the boundaries of their several abodes; (27)that they should seek the Lord, if indeed they might haply grope him out, and find him, though truly he is not far from any individual of us: (28)for from him we derive life, and power of motion, and existence; as also some of your own poets have said, "For we are even his offspring." (29)Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to imagine that the Divinity is like to gold, or silver, or stone sculptured by human art or contrivance. (30)These times indeed of ignorance God then overlooked; but he now commands all men in every place to repent: (31)because he hath fixed the day in which he will judge the whole world in righteousness by the man whom he hath appointed; affording evidence of this to all, by raising him from the dead.

(32)But when they heard of the resurrection from the dead, Some scoffed: and others said, We will hear thee again on this subject. (33)And so Paul departed from the midst of them. (34)But certain persons cleaving to him, believed: among whom was even Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

CHAP. XVIII.

AND after these transactions, Paul departing from Athens, came to Corinth; (2)and finding a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately arrived from Italy, with Priscilla his wife, (because Claudius had issued an order that all Jews should depart from Rome,) he turned in to them. (3)And as he was of the same occupation, he abode with them, and worked, (for by trade they were tent-makers:) (4)and he discoursed in the synagogue every sabbath-day, and persuaded both the Jews and the Greek proselytes. (5)And when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia, Paul felt a strong impulse on his spirit, and forcibly testified to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah. (6)But as they continued opposing and blaspheming, he shook his garments, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am pure from it: from this moment will I go to the Gentiles. (7)And departing thence, he came to the house of a person, called Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was contiguous to the synagogue. (8)But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were baptised. (9)Then spake the Lord in a vision by night to Paul, Fear not, but speak; and hold not thy peace: (10)for I am with thee, and no man shall set himself against thee to do thee harm; because I have much people in this city. (11)And he sat down there a year and six months, teaching among them the word of God.

(12)But when Gallio was the proconsul of Achaia, the Jews, with one accord, rose up against Paul, and brought him to the judgment-seat, (13)saying, This is the fellow that earnestly persuades men to worship God contrary to the law. (14)Then Paul being about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, (15)If indeed this was now a matter of injustice, or wicked knavery, with reason I should hear you patiently; but if it be merely a controversy about the word, and names, and a law peculiar to yourselves, settle it yourselves: for I will be no judge of these matters. (16)And he drove them from the judgment-seat. (17)Then all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the tribunal. And Gallio paid no regard to any of these things.

(18)Then Paul abode there yet many days, and taking leave of the disciples, he set sail for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having cut off his hair at Cenchrea: for he had a vow. (19)And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself went into the synagogue, and discoursed with the Jews. (20)But when they were importunate with him to prolong his stay among them, he consented not; (21)but took his leave of them, saying, I must by any means keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: but I mean to return to you again, if God so please. So he sailed from Ephesus. (22)And landing at Cesarea, he went up, and having saluted the church _at Jerusalem_, he went down to Antioch. (23)And after making some stay, he departed, passing in regular order through the Galatian district, and Phrygia, confirming all the disciples.

(24)Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, a man of eloquence, who was powerful in the Scriptures, had come to Ephesus. (25)He was instructed in the way of the Lord: and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught very diligently the things concerning the Lord, though knowing only the baptism of John. (26)So this man began to speak with great boldness in the synagogue: but when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him home with them, and more accurately expounded to him the way of the Lord. (27)And when he wished to pass over to Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; who arriving, contributed much to _confirm_ those who believed through grace. (28)For he strenuously argued with the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.

CHAP. XIX.

NOW it came to pass that during the time Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, after passing through the upper provinces, came to Ephesus; and finding certain disciples, (2)said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not even heard if the Holy Ghost is _given_. (3)And he asked them, Into what then were ye baptised? And they replied, Into John's baptism. (4)Then said Paul, John indeed baptised with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people, That they should believe on him who was coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus. (5)Now when they heard it, they were baptised into the name of the Lord Jesus. (6)And Paul laying on them his hands, the Holy Ghost came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. (7)And the men were in all about twelve. (8)And entering into the synagogue, he spake boldly during three months, reasoning and persuading the things that concern the kingdom of God. (9)And when some were hardened, and infidel, speaking evil of the way before the people, he withdrew from them, and separated the disciples, discoursing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. (10)And this he did for two years; so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. (11)And God wrought by the hands of Paul extraordinary miracles; (12)so that even from his skin there were brought handkerchiefs and aprons unto the diseased, and their disorders were chased from them, and the evil spirits came out of them.

(13)Then certain of the Jews, who went about as exorcists, attempted to make mention of the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth. (14)And they were seven sons of Sceva a Jew, a chief priest, who did this. (15)Then the evil spirit replied, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye? (16)And the man sprang upon them, in whom was the evil spirit, and getting the mastery over them, prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (17)And this was known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who dwelt at Ephesus: and fear fell on them all, and they magnified the name of the Lord. (18)And many of those who believed came, confessing and declaring their practices. (19)And many of those who practised magical arts brought the books, and burned them before all men; and they calculated the prices of them, and found them worth fifty thousand pieces of silver. (20)So mightily did the word of God increase and prevail.

(21)Now when these things were accomplished, Paul purposed by the Spirit, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, That after I have been there, I must see Rome also. (22)Then he dispatched into Macedonia two of those who attended upon him, Timothy and Erastus; while he himself continued a while longer in Asia. (23)And there happened at that time no small disturbance about this way. (24)For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made little temples in silver to represent that of Diana, brought to the artificers no small gain; (25)whom collecting together, with the workmen also of such trinkets, he said, Sirs, ye know that by this employment we make our advantageous livelihood: (26)and ye see and hear how not only at Ephesus, but almost through all Asia, this fellow Paul, by his persuasions, hath perverted a vast multitude, affirming that they are not gods which are made with hands: (27)so that not only is this our trade in danger of falling into contempt, but also that this temple of the great goddess Diana should be counted as nothing, and that henceforth also her magnificence should be utterly destroyed, whom all Asia and the whole world worshippeth. (28)On hearing this then, and being filled with rage, they cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (29)And the whole city was filled with confusion; and they rushed unanimously into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's travelling companions. (30)But though Paul wished to go in to the people, the disciples would not permit him. (31)And some of the Asiarchs also, who were his friends, sent unto him, admonishing him not to venture himself into the theatre. (32)So they were crying out some one thing and some another: for the assembly was a scene of confusion, and the greater part knew not on what account they were collected together. (33)Then out of the crowd they brought forward Alexander, the Jews pushing him on: and Alexander, waving his hand, would fain have addressed his apology to the people. (34)But when they knew he was a Jew, one shout burst from all, crying for about the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(35)Then the recorder having quieted the multitude, said, Men of Ephesus, who indeed is the man that doth not know that the city of the Ephesians is wholly devoted to the great goddess Diana, and to the image which fell down from Jupiter? (36)These things being then incontrovertible, it becomes you to be quiet, and to do nothing with precipitation. (37)For ye have brought hither these men, neither robbers of the temple, nor blasphemers of your goddess. (38)If then indeed Demetrius and the artificers that are with him have a charge against any man, the courts are held, and there are proconsuls: let them implead one another. (39)And if ye have any dispute about other matters, it shall be terminated in a lawful assembly, (40)For we are even in danger of being called to account for this day's insurrection, there being no cause on account of which we can justify this tumultuary concourse: (41)and so saying, he dissolved the assembly.

CHAP. XX.

THEN after the tumult was quieted, Paul called to him the disciples, and taking his leave, departed to go into Macedonia. (2)And passing through those parts, and having exhorted them with much discourse, he went into Greece. (3)And after three months stay, as the Jews were lying in wait for him, when he was just embarking for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia. (4)And there accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater a Berean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus, Asiatics. (5)These going before tarried for us at Troas. (6)And we sailed from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them to Troas after five days; where we stayed seven days. (7)And on the first day of the week, when the disciples were assembled to break bread, Paul preached unto them (ready to depart on the morrow), and extended his discourse until midnight. (8)Now there were many lamps in the upper room, where they were assembled. (9)And a certain youth named Eutytchus, who sat in the window, fell into a profound sleep: as Paul discoursed much longer than usual, quite overpowered with sleep, he fell down from a third story, and was taken up dead. (10)But Paul came down, and fell upon him, and taking him in his arms, said, Trouble not yourselves, for his life is yet in him. (11)And when he had gone up, and broken bread, and eaten, and conversed a long time, even to the break of day, he then departed. (12)And they brought the lad alive, and were comforted exceedingly.

(13)Then we going before to the ship, sailed for Assos, intending there to take in Paul: for so he had ordered, meaning himself to walk thither. (14)And when he met us at Assos, we took him up, and came to Mytelene. (15)And sailing from thence, on the following day we advanced over against Chios; and the next day we touched at Samos, and staying at Trogyllium, the day following we came to Miletus. (16)For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that he might not spend the time in Asia: for he hastened on, if it was possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. (17)So he sent to Ephesus from Miletus, and called the presbyters of the church to attend him. (18)And when they were come unto him, he said unto them,

Ye know, from the very first day in which I entered into Asia, how I have been among you at every season, (19)serving the Lord with all humility, and with many tears and trials, which have befallen me through the lying in wait of the Jews: (20)and that I have suppressed nothing which could conduce to your profiting; not desisting from preaching to you, and teaching you in public, and from house to house, (21)repeatedly urging both on Jews and Greeks repentance towards God, and faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. (22)And now behold I am going, bound by the Spirit, unto Jerusalem, not knowing what things shall there befal me: (23)only this, that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying, that bonds and tribulation await thee. (24)Yet I make no account of any _suffering_, nor regard my life as of any value to myself, farther than as I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord, to testify fully the Gospel of the grace of God. (25)And now behold, I know that ye shall see my face no more, even ye all, among whom I have gone in and out preaching the kingdom of God. (26)Wherefore I appeal to you this day as witnesses that I am pure from the blood of all men. (27)For I have concealed nothing, so as not repeatedly to declare to you the whole counsel of God. (28)Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you bishops, to feed as shepherds the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood. (29)For this I know, that after my departure there will come among you grievous wolves, not sparing the flock: (30)Yea, from among yourselves shall men arise, speaking perverting doctrines, to draw away disciples after them. (31)Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by night and by day, I have never ceased with tears to admonish every individual. (32)And now, brethren, I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to finish the superstructure, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (33)The silver, or gold, or apparel of no man have I coveted: (34)but ye yourselves know that these hands have by labour furnished necessaries for my own wants, and for those who were with me. (35)In all things I have set you the example, that so labouring hard ye ought to help the infirm, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, because he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

(36)And when he had spoken these things, he fell on his knees, and prayed with them all. (37)And all of them shed floods of tears, and fell upon Paul's neck, and kissed him again and again, (38)most peculiarly afflicted at that word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more: and they accompanied him unto the ship.

CHAP. XXI.

AND tearing ourselves away from them, when we had set sail, we came in a direct course to Coos, and the day after to Rhodes, and from thence to Patara. (2)And finding a ship passing over to Phenice, we went on board and set sail: (3)and coming in sight of Cyprus, and leaving it on the left, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to discharge her cargo. (4)And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: and they said to Paul, by the Spirit, that he should not go up unto Jerusalem. (5)But when we had stayed out those days, we departed, and went on our journey, all of them attending us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the sea shore, we joined in prayer; (6)and embracing one another, we went on ship-board, and they returned to their own homes, (7)So completing our voyage, we arrived from Tyre at Ptolemais, and saluting the brethren, tarried with them one day. (8)And on the morrow we who were Paul's companions departed with him, and went to Caesarea; and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist (who was one of the seven deacons), we abode with him. (9)Now this man had four maiden daughters endued with the gift of prophecy. (10)And as we tarried there several days, there came down a certain prophet from Judea named Agabus. (11)And coming to us, he took Paul's girdle, and binding both his own hands and feet together, said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, The man, whose girdle this is, shall the Jews bind in like manner at Jerusalem, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. (12)Then when we heard these things, both we and all who were in the place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. (13)But Paul replied, Why do ye thus--weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. (14)And when he could not be persuaded, we desisted, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

(15)Then after those days, packing up our baggage, we went up to Jerusalem: (16)and there went also with us some disciples from Caesarea, bringing one Mnason a Cyprian, an ancient disciple, at whose house we were to lodge. (17)And when we arrived at Jerusalem, the brethren received us with delight. (18)And on the morrow Paul went in with us unto James: and all the presbyters were present. (19)And after embracing them, he related every particular of the things which God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry. (20)And they, when they heard it, glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many myriads there are of Jews who have believed; and they are all zealots for the law: (21)And they have been informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews, who are among the Gentiles, apostacy from Moses, saying, That they should not circumcise the children, nor walk after the usual practices. (22)What then is to be done? The multitude must certainly be assembled; for they will hear that thou art come. (23)Do this therefore which we say to thee: we have four men, who have a vow upon themselves; (24)them take with thee, be purified with them, and be at the same expence as they, that they may shave their heads: and all men will know that there is no truth in the things reported of thee, but that thou thyself walkest orderly and observest the law. (25)Concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we have already written, deciding that they should observe no such thing, except that they should guard themselves from idol sacrifices, and blood, and what is strangled, and from whoredom.

(26)Then Paul took the men, and the following day being purified with them, he entered into the temple, declaring when the days of their purification would be completed, in order whereunto an oblation was to be offered for every one of them. (27)But as the seven days were now drawing to their period, some Jews from Asia seeing him in the temple, excited all the populace to tumult, and laid hands upon him, (28)crying out, Men of Israel, help! This is the man, who, by his preaching, sets all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place: yea and more still, hath brought Greeks into the temple, and defiled this holy place: (29)(for they had before seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they imagined that Paul had introduced into the temple.) (30)And the whole city was in motion, and there was a concourse of people assembled: and laying hands on Paul, they dragged him out of the temple; and immediately the doors were shut. (31)And as they were attempting to murder him, the report reached the military tribune of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion. (32)Who instantly taking soldiers and centurions ran down unto them: and when they saw the tribune and the soldiers, they left off beating Paul.

(33)Then the tribune approaching him, laid hold on him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and asked who he was, and what he had done. (34)Then some among the multitude bellowed out one thing, and some another: so unable to know the certainty of the case because of the tumult, he ordered him to be brought into the fortress. (35)But when he was on the stairs, it happened that he was borne up by the soldiers, because of the press of the crowd. (36)For a multitude of the people followed, crying, Away with him! (37)And when he was just ready to be carried into the fortress, Paul said to the military tribune, May I be permitted to speak a word to thee? And he said, Dost thou know Greek? (38)Art not thou certainly that Egyptian who some time since raised a sedition, and led out into the desert four thousand cutthroats? (39)But Paul replied, I am indeed a Jew, a man of Tarsus, of Cilicia, a citizen of no contemptible city: and, I entreat thee, permit me to speak to the people. (40)So having his permission, Paul standing on the stairs, waved his hand to the people. And profound silence being obtained, he spake to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

CHAP. XXII.

MEN, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my apology which I now offer unto you. (2)Then when they heard that he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence: and he said, (3)I am indeed a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but educated in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed accurately in the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, as ye all are this day: (4)so much so that I persecuted this way unto death, binding and delivering up to prisons both men and women. (5)As also the high-priest will bear me witness, and all the body of elders: from whom also having received letters unto the brethren, I went unto Damascus, to bring those who were there in chains unto Jerusalem, that they might be punished. (6)But as I went and drew nigh to Damascus, at noon-day, suddenly there shone a great light from heaven around me. (7)And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (8)And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus the Nazarean, whom thou persecutest. (9)Now they who were with me saw the light indeed, and were terrified; but the voice of him that spake to me heard they not. (10)Then I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, Arise, go into Damascus; and there information shall be given thee of all things which are ordained for thee to do.

(11)Then as I could no longer see through the dazzling brightness of that light, led by the hand of those who were with me, I came to Damascus. (12)And one Ananias, a religious man according to the law, and in high repute with all the Jews dwelling there, (13)came to me, and standing by me, said, Brother Saul, recover sight. And the same hour I looked up at him. (14)And he said, The God of our fathers hath predestinated thee to know his will, and to see the Just One, and to hear a voice from his mouth. (15)For thou shalt be a witness for him to all men, of the things which thou hast seen and heard. (16)And now why delay? arise, to be baptised, and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord.

(17)Now it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance; (18)and beheld him saying to me, Make haste, and depart quickly from Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony of me. (19)And I said, Lord, they know that I was imprisoning and scourging from synagogue to synagogue those who believe on thee: (20)and when the blood of Stephen thy martyr was shed, I myself even stood by, and took delight in his execution, and guarded the garments of those who slew him. (21)And he said to me, Go: for I will send thee forth to the Gentiles afar off.

(22)And they gave him audience to this sentence, and lifted up their voice, saying, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live. (23)So when they began raising a vast clamour, and stripping off their garments, and casting dust into the air, (24)the military tribune commanded him to be brought into the fortress, ordering that he should be put to the question by scourging; that he might know for what cause they clamoured so loudly against him. (25)So as they were tying him up for the thongs, Paul said to the centurion standing by him, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen, and uncondemned? (26)And when the centurion heard this, he came and told the military tribune, saying, Consider what you are going to do: for this man is a Roman citizen. (27)Then the tribune came, and said to him, Tell me, art thou a Roman citizen? And he said, Yes. (28)And the tribune replied, With a large sum of money I purchased this citizenship. And Paul said, But I enjoy it as my birthright. (29)Immediately then they who were about to put him to the question, withdrew from him: and indeed the tribune dreaded the consequences, when he knew that he was a Roman citizen, that he had even gone so far as to bind him. (30)So on the morrow, desirous to know of a certainty what it was of which he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him from the bonds, and commanded the high-priest and all the sanhedrim to appear, and bringing Paul down, set him before them.

CHAP. XXIII.

THEN Paul, looking earnestly at the sanhedrim, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience unto God even to this day.

(2)Then the high-priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

(3)Then said Paul unto him, God is ready to smite thee, thou whited wall: for art thou sitting to judge me according to the law, and violating that law, commandest me to be smitten?

(4)Then they who stood by, said, Revilest thou God's high-priest? (5)And Paul said, I had not observed, brethren, that he was high-priest: for it is written, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people [47]."

(6)Now when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried in the sanhedrim, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: for the hope and resurrection of the dead am I brought to this bar.

(7)So when he had said this, a great dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided. (8)For the Sadducees say indeed, that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. (9)And a great clamour arose: and the scribes rising up who were of the party of the Pharisees, contended stoutly, saying, We find no fault in this man: but if a spirit have spoken to him, or an angel, let us not fight against God. (10)Then a great tumult arising, the tribune, apprehensive that Paul might be pulled in pieces by them, commanded the guard to go down, and take him by force from the midst of them, and bring him into the fortress.

(11)And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good courage, Paul: for as thou hast borne testimony of the things concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou bear a testimony at Rome also.

(12)Then as soon as it was day, some of the Jews forming a conspiracy, bound themselves under the direst imprecation, declaring that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. (13)Now there were more than forty who had on oath formed this conspiracy. (14)So they came to the high-priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves by the direst imprecation, to taste nothing till we have killed Paul. (15)Now therefore do ye with the sanhedrim give notice to the military tribune, that to-morrow he bring him down to you, as if intending to make more accurate inquiries into the things concerning him: but we, ere he come nigh, are ready to kill him.

(16)Now Paul's sister's son having heard of their lying in wait, came, and entering into the fortress told Paul. (17)Then Paul calling to him one of the centurions, said, Carry this young man to the tribune: for he hath something to communicate to him. (18)Then he took him, and brought him to the tribune, and said, The prisoner Paul calling me to him, entreated me to bring this young man to thee, having something to say to thee. (19)Hereupon the tribune taking him by the hand, and leading him aside, inquired, What is it that thou hast to communicate to me? (20)And he said, The Jews have agreed together to entreat thee that to-morrow thou wouldest bring down Paul into the sanhedrim, as about to make some more accurate inquiry concerning him. (21)But do not thou consent to them: for more than forty men of them are lying in wait for him, who have bound themselves under an anathema, neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now they are in readiness, waiting only to procure the promise from thee.

(22)Hereupon the tribune dismissed the youth, with an injunction, not to mention it to any body that thou hast discovered these things to me. (23)And calling to him two certain persons of the centurions, he said, Get ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night; (24)and provide beasts, that setting Paul thereon, you may convey him safely to Felix the governor.

(25)And he wrote a letter containing this form of words:

(26)Claudius Lysias to his excellence the governor Felix, greeting.

(27)This person had been seized by the Jews, and was ready to be slain by them: but coming on them with the guard, I rescued him out of their hands, having understood that he was a Roman citizen. (28)And desirous of knowing the crime of which they accused him, I brought him down into their sanhedrim (29)and found him accused of some disputed points of their law; but to have no charge laid against him worthy of death or of bonds. (30)But it being discovered to me that a design was forming against the man's _life_ by the Jews, immediately I sent him to thee, commanding his accusers also to produce what they have against him before thee. Farewel.

(31)Hereupon then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night unto Antipatris. (32)And on the morrow, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the fortress. (33)So when they came to Caesarea, and had delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also to him. (34)Then when the governor had read it, and asked of what province he was, and understood he was of Cilicia; (35)I will give thee a thorough hearing, said he, when thy accusers are also come hither. And he commanded them to be kept under guard in Herod's praetorium.

CHAP. XXIV.

SO after five days Ananias the high-priest went down with the elders, and a certain rhetorician, Tertullus, who made their appearance before the governor against Paul. (2)And he being summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying,

Since by thee we enjoy so much peace, and such noble acts are happily performed for this nation by thy provident administration, (3)always and in all places we acknowledge it, most excellent Felix, with all gratitude. (4)Now that I may not be unnecessarily tedious to thee, I entreat thee to hear us briefly with thy wonted candour. (5)For we found this fellow a pest _to society_, and exciting sedition among all the Jews throughout the whole world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazareans: (6)who even attempted to profane the temple: we seized him therefore, and intended to judge him according to our own law. (7)But Lysias the tribune came, and with great violence took him out of our hands, (8)commanding his accusers to appear before thee: whereby thou mayest thyself be able after examination to know the certainty of those things whereof we accuse him.

(9)Then the Jews also joined in affirming, that these things were so.

(10)But Paul (the governor having made him a sign to speak) replied,

Knowing that for so many years thou hast been the judge of this nation, I with the more confidence offer my defence respecting the matters which concern me: (11)as thou mayest be ascertained, that it is not more than twelve days ago since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. (12)And neither in the temple found they me disputing with any man, nor raising any sedition among the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city: (13)neither can they produce any proof of the facts of which they accuse me. (14)But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call a sect, so worship I the God of our ancestors, believing all things that are written in the law, and in the prophets: (15)and having hope in God, the same which they also profess to look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust. (16)For this cause indeed I exert my utmost care to keep my conscience ever unoffending towards God and towards man. (17)Now after many years absence I was returned bringing alms to my countrymen, and oblations _to the temple_. (18)In the discharge of which offices certain Jews of Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with a multitude, nor with any tumult. (19)Who ought to have appeared before thee, and prefer their accusation, if they had any thing against me. (20)Or let the persons themselves here present say, if they found any thing criminal in me, when I stood before the sanhedrim, (21)except for this one sentence, which I uttered aloud when I was standing among them, For the resurrection of the dead am I this day judged by you.

(22)When Felix then heard these things he put them off, (for he knew very exactly all that related to that way,) saying, When Lysias the tribune is come down, I will inquire thoroughly into the matters between you. (23)And he commanded the centurion that Paul should be safe kept, yet have no close confinement, and not to hinder any of his friends from supplying his wants, or visiting him.

(24)Now after some days, Felix returning with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25)And as he discoursed of righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment which is ready to be revealed, Felix being greatly terrified, replied, Go, for the present, I will some time hence take another opportunity of calling for thee. (26)Indeed he had also entertained hope that money would be given him by Paul, in order to release him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him. (27)But when two years were ended, Felix had Portius Festus appointed for his successor: and willing to curry favour with the Jews, Felix left Paul in chains.

CHAP. XXV.