Chapter CV: Book 44: Acts (3)

44:020:027 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

44:020:028 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

44:020:029 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

44:020:030 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

44:020:031 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

44:020:032 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

44:020:033 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.

44:020:034 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.

44:020:035 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

44:020:036 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

44:020:037 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,

44:020:038 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

44:021:001 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

44:021:002 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

44:021:003 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

44:021:004 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

44:021:005 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

44:021:006 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

44:021:007 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

44:021:008 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

44:021:009 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

44:021:010 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

44:021:011 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

44:021:012 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

44:021:013 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

44:021:014 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

44:021:015 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

44:021:016 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

44:021:017 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

44:021:018 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

44:021:019 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.

44:021:020 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

44:021:021 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

44:021:022 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

44:021:023 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

44:021:024 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

44:021:025 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

44:021:026 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

44:021:027 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

44:021:028 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

44:021:029 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

44:021:030 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

44:021:031 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

44:021:032 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

44:021:033 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

44:021:034 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

44:021:035 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

44:021:036 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

44:021:037 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

44:021:038 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

44:021:039 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

44:021:040 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

44:022:001 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.

44:022:002 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)

44:022:003 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

44:022:004 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.

44:022:005 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.

44:022:006 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.

44:022:007 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

44:022:008 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.

44:022:009 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.

44:022:010 And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.

44:022:011 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.

44:022:012 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,

44:022:013 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.

44:022:014 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.

44:022:015 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.

44:022:016 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

44:022:017 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;

44:022:018 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.

44:022:019 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:

44:022:020 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.

44:022:021 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.

44:022:022 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

44:022:023 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

44:022:024 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.

44:022:025 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?

44:022:026 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.

44:022:027 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said, Yea.

44:022:028 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.

44:022:029 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

44:022:030 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.

44:023:001 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.

44:023:002 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

44:023:003 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?

44:023:004 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?

44:023:005 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.

44:023:006 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.

44:023:007 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.

44:023:008 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

44:023:009 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.

44:023:010 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

44:023:011 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

44:023:012 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

44:023:013 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.

44:023:014 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.

44:023:015 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.

44:023:016 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

44:023:017 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.

44:023:018 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.

44:023:019 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?

44:023:020 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.

44:023:021 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.

44:023:022 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.

44:023:023 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;

44:023:024 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.

44:023:025 And he wrote a letter after this manner:

44:023:026 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.

44:023:027 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

44:023:028 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their council:

44:023:029 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.

44:023:030 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

44:023:031 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

44:023:032 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle:

44:023:033 Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

44:023:034 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;

44:023:035 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

44:024:001 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

44:024:002 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,

44:024:003 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

44:024:004 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.

44:024:005 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

44:024:006 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

44:024:007 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

44:024:008 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.

44:024:009 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.

44:024:010 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:

44:024:011 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.

44:024:012 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:

44:024:013 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

44:024:014 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:

44:024:015 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

44:024:016 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void to offence toward God, and toward men.

44:024:017 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

44:024:018 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.

44:024:019 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me.

44:024:020 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

44:024:021 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.

44:024:022 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.

44:024:023 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.

44:024:024 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

44:024:025 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

44:024:026 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

44:024:027 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

44:025:001 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

44:025:002 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him,

44:025:003 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.

44:025:004 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.

44:025:005 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.

44:025:006 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

44:025:007 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.

44:025:008 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I offended any thing at all.

44:025:009 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?

44:025:010 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.

44:025:011 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.

44:025:012 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.

44:025:013 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

44:025:014 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:

44:025:015 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

44:025:016 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

44:025:017 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.

44:025:018 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:

44:025:019 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

44:025:020 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.

44:025:021 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.

44:025:022 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

44:025:023 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.

44:025:024 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.

44:025:025 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

44:025:026 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.

44:025:027 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.

44:026:001 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

44:026:002 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:

44:026:003 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

44:026:004 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

44:026:005 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

44:026:006 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God, unto our fathers:

44:026:007 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

44:026:008 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

44:026:009 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

44:026:010 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

44:026:011 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities.

44:026:012 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

44:026:013 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.

44:026:014 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

44:026:015 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.

44:026:016 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;

44:026:017 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

44:026:018 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

44:026:019 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:

44:026:020 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

44:026:021 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.

44:026:022 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:

44:026:023 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

44:026:024 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.

44:026:025 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.

44:026:026 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.

44:026:027 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

44:026:028 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

44:026:029 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.

44:026:030 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:

44:026:031 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.

44:026:032 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.

44:027:001 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

44:027:002 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

44:027:003 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.

44:027:004 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

44:027:005 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

44:027:006 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

44:027:007 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;

44:027:008 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.

44:027:009 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,

44:027:010 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.

44:027:011 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.

44:027:012 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.

44:027:013 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.

44:027:014 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.

44:027:015 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

44:027:016 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

44:027:017 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.

44:027:018 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;

44:027:019 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

44:027:020 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.

44:027:021 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.

44:027:022 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

44:027:023 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve,

44:027:024 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.

44:027:025 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.

44:027:026 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.

44:027:027 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;

44:027:028 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

44:027:029 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.

44:027:030 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,

44:027:031 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.

44:027:032 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

44:027:033 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

44:027:034 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

44:027:035 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

44:027:036 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.

44:027:037 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.

44:027:038 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and cast out the wheat into the sea.

44:027:039 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.

44:027:040 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

44:027:041 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.

44:027:042 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.

44:027:043 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:

44:027:044 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.

44:028:001 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

44:028:002 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

44:028:003 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

44:028:004 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.

44:028:005 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

44:028:006 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

44:028:007 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.

44:028:008 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

44:028:009 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:

44:028:010 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.

44:028:011 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

44:028:012 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.

44:028:013 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

44:028:014 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.

44:028:015 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

44:028:016 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.

44:028:017 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

44:028:018 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me.

44:028:019 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.

44:028:020 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain.

44:028:021 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.

44:028:022 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.

44:028:023 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.

44:028:024 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.

44:028:025 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,

44:028:026 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:

44:028:027 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

44:028:028 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.

44:028:029 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

44:028:030 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,

44:028:031 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.