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

(36)And some days after, Paul said to Barnabas: Let us return now, and visit the brethren in every city where we preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. (37)And Barnabas determined to take with them John, who was surnamed Mark. (38)But Paul thought it proper not to take with them him who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. (39)And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus. (40)And Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. (41)And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

XVI.

AND he came down to Derbe and Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but whose father was a Greek; (2)who was well reported of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. (3)Him Paul wished to go forth with him, and took and circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

(4)And as they journeyed through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, that were ordained by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. (5)The churches, therefore, were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

(6)And having gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, and being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia, (7)they came to Mysia, and attempted to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. (8)And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

(9)And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man, a Macedonian, beseeching him, and saying: Come over into Macedonia and help us. (10)And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to publish the good news to them. (11)Therefore setting sail from Troas, we ran with a straight course to Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis; (12)and from thence to Philippi, which is a chief city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we continued in that city certain days.

(13)And on the sabbath, we went forth out of the gate by a river side, where was wont to be a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spoke to the women who came together.

(14)And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening; whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul. (15)And when she was immersed and her household, she besought us, saying: If ye have judged me to be a believer in the Lord, come into my house, and abide. And she constrained us.

(16)And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain bondmaid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. (17)She, having followed Paul and us, cried, saying: These men are the servants of the most high God, who announce to us the way of salvation.

(18)And this she did many days. But Paul, being indignant[16:18], turned and said to the spirit: I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her. And he came out the same hour.

(19)And her masters, seeing that the hope of their gain departed, laid hold of Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market-place before the rulers. (20)And having brought them to the magistrates, they said: These men, being Jews, greatly disturb our city; (21)and teach customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

(22)And the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them with rods. (23)And having laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely; (24)who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

(25)And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God; and the prisoners listened to them. (26)And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. (27)And the jailer, awaking out of sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword, and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. (28)But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying: Do thyself no harm; for we are all here. (29)And calling for lights, he sprang in, and trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; (30)and having brought them out, he said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31)And they said: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32)And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

(33)And taking them along, the same hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was immersed, himself and all his, immediately. (34)And having brought them up into his house, he set food before them, and rejoiced, with all his house, believing in God.

(35)And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying: Let those men go. (36)And the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore depart, and go in peace.

(37)But Paul said to them: They beat us openly, uncondemned, being Romans, and cast us into prison; and now do they send us forth secretly? Nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.

(38)And the sergeants reported these words to the magistrates; and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans. (39)And they came and besought them, and bringing them out, entreated them to depart out of the city.

(40)And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia; and seeing the brethren they exhorted them, and departed.

XVII.

AND passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was the synagogue of the Jews. (2)And Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (3)opening them, and setting forth that the Christ must suffer, and rise again from the dead; and that this is the Christ, Jesus whom I preach to you. (4)And some of them believed, and joined themselves to[17:4] Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

(5)But the Jews, moved with envy[17:5], having taken to them, of the idlers in the market-place, certain vicious men, and having gathered a crowd, set the city in an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them unto the people. (6)And not finding them, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying: These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. (7)Whom Jason has received; and all these are acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.

(8)And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. (9)And having taken security of Jason, and of the others, they let them go.

(10)And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Beroea; who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. (11)These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so.

(12)Many of them therefore believed; and of honorable Grecian women and men, not a few. (13)But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that also at Beroea the word of God was preached by Paul, they came, stirring up the people there also. (14)And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to journey as upon the sea; but Silas and Timothy abode there still. (15)And they who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and having received a command to Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

(16)Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city full of idols. (17)Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the market daily with those who met with him. (18)And certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, were disputing with him. And some said: What would this babbler say? and others: He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods; because he made known to them the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. (19)And taking hold of him, they brought him upon Mars' Hill, saying: May we know what this new doctrine is, of which thou speakest? (20)For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears; we would know therefore what these things mean. (21)Now all Athenians, and the strangers residing there, spent their leisure for nothing else, but to tell or to hear something new.

(22)And Paul, standing in the midst of Mars' Hill, said: Men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very devout. (23)For as I passed by, and observed your objects of worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore, not knowing, ye worship, him I announce to you. (24)The God who made the world and all things therein, he being Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; (25)nor is ministered to by human hands, as if needing anything more, himself giving to all life, and breath, and all things. (26)And he made of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having fixed the appointed seasons and bounds of their habitation; (27)that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, although he is not far from every one of us; (28)for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as also some of your own poets have said: For his offspring also are we. (29)Being therefore God's offspring, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (30)The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now, commands all men everywhere to repent. (31)Because he fixed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness, by the man whom he appointed, having given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

(32)And when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some mocked; and others said: We will hear thee again of this matter. (33)And thus Paul departed from among them.

(34)But certain ones, joining themselves to him, believed; among whom was also Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

XVIII.

AFTER these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. (2)And finding a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome), he came to them; (3)and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and labored; for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (4)And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

(5)And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was engrossed with the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. (6)But they opposing themselves and blaspheming, he shook out his garments and said to them: Your blood be upon your own head; I am clean; from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles.

(7)And departing thence he entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was adjoining the synagogue. (8)And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were immersed.

(9)And the Lord said to Paul, through a vision in the night: Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace; (10)for I am with thee, and no one shall assail thee to hurt thee; for I have much people in this city. (11)And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

(12)And when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one accord against Paul, and brought him before the judgment-seat, (13)saying: This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.

(14)And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews: If it were some injustice, or wicked misdeed, O Jews, with reason I would have borne with you. (15)But if it is a question about a word, and names, and your own law look to it yourselves; I will not be a judge of these things (16)And he drove them away from the judgment-seat.

(17)But having all seized upon Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, they beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.

(18)And Paul having remained yet many days, took leave of the brethren, and sailed thence to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shaven his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. (19)And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there but entering himself into the synagogue, he reasoned with the Jews. (20)And they desiring him to remain a longer time with them, he consented not; (21)but took leave of them, saying: [18:21][I must by all means keep the coming feast at Jerusalem; but] I will return again to you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. (22)And having landed at Caesarea, and gone up and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. (23)And after he had spent some time there, he departed, going through the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

(24)And a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. (25)This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught correctly the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the immersion of John. (26)And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But Aquila and Priscilla, having heard him, took him to them, and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly. (27)And he wishing to pass through into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; who, when he was come, contributed much to those who had believed through grace. (28)For he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

XIX.

AND it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper districts came to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples, (2)he said to them: Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said to him: Nay, we did not even hear whether there is a Holy Spirit. (3)And he said to them: Unto what then were ye immersed? And they said: Unto John's immersion. (4)Then said Paul: John indeed immersed with the immersion of repentance; saying to the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Jesus. (5)And when they heard this, they were immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6)And Paul having laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. (7)And all the men were about twelve.

(8)And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them of the things concerning the kingdom of God. (9)But when some were hardened, and believed not, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. (10)And this continued for two years; so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (11)And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; (12)so that also there were carried from his body to the sick, handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out from them.

(13)Then some of the wandering Jewish exorcists took upon them to name, over those who had the evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus, saying: I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. (14)And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this. (15)And the evil spirit answering said: Jesus I know, and Paul I well know; but who are ye? (16)And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against both, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (17)And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (18)And many of the believers came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. (19)Many of those also who practiced curious arts brought together the books, and burned them before all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (20)So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

(21)When these things were ended, Paul purposed to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia; saying: After I have been there, I must also see Rome. (22)And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

(23)And about that time, there arose no small tumult concerning the Way. (24)For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; (25)whom he called together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs, ye well know that by this craft we have our wealth. (26)Moreover ye see and hear, that this Paul has persuaded and turned aside much people, not only of Ephesus, but of almost all Asia, saying that they are not gods, which are made with hands. (27)And there is danger to us, not only that this branch of business will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be accounted nothing, and her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.

(28)And hearing it, they became full of wrath, and continued crying out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (29)And the whole city was filled with confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. (30)And Paul wishing to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. (31)And some also of the chiefs of Asia, being his friends, sent to him, entreating him not to adventure himself into the theatre.

(32)Some therefore were crying one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not wherefore they had come together. (33)And they brought forward Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, desiring to make his defense to the people. (34)But when they knew that he was a Jew, one voice arose from all, crying about two hours: Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(35)And the town-clerk, having quieted the people, said: Men of Ephesus, what human being is there, who knows not that the city of the Ephesians is keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? (36)These things being therefore undeniable, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. (37)For ye brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples, nor blasphemers of your goddess. (38)If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open[19:38], and there are proconsuls; let them implead one another. (39)But if ye make any demand concerning other matters, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. (40)For we are in danger of being called in question for this day's riot, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. (41)And having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

XX.

AND after the tumult ceased, Paul called to him the disciples, and having embraced them, departed to go into Macedonia. (2)And having gone through those regions, and given them much exhortation, he came into Greece. (3)And after he had stayed three months, a plot being laid for him by the Jews, as he was about sailing to Syria, it was resolved that he should return through Macedonia. (4)And there accompanied him unto Asia, Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, a Beroean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. (5)These, having gone forward, were waiting for us at Troas. (6)But we sailed forth from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

(7)And on the first day of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul discoursed to them (being about to depart on the morrow), and continued the discourse until midnight. (8)Now there were many lights in the upper room, where we were assembled. (9)And there sat on the window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep; and as Paul was long discoursing, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. (10)And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said: Do not lament, for his life is in him. (11)And having come up again, and broken the bread, and eaten, he talked a long while even till break of day, and so departed. (12)And they brought the young man living, and were not a little comforted.

(13)And we, going forward to the ship, embarked for Assos, intending there to take in Paul; for so he had appointed, intending himself to go on foot. (14)And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. (15)And sailing thence, we came the following day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos; and having tarried at Trogyllium, we came the next day to Miletus. (16)For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

(17)And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (18)And when they were come to him, he said to them: Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you the whole time; (19)serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and trials which befell me by the plottings of the Jews; (20)how I kept back nothing that was profitable, that I should not announce it to you, and teach you, publicly and from house to house; (21)testifying, to both Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(22)And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; (23)save that the Holy Spirit witnesses to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. (24)But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy[20:24], and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.

(25)And now, behold, I know that all ye, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (26)Wherefore I testify to you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all; (27)for I shunned not to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

(28)Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of the Lord[20:28], which he purchased with his own blood. (29)For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30)And from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (31)Therefore watch, remembering that for the space of three years, night and day, I ceased not to warn every one with tears.

(32)And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. (33)I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or apparel. (34)Ye yourselves know, that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. (35)In all ways I showed you that, so laboring, ye ought to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(36)And having thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. (37)And they all wept sorely, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him; (38)sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.

XXI.

AND it came to pass, that after we had torn ourselves from them, and had put to sea, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from thence to Patara. (2)And finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and put to sea. (3)And bringing Cyprus in sight, and leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden. (4)And having found out the disciples, we remained there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

(5)And when we had completed the days, we departed and went our way; they all accompanying us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city; and we kneeled down on the beach, and prayed. (6)And having embraced one another, we went on board the ship; and they returned to their homes.

(7)And we, completing the voyage, came down from Tyre to Ptolemais; and having embraced the brethren, we remained with them one day. (8)And on the morrow we departed, and came to Caesarea; and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, being one of the Seven, we abode with him. (9)And this man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.

(10)And while we were remaining several days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. (11)And coming to us, he took off Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said: Thus says the Holy Spirit: So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man, whose this girdle is, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. (12)And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. (13)Then answered Paul: What mean ye, to weep and to break my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. (14)And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying: The will of the Lord be done.

(15)And after those days, having packed up our baggage, we went up to Jerusalem. (16)There went with us also some of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing us to Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

(17)And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. (18)And on the following day, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. (19)And having embraced them, he recounted particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.

(20)And they, hearing it, glorified the Lord. And they said to him: Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe; and they are all zealots for the law. (21)And they were informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children, nor walk after the customs. (22)What is it therefore? A multitude must surely come together; for they will hear that thou hast come. (23)Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men who have a vow on them; (24)these take with thee, and purify thyself with them, and bear the charges for them, that they may shave their heads; and all will know that those things, of which they have been informed concerning thee, are nothing, but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law. (25)But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote to them, deciding that they should observe no such thing, except that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.

(26)Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself with them, entered into the temple, announcing the completion of the days of the purification, until the offering was brought for each one of them.

(27)And as the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews from Asia, having observed him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, (28)crying out: Men of Israel, help. This is the man who teaches all, everywhere, against the people, and the law, and this place; and further also, he brought Greeks into the temple, and has polluted this holy place. (29)For they had before seen with him in the city Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul brought into the temple. (30)And all the city was moved, and the people ran together; and laying hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple; and forthwith the doors were shut.

(31)And while they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar; (32)who immediately took with him soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them; and they, seeing the chief captain and the soldiers, left off beating Paul. (33)Then the chief captain came near, and took hold of him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done. (34)And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude; and not being able to know the certainty on account of the tumult, he commanded him to be led into the castle. (35)And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne by the soldiers on account of the violence of the people. (36)For the multitude of the people followed after, crying: Away with him.

(37)And as he was about to be led into the castle, Paul says to the chief captain: May I speak to thee? And he said: Canst thou speak Greek? (38)Art thou not then the Egyptian, who before these days made an uproar, and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the assassins? (39)And Paul said: I am a Jew of Tarsus, a citizen of no obscure city of Cilicia; and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak to the people.

(40)And he having given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand to the people. And a great silence ensuing, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:

XXII.

BRETHREN, and fathers, hear my defense, which I now make to you. (2)And hearing that he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence. (3)And he says: I am a Jew, born indeed in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, taught at the feet of Gamaliel, according to the strictness of the law of the fathers, being zealous for God, as ye all are this day. (4)And I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. (5)As also the high priest bears me witness, and all the eldership; from whom, moreover, I received letters to the brethren, and was journeying to Damascus, to bring also those who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished.

(6)And it came to pass, that as I journeyed, and came near to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of heaven. (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 Nazarene, whom thou persecutest. (9)And they who were with me beheld indeed the light, and were afraid; but the voice of him who spoke to me they heard not[22:9]. (10)And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me: Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee concerning all things which it is appointed thee to do.

(11)And as I could not see, for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus. (12)And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report from all the Jews who dwelt there, (13)came to me, and standing by me said to me: Brother Saul, receive sight. And I, in that very hour, looked up upon him. (14)And he said: The God of our fathers appointed thee to know his will, and to see the Just One, and to hear a voice out of his mouth. (15)For thou shalt be a witness for him to all men, of what thou hast seen, and didst hear. (16)And now why tarriest thou? Arise, be immersed and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.

(17)And it came to pass, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and as I was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance, (18)and saw him saying to me: Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. (19)And I said: Lord, they well know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believe on thee; (20)and when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, then I myself was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of those who slew him. (21)And he said to me: Depart; for I will send thee far hence to the Gentiles.

(22)And they heard him unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said: Away with such a one from the earth; for it was not fit that he should live. (23)And as they were crying out, and throwing up their garments, and casting dust into the air, (24)the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know for what charge they were thus crying out against him.

(25)And as they stretched him forth with the thongs[22:25], Paul said to the centurion who stood by: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? (26)The centurion, hearing it, he went and told the chief captain, saying: What art thou about to do? For this man is a Roman. (27)And the chief captain came, and said to him: Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said: Yes. (28)And the chief captain answered: For a great sum I obtained this freedom. And Paul said: But I was born free.

(29)Immediately, therefore, they departed from him who were about to examine him; and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

(30)On the morrow, wishing to know the certainty, wherefore he was accused by the Jews, he released him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together; and he brought Paul down, and set him before them.

XXIII.

AND Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said: Men, brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day.

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

(3)Then Paul said to him: God will smite thee, thou whited wall. And dost thou sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be smitten contrary to law?

(4)And they that stood by said: Revilest thou God's high priest?

(5)And Paul said: I knew not, brethren, that he is high priest; for it is written: Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people.

(6)And Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council: Men, brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; for the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am now judged.

(7)And when he had said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the multitude was divided. (8)For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but Pharisees acknowledge both.

(9)And there arose a great clamor; and the scribes of the party of the Pharisees arose, and contended, saying: We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit spoke to him, or an angel?--

(10)And a great dissension arising, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiery to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

(11)And the night following, the Lord stood by him, and said: Be of good courage; for as thou didst fully testify the things concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou testify also at Rome.

(12)And when it was day, the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. (13)And they were more than forty who made this conspiracy. (14)And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said: We bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have slain Paul.

(15)Now therefore do ye, with the council, signify to the chief captain that he bring him down to you, as though ye would ascertain more exactly the matters concerning him; and we, before he comes near, are ready to kill him.

(16)And the son of Paul's sister, hearing of their lying in wait, went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. (17)Then Paul called one of the centurions to him, and said: Bring this young man to the chief captain; for he has something to tell him. (18)So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said: Paul, the prisoner, called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to thee, as he has something to say to thee.

(19)Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went aside privately, and asked: What is that thou hast to tell me? (20)And he said: The Jews agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring down Paul to-morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him. (21)But do not thou yield to them; for of them more than forty men are lying in wait for him, who bound themselves with an oath, neither to eat nor to drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, looking for the promise from thee. (22)The chief captain therefore dismissed the young man, having charged him to say to no one, that thou didst show these things to me. (23)And calling to him two or three of the centurions, he said: Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night; (24)and let them provide beasts, that they may set Paul thereon, and bring him safe to Felix the governor.

(25)And he wrote a letter after this manner: (26)Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix, sends greeting. (27)This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them; but I came upon them with the soldiery, and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman. (28)And wishing to know the crime for which they were accusing him, I brought him down into their council; (29)whom I found to be accused concerning questions of their law, but having nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. (30)And being informed that a plot was about to be laid against the man, I sent straightway to thee, having also commanded the accusers to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

(31)The soldiers, therefore, as was commanded them, took up Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. (32)But on the morrow, leaving the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the castle; (33)who, when they had entered into Caesarea, and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him. (34)And having read it, he asked of what province he was. And learning that he was from Cilicia, (35)he said: I will hear thee fully, when thy accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in the praetorium of Herod.

XXIV.

AND after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul; (2)and he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done for this nation through thy providence, in every way and everywhere; (3)we accept it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

(4)But, not to hinder thee too long, I pray thee that thou wouldst hear us of thy clemency a few words. (5)For we have found this man to be a pest, and exciting disturbance among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; (6)who also attempted to profane the temple; whom we took, [24:6][and desired to judge according to our law. (7)But Lysias the chief captain came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, (8)commanding his accusers to come before thee;] from whom thou canst thyself ascertain, by examination, concerning all these things whereof we accuse him.

(9)And the Jews also joined in assailing him, saying that these things were so.

(10)Then Paul, the governor having beckoned to him to speak, answered: Knowing that thou hast been for many years a judge for this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself; (11)inasmuch as thou mayest know, that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship; (12)and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any one, or causing a tumult of the people, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city; (13)nor can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

(14)But this I acknowledge to thee, that according to the way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets; (15)having a hope toward God, which these themselves also look for, that there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. (16)Therefore do I also myself strive to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and men.

(17)And after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. (18)Amidst which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with tumult; but certain Jews from Asia [caused it], (19)who ought to be here before thee, and make accusation, if they had aught against me. (20)Or let these themselves say what crime they found in me, while I stood before the council, (21)except for this one voice that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am judged by you this day.

(22)And Felix put them off, knowing the things concerning the Way more accurately, saying: When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will fully inquire into your matters. (23)And he commanded the centurion that he should be guarded, and should have indulgence; and to forbid none of his acquaintance to minister to him.

(24)And after certain days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25)And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered: Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (26)He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul; wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him.

(27)But after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, left Paul bound.

XXV.

FESTUS, therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

(2)And the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, (3)asking for themselves a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, preparing an ambush to slay him on the way. (4)But Festus answered, that Paul was to be kept a prisoner at Caesarea, and that he himself should soon go thither. (5)Let them therefore, said he, who are powerful among you, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there is any wickedness in him.

(6)And having tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and on the morrow, sitting on the judgment-seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. (7)And when he was come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around, bringing many and grievous charges, which they could not prove; (8)while Paul said in defense: Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, did I commit any offense.

(9)But Festus, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul, and said: Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged concerning these things, before me? (10)And Paul said; I stand at Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged. To Jews I did no wrong, as thou also very well knowest[25:10]. (11)If then I am an offender, and have done anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of the things whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.

(12)Then Festus, having conferred with the council, answered: Thou hast appealed to Caesar; to Caesar thou shalt go.

(13)And after certain days, Agrippa the king, and Bernice, came to Caesarea to salute Festus. (14)And as they were spending some days there, Festus laid the case of Paul before the king, saying: There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix; (15)about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews made complaint, asking for judgment against him. (16)To whom I answered: It is not a custom for Romans to give up any man, before the accused has the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

(17)When, therefore, they had come together here, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth; (18)and standing up around him, the accusers brought no accusation of such things as I supposed; (19)but had certain controversies with him concerning their own religion, and concerning a certain Jesus who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. (20)And I, being perplexed in regard to the dispute about these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged concerning them. (21)But Paul having appealed, to be kept in custody for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I shall send him up to Caesar.

(22)And Agrippa said to Festus: I would also hear the man myself. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

(23)On the morrow, therefore, Agrippa and Bernice having come with great pomp, and entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought forth. (24)And Festus said: King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews interceded with me, both at Jerusalem and here, Crying out that he ought not to live any longer. (25)But having found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and he himself having appealed to Augustus, I determined to send him. (26)Of whom I have nothing certain to write to my lord. Wherefore I brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, in order that, the examination having been made, I may have something to write. (27)For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also signify the charges against him.

XXVI.

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

(2)I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself before thee this day, concerning all things whereof I am accused by Jews; (3)especially since thou art expert in all the customs and questions among Jews. Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

(4)My manner of life, therefore, from my youth, which was from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all Jews know; (5)having known me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. (6)And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to the fathers; (7)unto which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving day and night, hope to attain; concerning which hope, O king, I am accused by Jews.

(8)Why is it judged incredible with you, if God, raises the dead?

(9)I therefore thought to myself, that I ought to do many hostile things against the name of Jesus the Nazarene. (10)Which I also did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints did I myself shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. (11)And punishing them often, throughout all the synagogues, I constrained them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them also unto foreign cities.

(12)Whereupon, as I went to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, (13)at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. (14)And we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goads. (15)And I said: Who art thou, Lord? And he said: I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. (16)But arise, and stand upon thy feet; for I appeared to thee for this purpose, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things which thou sawest, and of the things in which I will appear to thee; (17)delivering thee from the people, and the Gentiles, to whom I send thee, (18)to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may obtain forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among the sanctified, by faith in me.

(19)Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; (20)but to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and unto all the region of Judaea, and to the Gentiles, I announced that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

(21)For these causes the Jews, seizing me in the temple, attempted to kill me. (22)Having therefore obtained help from God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing except those things which the prophets and Moses said should come; (23)whether the Christ should suffer, whether he, the first of the resurrection from the dead, shall show light to the people and to the Gentiles.

(24)And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice: Paul, thou art mad; much learning makes thee mad.

(25)But he said: I am not mad, most noble Festus; but utter words of truth and soberness. (26)For the king knows well concerning these things, to whom also I speak boldly; for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this has not been done in a corner. (27)King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.