1 The first account I composed, O Theophilus, was about all that Jesus did and taught,
2 until the day he was received up to heaven. After that he gave orders through the Holy Spirit to his chosen apostles.
3 He presented himself alive to them after his suffering. He gave many convincing proofs. He appeared to them during forty days speaking about the kingdom of God.
4 When they were gathered together he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem. They were to wait for the promise of the Father that he spoke about.
5 »John baptized with water; but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit in a few days,« He said.
6 When they met they asked him: »Lord will you restore the kingdom to Israel at this time?«
7 He replied: »It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has set within His own authority.
8 »You will receive power, when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.«
9 When he said these things, while they watched, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 They gazed intently into the sky as he went into heaven. Two men wearing white stood beside them.
11 They said: »You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven will come in a similar manner as you saw him go into heaven.«
12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath days journey away.
13 When they entered the city they went to the upper chamber where they were staying. Included were Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealous one, and Judas the son of James.
14 They all continued united in earnest prayer. The women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers were also there.
15 In these days Peter stood up among the brothers about a hundred and twenty , and said:
16 »Brothers, the Scripture needed to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus.
17 »He was numbered among us, and shared in this ministry.
18 »This man obtained a field with the reward of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open and all his intestines spilled out. Matthew 27:5 says he hanged himself. The rope broke or the branch on which it was tied broke. Then he fell to the ground and burst open.
19 »It became known to all who live in Jerusalem that the field was called the field of blood, in their language; Akeldama.
20 »It is written in the book of Psalms: Let his habitation be made desolate and let no man dwell there. Let another take his office. (Psalm 109:8)
21 »Someone must join us as a witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He must be one of the men who were in our group during the time that the Lord Jesus traveled about with us. This should be from the time John preached his message of baptism until the day Jesus was taken up from us to heaven.
22 »One who was with us from the baptism of John, to the day that he was received up from us must become a witness with us of his resurrection.«
23 They proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 They prayed: »You O Jehovah, know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these men you choose.
25 »Which of these men should assume this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away, that he might go to his own place.«
26 They cast lots for them and the lot fell on Matthias. So he was included with the eleven apostles.
1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all with one accord in one place.
2 Suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind. It filled the house where they were sitting.
3 Tongues of fire that sat on each of them appeared.
4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They began to speak with different tongues, as the Spirit moved them to speak.
5 Devout Jews from every nation under heaven were dwelling at Jerusalem.
6 When they heard this sound a crowd came together in confusion, because men heard them speak in their own language.
7 And they were all amazed and marveled. They said to each other: »Behold, are not all these that speak Galileans?«
8 »How do we each hear them in our own language?
9 »Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,
10 »Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
11 »Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our language the wonderful works of God.«
12 And they were all amazed and were in doubt. They asked each other: »What does this mean?«
13 Others mockingly said: »These men are full of new wine.«
14 But Peter, stood up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them: »You men of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem let me explain this to you. Listen to my words.
15 »These men are not drunk as you suppose for it is only nine oclock in the morning.
16 »This is what the prophet Joel spoke about:
17 »It will come to pass in the last days, says God, I will pour out from my Spirit upon all flesh. Greek: apo, from Your sons and your daughters will prophesy proclaim Gods Word . Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams.
18 »And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out a portion from some of my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy: (Joel 2:28)
19 »I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke.
20 »The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable awesome Day of Jehovah arrives. (Joel 2:31)
21 »It will come to pass, that whoever will call on the name of Jehovah will be saved. (Joel 2:32)
22 »You men of Israel hear these words. Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God came among you with miracles and wonders and signs. God did these by him in your midst, as you also know:
23 »You took this man and delivered him by the determined counsel purpose and foreknowledge of God. With wicked hands you impaled and murdered him.
24 »God resurrected him, loosing the pains of death. This is because it was not possible that he should be held fast by it.
25 »David spoke concerning him: I had Jehovah always before my face, for he is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)
26 »Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27 »Because you will not leave me in the grave, neither will you allow your Holy One to see corruption. (Psalm 16:10)
28 »You have made known to me the ways of life, and you will fill me with joy with your presence.
29 »Men and brothers let me freely speak to you about the patriarch David that he is dead and buried. His grave is with us to this day.
30 »Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne.
31 »He seeing this before spoke about the resurrection of Christ. That he would not be left in the grave and his flesh did not see corruption.
32 »God resurrected Jesus and we all witnessed this!
33 « He is exalted to the right hand of God. He has received the promised Holy Spirit from the Father. So he poured out what you now see and hear.
34 »For David has not ascended into heaven and yet he said: Jehovah said to my Lord, Sit at my right hand,
35 »until I make your enemies your footstool. (Psalm 110:1)
36 »Therefore let all the house of Israel know for sure that God has made that same Jesus, whom you impaled, both Lord and Christ.« (Acts 10:36)
37 Now when they heard this, they were stabbed to the heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles: »Men and brothers, what shall we do?«
38 Then Peter said: »Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
39 »The promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as Jehovah our God calls.« (Micah 4:5) (Deuteronomy 6:4)
40 He gave a thorough witness with many words and exhorted them, saying: »Save yourselves from this indecent generation.«
41 Those who gladly received his word were baptized. About three thousand persons were added the same day.
42 They continued devoting themselves to doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 Every person experienced a sense of awe, for the apostles did many wonders and signs.
44 All those who believed stayed together. They held all things in common.
45 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all men, as every man had need.
46 They continued daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house. They ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart.
47 As they praised God, they had favor with all the people. God added to the congregation daily those being saved.
1 Peter and John went up to the temple at the hour of prayer. It was the ninth hour.
2 A man who had been crippled from birth was carried to the gate of the temple called Beautiful. There he begged for handouts from those who entered the temple.
3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple he begged from them.
4 Peter and John looked at him and said: »Look at us.«
5 He looked at them expecting to receive something from them.
6 Then Peter said: »We have no money but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.«
7 He took him by the right hand, and lifted him up. Immediately his feet and anklebones received strength.
8 He leaped up, stood and walked. He entered the temple with them walking, and leaping, and praising God.
9 All the people saw him walking and praising God.
10 They knew he was the one who begged at the Beautiful gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement because of what happened to him.
11 The beggar held on to Peter and John while all the people came to them at the place called Solomons Colonnade.
12 When Peter saw this he spoke to the people: »You men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Why do you look at us as though our own power or holiness made this man walk?
13 »The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus. You handed him over to Pilate. When he was determined to let him go you denied him.
14 »You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and requested a murderer to be released to you.
15 »You killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead. We witnessed this!
16 »This man you see and know was made strong by his faith in the name of Jesus. His faith has given him total healing in your presence.
17 »Brothers, I know you acted in ignorance just as your rulers did.
18 »The things God fulfilled he announced beforehand by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer.
19 »Repent therefore, and turn around, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times seasons of refreshing shall come from the presence of Jehovah. (Deuteronomy 18:18, 19)
20 »He will send Jesus Christ, who preached to you.
21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things. God spoke about this through all his holy prophets since the world began.
22 »Moses said to the fathers, Jehovah will raise up for your brothers a prophet like me. You must listen to all the things he speaks to you. (Deuteronomy 18:18)
23 »It will happen. Every person who will not listen to the prophet will be destroyed from among the people.
24 »Yes, all the prophets from Samuel and his successors also announced these days.
25 »You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers. He said to Abraham: All the families of the earth will be blessed in your seed.
26 »God raised up his servant and sent him to you first. He sent him to bless you and to turn every one of you from your wicked ways.«
1 As they spoke to the people, the chief priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came to them.
2 They were annoyed because they taught the people through Jesus. They preached the resurrection from the dead.
3 They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day for it was already evening.
4 Many who heard the word believed. There were about five thousand men.
5 The next morning their rulers, elders, scribes,
6 Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 They stood them in their presence and asked: »By what power or by what name do you do this?«
8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said: »You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,
9 »If we are on trial for a good deed done to a sick man, concerning how this man was made well;
10 »Let it be known to you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you impaled and whom God raised from the dead, even by him this man stands before you healed.
11 »This is the stone that was rejected by you builders. It became the chief corner stone.
12 »There is no salvation in anyone else. For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.«
13 They observed the confidence of Peter and John. Yet they thought they were uneducated not formally educated and ordinary men. They were amazed and recognized them as having been with Jesus.
14 Seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply.
15 They ordered them to leave the council. Then they conferred among themselves.
16 They said: »What shall we do to these men? The fact that a notable miracle has been done by them is evident to all who live in Jerusalem. And we cannot deny it.
17 »We must warn these men not to speak about it in order to stop this from spreading further among the people.«
18 They called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
19 Peter and John answered: »You judge whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God.
20 »We cannot stop speaking the things we have seen and heard.«
21 When they further threatened them, they let them go. They found no basis for punishment because of the people for all men glorified God for that which was done.
22 The man who received the miracle of healing was about forty years old.
23 Being released, they went to their own and reported all that the chief priests and elders said to them.
24 When they heard they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said: »Jehovah, you are God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and all in them.
25 »You spoke by the mouth of your servant David: Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? (Psalm 2:1)
26 »The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against Jehovah, and against his Christ. (Psalm 2:2)
27 Truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the people of the nations and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, whom you have anointed.
28 »They were there to do the things your hand and council foreordained to occur.
29 »Now Jehovah behold their threats and grant that your servants keep speaking your word with boldness.
30 »You extend your hand to heal and signs and wonders appear in the name of your holy servant Jesus.«
31 When they prayed, the place where they assembled together was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.
32 The congregation that believed was of one heart and mind. No one claimed his or her own possessions for everything was common property.
33 The apostles witnessed about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power. Grace Gods loving kindness was upon them all.
34 There was no needy person among them for as many as possessed land or houses sold them, and brought the money from the things that were sold.
35 They gave it to the apostles. Distribution was made to every man according as he had need.
36 Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles, this meaning: The son of consolation, was a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus.
37 He sold his land and brought the money to the apostles.
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 They kept back part of the money. His wife was also knowledgeable of the transaction. They brought part of the funds to the apostles.
3 Peter said: »Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the money from the land sale?
4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your power? Why did you conceive this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.«
5 Hearing these words Ananias fell down and died. Great fear came over all those who heard these things.
6 The young men arose, covered him up, and carried him out, and buried him.
7 About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what was done, came in.
8 Peter said to her: »Tell me whether you sold the land for such a price?« And she said: »Yes, we did.«
9 Then Peter said: »How is it that you have agreed together to put Jehovahs Spirit to the test? Look, those who buried your husband are at the door to carry you out.«
10 Then she fell down at his feet and died. The young men came in, and found her dead. They carried her out to be buried by her husband.
11 Great fear came upon the entire congregation who heard these things.
12 The apostles performed many wonders among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomons porch.
13 None of the rest dared to associate with them, but the people held them in high esteem.
14 More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.
15 They brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and cots in order that the shadow might fall on them when Peter passed by.
16 Crowds came from the cities near Jerusalem. They brought sick people and people with unclean spirits and everyone of them was healed.
17 Then the high priest rose up, and all those of the sect of the Sadducees who were with him were filled with zeal indignation .
18 They captured the apostles and put them in the common prison.
19 During the night Gods angel opened the prison doors, brought them out and said:
20 »Go stand in the temple and speak to the people all the sayings about this life.«
21 When they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and those who were with him. He called the council together and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 The officers did not find them in the prison when they came. So they returned and said,
23 »We found the prison locked with the guards standing before the doors. When we opened it we did not find a man.«
24 When the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted them. They wondered what this would come to.
25 Someone came to them and told them: »The men you put in prison are standing in the temple teaching the people.«
26 Then the captain with the officers brought them in without violence. They feared the people lest they should have been stoned.
27 They brought them before the council and the high priest asked them:
28 »Did we command you not to teach in this name? Look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and are willing to bring this mans blood upon us.«
29 Peter and the other apostles answered: »We must obey God rather than men.
30 »The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed. You hanged him on a stake.
31 »God exalted him to his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
32 »We are witnesses of these things. The Holy Spirit, which God gave to those who obey him, also witnessed.«
33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to kill them.
34 One of the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had a reputation among all the people. He commanded to put the apostles outside for a while.
35 He said to them: »You men of Israel be careful what you intend to do to these men.
36 »Sometime ago Theudas claimed to be somebody. About four hundred men joined and obeyed him. He was killed and they finally dispersed.
37 »After this man Judas of Galilee rose in the days of the taxing, and drew away many people after him. He also perished and all who obeyed him dispersed.
38 »I tell you: Leave these men alone. If this message and this work are from men it will come to nothing.
39 »But if it is from God, you cannot overthrow it; otherwise you may find yourselves fighting against God.«
40 They agreed with him and called the apostles. They beat them and commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus. Then they let them go.
41 They left the council and rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 They taught daily in the temple and in every house. They did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
1 The number of disciples increased at that time. A murmuring arose on the part of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.
2 The twelve called the congregation of the disciples to them. They said: »It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God and serve tables.
3 »Therefore brothers select seven men who have a good reputation. Men who are full of spirit and wisdom that we may appoint to take care of this business.
4 »We will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.«
5 The idea pleased the whole congregation. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch,
6 whom they set before the apostles. After they prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 The word of God increased. The number of the disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem. Even a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.
8 Stephen, full of grace and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
9 Certain men arose from the synagogue. It was called the synagogue of the Libertines, Cyrenians, and Alexandrians. Some of them were from Cilicia and Asia. They argued with Stephen.
10 They were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.
11 They secretly induced me to say: »We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God.«
12 They stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and pursued him. They caught him and brought him to the council.
13 They brought false witnesses, which said: »This man will not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.
14 »We heard him say: This Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.«
15 All who sat in the council looked intently at him and saw his face was like the face of an angel.
1 The high priest asked: »Are these things so?«
2 He said: »Men, brothers and fathers, listen; The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran.
3 »He said to him: Get out of your country and away from your relatives. Go to the land that I will show you.
4 »He went out of the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. After his father died, God moved him to this land, where you now dwell.
5 »He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. Yet he promised that he would give it to him and his seed after him for a possession. This promise was made before he had a child.
6 »God spoke to this effect, that his seed would be alien residents in a strange land. They would enslave them, and mistreat them for four hundred years.
7 »I will judge the nation to whom they shall be in bondage, said God, and after they will come serve me in this place.
8 »He gave him the covenant of circumcision. Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him the eighth day. Isaac became father to Jacob and Jacob fathered the twelve family heads.
9 »The family heads were jealous of Joseph and sold him as a slave into Egypt. However, God was with him.
10 »And God delivered him out of all his afflictions. He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt. Pharaoh made him governor over Egypt and his entire house.
11 »A famine and great suffering came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan. Our fathers found no food.
12 « When Jacob heard there was food in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit.
13 »The second time Joseph got acquainted with his brothers and Pharaoh was told about Josephs family.
14 »Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all his family, seventy-five people.
15 »Jacob went down into Egypt and died, he and our fathers.
16 »Their bodies were brought to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem.
17 »When the time of Gods promise to Abraham drew near, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt.
18 »Another king arose. He did not know Joseph.
19 »He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our fathers so that they cast out their young children and they did not survive.
20 »Moses was born then. He was divinely beautiful. He was nursed three months in his fathers house.
21 »And when he was cast out, Pharaohs daughter took him and nourished him as her own son.
22 »Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.
23 »When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers the children of Israel.
24 »Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged the oppressed one by killing the Egyptian.
25 »He supposed his brothers would understand how God by his hand would deliver them but they did not understand.
26 »The next day he appeared to them while they were fighting. He wanted to unite them and said, You are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?
27 »The one who was treating his neighbor unjustly pushed him away, saying: Who made you our ruler and judge?
28 »Will you kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?
29 »When he heard this talk Moses fled and became a stranger in the land of Median, where he became father to two sons.
30 »At the end of forty years, Jehovahs angel appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush. (Exodus 3:3)
31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. He drew near to look at it and the voice of Jehovah came to him.
32 »He said: I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled and did not dare to look further.
33 »Jehovah said: Take the sandals from your feet for the place where you stand is holy ground. (Exodus 3:5)
34 »I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come to deliver them. Come, I will send you into Egypt.
35 »This Moses whom they refused, saying: Who made you ruler and judge? God sent him to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel that appeared to him in the bush.
36 »He brought them out. He showed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.
37 »This is the Moses that said to the children of Israel, your God will raise up a prophet like me from your brothers.
38 »This one was with our father in the congregation in the wilderness. The angel spoke to him on Mount Sinai. He received the living oracles to give to us.
39 »Our fathers would not obey him. They sent him away, and in their hearts turned back again to Egypt.
40 »They said to Aaron: Make us gods to go in front of us. We do not know what happened to this Moses, who led us out of Egypt.
41 »They made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42 »God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven. It is written in the book of the prophets: O you house of Israel, have you offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?
43 »Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan. You made figures to worship them. I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
44 »Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking to Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
45 »Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Joshua into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, until the days of David;
46 »Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47 »But Solomon built him a house.
48 The most High does not dwell in houses made with hands as the prophet says,
49 »Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool. What house will you build me? Said Jehovah God. What is the place of my rest? (Isaiah 66:1)
50 »Did my hand make all these things?
51 »You obstinate men who are uncircumcised in heart and ears. You always resist the Holy Spirit as your fathers did.
52 »Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted? They killed those who announced in advance the coming of the righteous one whom you have betrayed and murdered.
53 »You have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not obeyed it.«
54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart. They gnashed their teeth at him.
55 Being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56 He said, »Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God.«
57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord.
58 They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young mans feet. His name was Saul.
59 They stoned Stephen. He called out: »Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!«
60 He kneeled down and cried with a loud voice: »Jehovah, do not charge this sin against them.« After saying this he fell asleep in death.
1 Saul agreed to his death. There was at that time a great persecution against the congregation at Jerusalem. All but the apostles were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria.
2 Devout men buried Stephen and mourned him greatly.
3 Saul ravaged the congregation. He entered every house and dragged off men and women and put them in prison.
4 They who were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word.
5 Then Philip went to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.
6 The people with one accord gave heed to those things Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles he did.
7 Unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, came out of many who were possessed by them. Many who were taken with palsies and the lame were healed.
8 There was great joy in that city.
9 A certain man called Simon was in the same city. He used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, telling everyone that he was great.
10 They all listened to him, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man has great power from God.
11 They followed him because for a long time he astonished them with sorceries.
12 When they believed what Philip preached about the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
13 Simon also believed. When he was baptized he continued with Philip, amazed by the miracles and signs he saw.
14 When the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15 Peter and John prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit.
16 They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus but had not yet received the Spirit.
17 So they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.
18 When Simon saw the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles hands, he offered them money.
19 Simon said: »Give me this power that on whomever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.«
20 Peter said to him: »Your money will perish with you, because you think that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 »You have no part or share in this matter for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
22 »Repent of this wickedness, and pray to God, that the thought in your heart may be forgiven you.
23 »For I perceive that you are full of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.«
24 Simon answered: »Pray to God for me, that none of these things that you have spoken will happen to me.«
25 When they had testified and preached the word of Jehovah they returned to Jerusalem, and preached the good news in many villages of the Samaritans.
26 Gods angel said to Philip: »Arise, and go toward the south the way that goes from Jerusalem unto Gaza through the desert.«
27 He went and an Ethiopian eunuch government official , a man of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship.
28 He was returning and sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet.
29 The Spirit said to Philip: »Go near, and climb on this chariot.«
30 Philip ran to him, heard him read the prophet Isaiah, and said: »Do you understand what you are reading?«
31 »How can I«, the eunuch said: »unless someone explains it to me?« He invited Philip to come and sit with him.
32 The Scripture he read was this: »He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer so he did not open his mouth.
33 »In his humiliation his judgment was taken away. Who will declare his generation? For his life is taken from the earth.«
34 The eunuch asked Philip: »Please tell me of whom is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?«
35 Then Philip began at the same Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.
36 On their way, they came to a body of water and the eunuch said, »See, here is water. What prevents me from getting baptized?«
37 Philip said: »If you believe with all your heart, you may.« He answered: »I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.«
38 He commanded the chariot to stop. They both went into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.
39 After they came out of the water Gods Spirit took Philip away. The eunuch did not see him again. He continued his journey rejoicing.
40 Philip was seen passing through Azotus. He preached in all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.
1 Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest.
2 He asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any there who belonged to The Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.
3 As he journeyed to Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven shined around him.
4 He fell to the earth and heard a voice saying: »Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?«
5 »Who are you Lord?« He asked. The Lord said: »I am Jesus whom you persecute.
6 »Get up and go into the city, and it will be told to you what you must do.«
7 The men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.
8 Saul got up from the ground. Even though he opened his eyes, he saw nothing. They led him by the hand into Damascus.
9 He went for three days without sight. He did not eat or drink.
10 The disciple Ananias was in Damascus. The Lord spoke to Ananias in a vision: »Ananias.« He replied: »Yes, I am here, Lord.«
11 The Lord said to him, »Arise, and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus for he is praying.
12 »He has seen a man named Ananias in a vision. He came in and laid his hand on him that he might receive his sight.«
13 Ananias answered: »Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your holy ones at Jerusalem.
14 »He has authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name.«
15 The Lord said to him: »Be on your way. This man is a chosen vessel to bear my name to the people of the nations, and kings and the children of Israel.
16 »I will show him plainly how many things he must suffer for my name.«
17 Ananias went his way. He entered the house and put his hands on him and said, »Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared to you along the road sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.«
18 Immediately something like scales fell from his eyes and he received sight. He got up and was baptized.
19 He ate and was strengthened. Saul spent several days with the disciples at Damascus.
20 He preached in the synagogues immediately. He preached Christ the Son of God.
21 All who heard him were amazed. They asked: »Is he the one who raised havoc with those who called on this name in Jerusalem? Did he come for that purpose to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?«
22 Saul increased in power and confounded the Jews living in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.
23 After many days the Jews took counsel to kill him.
24 Saul learned about their plot against him. They watched the gates day and night to kill him.
25 During the night the disciples let him down by the wall in a basket.
26 When Saul came to Jerusalem he attempted to join the disciples. They were afraid of him and did not believe he was a disciple.
27 Barnabas led him to the apostles. He declared to them how he had seen the Lord in The Way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.
28 He was with them coming in and going out of Jerusalem.
29 He spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He had a dispute with the Greek speaking Jews and they made attempts to kill him.
30 When the brothers detected this they brought him to Caesarea and sent him to Tarsus.
31 The congregations throughout all Judea, Galilee and Samaria, were built up. They walked in deep respect for Jehovah and were comforted by the Holy Spirit and continued to grow.
32 Peter traveled through all parts. He came to the holy ones at Lydda.
33 He found a man named Aeneas who lay in his bed for eight years. He was sick of the palsy.
34 Peter said to him: « Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you whole! Stand up and take your bed.« And he stood up immediately.
35 All who lived at Lydda on the Plain of Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
36 A disciple named Tabitha was at Joppa. Her name, when translated means Dorcas. This woman did many good works and gave gifts of mercy.
37 She was sick, and died. They washed her body and laid her in an upper chamber.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him requesting that he come to them quickly.
39 Peter went to them right a way. When he arrived they brought him into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by him weeping and showing the coats and garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.
40 Peter put them all outside, kneeled down, and prayed. He turned to the body and said: »Tabitha, rise!« She opened her eyes. When she saw Peter, she sat up.
41 He gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then he called the holy ones and widows and presented her alive.
42 It became known throughout Joppa and many believed in the Lord.
43 He waited many days in Jappa with Simon a tanner.
1 There was a man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Band.
2 He was a devout man who respected God with his entire household. He gave many gifts of mercy to the people and prayed to God always.
3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw a vision. An angel of God came to him and said, »Cornelius.«
4 He looked at him and was afraid. »What is it, Lord?« He replied. The angel said: »God hears your prayers and sees your gifts of mercy.
5 »Send men to Joppa to bring back Simon, whose surname is Peter:
6 »He is staying with a tanner named Simon whose house is by the sea.«
7 When the angel who spoke to Cornelius left, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier who was his attendant.
8 He told them what happened and sent them to Joppa.
9 The next day they journeyed to the city. As they drew near, Peter went to the housetop to pray. It was about the sixth hour.
10 He became very hungry. While the meal was being prepared he fell into a trance.
11 He saw heaven opened, something like a great sheet lowered by the four corners was descending to the earth.
12 In it were all kinds of animals, reptiles and birds.
13 Peter heard a voice say: »Kill and eat.«
14 But Peter said: »No Lord for I have never eaten any thing that is defiled or unclean.«
15 The voice spoke to him again the second time: »You stop calling defiled that which God has cleansed.«
16 This happened a third time and immediately the sheet was taken up to heaven.
17 While Peter doubted in himself what this vision ment, behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius inquired for Simons house, and stood at the gate.
18 They called out and asked if Simon surnamed Peter lived there.
19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him: « Behold, three men seek you.
20 »Stand up and go down to greet them. Do not doubt for I have sent them.
21 Then Peter went down to the men who were sent to him from Cornelius. He said: »I am the one you are looking for. Why did you come?«
22 They said: »We come from Cornelius the centurion, a righteous man who respects God. He has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews. A holy angel told him to have you come to his house so he could hear what you have to say.«
23 He invited them in to be his guests. The next day Peter went away with them. Brothers accompanied them from Joppa.
24 The day after that they entered Caesarea. Cornelius expected them so he called his relatives and close friends to join him.
25 Cornelius met Peter and fell down at his feet with adoration for him.
26 »Stand up,« Peter said, as he lifted him up, »I am also a man.«
27 He talked with him and went in to find many people gathered.
28 He said to them: »You know that it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to keep company, or approach someone of another nation. But God revealed to me that I should not call any man defiled or unclean.
29 »Therefore I came to you without objection, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore for what intent you sent for me?«
30 Cornelius replied, »Four days ago I was praying at this hour. It was the ninth hour and I prayed in my house. A man dressed in bright clothing stood before me.
31 »He said, Cornelius, your prayer is heard and your gifts of mercy are noticed in the sight of God.
32 »Send to Joppa, and call Simon, whose surname is Peter. He lives in the house of the tanner named Simon by the sea. When he comes he will speak with you.
33 »Immediately I sent for you. You have done well for you have come. We are all present before God, to hear all things that are commanded to you from God.«
34 Peter opened his mouth, and said, »I truly perceive that God shows no partiality.
35 »In every nation he accepts every person who respects him and does what is right.
36 »You know the Word of God was sent to the children of Israel. He Jehovah God presented peace through the anointed Lord or Master of all, Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:36) (Jesus identified his father, Jehovah God, as Lord of all heaven and earth at Matthew 11:25)
37 »You know that message which began in Galilee and was published throughout all Judea, after the baptism that John preached.
38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Jesus went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil. God was with him.
39 »We are witnesses of all things that he did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death by hanging him on a stake.
40 »God raised him up the third day and made him visible.
41 »However, all the people did not see him. Witnesses who were previously chosen by God saw him. We who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead saw him.
42 »He commanded us to preach to the people. We testify that he was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
43 »All the prophets testify that through his name whoever believes in him will receive forgiveness of sins.«
44 Holy Spirit descended on all who heard the message Peter spoke.
45 Those circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of Holy Spirit was also poured out on the people of the nations.
46 They heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then Peter responded:
47 »Can any man keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit as we have.«
48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.
1 The apostles and brothers in Judea heard that the people of the nations also received the word of God.
2 When Peter went to Jerusalem, those who favored circumcision argued with him.
3 They said: »You went to the uncircumcised and ate with them.«
4 Peter started at the beginning and explained what happened.
5 »I was in the city of Joppa praying. In a trance I saw a vision. A vessel descended like a great sheet. It let down from heaven by four corners and it came to me.
6 »I looked in it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things and birds of the air.
7 »I heard a voice say to me, Get up Peter slaughter and eat.
8 »I said, No Lord, for nothing defiled or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth.
9 »The voice answered me again from heaven, Do not call defiled what God has cleansed!
10 »This happened three times. Then everything was pulled up again into heaven.
11 »At that moment there were three men who were sent from Caesarea to me at the house where I was.
12 »The Spirit told me to go with them and not to doubt them. These six brothers accompanied me when we entered the mans house.
13 »He showed us how he had seen an angel in his house that stood and said to him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.
14 »He will bring you a message so that you and your household shall be saved.
15 »When I spoke the Holy Spirit fell upon them just as it was in the beginning.
16 »Then I remembered what the Lord said, John indeed baptized with water. However you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
17 »Since God gave them the same gift as he gave to us who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could oppose God?«
18 When they heard this they objected no more and praised God, saying: »God has granted the people of the nations repentance to life.«
19 Those who were scattered abroad because of the persecution of Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word only to the Jews.
20 Some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene. When they came to Antioch they spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus.
21 The hand Spirit of God was with them. A great number believed, and turned to the Lord.
22 News of these things came to the ears of the congregation in Jerusalem. They sent Barnabas that he should go as far as Antioch.
23 When he arrived he saw the grace of God and was glad. He exhorted them all to remain true to the Lord as their only purpose of heart.
24 For he was a good man full of Holy Spirit and of faith. Then many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul.
26 When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. They met with the congregation for a whole year. They taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
27 Prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch at that time.
28 One of them was named Agabus. He indicated through the Spirit that a great famine was about to come on the entire earth. He said it would come to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.
29 The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea.
30 They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.
1 At that time Herod the king mistreated those of the congregation.
2 He killed James the brother of John with a sword.
3 He saw that it pleased the Jews so he captured Peter also. This happened during the feast of unleavened bread.
4 When he apprehended him, he put him in prison. He turned him over to four squads of four soldiers each to guard him. After Passover he would be presented to the people.
5 Peter was kept in prison. Prayer was made without ceasing by the congregation to God for him.
6 It was the night before Herod was to bring him to trial. Peter was sleeping between two soldiers. He was bound with two chains. Sentries stood guard at the prison door.
7 Suddenly Gods angel came to him. A light shined in the prison. He struck Peter on the side, and woke him up saying: »Get up quickly.« And his chains fell off of his hands.
8 The angel said: »Dress yourself and put on sandals. Put on your coat and follow me.« So Peter did as he was told.
9 Peter followed him out of the prison. He did not know what the angel was doing was really happening. He thought he saw a vision.
10 They went past the first and second guard to the Iron Gate that leads to the city. The gate opened and went out on the street. The angel then departed from him.
11 Peter came to himself and he said: »Now I know for sure that God sent his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jews.«
12 After he thought about what happened he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, surnamed Mark. Many were gathered there to pray.
13 Peter knocked on the door and a young woman named Rhoda answered.
14 When she recognized Peters voice she was so overjoyed she ran back into the house to tell others he was there. She forgot to open the door for him.
15 They said to her: »You are mad.« But she kept insisting that it was so. Then they said: »It must be his angel.«
16 But Peter continued knocking. When they opened the door, and saw him, they were astonished.
17 Peter motioned for them to be quiet. Then he told them how God brought him out of the prison. He said: »Tell James and the brothers.« Then he went away to another place.
18 When day came the soldiers were disturbed by what happened to Peter.
19 Herod had a thorough search made for him and could not find him. He cross examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Herod went from Judea to Caesarea to stay for a while.
20 Herod highly disagreed with them at Tyre and Sidon. But they finally came to an agreement. They secured the support of Blastus a trusted personal servant of the king. They desired peace because their country was supported by the kings country.
21 Dressed in royal apparel, Herod delivered a public address to the people on a special day.
22 The people shouted: »It is the voice of a god, and not of a man.«
23 Immediately the angel of God killed him, because he did not give God the glory. He was eaten by worms and died.
24 The word of God increased and spread.
25 Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had completed their mission. They took with them John, surnamed Mark.
1 There were prophets and teachers in the congregation at Antioch. This included: Barnabas, and Simeon called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they ministered to God, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said: »Set Barnabas and Saul apart for the work I have called them.«
3 After they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them away.
4 Being sent by Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.
5 They preached the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews at Salamis. John was also there as an attendant.
6 They traveled the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they found Barjesus. He was a sorcerer, a false prophet and a Jew.
7 He was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.
8 But Elymas the sorcerer opposed them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9 Then Saul, who also is called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him,
10 And said: »You child of the devil, full of all subtlety and mischief, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of Jehovah?
11 »Look Jehovahs hand is on you. You will be blind and not see the sun for a season.« Immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness. He went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12 When he saw what was done the deputy believed. He was astonished at the teaching of God.
13 Paul and his company put out to sea from Paphos. They went to Perga in Pamphylia. John left them to return to Jerusalem.
14 When they left Perga, they went to Antioch in Pisidia. They went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.
15 After the public reading of the law and the prophets the synagogue officials sent to them, saying: »You men and brothers if you have a message of encouragement for the people speak.«
16 Then Paul stood up gestured with his hand and said: »Men of Israel, and you who reverence God, listen.«
17 »The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as strangers in the land of Egypt. He brought them out of Egypt with his great strength.
18 »He cared for them and endured their bad conduct in the wilderness for forty years.
19 »He destroyed seven nations in Canaan and gave their land to his people as their inheritance.
20 »Then he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. This took about four hundred and fifty years.
21 »Afterward they desired a king. God gave Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, to them for forty years.
22 »When he removed him, he made David their king. He testified about him when he said: I found David the son of Jesse is a man after my own heart. He will do my will.
23 »God brought the Savior Jesus to Israel from this mans descendants.
24 »Before Jesus came John preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25 »As John accomplished his purpose he asked: Who do you think I am? I am not that one. One comes after me whose shoes I am not worthy to untie.
26 »Men and brothers, children of Abraham, and you of the nations who respect God, the message of salvation is sent to you.
27 »The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not know Jesus. They fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath when they condemned Jesus.
28 »They found no grounds for the death sentence for him. Yet they asked Pilate to put him to death.
29 »When they had fulfilled all that was written about him, they took him down from the stake, and laid him in a tomb.
30 »But God raised him from the dead:
31 »Those who came with him from Galilee to Jerusalem saw him. They are his witnesses to the people.
32 »We tell you good news. It is Gods promise to the fathers.
33 »God has fulfilled this promise to their children by resurrecting Jesus. Just as it is written in the second psalm: You are my Son, today I have become your father. (Psalms 2:7)
34 »He raised him up from the dead, never to decay. It is stated in these words: I will give you the sure blessings promised David. (Isaiah 55:3)
35 »He said in another psalm: You will not allow your Holy One to see decay. (Ps 16:10)
36 »After David served his own generation by doing the will of God he died and was buried with his fathers. His body decayed.
37 »But he Jesus , whom God raised again, saw no decay.
38 »You should know, men and brothers that it is through this man Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.
39 »Through him all who believe are justified from all things. You could not be justified through the Law of Moses.
40 Beware that what the prophets said does not happen to you.
41 »Look among the nations, watch, and be amazed. Though you are told you will not believe the work I do today.« (Habakkuk 1:5)
42 When the Jews left the synagogue the people asked for this message to be preached to them the next Sabbath.
43 When the congregation dismissed, many followed Paul and Barnabas. They urged them to continue in the grace of God.
44 Nearly the entire city gathered the next Sabbath day to hear the word of God.
45 When the Jews saw the crowds they were filled with envy. They spoke against those things Paul spoke. They contradicted and blasphemed him.
46 Paul and Barnabas became very bold, and said: »It was necessary that the Word of God should first be spoken to you. But seeing you reject it you judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life! Therefore we turn to the people of the nations.
47 »Jehovah commanded us with these words: I appoint you as a light to the nations. My salvation will come to the ends of the earth.« (Isaiah 49:6)
48 And when the people of the nations heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were receptive to eternal life believed.
49 The word of God Greek: kurios: God was published throughout the entire region.
50 The Jews incited the devout and honorable women and the leading men of the city. They caused persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their coasts.
51 So they shook the dust from their feet against them, and went to Iconium.
52 The disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
1 Paul and Barnabas entered the synagogue of the Jews at Iconium. There they spoke to a great crowd of Jews and Greeks who became believers.
2 The unbelieving Jews stirred up the people of the nations and poisoned their minds against the brothers.
3 The apostles stayed there for a long time. They spoke boldly by the authority of God who proved that their message about his grace was true by giving them the power to perform miracles and wonders.
4 The people of the city were divided. Some were for the Jews and others for the apostles.
5 Then some of the people of the nations and Jews, together with their leaders, decided to mistreat the apostles and stone them.
6 They knew about it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the country around them.
7 They preached the good news there, too.
8 A man with crippled feet sat in Lystra. He had never walked for he was lame from birth.
9 He heard Paul speaking. Paul looked intently at him, and seeing that he had faith to be healed,
10 said with a loud voice: »Stand up on your feet!« And he leaped up and walked.
11 Seeing what Paul did, the crowd lifted up their voice, saying in Lycaonian: »The gods have come down to us, becoming like men.«
12 They called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter whose temple was there in the city, brought cattle and garlands to the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 When the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they ripped their clothes, and ran in among the people.
15 They said: »Sirs, why do you do these things? We are only men like you. We bring you good news. You should turn from these worthless things to the living God. He is the God who made heaven and earth, the sea and all things.
16 »In the past he let all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 »He has not left himself without witness. For he did good and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.«
18 Even with these words they found it hard to keep the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19 Jews from Antioch and Iconium took control of the crowd. They persuaded the people to stone Paul. Then they threw him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
20 The disciples gathered around him and he stood up. They went into the city and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
21 After they preached the good news to that city and taught many, they returned again to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch.
22 They strengthened the disciples and encouraged them to continue in the faith. They said, »We must enter the kingdom of God through much tribulation.«
23 When they had ordained elders in every congregation they prayed with fasting. They commended them to God, on whom they believed.
24 After they passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 After they had preached the word in Perga they went down into Attalia.
26 They sailed to Antioch, where they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work they completed.
27 The congregation gathered and reported all God had done with them how he had opened the door of faith to the nations.
28 They stayed with the disciples for a long time.
1 Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: »You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses.«
2 Paul and Barnabas had an intense harsh dispute and debate with them. They concluded that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to settle this question.
3 The congregation sent them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. They brought great joy to all the brothers.
4 Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them.
5 The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: »It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses.«
6 The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.
7 After much discussion Peter got up and said: »Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe.
8 »God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us.
9 »He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith.
10 »Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear?
11 »We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are.«
12 The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations.
13 When they finished talking James said: »Brothers listen to me:
14 »Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name.
15 »The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written:
16 »I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12)
17 »That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12)
18 »Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 »Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God.
20 »We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood.
21 »Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day.«
22 The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers.
23 They wrote letters as follows: »The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
24 »Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment!
25 »It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul.
26 »These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
27 »We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person.
28 »For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things.
29 »You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell best wishes .«
30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the crowd together, they delivered the letter.
31 When they read it they rejoiced over the encouragement.
32 Judas and Silas, being prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers.
33 After they stayed there a while in peace, the brothers sent them back to the apostles.
34 It pleased Silas to stay there.
35 Paul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of God, with many others also.
36 After time passed Paul said to Barnabas: »Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the Word of God, and see how they are doing.«
37 Barnabas decided to take John, whose surname was Mark, with them.
38 Paul did not think it a good idea to take him with them. So he left them at Pamphylia.
39 Their disagreement was so great between them that they parted company. So Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus.
40 Paul chose Silas, and departed, being entrusted by the brothers to the grace of God.
41 He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the congregations.
1 Paul arrived at Derbe and Lystra where he saw a disciple named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman, and his father was a Greek.
2 The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him.
3 Paul wanted to have him travel with him. So he had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in the area. For they knew that his father was a Greek.
4 They went through the towns and delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. They told them to obey those rules.
5 The congregations were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.
6 The Holy Spirit did not let them preach the message in the province of Asia. So they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
7 When they reached the border of Mysia, they tried to go into the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
8 They traveled through Mysia and went to Troas.
9 Paul had a vision that night. In it he saw a Macedonian standing and pleading with him, »Come over to Macedonia and help us!«
10 After Paul had this vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia. We decided that God had called us to preach the good news to the people there.
11 We left by ship from Troas and sailed to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis.
12 From there we went inland to Philippi, a city of the first district of Macedonia. It is also a Roman colony. We spent several days there.
13 On the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to the river where we thought there was a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women who gathered there.
14 A woman named Lydia who was a seller of purple came from Thyatira. She worshipped God because God opened her heart to listen to the things spoken by Paul.
15 When she and her household were baptized she came to us saying, »If you judge me to be faithful to God, come to my house, and stay there.« She absolutely insisted that we come.
16 A young woman who had a spirit of divination met us as we were going to the place of prayer. She brought her masters much gain by soothsaying.
17 She followed Paul and cried out: »These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.«
18 She did this for many days. This troubled Paul. So he turned and said to the spirit, »I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!« And it came out that very hour.
19 When her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they grabbed Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.
20 They took them to the magistrates and said: »These men, being Jews, cause great trouble in our city.
21 »They offer customs that it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.«
22 The crowd rose up against them. The magistrates ripped their garments off them, and commanded to beat them with rods.
23 After they were severely beaten, they threw them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safe.
24 Receiving this command he threw them into the inner prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks.
25 Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God at midnight. The prisoners were listening to them.
26 Suddenly there was a massive earthquake. It was so great the foundations of the prison-house were shaken. All the doors were opened and everyones bands came off.
27 The jailor, who was roused out of sleep and saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.
28 Paul cried with a loud voice: »Do not harm yourself for we are all here.«
29 The jailer called for lights. He rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
30 He brought them out and asked: »Sirs, what must I do to be saved?«
31 They said: »Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your house.«
32 They spoke the Word of God to him and those in his house.
33 That very hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds. Then he and all his family were baptized.
34 He took them to his house and fed them. They rejoiced along with his entire house, having believed in God.
35 The next day the magistrates sent the officers saying: »Let those men go.«
36 The jailor reported the words to Paul, saying: »The magistrates have sent to let you go. Therefore go in peace.«
37 Paul said to them: »They have beaten us publicly uncondemned, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison. Do they now throw us out privately? No I say, but let them come in person to bring us out.«
38 The officers reported these words to the magistrates. They feared when they heard that they were Romans.
39 They personally came to them and brought them out. They asked them to go away from the city.
40 They left the prison and entered the house of Lydia. When they saw the brothers they comforted them and then left.
1 They passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
2 Paul went in, for it was his custom. He reasoned with them from the Scriptures for three Sabbath days.
3 He explained and proved that Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. And that Jesus is the Messiah.
4 Some of them were convinced believed and joined with Paul and Silas. A large crowd of the devout Greeks and of the prominent women also joined.
5 The Jews were moved with jealousy so they gathered bad people who organized a crowd for a riot. They assaulted the house of Jason in order to bring them out to the crowd.
6 When they did not find them they dragged Jason and other brothers before the rulers of the city. They said: »These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also.«
7 Jason welcomed them. They all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.
8 The crowd and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things.
9 They made Jason post bond and they let them go.
10 The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived there they went to the synagogue of the Jews.
11 The Bereans were nobler than those in Thessalonica because they received the word with all readiness of mind and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul told them was true.
12 Many of them believed. So did the prominent Greek women and prominent men.
13 When the Jews of Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Beroea, they went there and stirred up the crowds and caused trouble.
14 The brothers immediately sent Paul to the sea. Silas and Timothy stayed at Beroea.
15 Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens. He sent orders to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as soon as possible.
16 Paul waited for them at Athens. His spirit was irritated within him when he saw the city full of idols.
17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with Jews and devout persons. He went to the marketplace every day with those who would meet with him.
18 The Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. Some said: What is this babbler saying? Others: He seems to be advocating strange gods because he preached Jesus and the resurrection.
19 They took hold of him and brought him to the Areopagus. They said, »May we know what is this new teaching?
20 »You bring strange ideas to our ears. We want to know what these things mean.«
21 The Athenians and the strangers who lived there spent their time doing nothing else except talking about and listening to new ideas.
22 Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus, and said: »Men of Athens, in all things, I perceive that you are very religious.
23 « As I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: »To An Unknown God.« What you worship as unknown, this I will proclaim to you.
24 »The God that made the world and all things in it is the Lord of heaven and earth. He does not live in temples made with hands.
25 »Mens hands do not serve him as if he needed anything. He gives life and breath to all.
26 »From one person he made every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth. He determined their appointed seasons, and the bounds of their habitation.
27 »God did this so man could seek him and might find him. He is not far from each one of us.
28 »In him we live, and move, and have our existence. Your own poets have said: For we are also his offspring.
29 »Being then the offspring of God, we should not think that the divine being is like gold, or silver, or stone, a device made by mans design or skill.
30 »God overlooked the times of ignorance; but now he commands men everywhere to repent.
31 »He has established a day time in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man Jesus whom he has ordained. Of that he gives proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.« (John 5:22) (Isaiah 2:4) (Acts 10:42)
32 Some mocked when they heard about the resurrection of the dead. Yet others said: »We will hear you again concerning this«.
33 Thus Paul went out from among them.
34 Some men joined themselves to him and believed. Included among the believers were Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.
1 After this Paul left Athens to go to Corinth.
2 There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus who is currently from Italy with his wife Priscilla. Claudius commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. So he came to them.
3 He was of the same trade as Paul. So he stayed with them and worked at their tentmaker trade.
4 He reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
5 Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia. He witnessed to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
6 When they opposed Paul and treated him abusively he shook out his garment and said to them: »Your blood is upon your own heads. I am clean. From now on I will go to the people of the nations.«
7 He left the synagogue and went next door to the house of a man named Titus Justus, one who worshiped God.
8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord and so did his household. Many of the Corinthians who heard and believed were baptized.
9 The Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision: »Do not be afraid, but speak. Do not keep silent!
10 »I am with you and no man will harm you. I have many people in this city.«
11 He lived there a year and six months teaching the word of God to them.
12 When Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.
13 They said: »This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.«
14 Paul was about to speak when Gallio said to the Jews: »If you Jews were about to complain about some crime it would be reasonable for me to listen to you.
15 »But it involves questions about words and names in your own law so look to it yourselves. I will not be judge of these matters.«
16 He drove them from the court.
17 They all grabbed Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the court. Gallio did not care about this.
18 Paul stayed many days. Then he left the brothers and sailed for Syria. Also with Paul were Priscilla and Aquila. Paul clipped this hair short in Cenchreae because of a vow.
19 They traveled to Ephesus where he left them. Paul entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20 When they asked him to stay longer he declined.
21 »I will return again to you if it is Gods will,« Paul said. Then he set sail from Ephesus.
22 When he landed at Caesarea, he greeted the congregation and traveled to Antioch.
23 After spending some time there he departed through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia strengthening all the disciples.
24 A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an Alexandrian who had a comprehensive knowledge of the scriptures and spoke eloquently.
25 This man had been instructed in Gods way. Being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John.
26 He spoke boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him home and explained Gods word more accurately.
27 When he decided to travel to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him. They wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived he was a great help to those who by grace believed.
28 He powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.
1 While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country to Ephesus, and found some disciples.
2 He said to them: »Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?« They said: »We have never even heard of a Holy Spirit.«
3 Paul asked: »What kind of baptism did you get?« They replied: »It was the baptism John taught.«
4 Paul said: »John baptized with the baptism of repentance. He told the people they should believe in Jesus, the one who came after John.«
5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
6 Paul laid his hands on them and Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke with tongues and prophesied.
7 There were twelve men in all.
8 He entered the synagogue and spoke boldly reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God. He did this for three months.
9 Some were obstinate and publicly maligned The Way before the crowds. He departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.
10 This continued for two years so that all who lived in this part of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.
11 God did special miracles by the hands of Paul.
12 Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched his body were put on the sick and the evil spirits went away.
13 Some Jews went around driving out evil spirits saying: »In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches I command you to come out!«
14 And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, and a chief priest, who did this.
15 The evil spirit answered and said to them: »Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?«
16 The man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, and overpowered them. He gave them such a beating that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17 This became known to all both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. They were all afraid. The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
18 Many of the believers confessed openly about the evil things they had done.
19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books and burned them in the sight of everyone. When they totaled the value of them it came to about fifty thousand pieces of silver.
20 The word of God kept on growing and prevailed.
21 After this ended Paul was directed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he passed through Macedonia and Achaia. He said: »After I have been there, I must also see Rome.«
22 He sent two of his helpers Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. He stayed in Asia for a while.
23 A great disturbance occurred about The Way.
24 A man named Demetrius, a silversmith made silver shrines of Diana. He brought a lot of business to the craftsmen.
25 They gathered together along with similar related workmen, and said: »Sirs, You know we receive a good income from this business.
26 »You see and hear that Paul, in Ephesus and throughout all Asia, has persuaded and turned away many people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all.
27 »There is danger that our trade will lose its good name. The temple of the great goddess Artemis Diana would then become useless. The goddess who is worshiped in all Asia would be robbed of her divine majesty.«
28 When they heard this they were filled with anger. They shouted: »Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.«
29 The city was filled with the confusion. They rushed with one accord into the theatre and seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Pauls companions in travel.
30 Paul wanted to enter the theatre with the people but his disciples would not permit it.
31 Some of the officials and his friends sent him a message begging him not to enter the theatre.
32 Some cried one thing and others another for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not know why they assembled.
33 The crowd of Jews thrust Alexander forward. Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make a defense to the people.
34 They perceived that he was a Jew and all with one voice shouted for two hours: »Great is Artemis of the Ephesians.«
35 The city recorder quieted the crowd. He said: »You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?
36 »Seeing that these things are indisputable it is fitting that you keep calm and do nothing rash.
37 »You brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess.
38 »If Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him have a grievance against any man, the courts are open, and there are judges. Let them accuse one another.
39 »But if you seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly.
40 »For indeed we are in danger to be charged with rioting sedition because of todays events. We would not be able to account for this ruckus for there is no reason for it.«
41 When he finished speaking he dismissed the assembly.
1 After the uproar ceased Paul sent for the disciples. He encouraged them. Then he left for Macedonia.
2 He went to Greece after traveling through the area giving encouragement.
3 After three months he set sail for Syria. He decided to return through Macedonia. He left there because the Jews formed a plot against him.
4 Those who accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
5 They left early and were waiting for us at Troas.
6 We sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread. Five days later we met them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
7 On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul spoke to them. Intending to depart the next morning he prolonged his speech until midnight.
8 There were many lights in the upper chamber where we gathered.
9 A young man named Eutychus sat in the window. He was very sleepy. Pauls talk was long and he fell asleep. He fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.
10 Paul went down and fell on him. He embraced him and said: »Do not be troubled for he lives.«
11 He went up and they broke bread and ate. He talked with them a long time until morning. Then he left.
12 The people took the young man home alive for they were greatly comforted.
13 We went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos. We intended to take Paul on board for he had arranged to go there on foot.
14 He met us at Assos and journeyed to Mitylene.
15 We sailed from there to Chios and then to Samos. One day later we went to Miletus.
16 Paul decided to sail past Ephesus so he might not spend time in Asia. He was in a hurry to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him.
18 When they arrived he said: »You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time,
19 serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews.
20 »I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house.
21 »I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 »I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there.
23 »Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there.
24 »I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God.
25 »I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again.
26 »I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men.
27 »I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God.
28 »Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own Son .
29 »I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 »Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them.
31 »Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears.
32 »Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.
33 »I coveted no mans silver, or gold, or clothes.
34 »You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.
35 »In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive.«
36 When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
37 They all wept profusely, and fell on Pauls neck and kissed him. embraced him hugged him (Genesis 45:14)
38 What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.
1 After we parted from them we set sail with a straight course to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and then to Patara.
2 We went aboard a ship sailing to Phoenicia.
3 We passed to the south of Cyprus and sailed to Syria. We landed at Tyre where the ship unloaded its cargo.
4 Having found the disciples, we stayed there seven days. Guided by the Spirit the disciples urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.
5 When the time came we left there and went on our journey. All the disciples, their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. We knelt down on the beach and prayed, and said goodbye.
6 We went on board the ship as they returned home.
7 We traveled from Tyre to Ptolemais where the brothers greeted us and we stayed with them one day.
8 The next morning we left for Caesarea where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist and one of the seven.
9 Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied.
10 As we stayed there several days, a prophet came from Judea, named Agabus.
11 Coming to us he took Pauls belt and bound his own feet and hands. He said: »The Holy Spirit says, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this belt, and shall deliver him into the hands of the nations.«
12 When we heard this everyone pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem.
13 Why do you weep and break my heart? Paul answered: »For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.«
14 He would not be dissuaded. So we ceased, saying: The will of God be done!
15 We packed our baggage and went to Jerusalem.
16 The disciples from Caesarea brought us to the home of Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we stayed.
17 The brothers in Jerusalem received us gladly.
18 The following day Paul went with us to James and the elders.
19 After Paul greeted them he reported in detail what God had done among the nations through his ministry.
20 Those who heard it glorified God. They said to him: »You see brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have believed. They are all zealous for the law.
21 »They have been informed concerning you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the nations to forsake Moses. You tell them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs.
22 »What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you are here.
23 Do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow.
24 Take these men and join in on their purification rites. Let them shave their heads. All will know there is no truth in the things they have heard about you, that you walk orderly and keep the law.
25 Concerning those of the nations who have believed, we write: they should keep themselves from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.
26 Then Paul took the men and became purified with them. They went into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.
27 When the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, when they saw him in the temple stirred up the entire crowd and laid hands on him.
28 They shouted: »Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place; and moreover he brought Greeks also into the temple, and defiled this holy place.«
29 They had previously been with him in the city Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the Temple.
30 The entire city was aroused, and the people ran together from all directions. They laid hold on Paul and dragged him out of the Temple. Immediately the doors were shut.
31 They were seeking to kill him when tidings came to the military commander of the band that all Jerusalem was in confusion.
32 At once he took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When they saw the military commander and the soldiers they quit beating Paul.
33 Then the military commander came near and laid hold on him. He commanded that he be bound with two chains. He asked who he was and what he had done.
34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another. The commander could not find out the facts because of the uproar so he commanded him to be brought into the barracks.
35 Paul reached the steps. The violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers.
36 The mob followed closely and shouted: »Away with him!«
37 And as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, »Might I say something to you?« He replied: »Do you know Greek?
38 »Are you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand assassins into the desert?«
39 But Paul said, »I am a Jew, of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city and I request that you allow me to speak to the people.«
40 The commander gave permission so Paul stood on the stairs, motioned to the people. When there was silence he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying:
1 »Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense to you now.«
2 They heard him speak in the Hebrew tongue and became quiet.
3 »I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up here in Jerusalem as a student of Gamaliel. I received instruction in the Law of our ancestors and was just as zealous for God as are all of you.
4 »I persecuted the people who followed this Way to the point of death. I arrested men and women and threw them into prison.
5 »The High Priest and the whole Council can prove that I am telling the truth. I received letters from them written to fellow Jews in Damascus, so I went there to arrest these people and bring them back in chains to Jerusalem to be punished.
6 »While I was traveling I came near Damascus about midday. Suddenly a bright light from the sky flashed around me.
7 »I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me: Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?
8 »Who are you, Lord?« I asked. »I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute,« he said to me.
9 »Everyone with me saw the light. They did not hear the voice of the one speaking to me.
10 »I asked: What shall I do, Lord? He said: Go to Damascus. There you will be told what God wants you to do.
11 »I was blind because of the bright light. So my companions took me by the hand and led me to Damascus.
12 »A man named Ananias was in that city. He is a religious man who obeyed our Law and was highly respected by all the Jews living there.
13 »He came and stood by me, and said: Brother Saul, see again! At that very moment I saw again and looked at him.
14 »He said: The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will. You are to see his righteous servant, and to hear him speak with his own voice.
15 You will be a witness for him to tell everyone what you have seen and heard.
16 Wait no longer! Get up and be baptized and have your sins washed away by praying to him.
17 »I went back to Jerusalem. Then I have a vision while I prayed in the temple.
18 »I saw the Lord. He said to me: Hurry and leave Jerusalem because the people here will not accept your witness about me.
19 »I answered, Lord they know very well that I went to the synagogues and arrested and beat those who believe in you.
20 »When your witness Stephen was put to death, I was there, approving of his murder and taking care of the coats of his murderers.«
21 »The Lord said: Go! I will send you far away to the people of the nations.
22 The people listened to Paul until he said this. Then they shouted at the top of their voices: »Away with him! Kill him! He is not fit to live!«
23 They were screaming, throwing off their clothes, and throwing dust up in the air.
24 The Roman commander ordered his men to take Paul into the barracks. He told them to whip him in order to find out why the Jews were screaming like this against him.
25 When they tied him up to be whipped Paul said to the officer standing there, »Is it lawful for you to whip a Roman citizen who has not been tried for a crime?«
26 When the officer heard this, he went to the commander and asked him: »What are you doing? That man is a Roman citizen!«
27 The commander went to Paul and asked him: »Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?« »Yes,« answered Paul.
28 The commander said: »I became one by paying a large amount of money.« »I am one by birth,« Paul answered.
29 At once the men who were going to question Paul drew back from him. The commander was frightened when he found out that Paul was a Roman citizen and that he had put him in chains.
30 The commander wanted to find out for sure what the Jews were accusing Paul of. The next day he had Pauls chains taken off and ordered the chief priests and the whole Council to meet. Then he took Paul and made him stand before them.
1 Paul looked straight at the Council and said: »Fellow Israelites! My conscience is perfectly clear about the way in which I have lived before God to this very day.«
2 The high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.
3 Paul said to him: »God will strike you, white washed wall! Do you sit judging me according to the Law, and against law command me to be struck?«
4 Those who stood near him said, »Do you revile the high priest of God?«
5 Then Paul said, »I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest. It is written: You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.«
6 When Paul saw that part of them were Sadducees and the other part Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin: »Men! Brothers! I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee! I am being judged because of the hope and resurrection of the dead.«
7 When he said this dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. The crowd was divided.
8 The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit. The Pharisees believe both.
9 There arose a great cry. The scribes who were on the Pharisees side arose and spoke, »We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.«
10 The dispute became so violent the commander was afraid they would pull Paul to pieces. He commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him from among them by force, and to bring him into the barracks.
11 The following night the Lord stood by him and said: »Be of good courage, Paul, for just as you testified about me in Jerusalem, so you also must bear witness at Rome.«
12 When day arrived some of the Jews came together and united with an oath saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
13 There were more than forty involved in this conspiracy.
14 They went to the chief priests and elders and said: »We have united with a great oath that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.
15 »Now therefore you, with the Sanhedrin, inform the commander that he bring him down to you tomorrow. You say you would inquire some more regarding him. We are ready to put him to death before he comes near.«
16 Hearing about the ambush, Pauls sisters son entered the barracks and reported to Paul.
17 Paul called one of the centurions and said: »Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to tell him.«
18 The officer took him to the commander, and said: »The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to say to you.«
19 The commander took him by the hand and led him off by himself, and asked: »What do you have to tell me?«
20 He said: »The Jewish authorities have agreed to ask you tomorrow to take Paul down to the Council. They want you to pretend the Council wants to get more accurate information about him.
21 »Do not give in to them. There are more than forty men lying in wait for him. They are united with an oath that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. Now they are ready and looking for a promise from you.«
22 So the commander sent the young man away commanding, »Tell no one that you have told these things to me.«
23 He called two centurions, saying, »Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea. Also prepare seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night.
24 Provide some horses for Paul to ride and get him safely through to Governor Felix.
25 Then the commander wrote a letter that went like this:
26 »Claudius Lysias to His Excellency, Governor Felix: Greetings.
27 »The Jews seized this man and were about to kill him. I learned that he is a Roman citizen, so I went with my soldiers and rescued him.
28 »I took him to their council to find out of what they accused him.
29 »I found that he did not do a thing for which he deserved to die or be put in prison. The accusation against him had to do with questions about their own law.
30 »When I was informed that there was a plot against him, I decided to send him to you. I told his accusers to make their charges against him before you.«
31 The soldiers carried out their orders. That night they took Paul as far as Antipatris.
32 The next day the foot soldiers returned to the fort and left the horsemen to go on with him.
33 They took him to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor. Then they turned Paul over to him.
34 The governor read the letter and asked Paul what province he was from. When he found out that he was from Cilicia,
35 he said, »I will hear you fully when your accusers arrive.« He commanded him to be kept in the praetorian of Herod.
1 After five days Ananias the high priest came down with the elders. They brought an orator, Tertullus, who made a statement to the governor against Paul.
2 Tertullus presented his case:
3 »We have seen peace under your rule. Excellent accomplishments have come to this nation due to your forethought. We acknowledge this with profound gratitude, most excellent Felix.
4 »That I not hinder you more, I request that you to hear us briefly in fairness.
5 »We have found this man to be a troublemaker who stirs up sedition resists lawful authority among all the Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
6 »He even tried to desecrate the temple. So we captured him according to our law.
7 »But the Roman commander Lysias came to us with the use of force and snatched him from our hands.
8 »He commanded his accusers to come to you. Examine him yourself and you will learn the truth about these charges we bring against him.«
9 The Jews also joined in accusing him, saying that these things were true.
10 The governor motioned for Paul to speak. He said, »I know that you have been a judge for this nation for many years. For this reason I cheerfully make my defense.
11 You can easily verify that it was no more than twelve days ago that I went to worship in Jerusalem.
12 »They did not find me in the Temple, in the synagogues nor in the city disputing with any man. Neither did I cause a riot with the people.
13 »Neither can they prove the things for which they now accuse me.
14 »This I confess to you that according to The Way, which they call a sect, I serve the God of our fathers. I believe all the things written in the law and the prophets.
15 »I have hope toward God, which they also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the righteous and the unrighteous.
16 »I exercise myself always, to have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men.
17 »Now after many years I came to bring offerings and gifts of mercy to my nation.
18 »Some Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple. There was neither crowd nor disturbance!
19 »They should have been here before you to testify against me.
20 »Or let the men here say what wrong they found in me while I stood before the Sanhedrin.
21 »Except for one utterance I cried out while standing among them. It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am called in question by you this day.«
22 When Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them saying, »When Lysias the commander comes here I will decide your case.«
23 He commanded a centurion to keep Paul. Allow him some freedom of custody and that some of his people should come and minister to him.
24 A few days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him concerning faith in Christ.
25 He reasoned about righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come. Felix trembled, and answered: »Go your way for now. When I have time I will send for you.«
26 He hoped that Paul would give him money to free him. He sent for him frequently and conversed with him.
27 After two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. Felix was willing to show the Jews a favor. He left Paul in prison.
1 Three days after arriving in the province Festus ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 The high priest and Jewish leaders brought charges against Paul.
3 They desired favor against him that he would transfer him to Jerusalem. Then they would ambush him along the way and kill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he would go there shortly.
5 He said: »Let those who have authority among you go there with me to present your case against this man if there is anything out of the way about the man.«
6 After he stayed there more than ten days, he went to Caesarea. The next day he sat in judgment. He commanded Paul be brought before him.
7 When he arrived the Jews who also came there from Jerusalem presented many grievous complaints against Paul. They could not prove them.
8 Paul defended himself: »Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I committed any sin.«
9 Festus was willing to do the Jews a favor, so he answered Paul: »Will you go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?«
10 »I stand at Caesars court,« Paul replied, »where I ought to be judged. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you are finding out.
11 »If I am a wrongdoer, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if charges brought against me by the Jews are not true no man has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.«
12 Then Festus conferred with his council and answered: »Have you appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go.«
13 A few days later king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.
14 While they were there Festus declared Pauls cause to the king. He said, »There is a man that Felix left a prisoner.
15 »When I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me about him. They desire to have judgment against him.
16 »I told them it is not the Roman practice to deliver any man to die before his accusers face him. He should answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 »When they came before me, without any delay I sat in judgment, and commanded the man to be brought in.
18 »When the accusers took the stand they produced no charge of the wicked things I supposed about him.
19 »They had questions against him about their own superstition. They had one about Jesus, who is dead, but Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 »Since I doubt such manner of questions, I asked him if he would go to Jerusalem to be judged there of these matters.
21 »Paul appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus. So I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.«
22 Then Agrippa said to Festus: »I would also hear the man myself.« Festus replied: »Tomorrow, you will hear him.«
23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice arrived with great elegance. They entered the place of hearing with the commanders and important men of the city. Festus gave the order for Paul to be brought in.
24 Festus said, »King Agrippa and all men who are present with us, you see this man, about whom all the crowds of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he should not live any longer.
25 »I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death. He has appealed to Augustus and I have determined to send him.
26 »I have no certain thing to write to my lord. I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, O king Agrippa, that, after examination I might have something to write.
27 »It seems unreasonable to send a prisoner and not signify the crimes charged against him.«
1 Agrippa said to Paul, »You are permitted to speak for yourself.« Then Paul stretched out his arm and began his defense,
2 »I would be happy, King Agrippa, to answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which the Jews accuse me.
3 »I know you are an expert in all customs and controversy among the Jews. Therefore I urge you to hear me patiently.
4 »All the Jews know the way I first lived as a youth among my own nation at Jerusalem.
5 »They knew me from the beginning. They could testify that I was from the strictest sect of our religion and I lived as a Pharisee.
6 »Now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers.
7 »Our twelve tribes served God day and night with the promise and hope of what was to come. It is because of this hope that the Jews accuse me, King Agrippa.
8 »Why should it be an incredible thought to you that God should raise the dead?
9 »I was convinced that I should oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 »That I did in Jerusalem. I locked up many of the holy ones in prison. I received authority from the chief priests and gave the command to put them to death.
11 »I punished them in every synagogue and tried to force them to recant their beliefs. I was exceedingly mad against them. I persecuted them even in strange cities.
12 »I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests.
13 »At midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven. It was brighter than the sun and shinned all around me. It also shinned around those who journeyed with me.
14 »We all fell to the ground. I heard a voice speaking to me. It said in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads. You only hurt yourself.
15 »I said: Who are you, Lord? And he answered: I am Jesus whom you persecute.
16 »Stand up on your feet. I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you have seen, and of those things I will show to you.
17 »I will rescue you from the people and the nations. I am sending you to them.
18 »To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God. They may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.
19 »You see, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.
20 »I preached first to Damascus, and to Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the people of the nations, that they should repent and turn to God, and prove their repentance by deeds.
21 »For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
22 « Having obtained help from God, I continue to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those that the prophets and Moses said should come.
23 »That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first to rise from the dead, and should show light to the people, and to the nations.«
24 While he was defending himself, Festus said with a loud voice: »Paul, you are beside yourself. Much learning has made you mad.«
25 But he answered back: »I am not mad, most noble Festus. I speak the words of truth and soberness!
26 »For the king knows about these things. I speak freely to him for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him. For this was not done in a corner.
27 »King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.«
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul: »In a short time you would persuade convince me to become a Christian.«
29 Paul replied, »I pray to God, that you and also all that hear me this day were altogether such as I am, except for these bonds.«
30 When he finished speaking, the king rose up and the governor and Bernice and all who sat with them.
31 As they left they talked between themselves, saying, »This man does nothing worthy of death or of prison.«
32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, »This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.«
1 When it was determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and other prisoners to a man named Julius, a centurion of the band of Augustus.
2 We entered a ship at Adramyttium and set sail. We intended to sail by the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica was with us.
3 The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul in a kind way and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself.
4 When we set sail from there we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
5 When we sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy. He put us on it.
7 We sailed slowly for many days and had problems arriving off Cnidus. The wind did not allow us to hold our course. So we sailed to the downwind part of Crete near Salmone.
8 It was difficult to move along the coast. We came to a place called Fair Havens near the town of Lasea.
9 Much time had been lost and sailing was now dangerous. Because the fast was over Paul admonished them,
10 »Men, I see that our voyage from here on will be dangerous. There will be great damage to the cargo and to the ship, and loss of life as well.«
11 But the army officer was convinced by what the captain and the owner of the ship said, and not by what Paul said.
12 It was not a good harbor in which to spend the winter. Nearly everyone was in favor of putting out to sea and trying to reach Phoenix in order to spend the winter there. Phoenix is a harbor in Crete that faces southwest and northwest.
13 A gentle wind from the south began to blow. The men thought they could accomplish their plan. So they pulled up the anchor and sailed as close as possible along the coast of Crete.
14 Soon a very strong northeast wind blew down from the island.
15 It hit the ship and it was impossible to keep the ship headed into the wind. We gave up trying and let it be carried along by the wind.
16 We had shelter when we passed to the south of the little island of Cauda. There, with some difficulty we managed to make the ships boat secure.
17 They pulled it aboard and then fastened some ropes tight around the ship. They were afraid that they might run into the sandbanks quicksand off the coast of Libya, so they lowered the sail and allowed the ship be carried by the wind.
18 The violent storm continued. The next day they began to throw some of the ships cargo overboard.
19 The following day they threw part of the ships equipment overboard.
20 The sun and stars did not appear for many days. No small tempest pressed upon us. All hope of our being saved was taken away.
21 After they spent a long time without eating Paul stood up and said: »Sirs, you should listen to me. You should not have put out to sea from Crete to sustain this damage and loss.
22 »I urge you to be of good cheer for none of you will lose your life, only the ship.
23 »Last night an angel of the God of whom I serve stood beside me.
24 »He said, »Paul, do not be afraid. You must stand before Caessar and God has graciously given you the lives of you and all who sail with you.
25 »Be of good cheer. I believe God. It will happen just as he spoke to me.
26 »But we must run aground on some island.«
27 On the fourteenth night we were driven to and fro in the sea of Adria. About midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land.
28 They sounded and found twenty fathoms. After a little space they sounded again and found fifteen fathoms.
29 Fearing they would be cast ashore on rocky ground they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.
30 The sailors were seeking to flee from the ship. They lowered the boat into the sea by pretending they were lowering some anchors from the bow.
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers: »Unless these men remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.«
32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
33 At daybreak Paul encouraged all of them to eat some food, saying, »This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue without food.
34 »I encourage you to take some food for this is for your safety. Not a hair will perish from the head of any of you.«
35 After he said this he took some bread, gave thanks to God in the presence of all. He broke it and began to eat.
36 Then they were all cheerful and ate some food.
37 Together there were two hundred and seventy six persons on board.
38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship by throwing the wheat into the sea.
39 When daylight came they saw no land. But they thought they saw a bay with a beach. They debated whether to drive the ship upon it.
40 They threw the anchors overboard and left them in the sea. At the same time they untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach.
41 The ship stuck fast on a sandbar and ran aground. The bow struck fast and would not move. Then the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.
42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any from swimming away and escaping.
43 The centurion desired to save Paul so he kept them from doing what they planned. He commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard, and get to the land first.
44 The rest were to use planks or something from the ship. So they all escaped safe to the land.
1 When we made it to shore safely we learned that the island was called Malta.
2 The natives there were very friendly to us. It started to rain and was cold, so they built a fire and made us all welcome.
3 Paul gathered an armful of sticks and put them on the fire. A snake came out on account of the heat and fastened itself to his hand.
4 The natives saw the snake hanging on Pauls hand and said to one another: »This man must be a murderer, but Fate will not let him live, even though he escaped from the sea.«
5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire without being harmed at all.
6 The people were waiting for him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. They waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him. They changed their minds and said he was a god.
7 A man named Publius, who was the governor of the island, had property around the area. He welcomed us and treated us kindly. We were his guests for three days.
8 His father was sick in bed. He suffered from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, prayed, placed his hands on him, and made him well.
9 After that happened, other sick people on the island went to Paul and were made well.
10 They honored us with many gifts. When we were going to set sail, they put whatever we needed on board.
11 After three months we sailed on an Alexandrian ship that wintered at the island. The ship had the gods Castor and Pollux carved on its front.
12 We stopped at the city of Syracuse and stayed there three days.
13 We sailed from Syracuse and arrived at the city of Rhegium. The next day a south wind began to blow, and two days later we arrived at the city of Puteoli.
14 We came across some of the brothers, who kept us with them for seven days; and so we arrived at Rome.
15 When the brothers had news for us they came out from town as far as Appius Forum Market place on the Appian Road and the Three Taverns to have a meeting with us. Paul saw them and praised God. He was encouraged.
16 When we arrived at Rome they allowed Paul to have a house for himself and the armed man who kept watch over him.
17 Then after three days he sent for the chief men of the Jews. When they assembled, he said to them: »My brothers, though I had done nothing against the people or the ways of our fathers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.
18 »They questioned me and were ready to set me free, for they found me not guilty of any crime deserving death.
19 »When the Jews brought charges against me again I presented my cause to Caesar for I said nothing against my nation.
20 The reason I sent for you is to talk with you. I am in these chains because of the hope of Israel.«
21 They said to him: »We have not had letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers have come to us to give an account or say any evil about you.
22 »We desire to hear your opinion concerning this sect. We have knowledge that it is attacked in all places.«
23 So they set a date with Paul. A large number of them came that day to the place where Paul was staying. From morning till night he explained his message about the Kingdom of God to them. He tried to convince them about Jesus by quoting from the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets.
24 Some of them were convinced by his words, but others did not believe.
25 So they left, disagreeing among themselves, after Paul had said this one thing: »How well the Holy Spirit spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your ancestors!«
26 He said, »Go and say to this people, You will listen and listen, but not understand. You will look and look, but not see.
27 »These people have closed their mind and are hard of hearing. They have shut their eyes so that their eyes never see. Their ears never hear. Their minds never understand. They never turn to me for healing.
28 »You need to know that God has sent his salvation to people who are not Jews. They will listen.«
29 After he said this the Jews left arguing among themselves.
30 Paul rented a place to live for two full years and welcomed everyone who came to him.
31 He spread the message about Gods Kingdom and taught boldly about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one stopped him!