1 The Luke switches over from the history of the Gospel, that is from the history of the sayings and doings of Christ, unto the Acts of the Apostles. former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to The acts of Jesus are the miracles and deeds which showed his Godhead, and his most perfect holiness, and examples of his doctrine. do and teach,
2 Vntill the day that hee was taken vp, after that hee through the holy Ghost, had giuen commaundements vnto the Apostles, whome hee had chosen:
3 Christ did not immediately ascend into heaven after his resurrection in order to thoroughly prove his resurrection, and with his presence strengthen and encourage his Apostles in the doctrine which they had heard.To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many He called those things infallible proofs which are otherwise termed necessary: now in that Christ spoke, and walked, and ate, and was felt by many, these are sure signs and proofs that he truly rose again. infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
4 And, being They were dispersed here and there, but he gathers them together so that all of them might together be witnesses of his resurrection. assembled together with [them], commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, [saith he], ye have heard of me.
5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized Either by the Father, or by me: so that either the Father or Christ is set here contrasted with John, as the Holy Spirit is contrasted with water, as things that are comparable to one another. with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
6 We must fight before we triumph, and we must not search curiously after those things which God has not revealed.When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time To the old and ancient state. restore again the kingdom to Israel?
7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the That is, the proper occasions that provide opportunities for doing matters, which occasions the Lord has appointed to bring things to pass in. seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
8 But yee shall receiue power of the holy Ghost, when he shall come on you: and ye shalbe witnesses vnto me both in Hierusalem and in all Iudea, and in Samaria, and vnto the vttermost part of the earth.
9 After Christ had promised the full power of the Holy Spirit, with whom he would govern his church (even though he would be absent in body), he took up his body from us into heavenly tabernacles to remain there until the latter day of judgment, as the angels witness.And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.
10 And while they looked stedfastly towarde heauen, as hee went, beholde, two men stoode by them in white apparell,
11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up That is, out of your sight. from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
12 Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath About two miles. day's journey.
13 Ecclesiastical assemblies to hear the word, and to make common prayer, were first instituted and kept in private houses by the Apostles.And when they were They went into the house which the Church had chosen at that time to be a gathering place for the whole assembly. come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas [the brother] of James.
14 These all The Greek word signifies an invincible constancy and steadfastness. continued with It is to good purpose that this agreement is mentioned: for those prayers are most acceptable to God which are made with agreeing minds and wills. one accord in The disciples prayed for the sending of the Holy Spirit, and also to be delivered from present dangers, of which there were many that they were experiencing. prayer and supplication, with the For it was appropriate to have the wives strengthened and encouraged who would afterwards be partakers of the dangers with their husbands. women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his With his relatives. brethren.
15 Peter is made the spokesman and interpreter of the whole company of the Apostles, either by secret revelation of the Holy Spirit, or by the express judgment of the congregation.And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of Because men are commonly referred to and enrolled by their names. names together were about an hundred and twenty,)
16 Peter anticipates the offence that might be taken at the falling away of Judas the betrayer, showing that all things which happened to him were foretold by God.Men [and] brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.
17 For hee was nombred with vs, and had obteined felowship in this ministration.
18 Now this man Luke did not consider Judas' purpose, but that which followed it, and so we used to say that a man has done himself harm, not that he wanted and intended to, but in respect of that which followed. purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and The Greek words signify this much, that Judas fell down flat and was torn apart in the middle, with a tremendously great noise. falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
19 And it is knowen vnto all the inhabitants of Hierusalem, in so much, that that field is called in their owne language, Aceldama, That is, the field of blood.
20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his His office and ministry: David wrote these words against Doeg the King's herdsman: and these words «shepherd», «sheep», and «flock» are used with reference to the Church office and ministry, so that the Church and the offices are called by these names. bishoprick let another take.
21 The Apostles do not deliberate at all, but first they consult and take guidance from God's word: and again they do nothing that concerns and is incumbent upon the whole body of the congregation, without making the congregation a part of the decision.Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus This kind of speech signifies as much in the Hebrew language as the exercising of a public and difficult office, when they speak of such as are in any public office; (Deu_31:2; 1Ch_27:1). went in and out among us,
22 Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up From our company. from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23 The Apostles must be chosen immediately from God: and therefore after praying, Matthias is chose by lot, which is as it were God's own voice.And they Openly, and by the voices of the entire company. appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
24 And they praied, saying, Thou Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shewe whether of these two thou hast chosen,
25 That he may take That he may be a member and partaker of this ministry. part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression Departed from, or fallen from: and it is a metaphor taken from the word «way»: for callings are signified by the name of «ways» with the Hebrews. fell, that he might go to his own place.
26 Then they gaue foorth their lottes: and the lotte fell on Matthias, and hee was by a common consent counted with the eleuen Apostles.
1 And The Apostles being gathered together on a most solemn feast day in one place, that it might evidently appear to all the world that they all had one office, one Spirit, and one faith, are by a double sign from heaven authorised, and anointed with all the most excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit, and especially with an extraordinary and necessary gift of tongues. when the day of Pentecost was Literally, «was fulfilled»: that is, was begun, as in (Luk_2:21). For the Hebrews say that a day or a year is fulfilled or ended when the former days or years are ended, and the other has begun; (Jer_25:12): «And it will come to pass that when seventy years are fulfilled, I will visit, etc.» For the Lord did not bring his people home after the seventieth year was ended, but in the seventieth year: Now the day of Pentecost was the fiftieth day after the feast of the Passover. fully come, they were The twelve apostles, who were to be the patriarchs as it were of the Church. all with one accord in one place.
2 And suddenly there came a sounde from heauen, as of a russhing and mightie winde, and it filled all the house where they sate.
3 And there appeared vnto them clouen tongues, like fire, and it sate vpon eche of them.
4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with He calls them «other tongues» which were not the same as the apostles commonly used, and Mark calls them «new tongues». other tongues, as the By this we understand that the apostles were not speaking one language and then another by chance at random, or as eccentric men used to do, but that they kept in mind the languages of their hearers: and to be short, that they only spoke as the Holy Spirit directed them to speak. Spirit gave them utterance.
5 And there were dwelling at Hierusalem Iewes, men that feared God, of euery nation vnder heauen.
6 Nowe when this was noised, the multitude came together and were astonied, because that euery man heard them speake his owne language.
7 And they wondered al, and marueiled, saying among themselues, Beholde, are not all these which speake, of Galile?
8 Not that they spoke one language, and different languages were heard, but the apostles spoke with different languages: for otherwise the miracle would have been in the hearers, whereas it is really in the speakers; Nazianzen in his oration of Whitsunday.And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?
9 Parthians, and Medes, & Elamites, and the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, and of Iudea, and of Cappadocia, of Pontus, and Asia,
10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, By Jews he means those that were both Jews by birth and Jews by profession of religion, though they were born in other places: and these latter ones were proselytes, who were born Gentiles, and embraced the Jewish religion. Jews and proselytes,
11 Creetes, and Arabians: wee hearde them speake in our owne tongues the wonderful works of God.
12 God's word pierces some in such a way that it drives them to seek out the truth, and it so chokes others that it forces them to be witnesses of their own impudency.And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?
13 Others The word which he uses here signifies a kind of mocking which is reproachful and insolent: and by this reproachful mocking we see that no matter how great and excellent the miracle, the wickedness of man still dares to speak evil against it. mocking said, These men are full of new wine.
14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, The holiness of Peter is to be marked, in which the grace of the Holy Spirit is to be seen, even from the very beginning. lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all [ye] that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
15 For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is [but] the After the sunrise, which may be about seven or eight o'clock to us. third hour of the day.
16 But this is that which was spoken by the There is nothing that can dissolve questions and doubt except testimony taken out of the Prophets: for men's reasonings may be overturned, but God's voice cannot be overturned. prophet Joel;
17 Peter setting forth the truth of God against the false accusations of men, shows in himself and in his companions that the prophecy of Joel concerning the full giving of the Holy Spirit in the latter days has been fulfilled: and this grace is also offered to the whole Church, to the certain and undoubted destruction of those who condemn it.And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon All without exception, both upon the Jews and Gentiles. all That is, men. flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18 And on my seruauntes, and on mine handmaides I will powre out of my Spirite in those daies, and they shall prophecie.
19 And I wil shew wonders in heauen aboue, and tokens in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and the vapour of smoke.
20 The Sunne shalbe turned into darkenesse, and the moone into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.
21 The most important use of all the gifts of the Holy Spirit is to bring men to salvation by faith.And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall These words «call on» signify in Holy Scriptures and earnest praying and craving for help from God's hand. call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
22 Christ, being innocent, was by God's providence crucified by wicked men.Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man Who is by those works which God did by him so manifestly approved and admitted of, that no man can deny him. approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and God's everlasting foreknowledge, which can neither be separated from his determinate counsel, as the Epicureans say, neither yet be the cause of evil: for God in his everlasting and unchangeable counsel appointed the wicked act of Judas to an excellent end: and God does that well which the instrument does wickedly. foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked God's counsel does not excuse the Jews, whose hands were wicked. hands have crucified and The fact is said to be theirs by whose counsel and urging on it is done. slain:
24 As David foretold, Christ did not only rise again, but also was void of all decay in the grave.Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the The death that was full of sorrow both of body and mind: therefore when death appeared conqueror and victor over those sorrows, Christ is rightly said to have overcome those sorrows of death when, as being dead, he overcame death, to live forever with his Father. pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.
25 For Dauid sayeth concerning him, I beheld the Lorde alwaies before me: for hee is at my right hand, that l should not be shaken.
26 Therefore did mine heart reioyce, and my tongue was glad, and moreouer also my flesh shall rest in hope,
27 Because thou wilt not You will not allow me to remain in the grave. leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
28 Thou hast You have opened to me the way of true life. made known to me the ways of life; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance.
29 Men and brethren, I may boldly speake vnto you of the Patriarke Dauid, that hee is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre remaineth with vs vnto this day.
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had Had sworn solemnly. 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 Hee knowing this before, spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soule shoulde not bee left in graue, neither his flesh shoulde see corruption.
32 Peter witnesses that Jesus Christ is the appointed everlasting King, which he manifestly proves by the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the testimony of David.This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
33 Therefore being by the Might and power of God. right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
34 For Dauid is not ascended into heauen, but he sayth, The Lord sayd to my Lorde, Sit at my right hande,
35 Vntill I make thine enemies thy footestoole.
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath Christ is said to be «made» because he was advanced to that dignity, and therefore it is not spoken with reference to his nature, but with reference to his position and high dignity. made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
37 Now when they heard it, they were pricked in their heartes, and said vnto Peter and the other Apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we doe?
38 Repentance and remission of sins in Christ are two principles of the Gospel and therefore of our salvation: and they are obtained by the promises apprehended by faith, and are ratified by us in baptism; and with our salvation comes the power of the Holy Spirit (Ed.).Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
39 For the The word that is used here shows us that it was a free gift. promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.
40 He is truly joined to the Church who separates himself from the wicked.And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
41 A notable example of the power of the Holy Spirit: but such are not baptized until they make confession of their faith. (Ed.)Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
42 The marks of the true Church are the doctrine of the apostles, the duties of charity, the pure and simple administration of the ordinances, and the true invocation used by all of the faithful.And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and Sharing of goods, and all other duties of charity, as is shown afterwards. fellowship, and in The Jews used thin loaves, and therefore they broke them rather than cut them: so by breaking of bread they meant living together, and the banquets which they used to keep. And when they kept their love feasts, they used to celebrate the Lord's supper, which even in those days began to be corrupted, and Paul corrects this in (1Co. 11:17-34). breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 As often as the Lord thinks it to be expedient, he bridles the rage of strangers, so that the Church may be planted and have some refreshing.And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 Charity makes all things common with regard to their use, according as necessity requires.And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And they sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all me, as euery one had need.
46 The faithful came together at the beginning with tremendous results, not only for the hearing of the word, but also to eat.And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praysing God, and had fauour with all the people: and the Lorde added to the Church from day to day, such as should be saued.
1 Now Christ, in healing a man that was born lame and well known to all men, both in a famous place and at a popular time, by the hands of his apostles partly strengthens and encourages those who believed, and partly also calls others to believe. Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, [being] the ninth [hour].
2 And a certaine ma which was a creeple fro his mothers wombe, was caried, whom they layde dayly at the gate of the Temple called Beautifull, to aske almes of them that entred into ye Temple.
3 Who seeing Peter & Iohn, that they would enter into the Temple, desired to receiue an almes.
4 And Peter earnestly beholding him with Iohn, said, Looke on vs.
5 And he Both with heart and eyes. gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them.
6 Then said Peter, Siluer & gold haue I none, but such as I haue, that giue I thee: In the Name of Iesus Christ of Nazareth, rise vp and walke.
7 And hee tooke him by the right hand, and lift him vp, and immediately his feete and ankle bones receiued strength.
8 And he leaped vp, stoode, and walked, and entred with them into the Temple, walking and leaping, and praysing God.
9 And all the people sawe him walke, and praysing God.
10 And they knewe him, that it was he which sate for the almes at the Beautifull gate of the Temple: and they were amased, and sore astonied at that, which was come vnto him.
11 And as the lame man which was healed Either because he loved them who had healed him, or because he feared that if he let them go out of his sight that he would become lame again. held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.
12 Miracles are appointed to convince the unbelievers, and therefore they wickedly abuse the miracles who, standing amazed, either at the miracles themselves or at the instruments and means which is pleases God to use, take an occasion to establish idolatry and superstition by that which God has provided for the knowledge of his true worship, that is, Christianity.And when Peter saw [it], he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
13 The God of Abraham, & Isaac, and Iacob, the God of our fathers hath glorified his Sonne Iesus, whom ye betrayed, & denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had iudged him to be deliuered.
14 But ye denied the Holy one and the Iust, and desired a murtherer to be giuen you,
15 And killed the Prince Who has life in himself, and gives life to others. of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
16 And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: Because he believed on him who was raised from the dead, whose name he heard about from us. yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.
17 It is best of all to receive Christ as soon as he is offered to us: but those who have neglected so great a benefit through man's weakness, yet have repentance as a means. As for the shame of the cross, we have to set against that the decree and purpose of God for Christ, foretold by the Prophets, how that first of all he would be crucified here upon the earth, and then he would appear from heaven the judge and restorer of all things, that all believers might be saved, and all unbelievers utterly perish.And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.
18 But those things, which God before had shewed Though there were many Prophets, yet he speaks only of one mouth, to show us the consent and agreement of the Prophets. by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled.
19 Amend your liues therefore, and turne, that your sinnes may be put away, whe the time of refreshing shal come from the presence of the Lord.
20 And he shall sende Iesus Christ, which before was preached vnto you,
21 Or, be taken up into heaven.Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
22 For Moses truly said unto the fathers, This promise referred to an excellent and singular Prophet. A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
23 For it shalbe that euery person which shall not heare that Prophet, shall be destroyed out of the people.
24 Yea, and all the prophets At which time the kingdom of Israel was established. from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.
25 The Jews that believed are the first begotten in the kingdom of God.Ye are the For whom the Prophets were especially appointed. children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
26 Unto you first God, having Given to the world, or raised from the dead, and advanced to his kingdom. raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.
1 And There are none more commonly diligent or bold enemies of the Church than those who profess themselves to be the chief builders of it, but the more they rage, the more steadfastly the faithful servants of God continue. as they spake unto the people, the priests, and the The Jews had certain troops for the guard and safety of the temple and holy things (see (Mat_26:47)). These garrisons had a captain, such as Eleazarus Ananias, the high Priest's son in the time of the war that was in Judea, being a very impudent and proud young man; Josephus, lib. 2, of the taking of Judea. captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came upon them,
2 Taking it grieuously that they taught the people, and preached in Iesus Name the resurrection from the dead.
3 And they layde handes on them, and put them in holde, vntill the next day: for it was now euentide.
4 Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the While they thought to diminish the number, they actually increased it. number of the men was about five thousand.
5 And it came to pass on the morrow, that their These were those who were members of the Sanhedrin, who were all from the tribe of Judah, until Herod came to power. rulers, and elders, and scribes,
6 And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the From whom the high Priests were usually chosen and made. At this time the former high Priest was stepping down, and a new high Priest was being appointed. kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.
7 Against those who brag of a succession of persons, without a succession of doctrine, and by that means beat down the true ministers of the word, as much as they are able.And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, By what power, or by what By what authority. name, have ye done this?
8 Then Peter ful of the holy Ghost, said vnto them, Ye rulers of the people, and Elders of Israel,
9 The wolves who come after true pastors plead their own cause and not God's, neither the cause of the Church.If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;
10 He is indeed a true shepherd that teaches his sheep to rest upon Christ alone as upon one that is not dead, but has conquered death, and has all rule in his own hands.Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, [even] by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
11 This is the stone cast aside of you builders which is become the head of the corner.
12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other There is no other man, or no other power and authority at all; and this kind of speech was common among the Jews, and arose from this, that when we are in danger we call upon those at whose hands we look for help. name Anywhere: and this shows us the largeness of Christ's kingdom. under heaven Of God. given among men, whereby we must be saved.
13 The good liberty and boldness of the servants of God does yet this much good, that those who lay hidden under a mask of zeal at length betray themselves to indeed be wicked men.Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and The word used here is «idiot», which signifies a private man when it is used in reference to a magistrate: but with reference to sciences and studies, it signifies one that is unlearned, and with regard to honour and estimation, it implies one of base degree, and of no estimation. ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.
14 And beholding also the man which was healed standing with them, they had nothing to say against it.
15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they Laid their heads together. conferred among themselves,
16 He that flatters himself in ignorance, at length comes to do open wickedness, and that against his own conscience.Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them [is] manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny [it].
17 But that it be noysed no farther among the people, let vs threaten and charge them, that they speake hencefoorth to no man in this Name.
18 So they called them, and commaunded them, that in no wise they should speake or teach in the Name of Iesus.
19 We must obey men to whom we are subject, but especially and before all things we must obey God.But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
20 For we cannot but speake the things which we haue seene and heard.
21 The wicked are so far off from doing what they wish, that God uses them contrary to their desires to set forth his glory, which he gives them permission to do.So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding nothing how they might punish them, because of the people: for all [men] glorified God for that which was done.
22 For the man was aboue fourtie yeeres olde, on whome this miracle of healing was shewed.
23 The apostles share their troubles with the congregation.And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them.
24 We should neither be afraid of the threats of our enemies, neither yet foolishly condemn their rage and madness against us: but we have to set against their force and malice an earnest thinking upon the power and good will of God (both which we manifestly behold in Christ) and so flee to the aid and assistance of our Father.And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
25 Which by the mouth of thy seruant Dauid hast saide, Why did the Gentiles rage, and the people imagine vaine things?
26 The Kings of the earth assembled, and the rulers came together against the Lord, and against his Christ.
27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the Although the people of Israel were but one people, yet the plural number is used here, not so much for the twelve tribes, every one of which counted as a people, but because of the great multitude of them, as though many nations had assembled themselves together, as in (Jdg_5:14). people of Israel, were gathered together,
28 For to The wicked execute God's counsel, even though they think nothing of it, but they are not therefore without fault. do whatsoever You had determined by your absolute authority and power. thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done.
29 And nowe, O Lorde, beholde their threatnings, and graunt vnto thy seruants with all boldnesse to speake thy word,
30 So that thou stretch forth thine hand, that healing, and signes, and wonders may be done by the Name of thine holy Sonne Iesus.
31 God witnesses to his Church by a visible sign that it is he that will establish it, by shaking the powers both of heaven and of earth.And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.
32 An example of the true Church, in which there is equal consent both in doctrine and in charity toward one another: and the pastors deliver true doctrine both sincerely and constantly.And the multitude of them that believed were of They agreed in counsel, will, and all plans. one heart and of one soul: neither said any [of them] that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
33 And with great power gaue the Apostles witnes of the resurrection of the Lord Iesus: and great grace was vpon them all.
34 True charity helps the need of the poor with its own loss, but in such a way that all things are done well and orderly.Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,
35 And layde it downe at the Apostles feete, and it was distributed vnto euery man, according as he had neede.
36 Also Ioses which was called of the Apostles, Barnabas (that is by interpretation the sonne of consolation) being a Leuite, and of the countrey of Cyprus,
37 Where as he had land, solde it, and brought the money, & laid it downe at the Apostles feete.
1 But Luke shows by contrary examples how great a sin hypocrisy is, especially in those who under a false pretence and cloak of zeal seem to shine and be of great importance in the Church. a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,
2 And Craftily took away. kept back [part] of the price, his wife also being privy [to it], and brought a certain part, and laid [it] at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan Fully possessed. filled thine heart For when they had appointed that farm or possession for the Church, they were foolish to keep away a part of the price, as though they were dealing with men, and not with God, and therefore he says afterwards that they tempted God. to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back [part] of the price of the land?
4 Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou By this is meant an advised and purposeful deceit, and the fault of the man in listening to the devil's suggestions. conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.
5 Now when Ananias heard these wordes, he fell downe, and gaue vp the ghost. Then great feare came on all them that heard these things.
6 And the yong men rose vp, and tooke him vp, and caried him out, and buried him.
7 And it came to passe about the space of three houres after, that his wife came in, ignorant of that which was done.
8 And Peter sayd vnto her, Tell me, solde ye the land for so much? And she sayd, Yea, for so much.
9 Then Peter said unto her, How is it that ye have agreed together to Look how often men do things with an evil conscience; and so they pronounce sentence against themselves, and as much as in them lies, they provoke God to anger, as they do this on purpose, in order to test whether he is just and almighty or not. tempt the Spirit of the Lord? behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband [are] at the Are at hand. door, and shall carry thee out.
10 Then she fell downe straightway at his feete, and yeelded vp the ghost: and the yong men came in, and found her dead, and caried her out, and buried her by her husband.
11 The Lord by his marvellous power bridles some so that they may not hurt the Church: others he keeps in awe and fear of him: and others he draws unto himself.And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.
12 Thus by the hands of the Apostles were many signes and wonders shewed among the people (and they were all with one accorde in Solomons porche.
13 And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people Highly praised them. magnified them.
14 Also the number of them that beleeued in the Lord, both of men and women, grewe more and more)
15 In so much that they brought the sicke into the streetes, and layd them on beds and couches, that at the least way the shadowe of Peter, when he came by, might shadow some of them.
16 There came also a multitude out of the cities round about vnto Hierusalem, bringing sicke folkes, & them which were vexed with vncleane spirits, who were all healed.
17 The more that the Church increases, the more the rage os Satan increases, and therefore they proceed from threats to imprisonment.Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the The word which is used here is «heresy», which signifies a choice, and so is taken for a right form of learning, or faction, or study and course of life, which the Latins call a sect: at first this word was used indifferently, but at length it came to be used only in reference to evil, whereupon came the name of «heretic» which is taken for one that goes astray from sound and wholesome doctrine in such a way that he thinks lightly of the judgment of God and his Church, and continues in his opinion, and breaks the peace of the Church. sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
18 And laide hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prison.
19 Angels are made servants of the servants of God.But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said,
20 God therefore delivers his own, so that they may more vigorously provoke his enemies.Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the Words by which the way unto life is shown. words of this life.
21 God mocks his enemies attempts from above.And when they heard [that], they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.
22 But when the officers came, & found them not in the prison, they returned and tolde it,
23 Saying, Certainely we founde the prison shut as sure as was possible, and the keepers standing without, before the doores: but when we had opened, we found no man within.
24 Then when the chiefe Priest, and the captaine of the Temple, and the hie Priestes heard these things, they doubted of them, whereunto this would growe.
25 The more openly that Christ's power shows itself, the more the madness of his enemies who conspire against him increases.Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
26 Tyrants who do not fear God are forced to fear his servants.Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the Councill, & the chiefe Priest asked them,
28 It is the characteristic of tyrants to set down their own commandments as right and proper, be they ever so wicked.Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend Make us guilty of murdering that man whom yet they will not condescend to name. to bring this man's blood upon us.
29 We should obey man only in so far that in obeying him we also obey God.Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
30 Christ is appointed and indeed declared Prince and preserver of his Church, in spite of his enemies.The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.
31 Him hath God lift vp with his right hand, to be a Prince and a Sauiour, to giue repentance to Israel, and forgiuenes of sinnes.
32 It is not sufficient for us that there is a proper goal, but we must also according to our calling go forward until we come to it.And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
33 When they heard [that], they This shows that they were in a most vehement rage, and tremendously disquieted in mind, for it is a borrowed kind of speech taken from those who are harshly cut in pieces with a saw. were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them.
34 Christ finds defenders of his cause, even in the very company of his enemies, as often as he thinks necessary.Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
35 And sayd vnto them, Men of Israel, take heede to your selues, what ye intende to doe touching these men.
36 In matters of religion we must take good heed that we attempt nothing under a pretence of zeal to which we have not been called.For before these days rose up Theudas, To be of same fame. boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought.
37 After this man, arose vp Iudas of Galile, in the dayes of the tribute, and drewe away much people after him: hee also perished, and all that obeyed him, were scattered abroad.
38 And now I say unto you, He dissuades his fellows from murdering the apostles, neither does he think it good to refer the matter to the Roman magistrate, for the Jews could endure nothing worse than to have the tyranny of the Romans confirmed. Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of If it is counterfeit and devised. men, it will come to nought:
39 But if it be of God, ye can not destroy it, lest ye be found euen fighters against God.
40 And to him they agreed, and called the Apostles: and when they had beaten them, they commaunded that they should not speake in the Name of Iesus, and let them goe.
41 The apostles, accustomed to suffer and bear words, are eventually accustomed to bearing stripes, and yet in such a way that by means of them they become stronger.And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
42 And daily in the Both publicly and privately. temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.
1 And When Satan has assailed the Church on the outside, and with little result and in vain, he assails it on the inside, with civil dissension and strife between themselves: but the apostles take occasion by this to set order in the Church. in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the From among their own members, who became religious Jews from among the Greeks. Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the In the bestowing of alms according to their need. daily ministration.
2 The office of preaching the word, and dispensing the goods of the Church, are different from one another, and not rashly to be joined together, as the apostles institute here. And the deacons must seek the consent of the Church more than the apostles.Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not It is such a matter that we may in no way accept it. reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve Banquets: though by the name of tables other offices are also meant, which are added to it, such as those which pertain to the care of the poor. tables.
3 In choosing deacons (and much more in choosing ministers) there must be an examination of both their learning and their manners of life.Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
4 And we will giue our selues continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the worde.
5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Steuen a man full of fayth and of the holy Ghost, and Philippe, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a Proselyte of Antiochia,
6 The ancient Church, with the laying on of hands, as it were consecrated to the Lord those who were lawfully elected.Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they This ceremony of the laying on of hands came from the Jews, who used this ceremony both in public affairs, and in the offering of sacrifices, and also in private prayers and blessings, as appears in (Gen_48:13-22); and the Church also observed this ceremony, as is evident from (1Ti_5:22; Act_8:17). However, there is no mention made here either of cream, or shaving, or razing, or crossing, etc. laid [their] hands on them.
7 A happy result of temptation.And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the This is the figure of speech metonymy, meaning by «faith» the doctrine of the Gospel which brings about faith. faith.
8 God trains his Church first with evil words and slanders, then with imprisonments, afterwards with scourgings, and by these means prepares it in such a way that at length he causes it to meet in combat with Satan and the world, even to bloodshed and death.And Stephen, full of faith and Excellent and singular gifts. power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
9 Schools and universities in ancient times were addicted to false pastors, and were the instruments of Satan to spread abroad and defend false doctrines.Then there arose certain of the Of the people and the school, as it were. synagogue, which is called [the synagogue] of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
10 False teachers, because they will not be overcome, flee from disputations and resort to manifest and open slandering and false accusations.And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake.
11 Then they suborned men, which saide, We haue heard him speake blasphemous wordes against Moses, and God.
12 The first bloody persecution of the Church of Christ, began and sprang from a council of priests, by the suggestion of the university teachers.And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon [him], and caught him, and brought [him] to the council,
13 An example of frivolous objectors or false accusers, who gather false conclusions from things that are well uttered and spoken.And set up false witnesses, which said, This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law:
14 For we haue heard him say, that this Iesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances, which Moses gaue vs.
15 And all that sat in the council, looking stedfastly on him, By this it appears that Steven had an excellent and wholesome countenance, having a quiet and settled mind, a good conscience, and certain conviction that his cause was just: for seeing as he was to speak before the people, God beautified his countenance, so that by the very beholding of him the Jews' minds might be penetrated and amazed. saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.
1 Then Steven is allowed to plead his cause, but for this reason and purpose, that under a disguise and pretence of the Law he might be condemned. said the high priest, Are these things so?
2 Steven witnesses to the Jews that he acknowledges the true fathers, and the only true God, and more than this shows this that these are more ancient than the temple and all the temple service appointed by the Law, and therefore they ought to lay another foundation of true religion, that is to say, the free covenant that God made with the fathers.And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of The mighty God full of glory and majesty. glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in When he says afterwards in (Act_7:4) that Abraham came out of Chaldea, it is evident that Mesopotamia contained Chaldea which was near to it, and bordered upon it; and so writes Plinius, book 6, chap. 27. Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
3 And said vnto him, Come out of thy countrey, and from thy kindred, and come into the land, which I shall shewe thee.
4 Then came he out of the land of the Chaldeans, and dwelt in Charran; after that his father was dead, God brought him from thence into this land, wherein ye now dwell,
5 And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [so much as] to Not enough ground to even set his foot upon. set his foot on: yet he The promise of the possession was certain, and belonged to Abraham, though it was his posterity that enjoyed it a great while after his death: and this is the figure of speech synecdoche. promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child.
6 And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil Four hundred years are counted from the beginning of Abraham's progeny, which was at the birth of Isaac: and four hundred and thirty years which are spoken of by Paul in (Gal_3:17), from the time that Abraham and his father departed together out of Ur of the Chaldeans. four hundred years.
7 But the nation to whome they shall be in bondage, will I iudge, sayth God: and after that, they shall come forth and serue me in this place.
8 Hee gaue him also the couenant of circumcision: and so Abraham begate Isaac, and circumcised him the eight day: and Isaac begate Iacob, and Iacob the twelue Patriarkes.
9 Steven diligently recounts the horrible misdeeds of some of the fathers, to teach the Jews that they ought not rashly to rest in the authority or examples of the fathers.And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was By these words are meant the peculiar favour that God shows men: for he seems to be away from those whom he does not help: and on the other hand, he is with those whom he delivers out of troubles, no matter how great the troubles may be. with him,
10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him Gave him favour in Pharaoh's sight because of his wisdom. favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
11 Then came there a famine ouer all the land of Egypt and Chanaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance.
12 But when Iacob heard that there was corne in Egypt, he sent our fathers first:
13 And at the second time, Ioseph was knowen of his brethren, and Iosephs kindred was made knowen vnto Pharao.
14 Then sent Ioseph and caused his father to be brought, and all his kindred, euen threescore and fifteene soules.
15 So Iacob went downe into Egypt, and he dyed, and our fathers,
16 And were The patriarchs who were the sons of Jacob, though only Joseph is mentioned; (Jos_24:32). carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem.
17 But when the time of the promes drewe neere, which God had sworne to Abraham, the people grewe and multiplied in Egypt,
18 Till another King arose, which knewe not Ioseph.
19 The same He devised a subtle plan against our stock, in that he commanded all the males to be cast out. dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live.
20 In which time Moses was born, and was This child was born through God's merciful goodness and favour, to be of a lovely and fair countenance. exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:
21 And when he was cast out, Pharaos daughter tooke him vp, and nourished him for her owne sonne.
22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdome of the Egyptians, and was mightie in wordes and in deedes.
23 Nowe when he was full fourtie yeere olde, it came into his heart to visite his brethren, the children of Israel.
24 And whe he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, & auenged his quarell that had the harme done to him, and smote the Egyptian.
25 For hee supposed his brethren would haue vnderstand, that God by his hande should giue them deliuerance: but they vnderstoode it not.
26 And the next day, he shewed himselfe vnto them as they stroue, and woulde haue set them at one againe, saying, Syrs, ye are brethren: why doe ye wrong one to another?
27 But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a prince, and a iudge ouer vs?
28 Wilt thou kill mee, as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday?
29 Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begate two sonnes.
30 And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an Now, he calls the Son of God an angel, for he is the angel of great counsel, and therefore immediately after he describes him as saying to Moses, «I am the God of thy fathers, etc.» angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.
31 And when Moses sawe it, hee wondred at the sight: and as he drew neere to consider it, the voyce of the Lord came vnto him, saying,
32 I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Iacob. Then Moses trembled, & durst not behold it.
33 Then the Lord said to him, Put off thy shoes from thy feete: for the place where thou standest, is holy ground.
34 I haue seene, I haue seene the affliction of my people, which is in Egypt, & I haue heard their groning, and am come downe to deliuer them: and nowe come, and I will sende thee into Egypt.
35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to be] a ruler and a deliverer by the By the power. hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.
36 Hee brought them out, doing wonders, and miracles in the land of Egypt, and in the red sea, and in the wildernes fourtie yeeres.
37 He acknowledges Moses as the Lawgiver, but in such a way that he proves by his own witness that the Law had respect to a more perfect thing, that is to say, to the prophetical office which accompanied Christ, the head of all Prophets.This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
38 This is he that was in the Congregation, in the wildernes with the Angell, which spake to him in mount Sina, and with our fathers, who receiued the liuely oracles to giue vnto vs.
39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but refused, and in their hearts turned backe againe into Egypt:
40 Saying vnto Aaron, Make vs gods that may goe before vs: for we knowe not what is become of this Moses that brought vs out of the land of Egypt.
41 And they made a This was the superstition of the Egyptian's idolatry: for they worshipped Apis, a strange and marvellous looking calf, and made beautiful images of cows. calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.
42 Then God turned, and Being destitute and void of his Spirit, he gave them up to Satan, and wicked lusts, to worship stars. gave them up to worship the By «the host of heaven» here he does not mean the angels, but the moon, and sun, and other stars. host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness?
43 Yea, ye You took it upon your shoulders and carried it. took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures which ye made to worship them: and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.
44 Moses indeed erected a tabernacle, but that was to call them back to the one whom he had seen on the mountain.Our fathers had the tabernacle of That is, of the covenant. witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking unto Moses, that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen.
45 Which also our fathers that came after Delivered from hand to hand. brought in with Jesus into the This is said using the figure of speech metonymy, and refers to the countries which the Gentiles possessed. possession of the Gentiles, whom God drave out God drove them out that they should yield up the possession of those countries to our fathers when they entered into the land. before the face of our fathers, unto the days of David;
46 Who found fauour before God, and desired that hee might finde a tabernacle for the God of Iacob.
47 Solomon built a temple according to God's commandment, but not under any condition that the majesty of God should be enclosed within it.But Solomon built him an house.
48 Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with handes, as saith the Prophet,
49 Heauen is my throne, and earth is my footestoole: what house wil ye build for me, saith the Lord? or what place is it that I should rest in?
50 Hath not mine hand made all these things?
51 Steven, moved with the zeal of God, at length judges his own judges.Ye stiffnecked and They are of uncircumcised hearts who still lie drowned in the sins of nature, and are stuck fast in them: for otherwise all the Jews were circumcised with regard to the flesh, and therefore there are two kinds of circumcision; (Rom_2:28-29). uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers [did], so [do] ye.
52 Which of the Prophets haue not your fathers persecuted? & they haue slaine them, which shewed before of the comming of that Iust, of whome ye are now the betrayers and murtherers,
53 Who have received the law by the By the ministry of angels. disposition of angels, and have not kept [it].
54 The more Satan is pressed, the more he breaks out into an open rage.When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with [their] teeth.
55 The nearer that martyrs approach to death, the nearer that they rise up, even into heaven, as they behold Christ.But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus Ready to affirm him in the confession of the truth, and to receive him unto himself. standing on the right hand of God,
56 And said, Beholde, I see the heauens open, and the Sonne of man standing at the right hand of God.
57 The zeal of hypocrites and superstitious people eventually breaks out into a most open madness.Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and This was done in a rage and fury, for at that time the Jews could put no man to death by law, as they confessed before Pilate saying that it was no lawful for them to put any man to death, and therefore it is reported by Josephus that Ananus, a Sadducee, slew James the brother of the Lord, and for so doing was accused before Albinus, the president of the country; lib. 20. ran upon him with one accord,
58 And cast [him] out of the city, and stoned [him]: and the It was appointed by the Law that the witnesses should cast the first stones; (Deu_17:7). witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
59 And they stoned Steuen, who called on God, and said, Lord Iesus, receiue my spirit.
60 Faith and charity never forsake the true servants of God, even to the last breath.And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, The word which he uses here refers to a type of imputing or laying to one's charge that remains firm and steady forever, never to be remitted. lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he See (1Th_4:13). fell asleep.
1 And Christ uses the rage of his enemies in the spreading forth and enlarging of his kingdom. Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 The godly mourn for Steven after his death, and bury him, showing in this an example of singular faith and charity: but no man prays to him.And devout men Amongst all the duties of charity which the godly perform, there is no mention made of enshrining relics. carried Stephen [to his burial], and made great lamentation over him.
3 The dispersion or scattering abroad of the faithful is the gathering together of churches.As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison.
4 Therefore they that were scattered abroad, went to and fro preaching the worde.
5 Philip, who was before a deacon in Jerusalem, is made an evangelist by God in an extraordinary way.Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them.
6 And the people gaue heed vnto those things which Philippe spake, with one accorde, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
7 For vncleane spirits crying with a loud voyce, came out of many that were possessed of them: and many taken with palsies, & that halted, were healed.
8 And there was great ioy in that citie.
9 Christ overcomes Satan as often as he desires, and carries him about as it were in triumph, in the sight of those whom Satan deceived and bewitched.But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used The word which is used in this place was at first used of good things, and is borrowed from the language of the Persians, who call their wise men by that name; but afterwards it was used of evil things. sorcery, and He had so allured the Samaritans with his witchcraft that as blind and mad idiots they were wholly addicted to him. bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one:
10 To whome they gaue heede from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is that great power of God.
11 And they gaue heed vnto him, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.
12 But assoone as they beleeued Philip, which preached the thinges that concerned the kingdome of God, and the Name of Iesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women.
13 The wicked and the highly reprobate are often forced to taste the good gift of God, but they immediately spit it out again.Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
14 Peter, not chief but as an ambassador sent from the whole company of the apostles, and John his companion, according to the authority which was committed unto them, strengthen, encourage, and build up the churches of Samaria, whose foundation had been laid before by Philip.Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
15 Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Those excellent gifts which are necessary, especially for those that were to be appointed rulers and governors of the Church. Holy Ghost:
16 (For as yet, hee was fallen downe on none of them, but they were baptized onely in the Name of the Lord Iesus.)
17 Then layd they their handes on them, and they receiued the holy Ghost.
18 Covetousness and the seeking of glory at length remove the hypocrites from their dens.And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,
19 Saying, Giue mee also this power, that on whomsoeuer I lay the handes, he may receiue the holy Ghost.
20 They are the successors of Simon Magus, and not Simon Peter, who either buy or sell holy things.But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.
21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this In this doctrine which I preach. matter: for thy heart is not Is not upright indeed and without the concealing of hypocritical motives. right in the sight of God.
22 We must hope well even for the vilest sinners, as long as and as much as we can.Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
23 For I perceive that thou art in the He calls the inward malice of the heart and the venomous and demonic wickedness with which the magician was wholly filled with the gall of bitterness: and he is said to be in the gall, as though he were wholly overwhelmed with gall, and buried in it. gall of bitterness, and [in] the Entangled in the bonds of iniquity. bond of iniquity.
24 Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye haue spoken, come vpon me.
25 So they, when they had testified & preached the worde of the Lord, returned to Hierusalem, and preached the Gospel in many townes of the Samaritans.
26 Christ, who calls freely whom he wishes, now uses Philip, who was not thinking about any such thing, to unexpectedly instruct and baptize the eunuch, and by this means extends the limits of his kingdom even into Ethiopia.And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert.
27 And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch A man of great wealth and authority with Candace. Now this word «Candace» is a common name of all the Queens of Ethiopia. of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,
28 And as he returned sitting in his charet, he read Esaias the Prophet.
29 Then the Spirit said vnto Philip, Goe neere and ioyne thy selfe to yonder charet.
30 And Philip ranne thither, and heard him reade the Prophet Esaias, and said, But vnderstandest thou what thou readest?
31 And he said, How can I, except some man should To show me the way to understand it. guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.
32 Those things which seem to come most by chance or fortune (as men term it) are governed by the secret providence of God.The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:
33 In his The Hebrew text reads it in this way, «out of a narrow strait, and out of judgment was he taken»: and by the «narrow strait» he means the grave and the very bonds of death, and by «judgment» he means the punishment which was laid upon him, and the miserable state which Christ took upon himself for our sakes, in bearing his Father's wrath. humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his How long he will endure: for Christ, having once risen from the dead, dies no more; (Rom_6:9). generation? for his life is taken from the earth.
34 Then the Eunuche answered Philippe, and saide, I pray thee of whome speaketh the Prophet this? of himselfe, or of some other man?
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, & preached vnto him Iesus.
36 And as they went on their way, they came vnto a certaine water, and the Eunuche said, See, here is water: what doeth let me to be baptized?
37 Profession of faith is required of those being baptized, and therefore it is evident that we are not first ingrafted into Christ when we are baptized, but are already ingrafted, and then are baptized. (Ed.)And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, The sum of the confession which is necessary for baptism. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
38 Then he commaunded the charet to stand stil: & they went downe both into the water, both Philip and the Eunuche, and he baptized him.
39 And assoone as they were come vp out of the water, the Spirit of the Lorde caught away Philip, that the Eunuche sawe him no more: so he went on his way reioycing.
40 But Philippe was found at Azotus, and he walked to and fro preaching in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea.
1 And Saul (who is also Paul), persecuting Christ most cruelly, who did as it were flee before him, falls into Christ's hands, and is overcome: and with a singular example of the goodness of God, in place of punishment which he justly deserved for his cruelty, is not only kindly received, but is also even by the mouth of God appointed an apostle, and is confirmed by the ministry and witness of Ananias. Saul, yet This is a sign that Saul's stomach boiled and cast out great threats to murder the disciples. breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this Any trade of life which a man take upon himself the Jews call a «way». way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
3 Now as he iourneyed, it came to passe that as he was come neere to Damascus, suddenly there shined rounde about him a light from heauen.
4 And hee fell to the earth, and heard a voyce, saying to him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: [it is] This is a proverb which is spoken of those who through their stubbornness hurt themselves. hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
6 He then both trembling and astonied, sayd, Lord, what wilt thou that I doe? And the Lord sayd vnto him, Arise and goe into the citie, and it shall be tolde thee what thou shalt doe.
7 And the men which journeyed with him Stood still and could not go one step forward, but remained amazed as stood still like statues. stood speechless, hearing a They heard Paul's voice: for afterwards it is plainly said in (Act_22:9) that they did not hear the voice of the one who spoke. Others, however, try to reconcile these places (which seem to contradict) by saying that the men with Saul heard the sound of a voice, but did not hear it clearly. voice, but seeing no man.
8 And Saul arose from the ground, and opened his eyes, but sawe no man. Then led they him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus,
9 Where he was three dayes without sight, and neither ate nor dranke.
10 And there was a certaine disciple at Damascus named Ananias, and to him sayd the Lord in a vision, Ananias; he sayd, Beholde, I am here Lord.
11 And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and enquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus was a city of Cilicia near to Anchiala. It is said that Sardanapalus built these two cities in one day. Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth,
12 (And he sawe in a vision a man named Ananias comming in to him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receiue his sight.)
13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I haue heard by many of this man, howe much euill hee hath done to thy saints at Hierusalem.
14 Moreouer here hee hath authoritie of the hie Priestes, to binde all that call on thy Name.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a To bear my name in. chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
16 For I will I will plainly show him. shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.
17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into Into Judas' house. the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had bene scales, & suddenly he receiued sight, and arose, and was baptized,
19 And receiued meate, & was strengthened. So was Saul certaine dayes with the disciples which were at Damascus.
20 Paul begins immediately to execute the office which was given and commanded to him, never consulting with flesh and blood.And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.
21 So that all that heard him, were amased, and sayde, Is not this hee, that made hauocke of them which called on this Name in Hierusalem, and came hither for that intent, that hee should bring them bound vnto the hie Priests?
22 Paul does not do battle only with his own authority, but also with the testimonies of the Prophets.But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, By conferring places of the Scripture together, as skilful craftsman do when they make something, they used to gather all parts together, to make them agree fitly one with another. proving that this is very Christ.
23 Paul, who was before a persecutor, now has persecution planned against himself, though it will not happen for a long time.And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him:
24 But their laying awayte was knowen of Saul: nowe they watched the gates day and night, that they might kill him.
25 We are not forbidden to avoid and eschew the dangers and conspiracies that the enemies of God lay for us, but only if we do not swerve from our vocation.Then the disciples took him by night, and let [him] down by the wall in a basket.
26 In ancient times no man was rashly or lightly received into the members and the sheep of the Church, much less to be a pastor.And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.
27 But Barnabas tooke him, and brought him to the Apostles, and declared to them, howe hee had seene the Lord in the way, and that hee had spoken vnto him, and how he had spoken boldly at Damascus in the Name of Iesus.
28 The steadfast servants of God must look out for danger after danger: yet God watches out for them.And he was With Peter and James, for he says that he saw none of the apostles but them; (Gal_1:18-19). with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.
29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the See (Act_6:1). Grecians: but they went about to slay him.
30 The ministers of the word may change their place with the advice and counsel of the congregation and church.[Which] when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.
31 The result of persecutions is the building of the Church, so that we will patiently wait for the Lord.Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were This is a borrowed type of speech which signifies establishment and increase. edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.
32 Peter's apostleship is confirmed by the healing of the man who suffered from paralysis.And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all [quarters], he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda.
33 And there he found a certaine man named Aeneas, which had kept his couch eight yeeres, and was sicke of the palsie.
34 Then said Peter vnto him, Aeneas, Iesus Christ maketh thee whole: arise and trusse thy couch together; he arose immediately.
35 And all that dwelt at Lydda was a city of Palestine, and Saron a first-class country, and a place which was excellent for grazing, between Caesarea of Palestine and Mount Tabor, and the lake of Gennesaret, which goes far beyond Joppa. Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36 Peter clearly declares, by raising up a dead body through the name of Christ, that he preaches the glad tidings of life.Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did.
37 And it came to passe in those dayes, that she was sicke & dyed: and when they had washed her, they layd her in an vpper chamber.
38 Now forasmuch as Lydda was nere to Ioppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent vnto him two men, desiring that he would not delay to come vnto them.
39 Then Peter arose and came with them: and when hee was come, they brought him into the vpper chamber, where all the widowes stoode by him weeping, and shewing the coates and garments, which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40 But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled downe, and prayed, and turned him to the body, and sayd, Tabitha, arise; she opened her eyes, and when she sawe Peter, sate vp.
41 Then he gaue her the hand and lift her vp, and called the Saints and widowes, and restored her aliue.
42 And it was knowen throughout all Ioppa, and many beleeued in the Lord.
43 And it came to passe that he taried many dayes in Ioppa with one Simon a Tanner.
1 There Peter consecrates the first fruits of the Gentiles to God by the means of two miracles. was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian [band],
2 [A] So that he worshipped one God, and was not an idolater, and neither could he be void of faith in Christ, because he was a devout man: but as of yet he did not know that Christ had come. devout [man], and one that feared God with This is a commendable thing about the man, that he laboured to have all his household, and well-known friends, and acquaintances to be religious and godly. all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.
3 He sawe in a vision euidently (about the ninth houre of the day) an Angel of God coming in to him, and saying vnto him, Cornelius.
4 And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What do you want with me Lord? For he prepares himself to hear. What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are This is a borrowed kind of speech which the Hebrews used very much, taken from sacrifices and applied to prayers: for it is said of whole burnt sacrifices that the smoke and smell of them goes up into God's nostrils, and so do our prayers, as a sweet smelling sacrifice which the Lord takes great pleasure in. come up for That is, in as much that they will not allow God as it were to forget you: for so the Scripture often talks childish with us as nurses do with little children, when they prepare their tongues to speak. a memorial before God.
5 Nowe therefore send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.
6 Hee lodgeth with one Simon a Tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to doe.
7 And when the Angel which spake vnto Cornelius, was departed, he called two of his seruants, and a souldier that feared God, one of them that waited on him,
8 And tolde them all things, and sent them to Ioppa.
9 On the morow as they went on their iourney, and drew neere vnto the citie, Peter went vp vpon the house to pray, about the sixt houre.
10 And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a For though Peter does not stand amazed as one that is tongue tied, but talks with God and is instructed in his mysteries, yet his mind was far from being as it normally was; shortly, however, it returned to its normal state. trance,
11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the So that it seemed to be a square sheet. four corners, and let down to the earth:
12 Wherein were Here is this word «all» which is general, plainly used for something indefinite and uncertain, that is to say, for some of all sorts, not for all of every sort. all manner of That is, such as were proper for men's use. fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and To see what is meant by these creeping things see (Lev. 11:2-47). creeping things, and fowls of the air.
13 And there came a voyce to him, Arise, Peter: kill, and eate.
14 Peter learns daily in the knowledge of the benefit of Christ, yea, even after he had received the Holy Spirit.But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean.
15 And the voice [spake] unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, [that] Do not consider them to be unprofitable. call not thou common.
16 This was so done thrise: and the vessell was drawen vp againe into heauen.
17 Nowe while Peter douted in himselfe what this vision which he had seene, meant, beholde, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had inquired for Simons house, and stoode at the gate,
18 And called, and asked, whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there.
19 And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit sayde vnto him, Beholde, three men seeke thee.
20 Arise therefore, and get thee downe, and goe with them, and doute nothing: For I haue sent them.
21 Then Peter went downe to the men, which were sent vnto him from Cornelius, and sayd, Beholde, I am he whome ye seeke: what is the cause wherefore ye are come?
22 And they sayd, Cornelius the captaine, a iust man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Iewes, was warned from heauen by an holy Angel, to send for thee into his house, and to heare thy wordes.
23 Then called he them in, and lodged them, and the next day, Peter went foorth with them, and certaine brethren from Ioppa accompanied him.
24 And the day after, they entred into Cesarea. Nowe Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his kinsemen, and special friends.
25 Religious adoration of worship is proper only to God: but civil worship is given to the ministers of the word, although not without danger.And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped [him].
26 But Peter tooke him vp, saying, Stand vp: for euen I my selfe am a man.
27 And as he talked with him, he came in, and found many that were come together.
28 And he sayd vnto them, Ye know that it is an vnlawfull thing for a man that is a Iewe, to company, or come vnto one of another nation: but God hath shewed me, that I should not call any man polluted, or vncleane.
29 Therefore came I vnto you without saying nay, when I was sent for. I aske therefore, for what intent haue ye sent for me?
30 And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until He does not mean the very hour at the present time (as it was nine o'clock when he spoke to Peter), but the like, that is, about nine o'clock the other day. this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,
31 Cornelius' faith demonstrated itself by prayer and charity.And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.
32 As faith comes by hearing, so it is nourished and grows up by the same.Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of [one] Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
33 Then sent I for thee immediately, and thou hast well done to come. Nowe therefore are we all here present before God, to heare all things that are commanded thee of God.
34 Distinction of nations is taken away by the coming of Christ: and it is evidently seen by their faith and righteousness, which ones are agreeable to him and which ones he accepts.Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that That God does not judge according to the outward appearance. God is no respecter of persons:
35 But in every nation he that By the «fear of God» the Hebrews understood the whole service of God, by which we perceive that Cornelius was not void of faith, no more than they were who lived before Christ's time: and therefore they deal incorrectly who deduce meritorious works and free will from this passage. feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.
36 The God showed the Israelites that whoever lives godly is acceptable to God, no matter what nation he comes from, for he preached peace to men through Jesus Christ, who is Lord not only of one nation, that is, of the Jews, but of all. word which [God] sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)
37 The sum of the Gospel (which will be made manifest at the latter day, when Christ himself will sit as judge both of the living and the dead), is this, that Christ promised to the fathers and exhibited in his time with the mighty power of God (which was demonstrated by all means) and at length crucified to reconcile us to God, did rise again the third day, so that whoever believes in him should be saved through the remission of sins.That word, [I say], ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;
38 How God This manner of speaking is taken from an old custom of the Jews, who used to anoint their kings and priests, because of which it came to pass to call those anointed upon whom God bestowed gifts and virtues. anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.
39 And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Iewes, and in Hierusalem, whom they slewe, hanging him on a tree.
40 Him God raysed vp the third day, and caused that he was shewed openly:
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses This choosing of the apostles is properly given to God: for though God is president in the lawful election of ministers, yet there is in this place a secret opposition and setting of God's choosing and men's voices against one another, for the apostles are appointed directly by God, and the Church ministers indirectly. chosen before of God, [even] to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded vs to preach vnto the people, and to testifie, that it is he that is ordained of God a iudge of quicke and dead.
43 To him also giue all the Prophets witnesse, that through his Name all that beleeue in him, shall receiue remission of sinnes.
44 The Spirit of God seals that in the heart of the hearers which the minister of the word speaks by the commandment of God, as is evident by the results.While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 So they of the circumcision which beleeued, were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was powred out the gift of the holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speake with tongues, and magnifie God. Then answered Peter,
47 Baptism does not sanctify or make those holy who receive it, but is an outward sign to the world of the profession of faith. (Ed.)Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 So he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tary certaine dayes.
1 And Peter, being reprehended without reason by the unskilful and ignorant, does not object and say that he should not be judged by any, but openly gives an account of his actions. the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
2 And when Peter was come vp to Hierusalem, they of the circumcision contended against him,
3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men vncircumcised, and hast eaten with them.
4 Then Peter beganne, and expounded the thing in order to them, saying,
5 I was in the citie of Ioppa, praying, and in a trance I sawe this vision, A certaine vessell comming downe as it had bene a great sheete, let downe from heauen by the foure corners, and it came to me.
6 Towarde the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and sawe foure footed beastes of the earth, and wilde beastes, and creeping things, and foules of the heauen.
7 Also I heard a voyce, saying vnto me, Arise, Peter: slay and eate.
8 And I said, God forbid, Lord: for nothing polluted or vncleane hath at any time entred into my mouth.
9 But the voyce answered me the seconde time from heauen, The things that God hath purified, pollute thou not.
10 And this was done three times, and all were taken vp againe into heauen.
11 Then behold, immediatly there were three men already come vnto the house where I was, sent from Cesarea vnto me.
12 And the Spirit saide vnto me, that I should go with them, without doubting: moreouer these sixe brethren came with me, and we entred into the mans house.
13 And he shewed vs, howe he had seene an Angel in his house, which stoode and said to him, Send men to Ioppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter.
14 He shall speake wordes vnto thee, whereby both thou and all thine house shalbe saued.
15 And as I began to speake, the holy Ghost fell on them, euen as vpon vs at the beginning.
16 Then I remembred the word of the Lord, howe he said, Iohn baptized with water, but ye shalbe baptized with the holy Ghost.
17 For as much then as God gaue them a like gift, as he did vnto vs, when we beleeued in the Lorde Iesus Christ, who was I, that I coulde let God?
18 Those who ask a question of the truth which they do not know, ought to be quietly heard, and must also quietly yield to the declaration of the truth.When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.
19 The scattering abroad of Jerusalem is the cause of the gathering together of many other churches.Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and He speaks of Antioch which was in Syria and bordered upon Cilicia. Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.
20 The church of Antioch, the new Jerusalem of the Gentiles, was extraordinarily called.And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, so that a great number beleeued and turned vnto the Lord.
22 The apostles do not rashly condemn an extraordinary calling, but instead they judge it by the effects.Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23 Who when he was come and had seene the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted all, that with purpose of heart they would continue in the Lord.
24 For he was a good man, and full of the holy Ghost, and faith, and much people ioyned them selues vnto the Lord.
25 There was no contention amongst the apostles, either with regard to usurping, or with regard to holding places of degree.Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26 And when he had founde him, he brought him vnto Antiochia: and it came to passe that a whole yere they were conuersant with ye Church, and taught much people, in so much that the disciples were first called Christians in Antiochia.
27 God punishes his Church when he punishes the wicked, in his scourges and plagues which he sends upon the earth, in such a way that he nonetheless conveniently provides for it.And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
28 And there stoode vp one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit, that there should be great famine throughout all the world, which also came to passe vnder Claudius Cesar.
29 All congregations or churches make one body.Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send That is, that the deacons might help the poor with it: for it was appropriate and helpful to have all these things done orderly and decently, and therefore it is said that they sent these things to the elders, that is, to the governors of the Church. relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:
30 Which thing they also did, and sent it to the Elders, by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.
1 Now God gives his Church peace only for a short time. about that time This name Herod was common to all those that come from the stock of Herod Ascalonites, whose surname was Magnus: but he that is spoken of here was nephew to Herod the great, son to Aristobulus, and father to the Agrippa who is spoken of afterwards. Herod the king stretched forth [his] hands to vex certain of the church.
2 And he Violently, his cause not being heard at all. killed James the brother of John with the sword.
3 It is an old habit of tyrants to attain the favour of the wicked, with the blood of the godly.And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)
4 The tyrants and wicked make a gallows for themselves even then when they do most according to their own will and fantasy.And when he had apprehended him, he put [him] in prison, and delivered [him] to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
5 The prayers of the godly overturn the counsel of tyrants, obtain angels from God, break the prison, unloose the chains, put Satan to flight, and preserve the Church.Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.
6 And when Herod woulde haue brought him out vnto the people, the same night slept Peter betweene two souldiers, bound with two chaines, and the keepers before the doore, kept the prison.
7 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon [him], and a light shined in the Literally, «habitation»; (Ed.). prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from [his] hands.
8 And the Angel saide vnto him, Girde thy selfe, and binde on thy sandales; so he did. Then he said vnto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and followe me.
9 So Peter came out and followed him, and knewe not that it was true, which was done by the Angel, but thought he had seene a vision.
10 Nowe when they were past the first and the second watch, they came vnto the yron gate, that leadeth vnto the citie, which opened to them by it owne accord, and they went out, and passed through one streete, and by and by the Angel departed from him.
11 And when Peter was come to himselfe, he said, Nowe I know for a trueth, that the Lord hath sent his Angel, and hath deliuered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the wayting for of the people of the Iewes.
12 Holy meetings in the nights of both men and women (when they cannot take place in the day time) are allowable by the example of the apostles.And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.
13 We obtain more from God than we dare well hope for.And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel Out of the place where they were assembled, but not out of the house. came to hearken, named Rhoda.
14 But when she knew Peters voyce, she opened not the entrie doore for gladnesse, but ranne in, and tolde howe Peter stood before the entrie.
15 But they said vnto her, Thou art mad. Yet she affirmed it constantly, that it was so. Then said they, It is his Angel.
16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened it, and sawe him, they were astonied.
17 We may sometimes give place to the rage of the wicked, but yet only in such a way that our diligence which ought to be used in God's business does not slacken in the least.But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.
18 Evil counsel in the end results in the hurt of those who devised it.Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter.
19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commaunded them to be led to be punished; he went downe from Iudea to Cesarea, and there abode.
20 A miserable and shameful example of what happens to the enemies of the Church.And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].
21 And vpon a day appointed, Herod arayed himselfe in royall apparell, and sate on the iudgement seate, and made an oration vnto them.
22 The flattery of people makes fools glad.And the people gave a shout, [saying, It is] the voice of a god, and not of a man.
23 God resists the proud.And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he Josephus records that this king did not repress the flatterer's tongues, and therefore at his death he complained and cried out about their empty praise. gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.
24 Tyrants build up the Church by destroying it.But the Those that heard the word of God. word of God grew and multiplied.
25 So Barnabas and Saul returned from Hierusalem, when they had fulfilled their office, and tooke with them Iohn, whose surname was Marke.
1 Now Paul with Barnabas is again the second time appointed apostle of the Gentiles, not of man, neither by man, but by an extraordinary commandment of the Holy Spirit. there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with This was the same Antipas who put John the Baptist to death. Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2 As they While they were busy doing their office, that is, as Chrysostom expounds it, while they were preaching. ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have The Lord is said to call, from which this word «called» comes from, which is common in the Church, when he causes that to be which was not, whether you refer it to the matter itself, or to any quality or thing about the matter: and the use of the word «call» has come about because when things begin to be, then they have some name: and furthermore this also declares God's mighty power, in that he spoke the word, and things were made. called them.
3 Fasting and solemn prayers were used before the laying on of hands.And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid [their] hands on them, they sent [them] away.
4 Paul and his companions first bring Cyprus to the subjection and obedience of Christ.So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia was a city of Cilicia, so called after Seleucus, one of Alexander's successors. Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the worde of God in the Synagogues of the Iewes: and they had also Iohn to their minister.
6 So when they had gone throughout the yle vnto Paphus, they found a certaine sorcerer, a false prophet, being a Iewe, named Bariesus,
7 Which was with the Deputie Sergius Paulus, a prudent man. He called vnto him Barnabas and Saul, and desired to heare the woorde of God.
8 The devil makes Christ's victory more glorious in that he sets himself against him.But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith.
9 Then Saul (which also is called Paul) being full of the holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,
10 The sorcerer, who was stricken by Paul with a physical punishment (although extraordinarily), shows an example to lawful magistrates how they ought to punish those who wickedly and obstinately hinder the course of the Gospel.And said, O full of all subtilty and all He points out a fault of those who run eagerly and with great desire into all types of wickedness with the least bit of prompting from the world. mischief, [thou] child of the devil, [thou] enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?
11 And now, behold, the His power which he shows in striking and beating down his enemies. hand of the Lord [is] upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand.
12 Then the Deputie when he sawe what was done, beleeued, and was astonied at the doctrine of the Lord.
13 An example in one and the very same group of people both of singular steadfastness, and also of great weakness.Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in This distinguishes between it, and Antioch which was in Syria. Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and sat down.
15 In the Synagogue of the Jews (according to the pattern of which Christian congregations were instituted) the Scriptures were read first, then those who were learned were licensed by the rulers of the Synagogue to speak and expound.And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them, saying, [Ye] men [and] brethren, if ye Literally, «If there is any word in you»: this is a kind of speech taken from the Hebrews, by which is meant that the gifts of God's grace are in us, as it were in treasure houses, and that they are not ours, but God's. In the same way David says, «Thou hast put a new song in my mouth»; (Psa_40:3). have any word of exhortation for the people, say on.
16 God bestowed many wonderful benefits upon his chosen Israel, but especially this, that he promised them the everlasting redeemer.Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with [his] hand said, Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, give audience.
17 The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and Advanced and brought to honour. exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with an Openly and with strong power, breaking in pieces the enemies of his people. high arm brought he them out of it.
18 And about the time of fourtie yeeres, suffered he their maners in the wildernesse.
19 And he destroied seuen nations in the land of Chanaan, & deuided their lad to them by lot.
20 And after that he gave [unto them] judges about the space of There were from the birth of Isaac until the destruction of the Canaanites under the governance of Joshua four hundred and forty-seven years, and therefore he adds in this place the word «about», for three years are missing; the apostle, however, uses the whole greater number. four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.
21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of In this space of forty years the time of Samuel must be counted and included with the days of Saul, for the kingdom did as it were include his administration. forty years.
22 And after he had taken him away, he raised vp Dauid to be their King, of whom he witnessed, saying, I haue found Dauid the sonne of Iesse, a man after mine owne heart, which will doe all things that I will.
23 He proves by the witness of John that Jesus is the Saviour who would come from David.Of this man's seed hath God according to [his] promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus:
24 When John had first preached John as a herald did not show Christ coming from afar off, as the other prophets did, but right at hand and having already begun his journey. before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25 And when Iohn had fulfilled his course, he saide, Whom ye thinke that I am, I am not he: but beholde, there commeth one after me, whose shooe of his feete I am not worthy to loose.
26 Christ was promised and sent appropriately to the Jews.Men [and] brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you feareth God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.
27 All things came to pass to Christ, which the Prophets foretold concerning the Messiah: so that by this also it appears that he is the true and only saviour: and yet nonetheless they are not to be excused who did not only not receive him, but also persecuted him most cruelly, even though he was innocent.For they that dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they knew him not, nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, they have fulfilled [them] in condemning [him].
28 And though they found no cause of death in him, yet desired they Pilate to kill him.
29 And when they had fulfilled all things that were written of him, they tooke him downe from the tree, and put him in a sepulchre.
30 We must set the glory of the resurrection against the shame of the cross, and the grave. And the resurrection is equally proved by the witnesses who saw it, and by the testimonies of the Prophets.But God raised him from the dead:
31 And hee was seene many dayes of them, which came vp with him from Galile to Hierusalem, which are his witnesses vnto the people.
32 And we declare vnto you, that touching the promise made vnto the fathers,
33 God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he For then he appeared plainly and manifestly as the only Son of God, when he left behind his weakness and came out of the grave, having conquered death. hath raised up Jesus again; If Christ had remained dead, he would not have been the true Son of God, neither would the covenant which was made with David have been certain. as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee.
34 And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the The Greeks call those things «holy things» which the Hebrews call «gracious bounties»: and they are called David's bounties in the passive voice, because God bestowed them upon David. Moreover, they are termed «sure», after the manner of speech which the Hebrews use, who terms those things «sure» which are steady and certain, and such things which never alter or change. sure mercies of David.
35 The Lord was in the grace in such a way that he experienced no corruption.Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm], Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
36 Howbeit, Dauid after hee had serued his time by the counsell of God, hee slept, and was laid with his fathers, and sawe corruption.
37 But he whom God raised vp, sawe no corruption.
38 Christ was sent to give them free remission of sins who were condemned by the Law.Be it known unto you therefore, men [and] brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:
39 And by him all that believe are justified from Whereas the ceremonies of the Law could not absolve you from your sins, this man absolves you, if you lay hold of him by faith. all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses.
40 The benefits of God turn to the utter undoing of those that condemn them.Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;
41 Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and vanish away: for I woorke a woorke in your daies, a woorke which yee shall not beleeue, if a man would declare it you.
42 The Gentiles go before the Jews into the kingdom of heaven.And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath.
43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and Who had forsaken their heathen religion, and embraced the religion set forth by Moses. religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
44 And ye next Sabbath day came almost the whole citie together, to heare the worde of God.
45 The favour on the very same Gospel is to the reprobate and unbelievers death, and to the elect and those who believe it is life.But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.
46 The Gospel is proclaimed to the Gentiles by the express commandment of God.Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and By this your doing you pronounce as it were sentence upon yourselves, and judge yourselves. judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
47 For so hath the Lord commanded vs, saying, I haue made thee a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be the saluation vnto the end of the world.
48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were Therefore either all were not appointed to everlasting life, or either all believed, but because all did not believe, it follows that certain ones were ordained: and therefore God did not only foreknow, but also foreordained, that neither faith nor the effects of faith should be the cause of his ordaining, or appointment, but his ordaining the cause of faith. ordained to eternal life believed.
49 Thus the worde of the Lord was published throughout the whole countrey.
50 Such is the craft and subtlety of the enemies of the Gospel, that they abuse the simplicity of some who are not altogether evil men, in order to execute their cruelty.But the Jews stirred up the Those who embraced the Law of Moses. devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.
51 The wickedness of the world cannot prevent God from gathering his Church together, and to foster and cherish it, when it is gathered together.But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.
52 And the disciples were filled with ioy, and with the holy Ghost.
1 And We should be no less constant in the preaching of the Gospel than the perversity of the wicked is obstinate in persecuting it. it came to pass in Iconium was a city of Lycaonia. Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.
2 But the Who did not obey the doctrine. unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren.
3 We should not leave our places and give in to threatenings, or to open rage, but only when there is no other remedy, and that not for our own peace and quiet, but only so that the Gospel may be spread further abroad.Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was deuided: and some were with the Iewes, and some with the Apostles.
5 And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles, and of the Iewes with their rulers, to doe them violence, and to stone them,
6 They were ware of [it], and It is sometimes proper to flee dangers, at the appropriate times. fled unto Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and unto the region that lieth round about:
7 And there preached the Gospel.
8 It is an old subtlety of the devil, either to cause the faithful servants of God to be immediately banished, or to be worshipped as idols: and he does this by taking occasion of miracles which they have done.And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked:
9 He heard Paul speake: who beholding him, and perceiuing that he had faith to be healed,
10 Said with a loude voyce, Stand vpright on thy feete; he leaped vp, and walked.
11 Then when the people sawe what Paul had done, they lift vp their voyces, saying in ye speach of Lycaonia, Gods are come downe to vs in the likenesse of men.
12 And they called Barnabas, Iupiter: and Paul, Mercurius, because hee was the chiefe speaker.
13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the Of the house where Paul and Barnabas were. gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.
14 But when the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul heard it, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying,
15 That is also called idolatry which gives to creatures, be they ever so holy and excellent, that which is proper to the only One God, that is, invocation, or calling upon.And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of Men, as you are, and partakers of the very same nature of man as you are. like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these He calls idols «vanities», after the manner of the Hebrews. vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:
16 Custom, be it ever so old, does not excuse the idolaters.Who in times past Allowed them to live as they wished, prescribing and appointing them no type of religion. suffered all nations to walk in their own ways.
17 Neuerthelesse, hee left not him selfe without witnes, in that hee did good and gaue vs raine from heauen, & fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with foode, and gladnesse.
18 And speaking these things, scarce appeased they the multitude, that they had not sacrificed vnto them.
19 The devil, when he is brought to his last chance, at length rages openly, but in vain, even at that time when he seems to have the upper hand.And there came thither [certain] Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew [him] out of the city, supposing he had been dead.
20 Howbeit, as the disciples stoode rounde about him, hee arose vp, and came into the citie, and the next day hee departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
21 We must go forward in our calling through a thousand deaths.And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and [to] Iconium, and Antioch,
22 It is the office of the ministers, not only to teach, but also to confirm those that are taught, and prepare them for the cross.Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
23 The apostles committed the churches which they had planted to proper and special pastors, who they appointed not rashly, but with prayers and fastings preceding their choice: neither did they thrust them upon churches through bribery, or lordly superiority, but chose and placed them by the voice of the congregation.And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
24 Paul and Barnabas, having completed their journey, and having returned to Antioch, give an account of their journey to the congregation or church.And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia was a sea city of Pamphylia, near to Lycia. Attalia:
26 And thence sailed to Antioch of Syria. Antioch, from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
27 And when they were come & had gathered the Church together, they rehearsed all the things that God had done by them, and howe he had opened the doore of faith vnto the Gentiles.
28 So there they abode a long time with the disciples.
1 And The Church is at length troubled with dissension within itself, and the trouble rises from the proud and stubborn intellects of certain evil men. The first strife was concerning the office of Christ, whether we are saved only by his righteousness apprehended by faith, or if we also have need to observe the Law.Epiphanius is of the opinion that this was Cerinthus. certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, [and said], Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
2 Meetings of congregations were instituted to suppress heresies, to which certain were sent by common consent on behalf of all.When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.
3 And Courteously and lovingly brought on their way by the Church, that is, by certain ones appointed by the Church. being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
4 And when they were come to Hierusalem, they were receiued of the Church, and of the Apostles and Elders, and they declared what things God had done by them.
5 But said they, certaine of the sect of the Pharises, which did beleeue, rose vp, saying, that it was needefull to circumcise them, and to commaunde them to keepe the lawe of Moses.
6 The matter is first handled, both parts being heard, in the assembly of the apostles and elders, and after is communicated to the people.And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter.
7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, God himself, in the calling of the Gentiles who are uncircumcised, taught that our salvation consists in faith, without the worship appointed by the Law. Men [and] brethren, ye know how that a Literally, «of old time», that is, even from the first time that we were commanded to preach the Gospel, and immediately after that the Holy Spirit came down upon us. good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
8 And God which knoweth the heartes, bare them witnesse, in giuing vnto them ye holy Ghost euen as he did vnto vs.
9 And put no He put no difference between us and them, with regard to the benefit of his free favour. difference between us and them, purifying their hearts Christ proclaims those blessed who are pure of heart: and here we are plainly taught that men are made pure of heart by faith. by faith.
10 Peter, passing from the ceremonies to the Law itself in general, shows that no one could be saved, if salvation were to be sought for by the Law, and not by grace alone in Jesus Christ; and this is because no man could ever fulfil the Law, neither the patriarch nor the apostle.Now therefore why Why do you tempt God, as though he could not save by faith? tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
11 But we beleeue, through the grace of the Lord Iesus Christ to be saued, euen as they doe.
12 A true pattern of a lawful council, where God's truth alone reigns.Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.
13 And after they had held their peace, The son of Alphaeus, who is also called the Lord's brother. James answered, saying, Men [and] brethren, hearken unto me:
14 James confirms the calling of the Gentiles out of the word of God, in this agreeing with Peter.Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15 And to this agree the woordes of the Prophets, as it is written,
16 After this I will returne, and will builde againe the tabernacle of Dauid, which is fallen downe, and the ruines thereof will I build againe, and I will set it vp,
17 That the residue of men might seeke after the Lorde, and all the Gentiles vpon whom my Name is called, saith the Lorde which doeth all these things.
18 And therefore nothing comes to pass by chance, but only by God's appointment.Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.
19 In indifferent matters, we may be patient with the weakness of our brethren with the end in view that they may have time to be instructed.Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
20 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from From sacrifices, or from feasts which were kept in idol's temples. pollutions of idols, and [from] fornication, and [from] things strangled, and [from] blood.
21 For Moses of olde time hath in euery citie them that preache him, seeing he is read in the Synagogues euery Sabbath day.
22 In a lawful synod, neither those who are appointed and chosen judges, appoint and determine anything tyrannously or upon a lordly superiority, neither do the common multitude stir up disorder against those who sit as judges by the word of God: and the like manner of doing things is also used in proclaiming and ratifying those things which have been so determined and agreed upon.Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; [namely], Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren:
23 And wrote letters by them after this maner, The Apostles, and the Elders, and the brethren, vnto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antiochia, and in Syria, and in Cilicia, send greeting.
24 The council of Jerusalem concludes that the ones who trouble men's consciences are they who teach us to seek salvation in any other means than in Christ alone, apprehended by faith, no matter where they come from, and whoever they pretend to be the author of their calling.Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which From our congregation. went out from us have troubled you with words, A borrowed type of speech taken of those who pull down that which was built up: and it is a very common metaphor in the scriptures, to say «the Church is built», for «the Church is planted and established». subverting your souls, saying, [Ye must] be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no [such] commandment:
25 It seemed therefore good to vs, when we were come together with one accord, to send chosen men vnto you, with our beloued Barnabas and Paul,
26 Men that haue giuen vp their liues for the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ.
27 We haue therefore sent Iudas and Silas, which shall also tell you ye same things by mouth.
28 That is a lawful council, which the Holy Spirit rules.For it seemed good to the First they made mention of the Holy Spirit, so that it may not seem to be any man's work. Holy Ghost, and Not that men have any authority of themselves, but to show the faithfulness that they used in their ministry and labour. to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these This was no absolute necessity, but in respect of the state of that time, so that the Gentiles and the Jews might live together more peaceably, with less occasion to quarrel. necessary things;
29 Charity is required even in indifferent matters.That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
30 It is required for all people to know certainly what to hold in matters of faith and religion, and not that the Church by ignorance and knowing nothing, should depend upon the pleasure of a few.So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
31 And when they had read it, they reioyced for the consolation.
32 And Iudas and Silas being Prophets, exhorted the brethren with many wordes, & strengthened them.
33 And after they had tarried [there] a space, they were let go in This is a Hebrew idiom, which is the same as saying, «as the brethren wished them all prosperous success, and the church dismissed them with good leave.» peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
34 Notwithstanding Silas thought good to abide there still.
35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antiochia, teaching and preaching with many other, the worde of the Lord.
36 Congregations or churches easily degenerate unless they are diligently watched over, and therefore these apostles went to oversee the churches they had planted, and for this reason also synods were instituted and appointed.And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, [and see] how they do.
37 A lamentable example of discord between excellent men and very great friends, yet not because of profane matters or their own private affairs, neither yet because of doctrine.And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
38 But Paul thought it not meete to take him vnto their companie, which departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the worke.
39 God uses the faults of his servants to the profit and building of the Church: yet we have to take heed, even in the best matters, that we do not let our anger overflow.And They were in great heat: but in this we have to consider the power of God's counsel, for by this means it came to pass that the doctrine of the Gospel was spread into many places. the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;
40 And Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended of the brethren vnto the grace of God.
41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, stablishing the Churches.
1 Then Paul himself does not receive Timothy into the ministry without sufficient testimony, and permission of the brethren. came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Paul, in his second epistle to Timothy, commends the godliness of Timothy's mother and grandmother. Jewess, and believed; but his father [was] a Greek:
2 Which was Both for his godliness and honesty. well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium.
3 Timothy is circumcised, not simply for any necessity, but in respect of the time only, in order to win the Jews.Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
4 Charity is to be observed in things indifferent so that regard is had both of the weak, and of the peace of the Church.And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the These decrees which he spoke of in the former chapter. decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
5 And so were the Churches stablished in the faith, and encreased in number daily.
6 God appoints certain and determinate times to open and set forth his truth, so that both the election and the calling may proceed of grace.Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were He does not show why they were forbidden, but only that they were forbidden, teaching us to obey and not to enquire. forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,
7 Then came they to Mysia, and sought to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
8 Therefore they passed through Mysia, and came downe to Troas,
9 They are the ministers of the Gospel by whom he helps those who are likely to perish.And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
10 The Saints did not easily believe every vision.And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
11 Then went we forth from Troas, and with a straight course came to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis,
12 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chiefe citie in ye partes of Macedonia, & whose inhabitants came from Rome to dwell there, and we were in that citie abiding certaine dayes.
13 God begins his kingdom in Macedonia by the conversion of a woman, and so shows that there is no exception of persons in the Gospel.And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where Where they customarily assembled themselves. prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted [thither].
14 The Lord opens the heart to hear the word which is preached.And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
15 An example of a godly housewife.And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought [us], saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide [there]. And she constrained us.
16 Satan transforms himself into an angel of light, and covets to enter by undermining, but Paul openly stops him, and casts him out.And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of This is a sure sign of the god Apollo, who would give answers to those that asked him. divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying:
17 She followed Paul and vs, and cryed, saying, These men are the seruants of the most high God, which shewe vnto you the way of saluation.
18 And this did she Paul made no haste to do this miracle, for he did all things only as he was led by the Spirit. many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
19 Covetousness of evil gain and of profit is an occasion for persecuting the truth. In the meanwhile, God sparing Timothy, calls Paul and Silas as the stronger to battle.And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew [them] into the marketplace unto the rulers,
20 Covetousness pretends a desire for common peace and godliness.And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
21 It is an argument of the devil to use the authority of ancestors, though not distinguishing exactly which ancestors.And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans.
22 An example of evil magistrates, to obey the fury and rage of the people.And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].
23 And when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into prison, commaunding the Iayler to keepe them surely.
24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet Because he wanted to be more sure that they did not escape, he set them fast in the stocks. fast in the stocks.
25 The prayers of the godly do shake both heaven and earth.And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundation of the prison was shaken: and by and by all the doores opened, and euery mans bands were loosed.
27 The merciful Lord, as often as he desires, draws men to life even through the midst of death, and whereas they justly deserved great punishment, he shows them great mercy.And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
28 In means which are especially extraordinary, we should not move our foot forward, unless God goes before us.But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here.
29 Then he called for a light, and leaped in, and came trembling, and fell downe before Paul and Silas,
30 And brought them out, and said, Syrs, what must I doe to be saued?
31 And they saide, Beleeue in the Lorde Iesus Christ, and thou shalt be saued, & thine houshold.
32 And they preached vnto him the worde of the Lord, and to all that were in the house.
33 God with the very same hand wounds and heals when it pleases him.And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed [their] stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meate before them, and reioyced that he with all his houshold beleeued in God.
35 Shame and confusion is in due time the reward of wicked and unjust magistrates.And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants, saying, Let those men go.
36 Then the keeper of the prison tolde these woordes vnto Paul, saying, The gouerness haue sent to loose you: nowe therefore get you hence, and goe in peace.
37 We must not render injury for injury, and yet nonetheless it is lawful for us to use such helps as God gives us, to bridle the outrageousness of the wicked, so that they do not hurt others in a similar way.But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast [us] into prison; and now do they thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and fetch us out.
38 The wicked are not moved with the fear of God, but with the fear of men: and by that means also God provides for his, when it is needed.And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
39 Then came they and praied them, and brought them out, and desired them to depart out of the citie.
40 We may avoid dangers in such a way that we never neglect our duty.And they went out of the prison, and entered into [the house of] Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
1 Now The casting out of Silas and Paul was the saving of many others. when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
2 And Paul, as his maner was, went in vnto them, and three Sabbath daies disputed with them by the Scriptures,
3 Christ is therefore the mediator, because he was crucified and rose again: and he is certainly not to be rejected because the cross is shameful.Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.
4 And some of them beleeued, and ioyned in companie with Paul and Silas: also of the Grecians that feared God a great multitude, and of the chiefe women not a fewe.
5 Although the zeal of the unfaithful seems ever so virtuous, yet at length it is found to have neither truth nor fairness. Yet the wicked cannot do what they wish, for even among themselves God stirs up some, whose help he uses for the deliverance of his own.But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain Certain companions which do nothing but walk the streets, wicked men, to be hired for every man's money to do any mischief, such as we commonly call the rabble and very cesspools and dunghill knaves of all towns and cities. lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the Into whatever country and place they come, they cause sedition and tumult. world upside down are come hither also;
7 Whom Iason hath receiued, and these all doe against the decrees of Cesar, saying that there is another King, one Iesus.
8 Then they troubled the people, and the heads of the citie, when they heard these things.
9 And when they had taken When Jason had put them in good assurance that they would appear. security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.
10 That is indeed the wisdom of the Spirit which always sets the glory of God before itself as a mark with which it directs itself, and never wavers from it.And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming [thither] went into the synagogue of the Jews.
11 The Lord sets out in one short period of time, and in one people, different examples of his unsearchable wisdom to cause them to fear him.These were more He compares the Jews with the Jews. noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them beleeued, and of honest women, which were Grecians, and men not a fewe.
13 Satan has his who are zealous for him, and those who one would least suspect.But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
14 There is neither counsel, nor fury, nor madness against the Lord.And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
15 The sheep of Christ also watch their pastor's health and safety, but yet in the Lord.And they that conducted Paul It is not for nothing that the Jews of Berea were so commended, for they brought Paul safe from Macedonia to Athens, and there is in between these two places all of Thessalia, and Boeotia, and Attica. brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
16 In comparing the wisdom of God with man's wisdom, men scoff and mock at that which they do not understand: and God uses the curiosity of fools to gather together his elect.Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was He could not forbear. stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to Slavishly given to idolatry: Pausanias writes that there were more idols in Athens than in all Greece; yea they had altars dedicated to Shame, and Fame, and Lust, whom they made goddesses. idolatry.
17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with Whoever Paul met with that would allow him to talk with him, he reasoned with him, so thoroughly did he burn with the zeal of God's glory. them that met with him.
18 Two special sects of the philosophers set themselves against Christ: the Epicures, who mock and scoff at religion: and the Stoics, who decide religious matters according to their own thinking.Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this Literally, «seed gatherer»: a borrowed kind of speech taken from birds which spoil corn, and is applied to those who without any skill blurt out the knowledge which they have gotten by hearing this man and that man. babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
19 And they took him, and brought him unto This was a place called, as one would say, Mars hill, where the judges sat who were called Areopagita upon important matters, who in ancient time arraigned Socrates, and afterward condemned him of impiety. Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, [is]?
20 For thou bringest certaine strange thinges vnto our eares: we woulde knowe therefore, what these things meane.
21 The wisdom of man is vanity.(For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)
22 The idolaters themselves provide most strong and forcible arguments against their own superstition.Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, [Ye] men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too To stand in too foolish and slavish a fear of your gods. superstitious.
23 For as I passed by, and beheld your Whatever men worship for religion's sake, that we call religion. devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE Pausanias in his Atticis makes mention of the altar which the Athenians had dedicated to unknown gods: and Laertius in his Epimenides makes mention of an altar that had no name entitled upon it. UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
24 It is a most foolish and vain thing to compare the Creator with the creature, to limit him within a place who can be comprehended in no place, and to think to allure him with gifts, from whom all men have received all things whatever they have: and these are the fountains of all idolatry.God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with mens handes, as though he needed any thing, seeing hee giueth to all life and breath and all things,
26 God is wonderful in all his works, but especially in the work of man: not that we should stand amazed at his works, but that we should lift our eyes to the workman.And hath made of Of one stock and one beginning. one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might For as blind men we could not seek out God except by groping, before the true light came and enlightened the world. feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
28 For in him we liue, and mooue, and haue our being, as also certaine of your owne Poets haue sayd, for we are also his generation.
29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, Which things (gold, silver, and stones) are custom engraved as much as a man's mind can devise, for men will not worship those things as they are, unless by some art it has formed into an image of some sort. graven by art and man's device.
30 The oldness of the error does not excuse those that err, but it commends and sets forth the patience of God, who nonetheless will be a just judge to those who condemn him.And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:
31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given By declaring Christ to be the judge of the world through the resurrection from the dead. assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.
32 Men, to show forth their vanity, are affected and moved differently by the very same Gospel, which nonetheless does not cease to be effectual in the elect.And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this [matter].
33 And so Paul departed from among them.
34 Howbeit certaine men claue vnto Paul, and beleeued: among whome was also Denys Areopagita, and a woman named Damaris, and other with them.
1 After The true ministers are so far from seeking their own profit, that they willingly depart from what is rightfully theirs, rather than hindering the course of the Gospel in the slightest way. these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Suetonius records that Rome banished the Jews because they were never at rest, and that because of Christ. Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
3 And because hee was of the same crafte, he abode with them and wrought (for their crafte was to make tentes.)
4 The truth ought always to be freely uttered, yet nonetheless the doctrine may be moderated in accordance with the hearers, so that they are most profited.And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and Exhorted so that he persuaded, and that is what the word signifies. persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.
5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul Was very much grieved in mind: by which is signified the great earnestness of his mind, which was greatly moved: for Paul was so zealous that he completely forgot himself, and with a wonderful courage gave himself to preach Christ. was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.
6 Although we have tried all possible means, and yet in vain, we must not stop our work, but forsake the rebellious, and go to those that are more obedient.And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook [his] raiment, and said unto them, Your This is a type of speech taken from the Hebrews, by which he means that the Jews are the cause of their own destruction, and as for him, that he is without fault in forsaking them and going to other nations. blood [be] upon your own heads; I [am] clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
7 So he departed thence, & entred into a certaine mans house, named Iustus, a worshipper of God, whose house ioyned hard to the Synagogue.
8 And Crispus the chiefe ruler of the Synagogue, beleeued in the Lorde with all his housholde: and many of the Corinthians hearing it, beleeued and were baptized.
9 God does confirm and maintain the steadfastness of his servants.Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
10 For I am with thee, and no man shall lay handes on thee to hurt thee: for I haue much people in this citie.
11 And he Literally, «sat», whereupon they in former time took the name of their bishop's seat: but Paul sat, that is, continued teaching the word of God: and this type of seat does not belong to those who never took their seats with a mind to teach in them. continued [there] a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
12 The wicked are never weary of doing evil, but the Lord wonderfully mocks their endeavours.And when Gallio was the deputy of That is, of Greece, yet the Romans did not call him deputy of Greece, but of Achaia, because the Romans brought the Greeks into subjection by the Achaians, who in those days were Princes of Greece, as Pausanias records. Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,
13 Saying, This fellow persuadeth me to worship God otherwise then the Lawe appointeth.
14 And when Paul was now about to open [his] mouth, Gallio said unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O [ye] Jews, As much as I rightly could. reason would that I should bear with you:
15 But if it be a question of As if a man has not spoken well, as judged by your religion. words and For this profane man thinks that the controversy of religion is merely a fight about words, and over nothing important. names, and [of] your law, look ye [to it]; for I will be no judge of such [matters].
16 And hee draue them from the iudgement seate.
17 Then tooke al the Grecians Sosthenes the chiefe ruler of the Synagogue, and beat him before the iudgement seat: but Gallio cared nothing for those things.
18 Paul is made all to all, to win all to Christ.And Paul [after this] tarried [there] yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; That is, Paul. having shorn [his] head in Cenchrea was a haven of the Corinthians. Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
19 Then hee came to Ephesus, and left them there: but hee entred into the Synagogue and disputed with the Iewes.
20 The apostles were carried about not by the will of man, but by the leading of the Holy Spirit.When they desired [him] to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
21 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, So we should promise nothing without this clause, for we do not know what the following day will bring forth. if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
22 And when hee came downe to Cesarea, he went vp to Hierusalem: and when he had saluted the Church, he went downe vnto Antiochia.
23 Nowe when he had taried there a while, he departed, and went thorowe the countrey of Galatia and Phrygia by order, strengthening all the disciples.
24 Apollos, a godly and learned man, does not refuse to profit in the school of a base and abject handicraftsman, and also of a woman: and so becomes and excellent minister of the Church.And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] Very well instructed in the knowledge of the scriptures. mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
25 The same was instructed in the way of the Lorde, and hee spake feruently in the Spirite, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, & knew but the baptisme of Iohn onely.
26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto [them], and expounded unto him the The way that leads to God. way of God more perfectly.
27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through Through God's gracious favour, or by those excellent gifts which God had bestowed upon him. grace:
28 For mightily hee confuted publikely the Iewes, with great vehemencie, shewing by the Scriptures, that Iesus was that Christ.
1 And Paul, not being offended at the rudeness of the Ephesians, plants a church amongst them. it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,
2 He said unto them, Have ye received the Those excellent gifts of the Holy Spirit, which were in the Church in those days. Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.
3 John only began to instruct the disciples whom Christ would make perfect.And he said unto them, Unto In what doctrine then are you taught and instructed? what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto To be baptized into John's baptism is to profess the doctrine which John preached and to be identified with his baptism. John's baptism.
4 Then saide Paul, Iohn verely baptized with the baptisme of repentance, saying vnto the people, that they shoulde beleeue in him, which should come after him, that is, in Christ Iesus.
5 And when they heard it, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Iesus.
6 So Paul layde his handes vpon them, and the holy Ghost came on them, and they spake the tongues, and prophecied.
7 And all the men were about twelue.
8 Moreouer he went into the Synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three moneths, disputing and exhorting to the things that appertaine to the kingdome of God.
9 For a man to separate himself and others from infidels who are utterly desperate, is not to divide the Church, but rather to unite it, and make it one.But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that By this word «way», the Hebrews understand any type of life, and here it is taken for Christianity. way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one This was a man's proper name. Tyrannus.
10 And this was done by the space of two yeeres, so that all they which dwelt in Asia, heard the word of ye Lord Iesus, both Iewes & Grecians.
11 And God wrought no small miracles by the handes of Paul,
12 So that from his body were brought vnto the sicke, kerchefs or handkerchefs, and the diseases departed from them, and the euill spirits went out of them.
13 Satan is forced to give witness against himself.Then certain of the vagabond Jews, So were they called who cast out demons by forcing them to leave in the name of God: and in the beginning of the Church, those who had the gift of working miracles, and laid their hands on those that were possessed with demons, were called the same. exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
14 (And there were certaine sonnes of Sceua a Iewe, the Priest, about seuen which did this)
15 And the euil spirit answered, and said, Iesus I acknowledge, and Paul I know: but who are ye?
16 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and He prevailed against them, though they struggled ever so much. prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
17 And this was knowen to all the Iewes and Grecians also, which dwelt at Ephesus, and feare came on them all, and the Name of the Lord Iesus was magnified,
18 Conjuring and sorcery is condemned by open testimony, and by the authority of the apostle.And many that believed came, and Confessed their errors, and openly detested them, being terrified with the fear of the judgment of God: and how does this compare to confession to a priest? confessed, and shewed their deeds.
19 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] Those that give the lowest estimate, reckon it to be about eight hundred pounds English. fifty thousand [pieces] of silver.
20 So the worde of God grewe mightily, and preuailed.
21 Paul is never weary.After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the By the motion of God's Spirit: therefore we may not say that Paul ran rashly unto death, but as the Spirit of God led him. spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
22 So sent hee into Macedonia two of them that ministred vnto him, Timotheus and Erastus, but he remained in Asia for a season.
23 Gain cloaked with a show of religion is the very cause why idolatry is strongly and stubbornly defended.And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
24 For a certain [man] named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver These were special counterfeit temples with Diana's picture in them, which those who worshipped her bought. shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
25 Whom he called together, with the workemen of like things, and saide, Syrs, ye knowe that by this craft we haue our goods:
26 Moreouer ye see and heare, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia this Paul hath perswaded, and turned away much people, saying, That they be not gods which are made with handes.
27 So that not only As if he said, «If Paul goes on in this way as he has begun, to confuse the opinion which men have of Diana's image, all of our gain will come to nothing.» this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
28 Now when they heard it, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
29 And the whole citie was full of confusion, and they rushed into the common place with one assent, and caught Gaius, and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, and Pauls companions of his iourney.
30 And when Paul would haue entred in vnto the people, the disciples suffred him not.
31 There ought to be in all Christians, and especially in the ministers, an invincible steadfastness which may not by any storms or assaults be overcome, which nonetheless must modestly allow itself to be governed by wisdom.And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring [him] that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.
32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assemblie was out of order, and the more part knewe not wherefore they were come together.
33 And some of the company drew foorth Alexander, the Iewes thrusting him forwards. Alexander then beckened with the hande, and woulde haue excused the matter to the people.
34 Instead of reason, the idolaters are sufficiently contented with their own madness and outcries, and those are the greatest defence that they have.But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great [is] Diana of the Ephesians.
35 An example of a political man who redeems peace and quietness with lies, which Paul would have never done.And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, [Ye] men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the [image] which The Ephesians believed superstitiously that the image of Diana came down to them from heaven. fell down from Jupiter?
36 Seeing then that no man can speake against these things, ye ought to be appeased, and to doe nothing rashly.
37 For yee haue brought hither these men, which haue neither committed sacrilege, neither doe blaspheme your goddesse.
38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a Have anything to accuse any man of. matter against any man, the For there are certain days appointed for civil causes and matters of judgment, and the deputies sit on those days. law is open, and there are By the deputies are meant also the deputies' substitutes, that is, those who sat for them. deputies: let them implead one another.
39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a He speaks of a lawful assembly not only to speak against the disordered tumult of the people, but also against all meeting and coming together which was not by order: for there were certain days appointed to call people together in. lawful assembly.
40 For we are euen in ieopardie to be accused of this dayes sedition, for as much as there is no cause, whereby we may giue a reason of this concourse of people.
41 And when he had thus spoken, hee let the assembly depart.
1 And Paul departs from Ephesus by the consent of the church, not to be idle or at rest, but to take pains in another place. after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto [him] the disciples, and embraced [them], and departed for to go into Macedonia.
2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them For after so great trouble, there was need of much exhortation. much exhortation, he came into Greece,
3 A perverse zeal is the guider and instructor to murderers: and we are not excluded by the wisdom of God to prevent the endeavours of wicked men.And [there] abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
4 And there accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berea, and of them of Thessalonica, Aristarchus, and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus, and of them of Asia, Tychicus, and Trophimus.
5 These went before, and taried vs at Troas.
6 And we sailed forth from Philippi, after the dayes of vnleauened bread, & came vnto them to Troas in fiue dayes, where we abode seuen dayes.
7 Assemblies in the night-time cannot be justly condemned, neither should they be, when the cause is good.And upon the Literally, «the first day of the Sabbath», that is, upon the Lord's day: so that by this place, and by (1Co_16:2) we properly understand that in those days the Christians habitually assembled themselves solemnly together upon that day. first [day] of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
8 The devil, taking care to trouble the Church with a great offence, gives Paul a singular occasion to confirm the GospelAnd there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.
9 And there sate in a windowe a certaine yong man, named Eutychus, fallen into a dead sleepe: and as Paul was long preaching, hee ouercome with sleepe, fell downe from the thirde loft, and was taken vp dead.
10 But Paul went downe, and layde himselfe vpon him, and embraced him, saying, Trouble not your selues: for his life is in him.
11 Then when Paul was come vp againe, and had broken bread, and eaten, hauing spoken a long while till the dawning of the day, hee so departed.
12 And they brought the boye aliue, and they were not a litle comforted.
13 Then we went before to shippe, and sailed vnto the citie Assos, that wee might receiue Paul there: for so had hee appointed, and would himselfe goe afoote.
14 Now when he was come vnto vs to Assos, and we had receiued him, we came to Mitylenes.
15 And wee sailed thence, and came the next day ouer against Chios, and the next day we arriued at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium: the next day we came to Miletum.
16 Paul, an earnest and diligent follower of Christ, making haste to his bonds without any ceasing or stopping in his race, first of all as it were makes his testament, wherein he gives an account of his former life, defends the doctrine which he taught, and exhorts the pastors of the church to persevere and go forward with continuance in their office.For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
17 And from According as the situation of these places is set forth, the distance between Ephesus and Miletus was almost 50 miles or 80 km. Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
18 A graphic image of a true pastor.And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
19 Seruing the Lorde with all modestie, and with many teares, and tentations, which came vnto me by the layings awaite of the Iewes,
20 [And] how I kept I did not refrain form speaking, neither did I conceal my motives in any way at all, either for fear or for wicked gain. back nothing that was profitable [unto you], but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
21 Witnessing both to the Iewes, and to the Grecians the repentance towarde God, and faith toward our Lord Iesus Christ.
22 He testifies that he goes to his imprisonment by the commandment of God.And now, behold, I go He calls the guiding direction of the Holy Spirit, who forced him to take his journey to Jerusalem, the bond of the Sprit, whom he followed with all his heart. bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Saue that ye holy Ghost witnesseth in euery citie, saying, that bondes and afflictions abide me.
24 But I passe not at all, neither is my life deare vnto my selfe, so that I may fulfill my course with ioye, and the ministration which I haue receiued of the Lorde Iesus, to testifie the Gospell of the grace of God.
25 And now behold, I know that henceforth ye all, through whome I haue gone preaching the kingdome of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I [am] If you perish, yet there will fault with me. {{See Act_18:6}} pure from the blood of all [men].
27 The doctrine of the apostles is most perfect and absolute.For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to To keep it, to feed and govern it. feed the church of God, which A notable sentence for Christ's Godhead: which shows plainly in his person, how that by reason of the joining together of the two natures in his own person, that which is proper to one is spoken of the other, being taken as deriving from one another, and not in the original: which in old time the godly fathers termed a communicating or fellowship of properties or attributes, that is to say, a making common of that to two, which belongs but to one. he hath purchased with The words «his own» show forth the excellency of that blood. his own blood.
29 A prophecy of pastors that would immediately degenerate into wolves, against those who boast and brag only of a succession of persons.For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to This is great misery, to want the presence of such a shepherd, but it is a greater misery to have wolves enter in. draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watche, and remember, that by the space of three yeres I ceased not to warne euery one, both night and day with teares.
32 The power of God, and his free promises revealed in his word, are the props and upholders of the ministry of the Gospel.And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an As children, and therefore an inheritance of free love and good will. inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
33 Pastors must before all things beware of covetousness.I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
34 Yea, ye knowe, that these handes haue ministred vnto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought As it were by reaching out the hand to those who otherwise are about to slip and fall away, and so to steady them. to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled downe, and prayed with them all.
37 The Gospel does not take away natural affections, but rules and bridles them in good order.And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Being chiefly sorie for the words which he spake, That they should see his face no more; they accompanied him vnto the shippe.
1 And Not only ordinary men, but even our friends, and such as are endued with the Spirit of God, sometimes go about to hinder the course of our calling: but it is our part to go forward without any stopping or staggering, after we are sure of our calling from God. it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the [day] following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
2 And we found a ship that went ouer vnto Phenice, and went aboard, and set forth.
3 And whe we had discouered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, & sailed toward Syria, and arriued at Tyrus: for there the ship vnladed ye burden.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the They foretold through the Spirit what dangers were about to befall Paul, and this they did as prophets: but they misdirected him away from Jerusalem because of a fleshly affection. Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 But when the dayes were ended, we departed & went our way, & they all accompanied vs with their wiues & children, euen out of the citie: and we kneeling downe on the shore, prayed.
6 Then when we had embraced one another, we tooke ship, and they returned home.
7 And when we had ended the course from Tyrus, we arriued at Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 And the next [day] we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was [one] of the He speaks of the seven deacons which he mentioned before in (Act_6:1-7). seven; and abode with him.
9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did They had a peculiar gift of foretelling things to come. prophesy.
10 And as we taried there many dayes, there came a certaine Prophet from Iudea, named Agabus.
11 And when he was come vnto vs, he tooke Pauls girdle, and bound his owne hands & feete, and sayd, Thus sayth the holy Ghost, So shall the Iewes at Hierusalem binde the man that oweth this girdle, and shall deliuer him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we had heard these things, both we and other of the same place besought him that he would not go vp to Hierusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, and sayd, What doe ye weeping and breaking mine heart? For I am ready not to be bound onely, but also to die at Hierusalem for the Name of the Lord Iesus.
14 The will of God bridles all affections in those who earnestly seek the glory of God.And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
15 And after those dayes we trussed vp our fardels, and went vp to Hierusalem.
16 There went with vs also certaine of the disciples of Cesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an olde disciple, with whome we should lodge.
17 And when we were come to Hierusalem, the brethren receiued vs gladly.
18 And the next day Paul went in with vs vnto Iames: and all the Elders were there assembled.
19 God is to be praised, who is the author of all good sayings and deeds.And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 In things indifferent (of which sort the traditions of the Pharisees were not, but rather the ceremonies of the Law, until the time when Christian liberty was more fully revealed to the Jews) charity exhorts us to conform or apply ourselves willingly so far as we may, to our brethren who do not stubbornly and maliciously resist the truth (but are not thoroughly instructed), especially if the question pertains to a whole multitude.And when they heard [it], they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
21 Now they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Iewes, which are among the Gentiles, to forsake Moses, and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their sonnes, neither to liue after the customes.
22 What is then to be done? the multitude must needes come together: for they shall heare that thou art come.
23 Doe therefore this that we say to thee. We haue foure men, which haue made a vowe,
24 Them take, and That is, consecrate thyself: for he does not speak here of the unclean, but of those who are subject to the vow of the Nazarites. purify thyself with them, and That it may be known that you were not only present at the vow, but also a main participator in it: and therefore it is said afterwards that Paul declared the days of purification: for although the offerings for the Nazarites offerings were appointed, yet they might add somewhat unto them; see (Num_6:21). be at charges with them, that they may shave [their] heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but [that] thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
25 For as touching ye Gentiles, which beleeue, we haue written, & determined that they obserue no such thing, but that they keepe themselues from things offred to idoles, and from blood, and from that that is strangled, and from fornication.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, The priests were to be informed of the accomplishment of the days of the purification, because there were sacrifices to be offered the same day that their vow was ended. to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 A preposterous zeal is the cause of great confusion and great troubles.And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,
28 Crying, Men of Israel, helpe: this is the man that teacheth all men euery where against the people, and the Lawe, and this place: moreouer, he hath brought Grecians into the Temple, and hath polluted this holy place.
29 For they had seene before Trophimus an Ephesian with him in the citie, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the Temple.
30 Then all the citie was moued, and the people ran together: and they tooke Paul and drewe him out of the Temple, and forth with the doores were shut.
31 God finds some even amongst the wicked and profane themselves, to hinder the endeavours of the rest.And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
32 Who immediately tooke souldiers & Centurions, and ran downe vnto them: and when they sawe the chiefe Captaine and the souldiers, they left beating of Paul.
33 Then the chiefe Captaine came neere and tooke him, and commaunded him to be bound with two chaines, and demaunded who he was, and what he had done.
34 And one cryed this, another that, among the people. So when he could not know the certeintie for the tumult, he commaunded him to be led into the castell.
35 And when hee came vnto the grieces, it was so that he was borne of the souldiers, for the violence of the people.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.
37 And as Paul should haue bene led into the castell, he sayd vnto the chiefe Captaine, May I speake vnto thee? Who sayd, Canst thou speake Greeke?
38 Art not thou that Concerning this Egyptian who assembled thirty thousand men, read Josephus, book 2, chap. 12. Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
39 Then Paul sayde, Doubtlesse, I am a man which am a Iewe, and citizen of Tarsus, a famous citie of Cilicia, and I beseech thee, suffer mee to speake vnto the people.
40 And when he had giuen him licence, Paul stoode on the grieces, & beckened with the hand vnto the people: and when there was made great silence, hee spake vnto them in the Hebrewe tongue, saying,
1 Ye men, brethren and Fathers, heare my defence nowe towards you.
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrewe tongue to them, they kept the more silence, and he sayd)
3 Paul, making a short declaration of his former life, proves both his calling and doctrine to be from God.I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the That is, his daily hearer: the reason of this speech is this: those who teach commonly sit in the higher place, speaking to their students who sit upon benches beneath, and therefore he says «at the feet of Gamaliel». feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
4 And I persecuted this way vnto the death, binding and deliuering into prison both men and women.
5 As also ye chiefe Priest doeth beare me witnes, & al the company of the Elders: of whom also I receiued letters vnto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which were there, bound vnto Hierusalem, that they might be punished.
6 And so it was, as I iourneyed and was come neere vnto Damascus about noone, that suddenly there shone from heauen a great light round about me.
7 So I fell vnto the earth, and heard a voyce, saying vnto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou mee?
8 Then I answered, Who art thou, Lorde? And he said to me, I am Iesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9 Moreouer they that were with me, sawe in deede a light and were afraide: but they heard not the voyce of him that spake vnto me.
10 Then I sayd, What shall I doe, Lord? And the Lorde sayde vnto me, Arise, and goe into Damascus: and there it shall be tolde thee of all things, which are appointed for thee to doe.
11 So when I could not see for the glory of that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, and came into Damascus.
12 And one Ananias a godly man, as perteining to the Lawe, hauing good report of all the Iewes which dwelt there,
13 Came vnto me, and stoode, and sayd vnto me, Brother Saul, receiue thy sight: and that same houre I looked vpon him.
14 And he sayd, The God of our fathers hath appointed thee, that thou shouldest knowe his wil, and shouldest see that Iust one, and shouldest heare the voyce of his mouth.
15 For thou shalt be his witnes vnto all men, of the things which thou hast seene and heard.
16 Now therefore why tariest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sinnes, in calling on the Name of the Lord.
17 And it came to passe, that when I was come againe to Hierusalem, and prayed in the Temple, I was in a traunce,
18 And saw him saying vnto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Hierusalem: for they will not receiue thy witnes concerning me.
19 Then I sayd, Lord, they know that I prisoned, and beat in euery Synagogue them that beleeued in thee.
20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that This is properly spoken, for Steven was murdered by a bunch of cutthroats, not by order of justice, but by open force: for at that time the Jews could not put any man to death by law. slew him.
21 Then he sayd vnto me, Depart: for I will send thee farre hence vnto the Gentiles.
22 Resolute and stubborn pride will neither embrace the truth itself, neither allow others to receive it.And they gave him audience unto this word, and [then] lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a [fellow] from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
23 And as they The description of a seditious tumult, and of a foolish and mad multitude. cried out, and cast off [their] clothes, and threw dust into the air,
24 The wisdom of the flesh does not consider what is just, but what is profitable, and in addition takes into account the profit that can be gained, according as it presently appears.The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
25 There is no reason why we may not use those lawful means which God gives us in order to repel or prevent an injury.And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?
26 Nowe when the Centurion heard it, hee went, and tolde the chiefe captaine, saying, Take heede what thou doest: for this man is a Romane.
27 Then the chiefe captaine came, and sayd to him, Tel me, art thou a Romane? And he said, Yea.
28 And the chiefe captaine answered, With a great summe obtained I this freedome. Then Paul sayd, But I was so borne.
29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was Not by nation, but by the law of his city of birth. a Roman, and because he had bound him.
30 On the next day, because hee would haue knowen the certaintie wherefore he was accused of the Iewes, he loosed him from his bonds, and commaunded the hie Priests and all their Councill to come together: and he brought Paul, and set him before them.
1 And Paul, against the false accusations of his enemies, displays a clear conscience, for proof of which he repeats the whole course of his life. Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men [and] brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
2 Hypocrites are forced at length to betray themselves by their violence.And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 It is lawful for us to complain of injuries, and to summon the wicked to the judgment seat of God, but yet we must do it without hatred, and with a quiet and peaceable mind.Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, [thou] This is a vehement and severe speech, but yet not reproachful: for the godly may speak severely, and yet be void of the bitter affection of a severe and angry mind. whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten For the Law commands the judge to hear the person that is accused patiently, and to pronounce the sentence judiciously. contrary to the law?
4 And they that stood by, sayd, Reuilest thou Gods hie Priest?
5 We must willingly and from the heart give honour to magistrates, although they are tyrants.Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
6 We may sometimes lawfully set the wicked against themselves, so that they stop assaulting us, in order that the truth is not hindered.But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men [and] brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.
7 The agreement between the wicked is weak, even though they conspire together to oppress the truth.And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8 It is an old heresy of the Sadducees to deny the existence of angels and souls, and in addition the resurrection of the dead.For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither Things that exist without a body. angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
9 The Lord, when it pleases him, finds defenders of his cause, even amongst his enemies.And there arose a great cry: and the The scribe's office was a public office, and the name of the Pharisees was the name of a sect. scribes [that were] of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.
10 God will not forsake his own, even to the very end.And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring [him] into the castle.
11 Nowe the night folowing, the Lord stoode by him, and saide, Be of good courage, Paul: for as thou hast testified of mee in Hierusalem, so must thou beare witnesse also at Rome.
12 Those who are carried away with a foolish zeal think that they may lie and murder, and do whatever mischief they wish.And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves Cursing and prohibiting themselves, they promised. under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.
13 And they were more then fourtie, which had made this conspiracie.
14 And they came to the chiefe Priestes and Elders, and said, We haue bound our selues with a solemne curse, that wee will eate nothing, vntill we haue slaine Paul.
15 Now therefore ye with the You and the senate ask that the same thing should be done, so that the tribune will not think that it was demanded of him because of an individual's private interests. council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
16 But when Pauls sisters sonne heard of their laying awaite, he went, and entred into the castel, and tolde Paul.
17 The wisdom of the Spirit must be joined with simplicity.Then Paul called one of the centurions unto [him], and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
18 So hee tooke him, and brought him to the chiefe captaine, and saide, Paul the prisoner called mee vnto him, and prayed mee to bring this yong man vnto thee, which hath some thing to say vnto thee.
19 Then the chiefe captaine tooke him by the hande, and went apart with him alone, and asked him, What hast thou to shewe me?
20 And he saide, The Iewes haue conspired to desire thee, that thou wouldest bring foorth Paul to morow into the Council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly:
21 But let them not perswade thee: for there lie in waite for him of them, more then fourtie men, which haue bound themselues with a curse, that they will neither eate nor drinke, till they haue killed him: and nowe are they readie, and waite for thy promes.
22 There is no counsel against the Lord and his servants.So the chief captain [then] let the young man depart, and charged [him, See thou] tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
23 And he called vnto him two certaine Centurions, saying, Make readie two hundred souldiers, that they may go to Cæsarea, and horsemen three score and ten, and two hundred with dartes, at the thirde houre of the night.
24 And let them make readie an horse, that Paul being set on, may be brought safe vnto Felix the Gouernour.
25 And he wrote an epistle in this maner:
26 Lysias is suddenly made by the Lord to be Paul's protector.Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix [sendeth] greeting.
27 As this man was taken of the Iewes, and shoulde haue bene killed of them, I came vpon them with the garison, and rescued him, perceiuing that he was a Romane.
28 And when I would haue knowen the cause, wherefore they accused him, I brought him forth into their Council.
29 There I perceiued that hee was accused of questions of their Lawe, but had no crime worthy of death, or of bondes.
30 And when it was shewed me, how that the Iewes layd waite for the man, I sent him straightway to thee, and commaunded his accusers to speake before thee the thinges that they had against him. Farewell.
31 Then the souldiers as it was commaunded them, tooke Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
32 And the next day, they left the horsemen to goe with him, and returned vnto the Castel.
33 Now when they came to Cæsarea, they deliuered the epistle to the Gouernour, and presented Paul also vnto him.
34 So when the Gouernour had read it, hee asked of what prouince he was: and when he vnderstoode that he was of Cilicia,
35 I will heare thee, said he, when thine accusers also are come, and commaunded him to bee kept in Herods iudgement hall.
1 And Hypocrites, when they can not do what they want to do by force and deceit, at length they go about to accomplish it by a show of law. after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and [with] a certain orator [named] Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse [him], saying, Seeing that Felix ruled that province with great cruelty and covetousness, and yet Josephus records that he did many worthy things, such as taking Eleazar the captain of certain cutthroats, and put that deceiving wretch the Egyptian to flight, who caused great troubles in Judea. by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very He uses a word which the Stoics defined as a perfect duty and perfect behaviour. worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
3 We acknowledge it wholy, and in all places most noble Felix, with all thankes,
4 But that I be not tedious vnto thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldest heare vs of thy courtesie a fewe wordes.
5 For we have found this man [a] Literally, «a plague». pestilent [fellow], and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a As one would say, a ringleader, or a flag bearer. ringleader of the sect of the So they scoffingly called the Christians, taking the name from the towns where they thought that Christ was born, whereupon it happened that Julian the apostate called Christ a Galilean. Nazarenes:
6 And hath gone about to pollute the Temple: therefore wee tooke him, and woulde haue iudged him according to our Lawe:
7 But the chiefe captaine Lysias came vpon vs, and with great violence tooke him out of our handes,
8 Commanding his accusers to come to thee: of whom thou mayest (if thou wilt inquire) know all these things whereof we accuse him.
9 And the Jews also Confirmed what Tertullus said. assented, saying that these things were so.
10 Tertullus, by the devil's rhetoric, begins with flattery and finishes with lies: but Paul using heavenly eloquence, and but a simple beginning, casts off from himself the crime of sedition, with which he was being charged, with a simple denial.Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of Paul pleaded his cause two years before Felix departed out of the province, see (Act_24:27), but he had governed Trachonite, and Batanea, and Galavnite, before Claudius made him governor of Judea; see Josephus in the History of the Jewish War, lib. 2, cap. 11. many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Seeing that thou mayest knowe, that there are but twelue dayes since I came vp to worship in Hierusalem.
12 And they neither found mee in the Temple disputing with any man, neither making vproare among the people, neither in the Synagogues, nor in the citie.
13 Neither can they They cannot lay forth before you and prove with good reasons. prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 Paul proceeds in the case of religion from a conjectural state to a practical state, not only admitting of the religion which he was accused of, but also proving it to be true, to be heavenly and from God, and to be the oldest of all religions.But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call Here this word «heresy» or «sect» is taken in a good sense. heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
15 And haue hope towardes God, that the resurrection of the dead, which they themselues looke for also, shalbe both of iust and vniust.
16 And herein I endeuour my selfe to haue alway a cleare conscience towarde God, and toward men.
17 Paul in conclusion tells the things thing which was truly done, which Tertullus before him had corrupted in various ways.Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.
18 And while I was occupied with those things.Whereupon certain Jews from By this it is evident that these from Asia were Paul's enemies, and the ones that stirred up the people against him. Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to haue bene present before thee, and accuse me, if they had ought against me.
20 Or else let these same [here] say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the Where the tribune brought me. council,
21 Except it be for this one voyce, that I cried standing among them, Of the resurrection of the dead am I accused of you this day.
22 The judge suspends his sentence because the matter is doubtful.And when Felix heard these things, having more Felix could not judge whether he had done wickedly in the matter of his religion or not until he had a better understanding of the way which Paul professed: and as for other matters with regard to the charge of sedition, he considers it good to defer it until he hears Lysias, and therefore he gives Paul somewhat more liberty. perfect knowledge of [that] way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 God is a most faithful keeper of his servants, and the power of the truth is wonderful, even amongst men who are otherwise profane.And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let [him] have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife This Drusilla was Agrippa's sister of whom Luke speaks afterwards, a harlot and very licentious woman, and being the wife of Azizus king of the Emesens, who was circumcised, departed from him, and went to this Felix the brother of Pallas, who was at one time the slave of Nero. Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he disputed of righteousnes & temperance, & of the iudgement to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time, and when I haue conuenient time, I will call for thee.
26 Hee hoped also that money shoulde haue bene giuen him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore hee sent for him the oftner, and communed with him.
27 With an evil mind, that is guilty in itself, and although sometimes there is some show of fairness, yet eventually the conscience will be extinguished: but in the meanwhile we have need of continual patience.But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and Felix, willing to For he had behaved himself very wickedly in the province, and had it not been for favour of his brother Pallas, he would have died for it: so that we may gather by this why he would have pleased the Jews. shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
1 Now Satan's ministers are subtle and diligent in seeking every occasion: but God who watches for his own, easily hinders all their counsels. when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high Priest, and the chiefe of the Iewes appeared before him against Paul: and they besought him,
3 And desired fauour against him, that hee would send for him to Hierusalem: and they layd waite to kill him by the way.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should bee kept at Cæsarea, and that he himselfe would shortly depart thither.
5 Let them therefore, saide he, which among you are able, come downe with vs: and if there be any wickednes in the man, let them accuse him.
6 We may justly avoid an injury, but not with an injury.And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which They could not prove them certainly and without undoubted reasons. they could not prove.
8 Forasmuch as he answered, that he had neither offended any thing against the lawe of the Iewes, neither against ye temple, nor against Cæsar.
9 God does not only turn aside the counsel of the wicked, but also turns it upon their own heads.But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsars iudgment seate, where I ought to be iudged: to the Iewes I haue done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I haue done wrong, or committed any thing worthie of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof they accuse me, no man, to pleasure them, can deliuer me to them: I appeale vnto Cæsar.
12 Then when Festus had spoken with the Council, hee answered, Hast thou appealed vnto Cæsar? vnto Cæsar shalt thou goe.
13 Festus, without even trying to, even before kings, brings to light the wickedness of the Jews, and Paul's innocence, and in this way marvellously confirms the Church of God.And after certain days king This Agrippa was the son of Agrippa whose death Luke spoke of before, and Bernice was his sister. Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
14 And when they had remained there many dayes, Festus declared Pauls cause vnto the King, saying, There is a certaine man left in prison by Felix,
15 Of whom when I came to Hierusalem, the high Priestes and Elders of the Iewes informed me, and desired to haue iudgement against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to The Romans did not used to deliver any man to be punished before, etc. deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore when they were come hither, without delay the day following I sate on the iudgement seate, and commaunded the man to be brought foorth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood vp, they brought no crime of such things as I supposed:
19 The profane and wicked take an occasion to condemn the true doctrine, because of private controversies and contentions of men between themselves: but the truth nevertheless abides safe and sure in the meantime.But had certain questions against him of their own This profane man calls the Jewish religion «superstition», and that before King Agrippa, but it is no wonder: for the rulers of provinces, because of the majesty of the empire of Rome, used to think themselves better than kings. superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I doubted of such maner of question, I asked him whether he would goe to Hierusalem, and there be iudged of these things.
21 But because he appealed to be reserued to the examination of Augustus, I commaunded him to be kept, till I mght send him to Cesar.
22 That is fulfilled in Paul which the Lord had told to Ananias about him; see (Act_9:15).Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great Gorgeously, like a prince. pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus sayd, King Agrippa, & all men which are present with vs, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Iewes haue called vpon me, both at Hierusalem, and here, crying, that he ought not to liue any longer.
25 Yet haue I found nothing worthy of death, that he hath committed: neuertheles, seeing that he hath appealed to Augustus, I haue determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my To Augustus. Good princes refused this name at the first, that is, to be called lords, but afterwards they allowed it, as we read of Traianus. lord. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For me thinketh it vnreasonable to send a prisoner, and not to shewe the causes which are layde against him.
1 Then Agrippa sayd vnto Paul, Thou art permitted to speake for thy selfe. So Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himselfe.
2 To have a skilful judge is a great and singular gift of God.I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 Chiefly, because thou hast knowledge of all customes, and questions which are among the Iewes: wherefore I beseech thee, to heare me patiently.
4 Paul divides the history of his life into two times: for the first he calls his adversaries as witnesses: for the latter, the fathers and Prophets.My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 Which That I was, and where, and how I lived. knew me from That my parents were Pharisees. the beginning, if they would testify, that after the The sect of the Pharisees was the most exquisite amongst all the sects of the Jews, for it was better than all the rest. most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
6 There are three chief and principal witnesses of true doctrine: God, the true fathers, and the consent of the true Church of God.And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:
7 Whereunto our twelue tribes instantly seruing God day and night, hope to come: for the which hopes sake, O King Agrippa, I am accused of the Iewes.
8 He proves the resurrection of the dead, first by the power of God, then by the resurrection of Christ, of which he is a sufficient witness.Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
9 I also verely thought in my selfe, that I ought to doe many contrarie things against the Name of Iesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave I consented to and allowed their actions: for he was not a judge. my voice against [them].
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and By extreme punishment. compelled [them] to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted [them] even unto strange cities.
12 At which time, euen as I went to Damascus with authoritie, and commission from the hie Priests,
13 At midday, O King, I sawe in the way a light from heauen, passing the brightnes of the sunne, shine round about mee, and them which went with me.
14 So when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voyce speaking vnto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kicke against pricks.
15 Then I sayd, Who art thou, Lord? And he sayd, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest.
16 But rise and stand vp on thy feete: for I haue appeared vnto thee for this purpose, to appoint thee a minister and a witnesse, both of the things which thou hast seene, and of the things in the which I will appeare vnto thee,
17 Deliuering thee from this people, and from the Gentiles, vnto whom now I send thee,
18 The end of the Gospel is to save those who are brought to the knowledge of Christ, and are justified and sanctified in him, being laid hold on by faith.To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
19 Paul alleges God to be author of the office of his apostleship, and that God's grace is a witness.Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
20 But shewed first vnto them of Damascus, and at Hierusalem, & throughout all the coasts of Iudea, & then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turne to God, and doe workes worthy amendement of life.
21 For this cause the Iewes caught me in the Temple, and went about to kill me.
22 Christ is the end of the Law and the Prophets.Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to To everyone. small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should That Christ would not be such a king as the Jews dreamed of, but one appointed to bear our miseries, and the punishment of our sins. suffer, [and] that he should be the The first of those who are raised from the dead. first that should rise from the dead, and should shew Life, yea and that a most blessed life which will be endless: and this is set against darkness, which almost in all languages sometimes signifies death, and sometimes misery and calamity. light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
24 The wisdom of God is madness to fools, yet nonetheless we must boldly confirm the truth.And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
25 But he said, I am not mad, O noble Festus, but I speake the wordes of trueth and sobernes.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a Secretly and privately. corner.
27 Paul, as it were forgetting that he stood a prisoner to defend his cause, does not forget the office of his apostleship.King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.
28 Then Agrippa said vnto Paul, Almost thou perswadest me to become a Christian.
29 And Paul said, I would to God that not only almost, but thoroughly and altogether, both you and all that hear me this day, might be made as I am, only except for my bonds. I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
30 Paul is solemnly acquitted, and yet not dismissed.And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 And when they were gone apart, they talked betweene themselues, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death, nor of bonds.
32 Then sayd Agrippa vnto Festus, This man might haue bene loosed, if hee had not appealed vnto Cesar.
1 And Paul, with many other prisoners and through the midst of many deaths, is brought to Rome, but yet by God's own hand as it were, and set forth and commended to the world with many singular testimonies. when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto [one] named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.
2 And we entred into a ship of Adramyttium purposing to saile by the coastes of Asia, and launched foorth, and had Aristarchus of Macedonia, a Thessalonian, with vs.
3 And the next day we arriued at Sidon: and Iulius courteously entreated Paul, and gaue him libertie to go vnto his friends, that they might refresh him.
4 And from thence we launched, and sayled hard by Cyprus, because ye windes were contrarie.
5 Then sayled we ouer the sea by Cilicia, and Pamphilia, and came to Myra, a citie in Lycia.
6 And there the Centurion found a ship of Alexandria, sayling into Italie, and put vs therein.
7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Which was a high hill of Crete. Salmone;
8 And with much adoe sayled beyond it, and came vnto a certaine place called the Faire hauens, neere vnto the which was the citie Lasea.
9 God's providence does not take away the causes which God uses as means, but rather orders and disposes their right use, even when he reveals an extraordinary issue.Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the This refers to the Jews fast which they kept in the feast of expiation, as we read in (Lev_23:17), which fell in the seventh month which we call October, and is not good for navigating or sailing. fast was now already past, Paul admonished [them],
10 And sayde vnto them, Syrs, I see that this voiage will be with hurt & much damage, not of the lading and ship onely, but also of our liues.
11 Men cast themselves willingly into an infinite amount of dangers, when they choose to follow their own wisdom, rather than God, when he speaks by the mouth of his servants.Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
12 And because the hauen was not commodious to winter in, many tooke counsell to depart thence, if by any meanes they might attaine to Phenice, there to winter, which is an hauen of Candie, and lyeth toward the Southwest and by West, and Northwest and by West.
13 And when the Southerne winde blew softly, they supposing to atteine their purpose, loosed neerer, and sailed by Candie.
14 But not long after there arose against By Crete, from whose shore our ship was driven by that means. it a tempestuous wind, called Northeast wind. Euroclydon.
15 And when the ship was caught, and could not resist the winde, we let her goe, and were caried away.
16 And we ran vnder a litle Yle named Clauda, and had much a doe to get the boat.
17 Which they tooke vp and vsed all helpe, vndergirding the ship, fearing least they should haue fallen into Syrtes, and they strake saile, and so were caried.
18 The result proves that none provide worse for themselves than those who commit themselves to be governed only by their own wisdom.And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next [day] they lightened the ship;
19 And the third day we cast out with our owne hands the tackling of the ship.
20 And when neither sunne nor starres in many dayes appeared, and no small tempest lay vpon vs, all hope that we should be saued, was then taken away.
21 God spares the wicked for a time, for the sake of his elect and chosen.But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 But now I exhort you to be of good courage: for there shalbe no losse of any mans life among you, saue of the ship onely.
23 For there stood by me this night the Angel of God, whose I am, and whome I serue,
24 Saying, Feare not, Paul: for thou must be brought before Cesar: and lo, God hath giuen vnto thee freely all that sayle with thee.
25 The promise is made effectual through faith.Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even as it was told me.
26 Howbeit, we must be cast into a certaine Iland.
27 We attain and come to the promised and sure salvation through the midst of tempests and death itself.But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in For Ptolemy writes that the Adriatic Sea beats upon the east shore of Cecilia. Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed Or, some country drew near to them. that they drew near to some country;
28 And sounded, & found it twentie fathoms: and when they had gone a litle further, they sounded againe, and found fifteene fathoms.
29 Then fearing least they should haue fallen into some rough places, they cast foure ancres out of the sterne, and wished that the day were come.
30 No matter how foul the act, distrust and an evil conscience can always compel men to commit it.And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
31 Although the performing of God's promises does not depend upon secondary causes, yet they make themselves unworthy of God's bountifulness who do not embrace those means which God offers them, either upon rashness or distrust.Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
32 Then the souldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let it fall away.
33 When the world trembles, the faithful alone are not only at peace, but strengthen and encourage others by their example.And while the day was coming on, Paul besought [them] all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to take [some] meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an This is a proverb which the Hebrews use, by which is meant that they will be safe, and that not one of them will perish. hair fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, hee tooke bread and gaue thankes to God, in presence of them all, and brake it, and began to eate.
36 Then were they all of good courage, and they also tooke meate.
37 Nowe we were in the ship in all two hundreth three score and sixteene soules.
38 And whe they had eaten ynough, they lightened the ship, & cast out the wheat into the sea.
39 Then are tempests most of all to be feared and looked for, when the port or haven is nearest.And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain A creek is a sea within land, as the Adriatic Sea, and the Persian Sea. creek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
40 So when they had taken vp the ankers, they committed the ship vnto the sea, and loosed the rudder bonds, and hoised vp the maine saile to the winde, and drewe to the shore.
41 And falling into a place where So is an isthmus called, because the Sea touches it on both sides. two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
42 There is nowhere more unfaithfulness and unthankfulness in unbelievers.And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
43 God finds even amongst his enemies those whose help he uses to preserve his own.But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from [their] purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast [themselves] first [into the sea], and get to land:
44 The goodness of God overcomes man's malice.And the rest, some on boards, and some on [broken pieces] of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
1 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island was called That place which we today call Malta. Melita.
2 And the Barbarians shewed vs no litle kindnesse: for they kindled a fire, and receiued vs euery one, because of the present showre, and because of the colde.
3 The godly are sure to have danger upon danger, but they alway have a glorious outcome.And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid [them] on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 Although adversity is the punishment of sin, yet seeing that God in punishing men does not always punish because of sin, they judge rashly who either do not wait for the end, or who judge and esteem of men according to prosperity or adversity.And when the barbarians saw the [venomous] beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet Right and proper. vengeance suffereth not to live.
5 But he shooke off the worme into the fire, and felt no harme.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have The Greek word signifies to be inflamed or to swell: moreover, Dioscorides in his sixth book, chap. 38, witnesses that the biting of a viper causes a swelling of the body, and so says Nicander, in his remedies against poisons. swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: There are none who are more changing in every way than they who are ignorant of true religion. but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.
7 It never yet was a regret to any man who received the servant of God, were he ever so miserable and poor.In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And so it was, that the father of Publius lay sicke of the feauer, and of a bloodie flixe: to whom Paul entred in, and when he prayed, he laide his hands on him, and healed him.
9 Although Paul was a captive, yet the power of God was not captive.So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the island, came, and were healed:
10 God does well to strangers for his children's sake.Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded [us] with such things as were necessary.
11 Idols do not defile the saints, who do in no way give consent of them.And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose So they used to deck the front part of their ships, because of which their ships were called by such names. sign was Castor and Pollux.
12 And when we arriued at Syracuse, we taried there three dayes.
13 And from thence we set a compasse, and came to Rhegium: and after one day, the South wind blewe, and we came the seconde day to Putioli:
14 God bows and bends the hearts even of profane men, as it pleases him to show favour to his own.Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15 God never allows his own to be afflicted beyond their strength.And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appius was a paved road made by Appius the blind, with the help of his soldiers, long and broad, and it ran out towards the sea, and there were three taverns on it. Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by Not in a common prison, but in a house which he rented for himself. himself with a soldier that kept him.
17 Paul in every place remembers himself to be an apostle.And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men [and] brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
18 Who when they had examined me, would haue let me goe, because there was no cause of death in me.
19 We may use the means which God gives us, but in such a way that we seek the glory of God, and not of ourselves.But when the Jews spake against [it], I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore haue I called for you, to see you, and to speake with you: for that hope of Israels sake, I am bound with this chaine.
21 Then they saide vnto him, We neither receiued letters out of Iudea concerning thee, neither came any of the brethren that shewed or spake any euill of thee.
22 But we will heare of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we knowe that euery where it is spoken against.
23 The Law and the Gospel agree well together.And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into [his] lodging; to whom he expounded and With good reasons, and proved that the kingdom of God foretold to them by the Prophets had come. testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and [out of] the prophets, from morning till evening.
24 The Gospel is a taste of life to those that believe, and a taste of death to those that are disobedient.And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 Therefore when they agreed not among themselues, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, to wit, Well spake the holy Ghost by Esaias the Prophet vnto our fathers,
26 The unbelievers willingly resist the truth, and yet not by chance.Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
27 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they They made as though they did not see that which they saw against their desires: yea, they did see, but they would not see. closed; lest they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 The unbelief of the reprobate and castaways cannot cause the truth of God to be of no effect.Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and [that] they will hear it.
29 Not the Gospel, but the contempt of the Gospel is the cause of strife and debate.And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 The word of God cannot be bound.And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
31 Preaching the kingdome of God, and teaching those things which concerne the Lord Iesus Christ, with all boldnesse of speache, without let.