Acts of the Apostles

by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2013, all rights reserved.

The four gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John tell of Jesus life on earth, his crucifixion, and his resurrection from the dead.

In the Acts of the Apostles, Jesus is still on earth instructing his followers to wait at Jerusalem for the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.  He said they would receive more power with the Baptism with the Holy Ghost.

Then Jesus went back to heaven.  The Baptism with the Holy Ghost with the speaking in unknown tongues came on the Day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.

Acts tells the story of the Lord's church after his return to heaven.

Peter preaches to Cornelius, a gentile, and converts him to Christianity.

Included is the conversion of Saul of Tarsus to Christianity.  The Lord stopped him on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians.  The Lord said to him, "Why are you persecuting me?"

Paul said, "Who are you, Lord?"  The Lord answered, "I am Jesus, whom you're persecuting."  Paul said, "What do you want me to do."  The Lord said, “Go into the city, and you'll be shown."

He became Paul the Apostle, the most prolific of the authors of the New Testament.

Paul suffered persecutions as an Apostle, including whippings, and was arrested and put on trial before the Jewish High Priest, then Governor Felix.  Then when Festus replaced Felix, Paul found it necessary to appeal to Caesar, so Paul was sent to Rome.

Acts of the Apostles is from The Holy Bible, Hoehn Version, copyright 2011.

www.FredHoehnMinistries.com

___Acts chapter 1

1 I have written the previous book, O lover of God, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after he, through the Holy Ghost, had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen,

3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his ordeal by many reliable proofs, being seen by them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

4 And being assembled together with them, commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "Which," he said, "you have heard from me.

5 For John truly baptized with water, but you'll be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days from now."

6 When they therefore had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, that the Father has put in his own power.

8 But you'll receive power, after the Holy Ghost has come on you, and you'll be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth."

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they watched, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked steadily toward heaven as he went up, see, two men stood by them in white clothes,

11 Who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall come back the same way as you have seen him go into heaven."

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey.

13 And when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, where 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 stayed.

14 These all continued in agreement in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

15 And in those days Peter stood up among the disciples, and said, (the number of names together was about one hundred twenty,)

16 "Men and brothers, this scripture must necessarily have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who arrested Jesus.

17 For he was one of us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of sin, and falling down, he burst in pieces in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known to all those living in Jerusalem, so that the field is called in their proper tongue, 'Aceldama,' that is to say, 'The field of blood.'

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell in it, and let someone else take his office.'

21 So of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day that he was taken up from us, someone must be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection."

23 And they selected two candidates, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, "You Lord, who knows the hearts of all men, show which of these two you've chosen,

25 So he can take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas fell by sinning, so that he would go to his own place."

26 And they drew straws and got Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

___Acts chapter 2

1 And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all in agreement in one place.

2 And suddenly, a sound came from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And they saw split tongues like fire, and it rested on each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the words to speak.

5 And Jews were living at Jerusalem, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this news had spread around, the multitude came together and were amazed, because every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and surprised, saying to each other, "See, aren't all of these who speak Galileans?

8 And how is it that we hear every man in our own language in which we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and those living in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, Jews and converts,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our languages the wonderful works of God."

12 And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying to each other, "What does this mean?"

13 Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, "You men of Judea, and all of you that live at Jerusalem, know this, and listen to my words,

15 For these people aren't drunk, like you think, since it's only the third hour of the day.

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel,

17 'And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all 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 servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy,

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke,

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord comes,

21 And it shall be, that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

22 You men of Israel, hear these words, Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God among you, by miracles and wonders and signs, that God did by him among you, as you yourselves also know,

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and beforehand knowledge of God, you've taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and killed,

24 Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be held captive by it.

25 For David speaks concerning him, 'I could always picture the Lord before my face, for he is at my right hand, so that I would not be moved,

26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad, also my flesh shall rest in hope,

27 Because you won't leave my soul in hell, nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption.

28 You've made known to me the ways of life, you'll make me full of joy with your face.'

29 Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you about the patriarch David, that he is dead and buried, and his tomb is still with us today.

30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne,

31 He, seeing this beforehand, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, nor did his flesh see corruption.

32 God has raised up this Jesus, about whom all of us are witnesses.

33 Therefore being honored at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has given this that you now see and hear.

34 For David has not ascended into the heavens, but he said himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand,

35 Until I make your enemies your footstool.'

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you've crucified, the Lord and Christ."

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you'll receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

40 And he testified and exhorted with many other words, and said, "Save yourselves from this wicked generation."

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued steadily in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things in common,

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily in agreement in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were going to be saved.

___Acts chapter 3

1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man who couldn't walk since birth was carried, whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple that is called Beautiful, to beg for money from those who entered into the temple,

3 Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for money.

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes on him with John said, "Look at us."

5 And he paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.

6 Then Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have, I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God,

10 And they knew that it was he that sat begging at the Beautiful gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

11 And as the lame man who'd been healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12 And when Peter saw it, he said to the people, "You men of Israel, why are you surprised at this?  Or why do you look so earnestly at us, as though by our own power or holiness we had given this man the ability to walk?

13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus, whom you arrested, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he wanted to set him free.

14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted to you,

15 And killed the Prince of Life, whom God has raised from the dead, about which we are witnesses.

16 And his name through faith in his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know, yes, the faith that is by him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 And now, brothers, I know that you did it through ignorance, as did also your rulers.

18 But those things, that God had shown before by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ would suffer, he has so fulfilled.

19 Repent therefore, and be converted, so that your sins will be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, who was previously preached to you,

21 Whom the heaven must hold until the times of restoring of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brothers, like me, him shall you hear in all things whatever he shall say to you.'

23 And it shall be, that every soul, that won't listen to that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

24 Yes, and all the prophets starting with Samuel, and those that follow later, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

25 You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your descendants shall all the people of the earth be blessed.

26 To you first, God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his sins."

___Acts chapter 4

1 And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came to them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they arrested them, and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening.

4 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of men was about five thousand.

5 And on the next day, their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6 And Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and all the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7 And when they had brought them in, they asked, "By what power, or by what name, have you done this?"

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 If we are questioned today about the good deed done to the man who couldn't walk, by what means he's been made well,

10 I tell you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you well.

11 This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, that has become the cornerstone.

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved."

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and ignorant men, they were surprised, and they took note of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And seeing the man standing with them who had been healed, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, "What shall we do to these men?  The fact that a notable miracle has been done by them is clear to all those who live in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.

17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us strictly threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you can judge.

20 For we can only speak the things that we have seen and heard."

21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all men glorified God for what had been done.

22 For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shown.

23 And being let go, they went to their own people, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

24 And when they heard that, they all lifted up their voices to God, and said, "Lord, you are God, who has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them,

25 Who by the mouth of your servant David have said, 'Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.'

27 For truly against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28 To do whatever your hand and your judgment previously determined to be done.

29 And now, Lord, look at their threatenings, and grant to your servants, that with all boldness they'll speak your word,

30 By stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders will be done by the name of your holy child Jesus."

31 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 spoke the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul, nor did any of them say that anything he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

33 And the apostles witnessed with great power about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all.

34 Nor were there any among them that lacked, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to every man according to his needs.

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, "The son of consolation,") a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

___Acts chapter 5

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the money, his wife also knowing about it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 While it remained, wasn't it your own?  And after it was sold, wasn't it under your control?  Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?  You haven't lied to men, but to God."

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the spirit, and great fear came on all of those who heard these things.

6 And the young men got up, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about three hours later when his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.

8 And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?"  And she said, "Yes, for so much."

9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?  See, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and shall carry you out."

10 Then she fell down immediately at his feet, and yielded up the spirit, and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came on all the church, and on as many as heard these things.

12 And by the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people, (and they were all in agreement in Solomon's porch.

13 And of the rest, no man dared join himself to them, but the people magnified them.

14 And more believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.)

15 So that they brought out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, so that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 A multitude also came out of the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were troubled by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all of those who were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18 And arrested the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord at night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

20 "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."

21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught.  But the high priest came, and those who were with him, 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, and didn't find them in the prison, they returned and said,

23 "Truly, we found the prison shut with all security, and the keepers standing outside in front of the doors, but when we had opened, we found no one inside."

24 Now when the high priest and the top officer of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they worried who would hear about it.

25 Then someone came and told them, "The men you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people."

26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, so they wouldn't be stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council, and the high priest asked them,

28 "Didn't we strictly command you not to teach in this name?  And see, you've filled Jerusalem with your teachings, and intend to make us guilty of this man's blood."

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed and hung on a tree.

31 God has exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to those who obey him."

33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and looked for ways to kill them.

34 Then a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the council, a doctor of the law, with a good reputation among all the people, and commanded to move the apostles farther away,

35 And said to them, "You men of Israel, be careful what you intend to do concerning these men.

36 For before these days, Theudas rose up, boasting himself to be someone, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves, who was killed, and all who obeyed him were scattered, and brought to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the taxing, and attracted away many people after him.  He also died, and all who obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say to you, back off from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work is of men, it will come to nothing,

39 But if it is from God, you can't overthrow it, or you might find you're fighting against God."

40 And to him they agreed, and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 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 temple, and in every house, they didn't stop teaching and preaching Jesus Christ."

___Acts chapter 6

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples had multiplied, a murmuring of the Greeks arose against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, "It is not reasonable that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 So brothers, choose from among yourselves seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we can appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert from Antioch,

6 Whom they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 Then certain of the synagogue that is called the synagogue of the Libertines arose, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they found false witnesses, who said, "We've heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God."

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came to him, and arrested him, and brought him to the council,

13 And set up false witnesses, who said, "This man won't stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law,

14 For we've heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and change the customs that Moses gave us."

15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadily at him, saw his face as though it was the face of an angel.

___Acts chapter 7

1 Then the high priest said, "Are these things so?"

2 And he said, "Men, brothers, and fathers, listen, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Charran,

3 And said to him, 'Get out of your country, and from your family, and come into the land that I will show you.'

4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans, and lived in Charran, and from there, when his father was dead, he moved him into this land in which you're now living.

5 And he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on, yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him, when as yet he had no child.

6 And God spoke this way, that his descendants would temporarily live in a strange land, and that they would bring them into bondage, and treat them evil four hundred years.

7 'And the nation to whom they'll be in bondage I will judge,' said God, 'and after that they'll come out, and serve me in this place.'

8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so Abraham fathered Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered the twelve patriarchs.

9 And the patriarchs, because of envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him,

10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11 Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no food.

12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was made known to Pharaoh.

14 Then Joseph sent, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his family, seventy five souls.

15 So Jacob went down into Egypt and died, he, and our fathers,

16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

17 But when the time of the promise came near, that God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18 Until another king arose, who didn't know Joseph.

19 He dealt treacherously with our people, and did evil to our fathers, so that they threw out their babies to kill them.

20 In which time Moses was born, and was a good looking baby, and nourished up in his father's house three months,

21 And when he was thrown out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22 And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

23 And when he was fully forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.

24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and struck the Egyptian,

25 For he supposed his brothers would have understood how that God by his hand would give them deliverance, but they didn't understand.

26 And the next day he showed himself to them as they argued, and would have made peace between them, saying, 'Sirs, you are brothers, why do you do wrong to each other?'

27 But he that did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?

28 Will you kill me, like you did the Egyptian yesterday?'

29 Then Moses ran off after hearing that, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.

30 And after forty years, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight, and as he went near to see it, the voice of the Lord came to him,

32 Saying, 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'  Then Moses trembled, and didn't dare look.

33 Then the Lord said to him, 'Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.

34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and have come down to give them deliverance.  And now come, I will send you into Egypt.'

35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'  God sent to be a ruler and a deliverance giver by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37 This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, 'The Lord your God shall raise up to you a prophet like me from your brothers.  You shall listen to him.'

38 This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles to give to us,

39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but pushed him from them, and in their hearts turned back again to Egypt,

40 Saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us, for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him.'

41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O house of Israel, have you offered to me dead animals and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness?

43 Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures that you made to worship, and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'

44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking to Moses, that he should make it according to the pattern that he had seen.

45 Which also our fathers that came afterward brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, until the days of David,

46 Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47 But Solomon built him a house.

48 But the most High doesn't live in temples made by hands, like the prophet says,

49 'Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool, what house will you build me?'  Says the Lord, 'or what is the place of my rest?

50 Hasn't my hand made all these things?'

51 You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Ghost.  As your fathers did, so do you.

52 Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted?  And they have killed those who showed before of the coming of the Just One, of whom you've now been the betrayers and murderers,

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and haven't kept it."

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadily into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

56 And said, "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."

57 Then they shouted with a loud voice, and plugged their ears, and all ran at him,

58 And threw him out of the city, and stoned him, and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

60 And he kneeled down, and shouted with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them."  And when he had said this, he died.

___Acts chapter 8

1 And Saul agreed with his being stoned to death.  And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered around throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he fought against the church, entering into every house, and arresting men and women sent them to prison.

4 Therefore those who were scattered around went everywhere preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.

6 And the people all paid attention to the things that Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles that he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, came out of many that had been possessed by them, and many that had the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, presenting himself as some great person,

10 To whom they all paid attention, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."

11 And to him they had regard, because for a long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself also believed, and when he'd been baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, seeing the miracles and signs that were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,

15 Who, when they had come down, prayed for them, so they would receive the Holy Ghost,

16 (For as yet he had fallen on none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, "Give me also this power, so that on whomever I lay hands, he will receive the Holy Ghost."

20 But Peter said to him, "Let you and your money be destroyed, because you've thought that the gift of God can be purchased for money.

21 You have no part nor rights in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of your wickedness, and pray to God, if perhaps the thought of your heart can be forgiven.

23 For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of sin."

24 Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things that you've spoken comes on me."

25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

26 And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert."

27 And he got up and went, and see, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and get aboard this chariot."

30 And Philip ran to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah and said, "Do you understand what you're reading?"

31 And he said, "How can I, unless some man helps me?"  And he desired Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 The place of the scripture that he read was this, "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so he didn't open his mouth,

33 In his humiliation, he was robbed of justice, and who shall declare his genealogy?  For his life is taken from the earth."

34 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please tell me, who is the prophet talking about here?  About himself, or about some other man?"

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came to a certain body of water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water, what would keep me from being baptized?"

37 And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you can."  And he answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

39 And when they had come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, so that the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he preached in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

___Acts chapter 9

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

2 And desired from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, so that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he could bring them to Jerusalem in handcuffs.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shined around him,

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5 And he said, "Who are you, Lord?"  And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom you're persecuting, it is hard for you to kick against the sharp points."

6 And he, trembling and astonished said, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"  And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go into the city, and you'll be told what you must do."

7 And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul got up from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one, but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was without sight for three days, and didn't eat or drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias."  And he said, "See, I am here, Lord."

11 And the Lord said to him, "Get up, and go into the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for someone called Saul of Tarsus, for see, he's praying,

12 And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, so that he'll receive his sight."

13 Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem,

14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all that call on your name."

15 But the Lord said to him, "Be on your way, for he is a chosen vessel to me, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel,

16 For I will show him how he must suffer great things for my name's sake."

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, that appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me, so that you'll receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."

18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received sight immediately, and got up, and was baptized.

19 And when he'd eaten, he was strengthened.  Then Saul was certain days with the disciples who were at Damascus.

20 And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed and said, "Isn't this he that destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that purpose, so he could bring them in handcuffs to the chief priests?"

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and put to confusion the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the actual Christ.

23 And after many days had gone by, the Jews plotted to kill him,

24 But their laying in wait was known by Saul.  And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him at night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and didn't believe that he was a disciple.

27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Greeks, but they tried to kill him.

30 Which, when the brothers knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him to Tarsus.

31 Then the churches had rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

32 And as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

33 And he found a certain man named Aeneas there, who had been confined to his bed for eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you well, get up, and make your bed."  And he got up immediately.

35 And all that lived at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36 Now at Joppa, there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, who by interpretation is called Dorcas, this woman was full of good works and giving of money that she did.

37 And in those days she was sick and died, whom when they had washed, they laid her body in an upper room.

38 And because Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent to him two men, desiring him to not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter got up and went with them.  When he had come, they brought him into the upper room, and all the widows stood by him crying, and showing the coats and garments that Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down, and prayed, and turning to the body said, "Tabitha, get up."  And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

43 And he stayed in Joppa many days with Simon, a tanner.

___Acts chapter 10

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the military unit called the "Italian band,"

2 A devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave a lot of money to the people, and prayed to God always.

3 He saw in a vision, apparently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius."

4 And when he looked at him, he was afraid and said, "What is it, Lord?"  And he said to him, "Your prayers and your giving have come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now, send men to Joppa, and ask for Simon Peter.

6 He's staying with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea side, he'll tell you what you should do."

7 And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius had departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually,

8 And when he had told all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 On the next day, as they went on their journey, and came near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about the sixth hour.

10 And he became very hungry, and wanted to eat, but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain container coming down to him, like a large sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth,

12 In which were all kinds of four footed animals of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and birds of the air.

13 And a voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat."

14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord, for I've never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

15 And the voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed, don't you call common."

16 This was done three times, and the container was pulled back into heaven.

17 Now while Peter wondered in himself what this vision that he had seen meant, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood at the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon Peter was living there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "See, three men are looking for you.

20 So get up, go down, and go with them, without worrying, for I have sent them."

21 Then Peter went down to the men who'd been sent to him from Cornelius and said, "See, I'm the one you're looking for, why have you come?"

22 And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, an honest man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned by God, by a holy angel, to send for you to come to his house, and to listen to your words."

23 Then he called them in, and lodged them.  And on the next day Peter went away with them, and certain brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the next day afterward, they entered into Caesarea.  And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his family and close friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up, I myself also am a man."

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that had gathered together.

28 And he said to them, "You know that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come to someone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore I came to you without objecting, as soon as I was sent for.  I ask therefore why have you sent for me?"

30 And Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and see, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your giving has been remembered in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and ask Simon Peter to come here.  He's living at the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea side, who when he comes, shall speak to you.'

33 Immediately therefore I sent to you, and you've done well to come.  Now therefore we're all present here before God, to hear all things that are commanded to you by God."

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons,

35 But in every nation he that fears Him, and does righteousness, is accepted by Him.

36 The word that God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (he is Lord of all.)

37 That word, I say, you know, that was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism that John preached,

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went around doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things that he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, whom they killed and hung on a tree,

40 God raised him up the third day, and showed him openly,

41 Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he that was ordained by God to be the Judge of the alive and of the dead.

43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive forgiveness of sins."

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all of those who heard the word.

45 And all the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Ghost was also poured out on the Gentiles.

46 For they heard them speak with unknown tongues, and magnify God.  Then Peter responded,

47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we have?"

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.  Then they asked him to stay a certain number of days.

___Acts chapter 11

1 And the apostles and brothers that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them."

4 But Peter told the story from the beginning, and explained it in order to them, saying,

5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain container descend, like a large sheet, let down from heaven by four corners, and it came to me,

6 On which when I had looked, I considered, and saw four footed animals of the earth, and wild animals, and creeping things, and birds of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat.'

8 But I said, 'Not so, Lord, for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth.'

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, 'What God has cleansed, don't you call common.'

10 And this was done three times, and all were pulled up again into heaven.

11 And, immediately there were three men who had already come to the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me.

12 And the Spirit told me to go with them without worrying.  Also these six brothers accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house,

13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, that stood and said to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon Peter,

14 Who will tell you words, by which you and all your family will be saved.'

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, like on us at the beginning.

16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you'll be baptized with the Holy Ghost.'

17 So then, since God gave them the same gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could oppose God?"

18 When they heard these things, they didn't argue, and glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance for salvation."

19 Now those who were scattered around because of the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one except the Jews.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.

22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church that was in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas, so that he would go as far as Antioch.

23 Who when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, so that with purpose of heart they would stick with the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to look for Saul,

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.  And for a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people.  And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27 And in those days prophets went from Jerusalem to Antioch.

28 And one of them named Agabus stood up, and signified by the Spirit that there would be great drought throughout all the world, which happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea,

30 Which they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

___Acts chapter 12

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hands to persecute certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to arrest Peter also.  (It was during the days of unleavened bread.)

4 And after he'd arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four bands of soldiers to keep him, intending after Easter to bring him out to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without stopping by the church to God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him out, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And see, the angel of the Lord came to him, and a light shined in the prison, and he struck Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, "Get up quickly."  And his chains fell off of his hands.

8 And the angel said to him, "Get dressed, and tie on your sandals."  And he did.  And he said to him, "Throw your garment around yourself, and follow me."

9 And he went out, and followed him, and didn't know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, that opened to them by itself, and they went out, and passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter had come to himself he said, "Now I know certainly, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has given me deliverance out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the Jews."

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered together praying.

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a young woman named Rhoda came to listen.

14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she didn't open the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood at the gate.

15 And they said to her, "You're crazy."  But she insisted that it was so.  Then they said, "It is his angel."

16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.

17 But he, beckoning to them with the hand to be quiet, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.  And he said, "Go show these things to James, and to the brothers."  And he departed, and went into another place.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers what had become of Peter.

19 And when Herod had looked for him, and didn't find him, he questioned the keepers, and commanded that they be executed.  And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and lived there.

20 And Herod was highly displeased with those of Tyre and Zidon, but they came united, and having made Blastus the king's butler their friend, desired peace, because their country was nourished by the king's country.

21 And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal clothes, sat on his throne and made an oration to them.

22 And the people gave a shout, saying, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man."

23 And immediately the angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn't give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms, and gave up the spirit.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John Mark.

___Acts chapter 13

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers, like Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, "Separate for me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them."

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

4 So they, being sent out by the Holy Ghost, departed to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they had also John as one of their ministers.

6 And when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Barjesus,

7 Who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

8 But Elymas, the sorcerer ('cause that's his name when interpreted), resisted them, trying to turn the deputy away from the faith.

9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

10 And said, "O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop trying to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

11 And now, see, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you'll be blind, not seeing the sun for a season."  And immediately a mist and a darkness fell on him, and he went around looking for someone to lead him by the hand.

12 Then the deputy, when he saw what had been done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

13 Now when Paul and his group departed 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 Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "You men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, go ahead."

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

17 The God of our people Israel, chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm he brought them out of it.

18 And for about forty years he endured their ways in the wilderness.

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by drawing straws.

20 And after that, he gave them judges for about four hundred fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they wanted a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom also he gave testimony, and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will fulfill all my will.'

23 Of this man's descendants, God according to his promise, has raised for Israel a Savior, Jesus,

24 When John had first preached before his coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, 'Who do you think I am?  I am not he.  But see, someone is coming after me, whose shoelaces I am not worthy to untie.'

26 Men and brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 For those who live at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn't know him, nor yet the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no reason to execute him, yet they desired Pilate to kill him.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross, and laid him in a tomb.

30 But God raised him from the dead,

31 And he was seen many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.

32 And we declare to you happy news, that the promise that was made to the fathers,

33 God has fulfilled the same to us their children, in that he has raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son, this day I've begotten you.'

34 And concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said like this, 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.'

35 So he says also in another psalm, 'You won't allow your Holy One to see corruption.'

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, died, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption,

37 But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38 I'm telling you therefore, men and brothers, that the forgiveness of sins through this man, is preached to you.

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you couldn't be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, so what was spoken about in the prophets doesn't happen to you,

41 'Look, you despisers, and wonder, and be destroyed, for I work a work in your days, a work that you'll no way believe, though a man explains it to you.'"

42 And when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked that these words would be preached to them the next Sabbath.

43 Now when the congregation had split up, many of the Jews and religious converts followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next Sabbath day almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against the things that were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas became bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you, but since you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, see, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For that's what the Lord commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, so that you would be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the important men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

___Acts chapter 14

1 And in Iconium, both of them went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spoke such that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and gave them a bad opinion of the brothers.

3 Therefore, they remained a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided, and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both by the Gentiles, and also by the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat them, and to stone them,

6 They were aware of it, and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the region that's around there,

7 And they preached the gospel there.

8 And a certain man sat at Lystra, whose feet didn't work right, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked,

9 He heard Paul speak, who steadily looking at him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, "Stand up on your feet."  And he jumped and walked.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men."

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercury, because he was the main speaker.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, who was before their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14 Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about, they tore their clothes, and ran in among the people, shouting,

15 "Sirs, why are you doing this?  We also are men of similar emotions to you, and preach that you should turn away from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them,

16 Who in the past allowed all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 But he didn't leave himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

18 And with these sayings they barely restrained the people from doing sacrifice to them.

19 And certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, brought him out of the city, supposing he was dead.

20 But, as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and came into the city, and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 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 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 And when they had ordained elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 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,

26 And sailed from there to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work that they fulfilled.

27 And when they had arrived, and had gathered the church together, they recited all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

___Acts chapter 15

1 And certain men who came down from Judea taught the brothers, and said, "Unless you are circumcised according to the law of Moses, you can't be saved."

2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, would go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

3 And 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 to all the brothers.

4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they told all things that God had done with them.

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who were believers rose up, saying that it was necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

6 And the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

7 And when there had been much arguing, Peter got up and said to them, "Men and brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8 And God, who knows the hearts, was a witness for them, giving them the Holy Ghost, just like he did to us,

9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore, why would you tempt God, by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples, that neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, just like them."

12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, telling what miracles and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.

13 And after they finished, James answered, "Men and brothers, listen to me.

14 Simon has declared how God at first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written,

16 'After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, that has fallen down, and I will build again the ruins of it, and I will set it up,

17 So that the remaining men will seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, on whom my name is called, says the Lord, who does all these things.'

18 Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

19 So my judgment is, that we not trouble those who from among the Gentiles have turned to God,

20 But that we write to them to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For since old times, Moses has those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day."

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, and the whole church, to send chosen men of their own group to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas Barsabas, and Silas, important men among the brothers,

23 And they wrote letters by them like this, "The apostles and elders and brothers send greetings to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia,

24 Because we've heard that some who went out from us have inconvenienced you with words, troubling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised, and keep the law,' to whom we gave no such commandment,

25 It seemed good to us, being assembled and united, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men that have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 Therefore we've sent Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things:

29 That you abstain from foods offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled things, and from fornication, which, if you keep yourselves from them, you'll do well.  Farewell."

30 So when they'd been dismissed, they came to Antioch, and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter,

31 Which when they'd read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brothers with many words, and confirmed them.

33 And after they had stayed there a while, they were sent out in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

34 However, it pleased Silas to remain there longer.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 And some days afterward Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go again and visit our brothers in every city where we've preached the word of the Lord, and see how they're doing."

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John Mark.

38 But Paul thought it wasn't good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and didn't go with them to the work.

39 And the disagreement was so sharp between them that they split from each other, and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus,

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being committed by the brothers to the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

___Acts chapter 16

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra, and a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a certain woman who was a Jewess and a believer, but his father was a Greek,

2 Who had a good reputation among the brothers that were at Lystra and Iconium.

3 Paul wanted him to go ministering with him, and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those quarters, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep that were ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

5 And so the churches were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they'd come to Mysia, they planned to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit wouldn't allow it.

8 And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night, a man of Macedonia stood and asked him, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we planned to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 Therefore departing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis,

12 And from there to Philippi, which is the main city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony, and we stayed in that city for a while.

13 And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was usually made, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who went there.

14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira who worshipped God, heard us, whose heart the Lord opened, so that she paid attention to the things that were spoken by Paul.

15 And after she and her household were baptized, she asked us, "If you've judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house, and stay there."  And she persuaded us.

16 And as we went to prayer, a certain young woman possessed by a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune telling.

17 She followed Paul and us, and shouted, "These men are the servants of the most high God, who show us the way of salvation."

18 And she did that many days.  But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."  And he came out the same hour.

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of using her to make money was gone, they laid hands on Paul and Silas, and brought them into the marketplace to the rulers,

20 And brought them to the officials and said, "These men, being Jews, trouble our city very much,

21 And teach customs, that are not lawful for us to receive nor to observe, being Romans."

22 And the multitude rose up together against them, and the officials tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23 And when they had thoroughly whipped them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them safely,

24 Who, having received that responsibility, put them into the inner prison, and made their feet secure in the stocks.

25 And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were undone.

27 And the keeper of the prison, waking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he pulled out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled.

28 But Paul shouted with a loud voice, "Don't harm yourself, for we're all here."

29 Then he called for a light, and jumped in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you'll be saved, and your family."

32 And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and was baptized, he and all his, immediately.

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

35 And when it was day, the officials sent the sergeants, saying, "Let those men go."

36 And the keeper of the prison told this statement to Paul, "The officials have sent to let you go, now therefore depart, and go in peace."

37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, without a trial, being Romans, and have thrown us into prison, and now do they put us out secretly?  No truly, but let them come themselves and fetch us out."

38 And the sergeants told these words to the officials, and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans.

39 And they came and asked them please, and brought them out, and wanted them to depart out of the city.

40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia, and when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them and departed.

___Acts chapter 17

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

2 And Paul, as he usually did, went in to them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3 Opening and declaring that Christ had to have suffered, and risen again from the dead, and that "this Jesus, whom I preach to you, is Christ."

4 And some of them believed, and fellowshipped with Paul and Silas, and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the main women not a few.

5 But the Jews who didn't believe, being envious, found certain lewd and crude men, and gathered a crowd, and put the city into an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and tried to bring them out to the people.

6 And when they didn't find them, they brought Jason and certain brothers to the rulers of the city, shouting, "These that have turned the world upside down have come here also,

7 Whom Jason has received, and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."

8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

9 And when they had taken bond money from Jason and from the others, they let them go.

10 And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, who arriving there, went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

12 Therefore many of them believed, also of honorable women who were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people.

14 And then immediately the brothers sent away Paul to go toward the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.

15 And those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens, and sending a commandment to Silas and Timothy to quickly come to him, they departed.

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city completely given to idolatry.

17 Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout people, and in the market daily with those who met with him.

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him.  And some said, "What will this babbler say?"  Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of strange gods," because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection.

19 And they took him, and brought him to Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is that you talk about?

20 For you bring strange things to our ears.  We want to know therefore what these things mean."

21 (For all the Athenians and strangers who were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

22 Then Paul stood in the middle of Mars' hill, and said, "You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and saw your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, 'To The Unknown God.'  Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, I'll tell you about him.

24 God, that made the world and all things in it, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, doesn't live in temples made by hands,

25 Nor is he ministered to by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he gives to all life, and breath, and all things,

26 And has made from one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times appointed beforehand, and the bounds of their habitation,

27 So that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they would feel after him, and find him, though he's not far from any of us,

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being, as certain also of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'

29 Since we then are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and man's device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

31 Because he has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained, about whom he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead."

32 And when they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some made fun of it, and others said, "We will hear you again about this matter."

33 So Paul departed from among them.

34 But certain men stuck with him and believed, among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

___Acts chapter 18

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and went to Corinth,

2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, recently arrived from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, (because Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome,) and went to them.

3 And because he was of the same craft, he stayed with them, and worked, for their occupation was tent making.

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

5 And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is Christ.

6 And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook his clothes, and said to them, "Your blood is on your own heads, I am clean, from now on I will go to the Gentiles."

7 And he departed from there, and entered into a certain man's house named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house was right up against the synagogue.

8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house, and many of the Corinthians after hearing, believed and were baptized.

9 Then the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Don't be afraid, but speak, and don't be quiet,

10 For I am with you, and no man will set on you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city."

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews united in a plot against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

13 And said, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."

14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, it would be reasonable for me to bear with you,

15 But if it's a question of words and names, and of your law, you take care of it, for I will be no judge of such matters."

16 And his soldiers forced them to go from the judgment seat.

17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the main ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judgment seat.  And Gallio cared about none of those things.

18 And after this, Paul stayed there yet a good while, and then departed from the brothers, and sailed from there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having shaved his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow.

19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there, but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

20 When they desired him to stay a longer time with them, he wouldn't,

21 But said "goodbye," and that "I must by all means keep this feast that's coming in Jerusalem, but I'll return again to you, God willing."  And he sailed from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, a good speaker, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue, whom, when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him, and explained to him the way of God more perfectly.

27 And when he was inclined to pass into Achaia, the brothers wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him, who when he had come, helped them much who had believed through grace,

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and in public, showing by the scriptures that Jesus is Christ.

___Acts chapter 19

1 And while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus.  And finding certain disciples,

2 He said to them, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"  And they said, "We haven't heard whether there is a Holy Ghost."

3 And he said, "What kind of baptism did you have?"  And they said, "John's baptism."

4 Then Paul said, "John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they need to believe on him that would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.

7 And there were about twelve of those men.

8 And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when various of them were hardened, and didn't believe, but spoke evil about that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 And this continued for two years, so that all of those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11 And God did special miracles by the hands of Paul,

12 So that from his body were brought to the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, decided to call over those who had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We command you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."

14 And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, who did that.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"

16 And the man that had the evil spirit jumped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks who were also living at Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.

19 Many of those also who used occult arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of God grew mightily and prevailed.

21 After these things had ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus.  But he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 At the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen,

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of similar occupations, and said, "Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth.

26 Also you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that any gods made by hands are not really gods,

27 So that not only is this our craft in danger to be destroyed, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be despised, and her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships."

28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of anger, and shouted, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion, and having laid hands on Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's travel companions, they all rushed together into the theater.

30 And when Paul would have entered into the people, the disciples wouldn't allow it.

31 And certain of the important men of Asia who were his friends, sent to him, desiring that he would not risk going into the theater.

32 Some therefore shouted one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them didn't know why they were gathered together.

33 And they pulled Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward.  And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.

34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice for about two hours shouted, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

35 And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, "You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn't know that the people of the city of Ephesus are worshippers of the great goddess Diana, and of the image that fell down from Jupiter?

36 Seeing then that these things can't be spoken against, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

37 For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of churches, nor blasphemers of your goddess.

38 So if Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies.  Let them plead their cases.

39 But if you inquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, since there's no reason we can give to explain this occurrence."

41 And after saying that, he dismissed the assembly.

___Acts chapter 20

1 And after the uproar had stopped, Paul called to himself the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he went into Greece,

3 And stayed there three months.  And when the Jews laid in ambush for him, as he was about to sail to Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him into Asia, and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

5 These going before, waited for us at Troas.

6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came to Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.

7 And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, ready to depart on the next day, and continued his preaching 'til midnight.

8 And there were many lights in the upper room where they were gathered together.

9 And a certain young man named Eutychus sat in a window, having fallen into a deep sleep.  And as Paul was preaching for a long time, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and seemed to be dead.

10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, "Don't be troubled, for his life is in him."

11 When he had therefore come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even until daybreak, then he departed.

12 And they brought the young man alive, and were more than a little comforted.

13 And we went before to the ship, and sailed to Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, 'cause that's what he wanted, intending to go on foot.

14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard, and came to Mitylene.

15 And we sailed from there, and came the next day opposite Chios, and the next day we arrived at Samos, and waited at Trogyllium, and the next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia, for he hurried if possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

18 And when they had come to him he said, "You know, from the first day I came into Asia, my lifestyle with you consistently,

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations, that happened to me by the lying in ambush by the Jews,

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have shown you, and have taught you in public, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now see, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,

23 Except that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions are on me.

24 But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I'll finish my course with joy, and the ministry, that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, see, I know that you all, among whom I've gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 So I testify to you today, that I am clean from the blood of all men.

27 For I haven't failed to declare to you all of the counsel of God.

28 Watch yourselves therefore, and take care of the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God that he has purchased with his own blood.

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

30 Also of your own selves men shall arise, speaking perverse things, to pull away disciples after them.

31 So stay awake, and remember that for three years I never stopped warning everyone night and day, with tears.

32 And now brothers, I commit you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all of those who are made holy.

33 I have desired no man's silver, or gold, or clothes.

34 Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.

35 I have shown you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

36 And when he had said that, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.

37 And they all cried a lot, and hugged Paul's neck, and kissed him,

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words that he spoke, that they would see his face no more.  And they went with him to the ship.

___Acts chapter 21

1 And after we had gone from them and had launched, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phenicia, we went aboard, and sailed away.

3 Now when we had seen Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre, for the ship was to unload its cargo there.

4 And finding disciples, we waited there seven days, who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way, and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, until we were out of the city, and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

6 And when we had said goodbye, we boarded the ship, and they went home.

7 And when we had finished our trip from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.

8 And the next day we that were of Paul's group departed, and came to Caesarea, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.

10 And as we waited there many days, a certain prophet came down from Judea, named Agabus.

11 And when he had come to us, he took Paul's girdle, and tied his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Ghost, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem handcuff the man that owns this girdle, and shall give him into the custody of the Gentiles.'"

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and those of that place, asked him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean, to cry and to break my heart?  For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we stopped and said, "The will of the Lord be done."

15 And after those days we took our baggage, and went up to Jerusalem.

16 Some of the disciples of Caesarea also went with us, and brought with them Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple with whom we would lodge.

17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

18 And the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.

19 And when he had greeted them, he told the details of what God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to

him, "You see brother, how many thousands of Jews there are that believe, and they are all zealous regarding the law.

21 And they are informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles not to follow Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore?  The multitude will certainly come together, for they'll hear that you've come here.

23 Therefore do this that we say to you.  We have four men who have a vow on them.

24 Go and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them, so they can shave their heads.  And all will know that the things about which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law.

25 Concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, except that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication."

26 Then Paul went with the men, and the next day purifying himself with them, entered into the temple, to show the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an offering would be offered for each of them.

27 And when the seven days were nearly finished, the Jews who were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

28 Shouting, "Men of Israel, help, this is the man that teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place.  And also brought Greeks into the temple, and has polluted this holy place."

29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus, an Ephesian, with him in the city, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.)

30 And the whole city got very worked up, and the people ran together, and they took Paul, and pulled him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.

31 And as they tried to kill him, news came to the commander of the soldiers, that all Jerusalem was rioting.

32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them, and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

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

34 And some shouted one thing, some another, among the multitude, and when he couldn't know the certainty because of the rioting, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

35 And when he came on the stairs, so it was that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the people.

36 For the multitude of the people followed, shouting, "Away with him."

37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said to the chief captain, "May I speak to you?"  Who said, "Can you speak Greek?

38 Aren't you that Egyptian, who previously started a riot, and led out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?"

39 But Paul said, "I am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no unimportant city, and I ask you please, allow me to speak to the people."

40 And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people.  And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

___Acts chapter 22

1 "Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense that I make now to you."

2 (And when they heard that he spoke to them in Hebrew, they were quieter, and he said,)

3 "I am truly a man who is a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect ways of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.

4 And I persecuted this way, putting to death, and binding, and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5 As also the high priest can testify, and all the estate of the elders, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and went to Damascus, to bring those who were bound there to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 And as I made my journey, and had come near Damascus about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shined around me.

7 And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'

8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?'  And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you're persecuting.'

9 And those who were with me indeed saw the light, and were afraid, but they didn't hear the voice of him that spoke to me.

10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'  And the Lord said to me, 'Get up, and go into Damascus, and there you'll be told about all things that are appointed for you to do.'

11 And when I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 And Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation with all the Jews who lived there,

13 Came to me, and stood, and said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'  And the same hour I looked up at him.

14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For you shall be his witness to all men about what you've seen and heard.

16 And now why do you wait?  Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

17 And when I had come again to Jerusalem, while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance,

18 And saw him saying to me, 'Hurry up, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they won't receive your testimony concerning me.'

19 And I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed on you,

20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I was also standing by, and agreeing with his execution, and kept the coats of those who killed him.'

21 And he said to me, 'Depart, for I'll send you far from here to the Gentiles.'"

22 And they listened to him until he said that, and then lifted up their voices, and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it's not right that he should live."

23 And as they shouted, and threw off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and ordered that he be examined by whipping, so that he would know why they shouted that way against him.

25 And as they tied him with leather straps, Paul said to the centurion that stood by, "Is it lawful for you to whip a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?"

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, "Be careful what you do, 'cause this man's a Roman."

27 Then the chief captain came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman?"  He said, "Yes."

28 And the chief captain answered, "With a lot of money I obtained this freedom."  And Paul said, "But I was born free."

29 Then immediately those who would have whipped him went away, and the chief captain also was afraid, after he learned that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

30 On the next day, because he wanted to know for sure why he'd been accused by the Jews, he untied him, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them."

___Acts chapter 23

1 And Paul, earnestly looking at the council said, "Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

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

3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitened wall, for do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

4 And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"

5 Then Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'"

6 But when Paul perceived that one part was Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he shouted in the council, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee.  Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being questioned."

7 And when he had said that, an argument arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided,

8 For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees confess that there are.

9 And a big argument arose, and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part got up, and argued, "We find no evil in this man, but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."

10 And when a great controversy arose, the chief captain, afraid that Paul might have been pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11 And the night following, the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome."

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

13 And more than forty of them had made this conspiracy.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.

15 Now you therefore, with the council, ask the chief captain to bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you would inquire something more perfectly about him, and we, before he ever comes near, are ready to kill him."

16 And when Paul's sister's son heard about their lying in ambush, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, "Bring this young man to the chief captain, for he has a certain thing to tell him."

18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

20 And he said, "The Jews have agreed to desire you to bring Paul down tomorrow into the council, as though they would inquire something about him more perfectly.

21 But don't yield to them, for there are more than forty men of them lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him, and now they're ready, looking for a promise from you."

22 So the chief captain then let the young man go, and ordered him, "Make sure you don't tell anyone that you've shown me these things."

23 And he called two centurions to himself, saying, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night,

24 And provide them animals to set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the governor."

25 And he wrote a letter like this:

26 "Claudius Lysias sends greetings to the most excellent governor Felix.

27 This man was taken by the Jews, and would have been killed by them.  Then I came with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

28 And when I would have known the reason that they accused him, I brought him out into their council,

29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions regarding their law, but to be accused of nothing worthy of death or of prison.

30 And when I was told how the Jews laid in ambush for the man, I sent immediately to you, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before you what they had against him.  Farewell."

31 Then the soldiers, like they'd been commanded, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

32 On the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle,

33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was.  And when he understood that he was of Cilicia,

35 "I will hear you," he said, "when your accusers have also come."  And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

___Acts chapter 24

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

2 And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that you've done very worthy deeds to this nation,

3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 Anyway, so I won't be further tedious to you, I ask that you would hear us, in your clemency, a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of rebellion among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,

6 Who has also profaned the temple, whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came on us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8 Commanding his accusers to come to you, by questioning whom you'll find out all the things about which we accuse him."

9 And the Jews also agreed, saying that these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered, "Since I know that you've been for many years a judge to this nation, I answer for myself more cheerfully,

11 Because you'll understand, that there are only twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, nor raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city,

13 Nor can they prove the things about which they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess to you, that after the way that they call false religion, that's how I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the law and in the prophets,

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

16 And in this I exercise myself, to always have a conscience without offence toward God, nor toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring offerings to my nation.

18 When certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with rioting.

19 Who ought to have been here before you and object, if they had anything against me.

20 Or else let these same people here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Unless it is for this one voice, that I shouted standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am questioned by you this day.'"

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, "When Lysias the chief captain comes down, I will know the maximum about your business."

23 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 to him.

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

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, "Go your way for this time.  When I have a convenient time, I'll call for you."

26 He hoped also that money would have been given to him by Paul, so that he would set him free, so he sent for him more often, and talked with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus replaced Felix as governor, and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

___Acts chapter 25

1 Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and asked him,

3 And desired favor against him, that he would send orders to bring him to Jerusalem, laying in ambush on the way to kill him.

4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart soon to go there.

5 "Let them therefore," said he, "who among you are able, go down with me and accuse this man, if there is any wickedness in him."

6 And when he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

7 And when he had come, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem stood around, and made many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they couldn't prove.

8 While he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor yet against Caesar have I offended anything at all."

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be judged before me there about these things?"

10 Then Paul said, "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged.  I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you very well know.

11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I don't refuse to die, but if there are none of these things about which they accuse me, no man may deliver me to them.  I appeal to Caesar."

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "Have you appealed to Caesar?  To Caesar you'll go."

13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.

14 And after they had been there many days, Festus told Paul's cause to the king, saying, "There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix,

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

16 To whom I answered, 'It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before the accused has the accusers face to face, and has the right to answer for himself concerning the crime he's accused of.'

17 Therefore, when they had come here, without any delay, on the next day, I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought out.

18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation of such things as I supposed,

19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of someone named Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul said is alive.

20 And because I'm not sure about this kind of question, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and be judged there regarding these matters.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar."

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I'd like to hear the man myself."  "Tomorrow," he said, "you'll hear him."

23 And on the next day, when Agrippa had come, and Bernice, with great fanfare, and had entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and top men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought out.

24 And Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all men present here with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26 About whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord.  So I have brought him before you, and especially before you, O king Agrippa, so that after questioning, I'll have something to write.

27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not with him to show the crimes laid against him."

___Acts chapter 26

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself."  Then Paul stretched out his hand, and answered for himself,

2 "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I'll answer for myself today before you concerning all the things about which I'm accused by the Jews,

3 Especially because I know you to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews, so I ask you to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know,

5 Who knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise God made to our fathers,

7 To which promise our twelve tribes, constantly serving God day and night, hope to come.  For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God would raise the dead?

9 I truly thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 Which things I also did in Jerusalem, and I sent many of the saints to prison, having received authority from the chief priests.  And when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11 And I punished them often in every synagogue, and forced them to blaspheme, and being quite insane against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

12 And so, as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 At mid-day, O king, I saw on the way, a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

14 And when we'd all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?  It is hard for you to kick against the sharp points.'

15 And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?'  And he said, 'I am Jesus whom you're persecuting.

16 But get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you've seen, and of the things in which I will appear to you,

17 Giving you deliverance from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they'll receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in me.'

19 And so, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 But showed first to those of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works consistent with repentance.

21 For these reasons the Jews caught me in the temple, and tried to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help from God, I continue until this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come,

23 That Christ would suffer, and that he would be the first that would rise from the dead, and would show light to the people, and to the Gentiles."

24 And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you're beside yourself, much learning has made you insane."

25 But he said, "I'm not insane, most noble Festus, but I speak the words of truth and soberness.

26 For the king knows about these things, before whom I also speak freely, for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know you believe."

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to be a Christian."

29 And Paul said, "I wish to God, that not only you, but also all that hear me today, were not only almost, but completely like I am, except for these shackles."

30 And when he had said that, the king got up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them,

31 And when they had gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, "This man has done nothing worthy of death or of bonds."

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar."

___Acts chapter 27

1 And when it was determined that we would sail to Italy, Paul and certain other prisoners, were turned over to Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, intending to sail by the coasts of Asia, this Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

3 And the next day we stopped at Zidon.  And Julius treated Paul courteously, and gave him freedom to go to his friends to refresh himself.

4 And when we had launched from there, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

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

6 And the centurion found there a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy, and he put us in it.

7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and barely had come opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us, we sailed under Crete, opposite Salmone.

8 And hardly passing it, came to a place that is called, "The Fair Havens," near the city of Lasea.

9 Now when much time had been spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul advised them,

10 "Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."

11 However the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than the things that were spoken by Paul.

12 And because the haven was not good to winter in, the majority advised to depart from there also, if possibly they could get to Phenice, and spend the winter there, which is a haven of Crete, and lies toward the southwest and northwest.

13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, departing from there, they sailed close by Crete.

14 But not long afterward, a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon, arose against it.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

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

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps underneath the ship.  And fearing they might fall into the quicksands, took down the sails, and so were driven.

18 And we, being very much tossed by a rough sea, the next day they lightened the ship.

19 And the third day we threw out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars were visible in many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we would be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long silence Paul stood up among them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have departed from Crete, and to have had this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there'll be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, stood by me this night,

24 And said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, you must be brought before Caesar, and see, God has given you all of those who sail with you.'

25 And so, sirs, be of good cheer, for I believe God, that it shall be just like I was told.

26 But we'll be thrown onto a certain island."

27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen figured that they'd come near to some country,

28 And took a depth reading, and found it twenty fathoms, and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then fearing that we might fall on rocks, they dropped four anchors out of the rear of the ship, and wished for sunrise.

30 And as the sailors were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under cover as though they would have thrown anchors out of the front of the ship,

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these remain in the ship, you can't be saved."

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul asked them all to eat, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you've waited and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 And so I ask you to take some food, for this is for your health, for not a hair shall fall from the head of any of you."

35 And when he had said that, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36 Then they were all of good cheer, and they also ate.

37 And we were a total of two hundred seventy six souls in the ship.

38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and threw out the wheat into the sea.

39 And when it was day, they didn't know the land, but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into which they were thinking, if possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had brought up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground, and the front stuck tightly and remained unmovable, but the rear of the ship was broken by the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers' advice was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape.

43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump first into the sea, and get to land,

44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.  And so it was that they all escaped safe to land.

___Acts chapter 28

1 And when they had escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

2 And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire, and received all of us because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a snake came out of the heat and fastened on his hand.

4 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 has escaped the sea, yet justice doesn't allow him to live."

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6 But they watched when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly, but after they had watched a long time, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 In the same quarters were possessions of the main man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us, and courteously lodged us three days.

8 And the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux, to whom Paul entered in and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 So when this was done, others also, who had diseases on the island, came, and were healed,

10 Who also honored us with many honors, and when we departed, they supplied us with the things we needed.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

13 And from there we circled around, and came to Rhegium, and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli,

14 Where we found brothers, and were desired to stay with them seven days, and so we went toward Rome.

15 And from there, when the brothers heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns, whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17 And after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together, and when they had come together, he said to them, "Men and brothers, though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, when they had questioned me, would have let me go, because there was no reason to execute me.

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I felt I should appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.

20 For this reason therefore I've called for you, to see you, and to speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I'm bound with this chain."

21 And they said to him, "We neither received letters out of Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers that came show or say anything bad about you.

22 But we desire to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

23 And when they had appointed him a day, many came to him into his lodging, to whom he explained and testified about the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning until evening.

24 And some believed the things that were spoken, and some didn't believe.

25 And when they didn't agree among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken one word, "Well did the Holy Ghost speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

26 Saying, 'Go to this people, and say, hearing you'll hear, and not understand, and seeing you'll see, and not perceive,

27 For the heart of this people has grown large, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they've closed their eyes, so they won't see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and have me heal them.'

28 Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and that they will hear it."

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30 And Paul lived two whole years in his own rented house, and received all that came in to him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things that concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.