Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible


















The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate in habits, sound in mind, orderly, hospitable, qualified to teach; not addicted to wine, not quarrelsome; but gentle, not contentious, no lover of money; one who manages well his own house, having his children in subjection with all seriousness; read more.
if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the congregation of God? He should not be a new believer, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. He must have a good reputation with those outside the congregation, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the Devil.

I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you should correct the things that were defective, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you orders. A blameless man will be the husband of one wife. He will have children that believe and who are not accused of violence and disobedience. The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain. read more.
but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to reprove (refute) (rebuke) those who contradict. There are many unruly (rebellious) men, vain talkers, and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision. They must be stopped. Their mouths must be shut up, for they subvert entire households. They teach things that should not be taught, for the sake of dishonest gain.






At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. read more.
I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.







Jehovah their God will save them in that day like the flock of his people. They will be like the stones in a crown lifted high over his land.

He found his people in a desert land, in a barren place where animals howl. He guarded them, took care of them, and protected them because they were the precious apple (pupil) of his eye.


Jehovah of Hosts proclaims: 'He sent me after glory! He sent me to the nations that plundered you. For he that touches you touches the pupil of his eye.'

They will be my people, said Jehovah of Hosts. On the day when I act, they will be mine (my special treasure) (my jewels). I will show them compassion just as parents show compassion to the children who serve them.





Jehovah their God will save them in that day like the flock of his people. They will be like the stones in a crown lifted high over his land.

He found his people in a desert land, in a barren place where animals howl. He guarded them, took care of them, and protected them because they were the precious apple (pupil) of his eye.


Jehovah of Hosts proclaims: 'He sent me after glory! He sent me to the nations that plundered you. For he that touches you touches the pupil of his eye.'

They will be my people, said Jehovah of Hosts. On the day when I act, they will be mine (my special treasure) (my jewels). I will show them compassion just as parents show compassion to the children who serve them.












The disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers in Judea. They sent it to the elders through Barnabas and Saul.

Some men came down from Judea to teach the brothers. They said: You cannot be saved unless you become circumcised according to the custom of Moses. Paul and Barnabas had an intense (harsh) dispute and debate with them. They concluded that Paul, Barnabas, and others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders to settle this question. The congregation sent them on their way. They passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the nations. They brought great joy to all the brothers. read more.
Then they went to Jerusalem where the apostles and elders and congregation greeted them. They declared all the things that God had done for them. The believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stated: It is needed to circumcise them and to command them to keep the Law of Moses. The apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. After much discussion Peter got up and said: Men and brothers you know that God made a choice among us, that I would preach the good news to the nations that they may hear and believe. God knows their hearts and showed that he accepted them by giving them Holy Spirit just as he did to us. He made no distinction between them and us and purified their hearts by faith. Why do you test God by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, one that our fathers were not able to bear? We believe we are saved through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, as they also are. The crowd kept silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul. They declared the miracles and wonders God performed through them among the people of the nations. When they finished talking James said: Brothers listen to me: Simeon declared how God first visited the nations to take out of them a people for his name. The words of the prophets agree to this for it is written: I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. I will rebuild its ruins. I will restore it. (Amos 9:11,12) That the rest of mankind might seek after Jehovah, and all the nations, upon whom my name is called, Jehovah said, who is doing these things. (Amos 9:12) Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Therefore it is my decision not to trouble those of the nations who have turned to God. We should write to them that they should abstain from things polluted by idols, from fornication, from things strangled and from blood. Moses has been preached in the synagogues from old times until now every Sabbath day. The apostles and elders along with the whole congregation desired to send chosen men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers. They wrote letters as follows: The apostles, elders and brothers send greeting to the brothers who are of the nations in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Since we have heard, that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with speeches, subverting you, saying: You must be circumcised, and keep the law. We gave no such commandment! It seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul. These men have endangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things in person. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things. You should abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these you will do well. Farwell (best wishes). So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch and when they had gathered the crowd together, they delivered the letter. When they read it they rejoiced over the encouragement. Judas and Silas, being prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. After they stayed there a while in peace, the brothers sent them back to the apostles. It pleased Silas to stay there. Paul and Barnabas stayed at Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of God, with many others also.



They went through the towns and delivered to the believers the rules decided upon by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. They told them to obey those rules. The congregations were made stronger in the faith and grew in numbers every day.

At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him.

Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. read more.
Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified.

The following day Paul went with us to James and the elders.

Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. For the scripture said: You must not muzzle the bull while he is threshing. The workman is worthy of his wages. Do not offer an accusation against an elder, except at the mouth of two or three witnesses.

I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you should correct the things that were defective, and appoint elders in every city, as I gave you orders. A blameless man will be the husband of one wife. He will have children that believe and who are not accused of violence and disobedience. The overseer must be blameless as God's steward. He must not be self-willed, not prone to anger, not a brawler, and not violent (quarrelsome) (pugnacious), not greedy of dishonest gain. read more.
but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled; holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to reprove (refute) (rebuke) those who contradict.

God approved of the men of old because of their faith.

Is any among you sick? Let him call the elders of the congregation. Let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of God. The prayer of faith will save the sick person. God will raise him up; and if he committed sins, it will be forgiven him.

I exhort the elders among you. I too am an older man and a witness of the sufferings of Christ. I am also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed. Shepherd the flock of God in your care. Exercise the oversight, not of constraint, but willingly, according to the will of God. Do not do it for dishonest gain, but eagerly. Do not lord it over your charge, but make yourselves examples to the flock. read more.
When the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. Likewise, you younger men, be subject to the older men. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and serve one another. God resists the proud, but gives loving kindness to the humble.

The elder to the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all who know the truth.

The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love. That righteous man that dwelled among them was tormented by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.


They traveled to Ephesus where he left them. Paul entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay longer he declined. I will return again to you if it is God's will, Paul said. Then he set sail from Ephesus.

Paul decided to sail past Ephesus so he might not spend time in Asia. He was in a hurry to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, read more.
serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.




Come here. Listen to this! From the beginning I have spoken nothing in private. From the time it took place, I was there. Now the Lord Jehovah has sent me, and his Spirit.



Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow (neighbor) (companion), said Jehovah of Hosts: Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered! I will turn my hand upon (against) the little ones.



Jesus said to them: All of you will fall away because of me tonight. It is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'





The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).


I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.





At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. read more.
I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.



The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).


I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.




The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).


I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.




I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).


When they had eaten Jesus said to Simon Peter: Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these? He said: Yes Lord; you know I have affection for you. Jesus said to him: Feed my lambs. He spoke to him a second time: Simon, son of John, do you love me? He replied: Yes Lord, you know I have affection for you. Then Jesus said: Shepherd my sheep. The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.


After spending some time there he departed through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia strengthening all the disciples. A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an Alexandrian who had a comprehensive knowledge of the scriptures and spoke eloquently. This man had been instructed in God's way. Being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John. read more.
He spoke boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him home and explained God's word more accurately. When he decided to travel to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him. They wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived he was a great help to those who by grace believed. He powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They said: We have never even heard of a Holy Spirit. Paul asked: What kind of baptism did you get? They replied: It was the baptism John taught. Paul said: John baptized with the baptism of repentance. He told the people they should believe in Jesus, the one who came after John. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid his hands on them and Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were twelve men in all. He entered the synagogue and spoke boldly reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God. He did this for three months. Some were obstinate and publicly maligned The Way before the crowds. He departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This continued for two years so that all who lived in this part of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. God did special miracles by the hands of Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched his body were put on the sick and the evil spirits went away. Some Jews went around driving out evil spirits saying: In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches I command you to come out! And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, and a chief priest, who did this. The evil spirit answered and said to them: Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you? The man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, and overpowered them. He gave them such a beating that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known to all both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. They were all afraid. The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Many of the believers confessed openly about the evil things they had done. Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books and burned them in the sight of everyone. When they totaled the value of them it came to about fifty thousand pieces of silver. The word of God kept on growing and prevailed. After this ended Paul was directed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he passed through Macedonia and Achaia. He said: After I have been there, I must also see Rome. He sent two of his helpers Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. He stayed in Asia for a while. A great disturbance occurred about The Way. A man named Demetrius, a silversmith made silver shrines of Diana. He brought a lot of business to the craftsmen. They gathered together along with similar related workmen, and said: Sirs, You know we receive a good income from this business. You see and hear that Paul, in Ephesus and throughout all Asia, has persuaded and turned away many people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger that our trade will lose its good name. The temple of the great goddess Artemis (Diana) would then become useless. The goddess who is worshiped in all Asia would be robbed of her divine majesty. When they heard this they were filled with anger. They shouted: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. The city was filled with the confusion. They rushed with one accord into the theatre and seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. Paul wanted to enter the theatre with the people but his disciples would not permit it. Some of the officials and his friends sent him a message begging him not to enter the theatre. Some cried one thing and others another for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not know why they assembled. The crowd of Jews thrust Alexander forward. Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make a defense to the people. They perceived that he was a Jew and all with one voice shouted for two hours: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. The city recorder quieted the crowd. He said: You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing that these things are indisputable it is fitting that you keep calm and do nothing rash. You brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him have a grievance against any man, the courts are open, and there are judges. Let them accuse one another. But if you seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. For indeed we are in danger to be charged with rioting (sedition) because of today's events. We would not be able to account for this ruckus for there is no reason for it. When he finished speaking he dismissed the assembly. After the uproar ceased Paul sent for the disciples. He encouraged them. Then he left for Macedonia. He went to Greece after traveling through the area giving encouragement. After three months he set sail for Syria. He decided to return through Macedonia. He left there because the Jews formed a plot against him. Those who accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. They left early and were waiting for us at Troas. We sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread. Five days later we met them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul spoke to them. Intending to depart the next morning he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lights in the upper chamber where we gathered. A young man named Eutychus sat in the window. He was very sleepy. Paul's talk was long and he fell asleep. He fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. Paul went down and fell on him. He embraced him and said: Do not be troubled for he lives. He went up and they broke bread and ate. He talked with them a long time until morning. Then he left. The people took the young man home alive for they were greatly comforted. We went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos. We intended to take Paul on board for he had arranged to go there on foot. He met us at Assos and journeyed to Mitylene. We sailed from there to Chios and then to Samos. One day later we went to Miletus. Paul decided to sail past Ephesus so he might not spend time in Asia. He was in a hurry to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship. After we parted from them we set sail with a straight course to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and then to Patara. We went aboard a ship sailing to Phoenicia. We passed to the south of Cyprus and sailed to Syria. We landed at Tyre where the ship unloaded it's cargo. Having found the disciples, we stayed there seven days. Guided by the Spirit the disciples urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. When the time came we left there and went on our journey. All the disciples, their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. We knelt down on the beach and prayed, and said goodbye. We went on board the ship as they returned home. We traveled from Tyre to Ptolemais where the brothers greeted us and we stayed with them one day. The next morning we left for Caesarea where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist and one of the seven. Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied. As we stayed there several days, a prophet came from Judea, named Agabus. Coming to us he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands. He said: The Holy Spirit says, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this belt, and shall deliver him into the hands of the nations. When we heard this everyone pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Why do you weep and break my heart? Paul answered: For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. He would not be dissuaded. So we ceased, saying: The will of God be done! We packed our baggage and went to Jerusalem.




I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. read more.
I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship.


After spending some time there he departed through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia strengthening all the disciples. A Jew named Apollos came to Ephesus. He was an Alexandrian who had a comprehensive knowledge of the scriptures and spoke eloquently. This man had been instructed in God's way. Being fervent in spirit he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John. read more.
He spoke boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him home and explained God's word more accurately. When he decided to travel to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him. They wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived he was a great help to those who by grace believed. He powerfully refuted the Jews in public debate showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them: Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed? They said: We have never even heard of a Holy Spirit. Paul asked: What kind of baptism did you get? They replied: It was the baptism John taught. Paul said: John baptized with the baptism of repentance. He told the people they should believe in Jesus, the one who came after John. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid his hands on them and Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke with tongues and prophesied. There were twelve men in all. He entered the synagogue and spoke boldly reasoning and persuading about the kingdom of God. He did this for three months. Some were obstinate and publicly maligned The Way before the crowds. He departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This continued for two years so that all who lived in this part of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. God did special miracles by the hands of Paul. Handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched his body were put on the sick and the evil spirits went away. Some Jews went around driving out evil spirits saying: In the name of Jesus whom Paul preaches I command you to come out! And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, and a chief priest, who did this. The evil spirit answered and said to them: Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you? The man who had the evil spirit jumped on them, and overpowered them. He gave them such a beating that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. This became known to all both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. They were all afraid. The name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. Many of the believers confessed openly about the evil things they had done. Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books and burned them in the sight of everyone. When they totaled the value of them it came to about fifty thousand pieces of silver. The word of God kept on growing and prevailed. After this ended Paul was directed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he passed through Macedonia and Achaia. He said: After I have been there, I must also see Rome. He sent two of his helpers Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia. He stayed in Asia for a while. A great disturbance occurred about The Way. A man named Demetrius, a silversmith made silver shrines of Diana. He brought a lot of business to the craftsmen. They gathered together along with similar related workmen, and said: Sirs, You know we receive a good income from this business. You see and hear that Paul, in Ephesus and throughout all Asia, has persuaded and turned away many people. He says that man-made gods are no gods at all. There is danger that our trade will lose its good name. The temple of the great goddess Artemis (Diana) would then become useless. The goddess who is worshiped in all Asia would be robbed of her divine majesty. When they heard this they were filled with anger. They shouted: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. The city was filled with the confusion. They rushed with one accord into the theatre and seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. Paul wanted to enter the theatre with the people but his disciples would not permit it. Some of the officials and his friends sent him a message begging him not to enter the theatre. Some cried one thing and others another for the crowd was in confusion. Most of them did not know why they assembled. The crowd of Jews thrust Alexander forward. Alexander motioned with his hand and wanted to make a defense to the people. They perceived that he was a Jew and all with one voice shouted for two hours: Great is Artemis of the Ephesians. The city recorder quieted the crowd. He said: You men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple-keeper of the great Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? Seeing that these things are indisputable it is fitting that you keep calm and do nothing rash. You brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. If Demetrius and the craftsmen that are with him have a grievance against any man, the courts are open, and there are judges. Let them accuse one another. But if you seek anything about other matters, it shall be settled in the regular assembly. For indeed we are in danger to be charged with rioting (sedition) because of today's events. We would not be able to account for this ruckus for there is no reason for it. When he finished speaking he dismissed the assembly. After the uproar ceased Paul sent for the disciples. He encouraged them. Then he left for Macedonia. He went to Greece after traveling through the area giving encouragement. After three months he set sail for Syria. He decided to return through Macedonia. He left there because the Jews formed a plot against him. Those who accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. They left early and were waiting for us at Troas. We sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread. Five days later we met them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. On the first day of the week, when we were gathered together to break bread, Paul spoke to them. Intending to depart the next morning he prolonged his speech until midnight. There were many lights in the upper chamber where we gathered. A young man named Eutychus sat in the window. He was very sleepy. Paul's talk was long and he fell asleep. He fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. Paul went down and fell on him. He embraced him and said: Do not be troubled for he lives. He went up and they broke bread and ate. He talked with them a long time until morning. Then he left. The people took the young man home alive for they were greatly comforted. We went ahead to the ship and set sail for Assos. We intended to take Paul on board for he had arranged to go there on foot. He met us at Assos and journeyed to Mitylene. We sailed from there to Chios and then to Samos. One day later we went to Miletus. Paul decided to sail past Ephesus so he might not spend time in Asia. He was in a hurry to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost. At Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation to him. When they arrived he said: You know from the first day that I set foot in Asia, I was with you all the time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials that came on me by the plots of the Jews. I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly, and from house to house. I witnessed to both Jews and to Greeks about repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. I am compelled by the spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there. Holy Spirit warns me that in every city, prison and hardships are facing me there. I do not consider my life of any account. It is not dear to me so that I may finish the race, and I may accomplish the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus, to preach the good news of the grace of God. I know all of you and have preached the kingdom with you. But you will not see me again. I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. I did not shrink from telling you the entire will of God. Be on guard for yourselves and the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Feed the Congregation of God that he purchased with the blood of his own [Son]. I know that after my departing grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Such men will arise from among you speaking perverse things to draw away the disciples after them. Be on guard! Remember I did not cease for three years to admonish you day and night with tears. Now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace. This is able to build you up, and to give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified. I coveted no man's silver, or gold, or clothes. You know that my own hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I gave you an example. You by laboring should help the weak. Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: It is more blessed to give than to receive. When he had spoken he kneeled down and prayed with them all. They all wept profusely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him. (embraced him) (hugged him) (Genesis 45:14) What grieved them most was his statement that they would not see him again. They accompanied him to the ship. After we parted from them we set sail with a straight course to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes and then to Patara. We went aboard a ship sailing to Phoenicia. We passed to the south of Cyprus and sailed to Syria. We landed at Tyre where the ship unloaded it's cargo. Having found the disciples, we stayed there seven days. Guided by the Spirit the disciples urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. When the time came we left there and went on our journey. All the disciples, their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city. We knelt down on the beach and prayed, and said goodbye. We went on board the ship as they returned home. We traveled from Tyre to Ptolemais where the brothers greeted us and we stayed with them one day. The next morning we left for Caesarea where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist and one of the seven. Now this man had four virgin daughters, who prophesied. As we stayed there several days, a prophet came from Judea, named Agabus. Coming to us he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands. He said: The Holy Spirit says, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this belt, and shall deliver him into the hands of the nations. When we heard this everyone pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem. Why do you weep and break my heart? Paul answered: For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. He would not be dissuaded. So we ceased, saying: The will of God be done! We packed our baggage and went to Jerusalem.








The third time Jesus said to him: Simon, son of John, do you have affection for me? Peter was grieved. Because he said to him the third time, do you have affection for me? Peter replied: Lord, you know all things; you know I have affection for you! Jesus said to him: Feed my sheep.

I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).


I will also raise up shepherds over them who will tend them. They will not be afraid any longer, nor be terrified, nor will any be missing, proclaims Jehovah.













I will give you shepherds after my own heart. They will be shepherds who feed (shepherd) (lead) (tend) you with knowledge and understanding (learning) (reasoning) (insight).

You are to pay attention to the words of my servants, the prophets, whom I kept sending to you. You have never obeyed what they said.