1 Paul arrived then at Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, whose mother was a Jewish convert, but his father a Greek. 2 as the brethren of Lystra and Iconium gave him a good character, Paul had a mind he should accompany him. 3 so he took him and had him circumcised, out of regard to the Jews of that country, who all knew his father was a Greek. 4 as they pass'd through the cities, they recommended it to the faithful to observe the decisions, made by the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem. 5 thus were the churches established in the faith, and daily grew more numerous.
6 but after they had travers'd Phrygia and Galatia, they were order'd by the holy spirit not to preach the gospel in Asia: 7 being therefore arrived in Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow it: so they pass'd by Mysia, 8 and came to Troas. 9 there Paul had a vision in the night. a Macedonian appear'd to him, and thus address'd him, "pass on to Macedonia, and come to our relief." 10 immediately after he had had this vision, we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, concluding from thence, that the Lord had called us to publish the gospel there. we embark'd therefore at Troas,
11 and sail'd directly to Samothracia, and the next day landed at Neapolis. 12 from thence we marched to Philippi, the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. having stopp'd there some days, 13 we went out of town on the sabbath towards the river, where the Jews were allowed to have an oratory. 14 so we took our places, and convers'd with the women, that came there. one of them was nam'd Lydia of Thyatira, a trader in purple, and a Jewish proselyte. she heard us: and the Lord inclin'd her heart to attend to what Paul said. 15 so that having been baptized with her family, she made us this request, if you think me sincere in my profession, pray come and lodge at my house; and she prevail'd upon us.
16 One day as we went to the oratory, we happen'd to meet a slave, who had the spirit Python, and was very gainful to her masters by telling of fortunes. 17 as she followed Paul and the rest of us, she cried out, these men are the servants of the most high God, who show you the way to salvation. 18 this she did for several days, till Paul tir'd with it turn'd about, and said to the spirit, in the name of Jesus Christ I command you to quit her; and instantly he came out.
19 her masters finding they had lost such a prospect of gain, seized upon Paul and Silas, and hawl'd them to the publick place before the magistrates. 20 having presented them to the Officers, they said, these men, who are Jews, raise great disorders in our city, and preach such maxims, 21 as it is not lawful for Romans, as we are, to admit or practise.
22 upon this the populace rose upon them, and the Officers order'd them to be stript and scourg'd. 23 after they had been severely lash'd, they were thrown into prison, the jayler being charg'd to keep them safe. 24 in consequence of this order he thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
25 At midnight Paul and Silas went to prayers, and sang praises to God, which the other prisoners heard: 26 when all of a sudden there was such a great earthquake, that the foundations of the prison were shaken: immediately all the doors opened, and the setters dropp'd from the prisoners. 27 the jayler waking, and seeing the prison-doors open, drew his sword, designing to dispatch himself from the apprehension that the prisoners had escaped.
28 but Paul call'd to him aloud, and said, do thy self no harm, for we are all here.
29 then having called for a light, he ran in, and with trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; 30 and bringing them out, he said, sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 believe, said they, on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you, and your family. 32 then they declared the word of the Lord to him, and to all his family. 33 at the same time of night he washed their stripes, and immediately he was baptized, he, and all that belong'd to him. 34 then he conducted them to his house, and gave them an entertainment; and he and his family were affected with joy, for having believed in God.
35 When it was day the officers sent their serjeants to bid the jayler let the men go.
36 so the jayler told Paul, the magistrates had order'd them to be discharg'd. depart then, said he, and go in peace.
37 but Paul replied, they have publickly scourg'd us, who are Romans, without any trial, they have thrown us into jayl, and now do they give us a private discharge? no, let them come themselves and release us.
38 the serjeants having reported what he said, to their officers, they began to be apprehensive upon hearing they were Romans. 39 so they came, and by persuasions brought them out, and desired them to leave the city. 40 then they quitted the prison, and went to Lydia's house, where finding the brethren, they gave them an exhortation, and departed.