Most Popular Bible Verses in Acts

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13

They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking up into heaven? This Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come in the same way that you have seen Him going into heaven.”

18

As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas off to Berea. On arrival, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

19

I wrote the first narrative, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began to do and teach

21

Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest

22

“Men of Israel, listen to these words: This Jesus the Nazarene was a man pointed out to you by God with miracles, wonders, and signs that God did among you through Him, just as you yourselves know.

25

And it will be in the last days, says God,
that I will pour out My Spirit on all humanity;
then your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.

26

While He was together with them, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for the Father’s promise. “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me;

28

In the church that was at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen, a close friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

32

So when they had come together, they asked Him, “Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”

34

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property.

36

The young men got up, wrapped his body, carried him out, and buried him.

37

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the interior regions and came to Ephesus. He found some disciples

40

Some men came down from Judea and began to teach the brothers: “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved!”

43

As she followed Paul and us she cried out, “These men, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation, are the slaves of the Most High God.”

48

But Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and proclaimed to them: “Men of Judah and all you residents of Jerusalem, let me explain this to you and pay attention to my words.

54

Once, as we were on our way to prayer, a slave girl met us who had a spirit of prediction. She made a large profit for her owners by fortune-telling.

55

Now from Miletus, he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

56

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came down on all those who heard the message.

58

As they were traveling down the road, they came to some water. The eunuch said, “Look, there’s water! What would keep me from being baptized?”

61

Now Peter and John were going up together to the temple complex at the hour of prayer at three in the afternoon.

62

There was a man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment.

67

Saul agreed with putting him to death.

On that day a severe persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the land of Judea and Samaria.

71

Then Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus and said: “Men of Athens! I see that you are extremely religious in every respect.

72

For he was one of our number and was allotted a share in this ministry.”

73

They all paid attention to him, from the least of them to the greatest, and they said, “This man is called the Great Power of God!”

74

They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia and were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the message in Asia.

75

When they arrived, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying:

Peter, John,
James, Andrew,
Philip, Thomas,
Bartholomew, Matthew,
James the son of Alphaeus,
Simon the Zealot,
and Judas the son of James.

76

A woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was spoken by Paul.

77

When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the message of the Lord, and all who had been appointed to eternal life believed.

79

During these days Peter stood up among the brothers—the number of people who were together was about 120—and said:

80

I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.

81

They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, and said, “May we learn about this new teaching you’re speaking of?

82

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was troubled within him when he saw that the city was full of idols.

83

So he turned to them, expecting to get something from them.

84

When they heard this they became silent. Then they glorified God, saying, “So God has granted repentance resulting in life even to the Gentiles!”

85

There was an interval of about three hours; then his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.

87

Now as they were speaking to the people, the priests, the commander of the temple police, and the Sadducees confronted them,

88

In it were all the four-footed animals and reptiles of the earth, and the birds of the sky.

92

When the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had welcomed God’s message, they sent Peter and John to them.

94

After this, he left Athens and went to Corinth,

95

About that time King Herod cruelly attacked some who belonged to the church,

99

so the rest of humanity
may seek the Lord—
even all the Gentiles
who are called by My name,
declares the Lord who does these things,

102

[And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart you may.” And he replied, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”]

103

until the day He was taken up, after He had given orders through the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.

104

Then they traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

105

So the preaching about God flourished, the number of the disciples in Jerusalem multiplied greatly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

106

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called the Mount of Olives, which is near Jerusalem—a Sabbath day’s journey away.

107

let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene—whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead—by Him this man is standing here before you healthy.

109

As usual, Paul went to the synagogue, and on three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

110

Many signs and wonders were being done among the people through the hands of the apostles. By common consent they would all meet in Solomon’s Colonnade.

111

A man named Simon had previously practiced sorcery in that city and astounded the Samaritan people, while claiming to be somebody great.

112

Those who had been scattered as a result of the persecution that started because of Stephen made their way as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except Jews.

114

Then he went on to Derbe and Lystra, where there was a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but his father was a Greek.

115

“Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

116

and rescued him out of all his troubles. He gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and over his whole household.

117

The apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had welcomed God’s message also.

124

After they had Peter and John stand before them, they asked the question: “By what power or in what name have you done this?”

125

A Jew named Apollos, a native Alexandrian, an eloquent man who was powerful in the use of the Scriptures, arrived in Ephesus.

127

Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people.

128

Moses said:

The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He will say to you.

129

On the contrary, this is what was spoken through the prophet Joel:

130

“Tell me,” Peter asked her, “did you sell the field for this price?”

“Yes,” she said, “for that price.”

132

They continued their journey from Perga and reached Antioch in Pisidia. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.

135

During the night a vision appeared to Paul: A Macedonian man was standing and pleading with him, “Cross over to Macedonia and help us!”

136

“Brothers, I can confidently speak to you about the patriarch David: He is both dead and buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.

137

This became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, so that in their own language that field is called Hakeldama (that is, Field of Blood).

139

The next day, as they were traveling and nearing the city, Peter went up to pray on the housetop about noon.

140

For what you say sounds strange to us, and we want to know what these ideas mean.”

143

“Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit through the mouth of David spoke in advance about Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus.

144

After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they’re doing.”

146

Simeon has reported how God first intervened to take from the Gentiles a people for His name.

147

When they heard this, they all raised their voices to God and said, “Master, You are the One who made the heaven, the earth, and the sea, and everything in them.

148

While He was going, they were gazing into heaven, and suddenly two men in white clothes stood by them.

149

He did this so they might seek God, and perhaps they might reach out and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.

150

The proposal pleased the whole company. So they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte from Antioch.

152

“For, in fact, in this city both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, assembled together against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed,

153

“No, Lord!” Peter said. “For I have never eaten anything common and ritually unclean!”

154

But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!”

155

Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, decided to select men who were among them and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas, called Barsabbas, and Silas, both leading men among the brothers.

156

He is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors. He received living oracles to give to us.

157

After removing him, He raised up David as their king and testified about him: ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man loyal to Me, who will carry out all My will.’

158

He knocked at the door in the gateway, and a servant named Rhoda came to answer.

159

After they were released, they went to their own people and reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

164

When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our ancestors the first time.

165

Then the high priest took action. He and all his colleagues, those who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

166

Then he ordered the chariot to stop, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and he baptized him.

167

and that I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you anything that was profitable or from teaching it to you in public and from house to house.

168

Now this man acquired a field with his unrighteous wages. He fell headfirst and burst open in the middle, and all his insides spilled out.

169

When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too,

170

They were attentive to him because he had astounded them with his sorceries for a long time.

171

As he traveled and was nearing Damascus, a light from heaven suddenly flashed around him.

172

He continued, “I am a Jewish man, born in Tarsus of Cilicia but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel and educated according to the strict view of our patriarchal law. Being zealous for God, just as all of you are today,

173

“Brothers and fathers,” he said, “listen: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he settled in Haran,

174

Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying.

178

And they were astounded and amazed, saying, “Look, aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans?

180

He reported to us how he had seen the angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.

181

“Therefore, from among the men who have accompanied us during the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—

182

Being God’s offspring then, we shouldn’t think that the divine nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image fashioned by human art and imagination.

183

There were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven.

184

Since he was a prophet, he knew that God had sworn an oath to him to seat one of his descendants on his throne.

187

God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands,

189

Now all the Athenians and the foreigners residing there spent their time on nothing else but telling or hearing something new.

191

So Philip proceeded to tell him the good news about Jesus, beginning from that Scripture.

193

As they were yelling and flinging aside their robes and throwing dust into the air,

194

In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him so he can regain his sight.”

195

For as I was passing through and observing the objects of your worship, I even found an altar on which was inscribed:

TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.

196

Seeing this in advance, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Messiah:

He was not left in Hades,
and His flesh did not experience decay.

198

This Jesus is

the stone rejected by you builders,
which has become the cornerstone.

199

to take the place in this apostolic service that Judas left to go to his own place.”

201

Instead, I preached to those in Damascus first, and to those in Jerusalem and in all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works worthy of repentance.

202

King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you believe.”

204

The second time, Joseph was revealed to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh.

205

On the contrary, we believe we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus in the same way they are.”

206

So Paul, having stayed on for many days, said good-bye to the brothers and sailed away to Syria. Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He shaved his head at Cenchreae because he had taken a vow.

207

There was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!”

“Here I am, Lord!” he said.

208

Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, believed the Lord, along with his whole household. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.

209

Joseph, a Levite and a Cypriot by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas, which is translated Son of Encouragement,

210

where he found a Jewish man named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul came to them,

212

So Ananias left and entered the house. Then he placed his hands on him and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road you were traveling, has sent me so that you can regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

213

She recognized Peter’s voice, and because of her joy, she did not open the gate but ran in and announced that Peter was standing at the gateway.

214

When he realized this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many had assembled and were praying.

216

When Paul realized that one part of them were Sadducees and the other part were Pharisees, he cried out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees! I am being judged because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead!”

217

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him.

218

Then a famine and great suffering came over all of Egypt and Canaan, and our ancestors could find no food.

219

For it was not David who ascended into the heavens, but he himself says:

The Lord declared to my Lord,
‘Sit at My right hand

221

In those days some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

222

After there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them: “Brothers, you are aware that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles would hear the gospel message and believe.

223

But I confess this to you: I worship my fathers’ God according to the Way, which they call a sect, believing all the things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets.

224

For there was not a needy person among them, because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

225

The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors, exalted the people during their stay in the land of Egypt, and led them out of it with a mighty arm.

226

After they arrived and gathered the church together, they reported everything God had done with them and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

227

And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began to speak in other languages and to prophesy.

228

Falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

229

And though they asked him to stay for a longer time, he declined,

230

Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat!”

233

Then great fear came on the whole church and on all who heard these things.

234

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard from many people about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.

235

So what is to be done? They will certainly hear that you’ve come.

237

Instantly she dropped dead at his feet. When the young men came in, they found her dead, carried her out, and buried her beside her husband.

238

Joseph then invited his father Jacob and all his relatives, 75 people in all,

239

If we are being examined today about a good deed done to a disabled man—by what means he was healed—

241

Also provide mounts so they can put Paul on them and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”

242

While Peter was deeply perplexed about what the vision he had seen might mean, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions to Simon’s house, stood at the gate.

243

Then, taking him by the right hand he raised him up, and at once his feet and ankles became strong.

244

Motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he explained to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. “Report these things to James and the brothers,” he said. Then he departed and went to a different place.

245

So he jumped up, stood, and started to walk, and he entered the temple complex with them—walking, leaping, and praising God.

246

They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes; so they came, dragged him off, and took him to the Sanhedrin.

247

They were all astounded and perplexed, saying to one another, “What could this be?”

248

This happened three times, and then the object was taken up into heaven.

249

Therefore do what we tell you: We have four men who have obligated themselves with a vow.

250

After they went down there, they prayed for them, so the Samaritans might receive the Holy Spirit.

252

Bringing them before the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are seriously disturbing our city. They are Jews

253

So after sending two of those who assisted him, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

254

And he has authority here from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”

255

All the people saw him walking and praising God,

256

[After he said these things, the Jews departed, while engaging in a prolonged debate among themselves.]

257

Peter, however, kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded.

258

and are promoting customs that are not legal for us as Romans to adopt or practice.”

259

the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, directing that he be examined with the scourge, so he could discover the reason they were shouting against him like this.

260

“You’re crazy!” they told her. But she kept insisting that it was true. Then they said, “It’s his angel!”

262

but he said good-bye and stated, “I’ll come back to you again, if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

263

Then they asked for a king, so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for 40 years.

264

Therefore, if God gave them the same gift that He also gave to us when we believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I possibly hinder God?”

265

and they recognized that he was the one who used to sit and beg at the Beautiful Gate of the temple complex. So they were filled with awe and astonishment at what had happened to him.

266

At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him.

267

Even though they said these things, they barely stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them.

268

This all took about 450 years. After this, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet.

269

They called out, asking if Simon, who was also named Peter, was lodging there.

271

But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus.

272

then after destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave their land to them as an inheritance.

273

They also presented false witnesses who said, “This man does not stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

274

None of the rest dared to join them, but the people praised them highly.

275

Get up, go downstairs, and accompany them with no doubts at all, because I have sent them.”

276

I have nothing definite to write to my lord about him. Therefore, I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this examination is over, I may have something to write.

277

He had been very angry with the Tyrians and Sidonians. Together they presented themselves before him. They won over Blastus, who was in charge of the king’s bedroom, and through him they asked for peace, because their country was supplied with food from the king’s country.

278

They wrote this letter to be delivered by them:

From the apostles and the elders, your brothers,

To the brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

279

At daylight, there was a great commotion among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter.

280

After Herod had searched and did not find him, he interrogated the guards and ordered their execution. Then Herod went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

281

He wrote a letter of this kind:

282

Then the report about them was heard by the church that was at Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to travel as far as Antioch.

283

I will even pour out My Spirit
on My male and female slaves in those days,
and they will prophesy.

284

Receiving such an order, he put them into the inner prison and secured their feet in the stocks.

285

So on an appointed day, dressed in royal robes and seated on the throne, Herod delivered a public address to them.

286

“I wish before God,” replied Paul, “that whether easily or with difficulty, not only you but all who listen to me today might become as I am—except for these chains.”

287

After they had inflicted many blows on them, they threw them in jail, ordering the jailer to keep them securely guarded.

288

I will display wonders in the heaven above
and signs on the earth below:
blood and fire and a cloud of smoke.

289

and Jacob went down to Egypt. He and our ancestors died there,

290

And after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul was with the disciples in Damascus for some days.

291

were carried back to Shechem, and were placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.

292

After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison.

293

In addition, a large group came together from the towns surrounding Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.

294

And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in response.

295

And all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at him and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

296

For a person named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a great deal of business for the craftsmen.

297

“From this man’s descendants, according to the promise, God brought the Savior, Jesus, to Israel.

299

The assembled people began to shout, “It’s the voice of a god and not of a man!”

300

Then, fearing we might run aground in some rocky place, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight to come.

301

For we heard him say that Jesus, this Nazarene, will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

302

Then as John was completing his life’s work, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not the One. But look! Someone is coming after me, and I am not worthy to untie the sandals on His feet.’

303

Therefore my heart was glad,
and my tongue rejoiced.
Moreover, my flesh will rest in hope,

304

After they had ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin, they conferred among themselves,

305

who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

307

On landing at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and went down to Antioch.

308

and when he was left outside, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted and raised him as her own son.

309

“As the time was drawing near to fulfill the promise that God had made to Abraham, the people flourished and multiplied in Egypt

310

While Peter was thinking about the vision, the Spirit told him, “Three men are here looking for you.

311

When they heard about resurrection of the dead, some began to ridicule him. But others said, “We’d like to hear from you again about this.”

312

saying, “What should we do with these men? For an obvious sign, evident to all who live in Jerusalem, has been done through them, and we cannot deny it!

313

But all who heard him were astounded and said, “Isn’t this the man who, in Jerusalem, was destroying those who called on this name and then came here for the purpose of taking them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

314

However, some men joined him and believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

315

Take these men, purify yourself along with them, and pay for them to get their heads shaved. Then everyone will know that what they were told about you amounts to nothing, but that you yourself are also careful about observing the law.

316

However, so this does not spread any further among the people, let’s threaten them against speaking to anyone in this name again.”

317

And a man who was lame from birth was carried there and placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful, so he could beg from those entering the temple complex.

318

because they were provoked that they were teaching the people and proclaiming the resurrection from the dead, using Jesus as the example.

319

They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who has a good reputation with the whole Jewish nation, was divinely directed by a holy angel to call you to his house and to hear a message from you.”

320

At this time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in God’s sight. He was cared for in his father’s home three months,

321

Because we have heard that some without our authorization went out from us and troubled you with their words and unsettled your hearts,

323

Even some of the provincial officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent word to him, pleading with him not to take a chance by going into the amphitheater.

324

until a different king who did not know Joseph ruled over Egypt.

325

From there they sailed back to Antioch where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.

326

The next day, since he wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he released him and instructed the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to convene. Then he brought Paul down and placed him before them.

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327

As they stretched him out for the lash, Paul said to the centurion standing by, “Is it legal for you to scourge a man who is a Roman citizen and is uncondemned?”

328

shouting, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. What’s more, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has profaned this holy place.”

329

After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him,

330

After leaving the jail, they came to Lydia’s house where they saw and encouraged the brothers, and departed.

331

Then Peter went down to the men and said, “Here I am, the one you’re looking for. What is the reason you’re here?”

332

For he vigorously refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah.

334

For the residents of Jerusalem and their rulers, since they did not recognize Him or the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled their words by condemning Him.

335

and was sitting in his chariot on his way home, reading the prophet Isaiah aloud.

336

and when they had left they talked with each other and said, “This man is doing nothing that deserves death or chains.”

337

He dealt deceitfully with our race and oppressed our ancestors by making them leave their infants outside, so they wouldn’t survive.

338

Before He came to public attention, John had previously proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

339

saying, “Give me this power too, so that anyone I lay hands on may receive the Holy Spirit.”

340

When the centurion heard this, he went and reported to the commander, saying, “What are you going to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”

341

“As he was approaching the age of 40, he decided to visit his brothers, the Israelites.

342

For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and lame were healed.

343

for this sign of healing had been performed on a man over 40 years old.

344

However, he kept back part of the proceeds with his wife’s knowledge, and brought a portion of it and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

346

They did this, sending it to the elders by means of Barnabas and Saul.

348

Claudius Lysias,

To the most excellent governor Felix:

Greetings.

349

So they seized them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was already evening.

350

After the disciples surrounded him, he got up and went into the town. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

352

In obedience to this, they entered the temple complex at daybreak and began to teach.

When the high priest and those who were with him arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin—the full Senate of the sons of Israel—and sent orders to the jail to have them brought.

354

You have no part or share in this matter, because your heart is not right before God.

357

Then he became hungry and wanted to eat, but while they were preparing something, he went into a visionary state.

358

Someone came and reported to them, “Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple complex and teaching the people.”

359

When they had heard this, they were filled with rage and began to cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

360

Peter then invited them in and gave them lodging.

The next day he got up and set out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.

361

After threatening them further, they released them. They found no way to punish them, because the people were all giving glory to God over what had been done;

362

Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains came loose.

363

but their plot became known to Saul. So they were watching the gates day and night intending to kill him,

364

“We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing in front of the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!”

365

So not only do we run a risk that our business may be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be despised and her magnificence come to the verge of ruin—the very one all of Asia and the world adore.”

366

As they were trying to kill him, word went up to the commander of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in chaos.

368

As the commander of the temple police and the chief priests heard these things, they were baffled about them, as to what could come of this.

369

Then the next day, Paul took the men, having purified himself along with them, and entered the temple, announcing the completion of the purification days when the offering for each of them would be made.

370

Paul said, “I am a Jewish man from Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of an important city. Now I ask you, let me speak to the people.”

371

The rest were to follow, some on planks and some on debris from the ship. In this way, everyone safely reached the shore.

372

With regard to the Gentiles who have believed, we have written a letter containing our decision that they should keep themselves from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality.”

373

So there was great joy in that city.

374

Though Paul wanted to go in before the people, the disciples did not let him.

376

When he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter too, during the days of Unleavened Bread.

377

The kings of the earth took their stand
and the rulers assembled together
against the Lord and against His Messiah.

378

However, when the city clerk had calmed the crowd down, he said, “Men of Ephesus! What man is there who doesn’t know that the city of the Ephesians is the temple guardian of the great Artemis, and of the image that fell from heaven?

379

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from all that the Jewish people expected.”

380

But when the temple police got there, they did not find them in the jail, so they returned and reported,

381

“At this disclosure, Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.

382

When Peter went up to Jerusalem, those who stressed circumcision argued with him,

383

After they passed the first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went outside and passed one street, and immediately the angel left him.

384

Then, after they had testified and spoken the message of the Lord, they traveled back to Jerusalem, evangelizing many villages of the Samaritans.

385

“Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. From there, after his father died, God had him move to this land you now live in.

386

But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a united cry went up from all of them for about two hours: “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”

387

Meanwhile, some were shouting one thing and some another, because the assembly was in confusion, and most of them did not know why they had come together.

388

Cornelius replied, “Four days ago at this hour, at three in the afternoon, I was praying in my house. Just then a man in a dazzling robe stood before me

389

“Please pray to the Lord for me,” Simon replied, “so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

390

He assumed his brothers would understand that God would give them deliverance through him, but they did not understand.

391

He didn’t give him an inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground, but He promised to give it to him as a possession, and to his descendants after him, even though he was childless.

392

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

393

When he saw one of them being mistreated, he came to his rescue and avenged the oppressed man by striking down the Egyptian.

394

And they spent a considerable time with the disciples.

395

Then they passed through Pisidia and came to Pamphylia.

396

On the night before Herod was to bring him out for execution, Peter, bound with two chains, was sleeping between two soldiers, while the sentries in front of the door guarded the prison.

397

Then the soldiers cut the ropes holding the skiff and let it drop away.

398

and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your acts of charity have been remembered in God’s sight.

399

Aren’t you the Egyptian who raised a rebellion some time ago and led 4,000 Assassins into the wilderness?”

400

God spoke in this way:

His descendants would be strangers
in a foreign country,
and they would enslave
and oppress them 400 years.

401

I will judge the nation
that they will serve as slaves, God said.
After this, they will come out
and worship Me in this place.

402

When he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple complex, he asked for help.

403

As the seven days were about to end, the Jews from Asia saw him in the temple complex, stirred up the whole crowd, and seized him,

404

As he was about to be brought into the barracks, Paul said to the commander, “Am I allowed to say something to you?”

He replied, “Do you know Greek?

405

saying, “You visited uncircumcised men and ate with them!”

406

There was a great deal of weeping by everyone. They embraced Paul and kissed him,

407

He was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.

408

Then they spoke the message of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house.

409

Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.

410

Then Paul left their presence.

411

When it was about daylight, Paul urged them all to take food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been waiting and going without food, having eaten nothing.

412

The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul, dragged him out of the temple complex, and at once the gates were shut.

413

“Now this happened three times, and then everything was drawn up again into heaven.

414

After he had given permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great hush, he addressed them in the Hebrew language:

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415

“In addition, all the prophets who have spoken, from Samuel and those after him, have also announced these days.

416

When I looked closely and considered it, I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, the wild beasts, the reptiles, and the birds of the sky.

417

and said to him:

Get out of your country
and away from your relatives,
and come to the land
that I will show you.

418

Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who will personally report the same things by word of mouth.

419

Then some of the crowd gave Alexander advice when the Jews pushed him to the front. So motioning with his hand, Alexander wanted to make his defense to the people.

420

But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the message of the Lord.

421

The next day, they returned to the barracks, allowing the cavalry to go on with him.

422

The next day he showed up while they were fighting and tried to reconcile them peacefully, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why are you mistreating each other?’

423

“Get dressed,” the angel told him, “and put on your sandals.” And he did so. “Wrap your cloak around you,” he told him, “and follow me.”

424

So the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed all together into the amphitheater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions.

425

“But the one who was mistreating his neighbor pushed him away, saying:

Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us?

426

You both see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this man Paul has persuaded and misled a considerable number of people by saying that gods made by hand are not gods!

427

When Paul got to the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the mob’s violence,

428

When this man had been seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, I arrived with my troops and rescued him because I learned that he is a Roman citizen.

429

Wanting to know the charge they were accusing him of, I brought him down before their Sanhedrin.

430

“I was in the town of Joppa praying, and I saw, in a visionary state, an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners from heaven, and it came to me.

431

Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. John, however, left them and went back to Jerusalem.

432

Peter began to explain to them in an orderly sequence, saying:

433

Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said: “It was necessary that God’s message be spoken to you first. But since you reject it and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles!

434

Taking along soldiers and centurions, he immediately ran down to them. Seeing the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

435

After he said this, he knelt down and prayed with all of them.

436

After spending some time there, they were sent back in peace by the brothers to those who had sent them. But Paul and Barnabas, along with many others, remained in Antioch teaching and proclaiming the message of the Lord.

After some time had passed, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit the brothers in every town where we have preached the message of the Lord and see how they’re doing.” Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work. There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus. Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

437

Then the commander went with the temple police and brought them in without force, because they were afraid the people might stone them.

438

At that very moment, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were.

439

But if you want something else, it must be decided in a legal assembly.

440

Some sailors tried to escape from the ship; they had let down the skiff into the sea, pretending that they were going to put out anchors from the bow.

441

While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack against Paul and brought him to the judge’s bench.

442

That’s why I came without any objection when I was sent for. So I ask: Why did you send for me?”

443

Arriving in Salamis, they proclaimed God’s message in the Jewish synagogues. They also had John as their assistant.

444

So he got up and went. There was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch and high official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of her entire treasury. He had come to worship in Jerusalem

445

He was unable to see for three days and did not eat or drink.

446

Saul was coming and going with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

447

Then also, some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers argued with him. Some said, “What is this pseudo-intellectual trying to say?”

Others replied, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign deities”—because he was telling the good news about Jesus and the Resurrection.

448

Then I also heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat!’

449

After casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time loosening the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and headed for the beach.

451

explaining and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead: “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah.”

452

God has fulfilled this for us, their children, by raising up Jesus, as it is written in the second Psalm:

You are My Son;
today I have become Your Father.

454

Therefore, since these things are undeniable, you must keep calm and not do anything rash.

455

When they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing the grain overboard into the sea.

456

Then Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus.

457

And when he had passed through those areas and exhorted them at length, he came to Greece

458

The commander came and said to him, “Tell me—are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes,” he said.

459

He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. After Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him home and explained the way of God to him more accurately.

460

“‘No, Lord!’ I said. ‘For nothing common or ritually unclean has ever entered my mouth!’

461

They all became encouraged and took food themselves.

462

But a voice answered from heaven a second time, ‘What God has made clean, you must not call common.’

463

They threw him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul.

464

But God raised Him from the dead,

465

When the brothers found out, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

466

Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists attempted to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I command you by the Jesus that Paul preaches!”

467

The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners so that no one could swim away and escape.

468

The commander replied, “I bought this citizenship for a large amount of money.”

“But I was born a citizen,” Paul said.

469

When it was decided that we were to sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial Regiment.

470

When he arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to associate with the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, since they did not believe he was a disciple.

471

When they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they came across a sorcerer, a Jewish false prophet named Bar-Jesus.

472

Some in the mob were shouting one thing and some another. Since he was not able to get reliable information because of the uproar, he ordered him to be taken into the barracks.

473

After he read it, he asked what province he was from. So when he learned he was from Cilicia,

474

But Peter helped him up and said, “Stand up! I myself am also a man.”

476

In Lystra a man without strength in his feet, lame from birth, and who had never walked, sat

477

“Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

478

Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those who live in Mesopotamia, in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,

481

So the king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them got up,

484

After the uproar was over, Paul sent for the disciples, encouraged them, and after saying good-bye, departed to go to Macedonia.

485

Do you want to kill me, the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday?

486

When these events were over, Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well!”

487

The next day we left and came to Caesarea, where we entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the Seven, and stayed with him.

488

So he went out and followed, and he did not know that what took place through the angel was real, but thought he was seeing a vision.

489

About three in the afternoon he distinctly saw in a vision an angel of God who came in and said to him, “Cornelius!”

490

Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted by the Spirit that there would be a severe famine throughout the Roman world. This took place during the time of Claudius.

491

Then they went out from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the Name.

492

After they stopped speaking, James responded: “Brothers, listen to me!

493

that you abstain from food offered to idols, from blood, from eating anything that has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. You will do well if you keep yourselves from these things.

Farewell.

494

Now the Scripture passage he was reading was this:

He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb is silent before its shearer,
so He does not open His mouth.

495

“For it is written in the Book of Psalms:

Let his dwelling become desolate;
let no one live in it; and
Let someone else take his position.

496

For David says of Him:

I saw the Lord ever before me;
because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.

497

After these things I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
I will rebuild its ruins
and set it up again,

498

While talking with him, he went on in and found that many had come together there.

499

When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight. As he was approaching to look at it, the voice of the Lord came:

500

During that time there was a major disturbance about the Way.

501

and requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men or women who belonged to the Way, he might bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

502

Then he stayed two whole years in his own rented house. And he welcomed all who visited him,

503

After the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent word to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any message of encouragement for the people, you can speak.”

504

Looking intently at him, he became afraid and said, “What is it, lord?”

The angel told him, “Your prayers and your acts of charity have come up as a memorial offering before God.

505

As Peter was traveling from place to place, he also came down to the saints who lived in Lydda.

508

A Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered the men to be taken outside for a little while.

510

After the arrest, he put him in prison and assigned four squads of four soldiers each to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

511

Not long ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a group of about 400 men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his partisans were dispersed and came to nothing.

512

Therefore He also says in another passage, You will not allow Your Holy One to see decay.

513

“Who are You, Lord?” he said.

“I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting,” He replied.

514

When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: “Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though we had made him walk by our own power or godliness?

515

Then some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, including a great number of God-fearing Greeks, as well as a number of the leading women.

516

As they traveled through the towns, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem for them to observe.

519

Then some from what is called the Freedmen’s Synagogue, composed of both Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, came forward and disputed with Stephen.

520

Therefore, in my judgment, we should not cause difficulties for those among the Gentiles who turn to God,

521

Paul looked intently at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience until this day.”

522

Therefore, the soldiers took Paul during the night and brought him to Antipatris as they were ordered.

523

Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

524

Now then, why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’ necks that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?

525

You said through the Holy Spirit, by the mouth of our father David Your servant:

Why did the Gentiles rage
and the peoples plot futile things?

526

Immediately he began proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues: “He is the Son of God.”

527

For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner and not to indicate the charges against him.”

528

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Are you going to persuade me to become a Christian so easily?”

529

When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the form of men!”

530

When these men entered Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him.

531

and that He may send Jesus, who has been appointed for you as the Messiah.

532

However, the Most High does not dwell in sanctuaries made with hands, as the prophet says:

533

Since He raised Him from the dead, never to return to decay, He has spoken in this way, I will grant you the faithful covenant blessings made to David.

534

Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved.”

535

Then the jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.

536

Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they came down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

537

“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.”

538

After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and attracted a following. That man also perished, and all his partisans were scattered.

540

The next day, their rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem

541

Peter said to them, “You know it’s forbidden for a Jewish man to associate with or visit a foreigner. But God has shown me that I must not call any person common or unclean.

542

After they had evangelized that town and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, to Iconium, and to Antioch,

543

For we have found this man to be a plague, an agitator among all the Jews throughout the Roman world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes!

544

we have unanimously decided to select men and send them to you along with our dearly loved Barnabas and Paul,

546

After they spoke the message in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

547

Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

548

beginning from the baptism of John until the day He was taken up from us—from among these, it is necessary that one become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

549

Now, look! The Lord’s hand is against you. You are going to be blind, and will not see the sun for a time.” Suddenly a mist and darkness fell on him, and he went around seeking someone to lead him by the hand.

550

and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

“No,” they told him, “we haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

551

You yourselves know that these hands have provided for my needs and for those who were with me.

552

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and when they had won over the crowds and stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead.

553

After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of the Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who were speaking with them and persuading them to continue in the grace of God.

554

and He appeared for many days to those who came with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now His witnesses to the people.

555

Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down, prayed, and turning toward the body said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.

556

The jailer reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent orders for you to be released. So come out now and go in peace.”

557

When they had fulfilled all that had been written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and put Him in a tomb.

558

So they stayed there for some time and spoke boldly in reliance on the Lord, who testified to the message of His grace by granting that signs and wonders be performed through them.

559

Then we went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, intending to take Paul on board there. For these were his instructions, since he himself was going by land.

561

For He had not yet come down on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

562

and stayed three months. When he was about to set sail for Syria, a plot was devised against him by the Jews, so a decision was made to go back through Macedonia.

563

When the jailer woke up and saw the doors of the prison open, he drew his sword and was going to kill himself, since he thought the prisoners had escaped.

564

And after spending some time there, he set out, traveling through one place after another in the Galatian territory and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

565

When they read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement.

566

So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and with those who worshiped God and in the marketplace every day with those who happened to be there.

567

Disagreeing among themselves, they began to leave after Paul made one statement: “The Holy Spirit correctly spoke through the prophet Isaiah to your ancestors

568

Saul, however, was ravaging the church. He would enter house after house, drag off men and women, and put them in prison.

569

But they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, by telling them not to circumcise their children or to walk in our customs.

570

he said, “I will give you a hearing whenever your accusers get here too.” And he ordered that he be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

571

while many of those who had practiced magic collected their books and burned them in front of everyone. So they calculated their value and found it to be 50,000 pieces of silver.

573

“As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came down on them, just as on us at the beginning.

574

God raised up this man on the third day and permitted Him to be seen,

576

When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money,

577

When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with preaching the message and solemnly testified to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah.

578

When they heard it, they glorified God and said, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.

579

with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and all the members of the high-priestly family.

580

But after Paul and Barnabas had engaged them in serious argument and debate, the church arranged for Paul and Barnabas and some others of them to go up to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem concerning this controversy.

583

When Philip ran up to it, he heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you’re reading?”

584

But Paul called out in a loud voice, “Don’t harm yourself, because all of us are here!”

586

He saw heaven opened and an object that resembled a large sheet coming down, being lowered by its four corners to the earth.

587

Paul wanted Timothy to go with him, so he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, since they all knew that his father was a Greek.

588

Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They even killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become.

589

and Jason has received them as guests! They are all acting contrary to Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king—Jesus!”

590

Then they cast lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was numbered with the 11 apostles.

591

But the Jews became jealous, and they brought together some scoundrels from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. Attacking Jason’s house, they searched for them to bring them out to the public assembly.

592

Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

593

Then they prayed, “You, Lord, know the hearts of all; show which of these two You have chosen

594

For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so he would not have to spend time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.

595

After arranging a day with him, many came to him at his lodging. From dawn to dusk he expounded and witnessed about the kingdom of God. He tried to persuade them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

596

When we entered Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

600

He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear God’s message.

601

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

602

So they proposed two: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.

603

When he had assembled them, as well as the workers engaged in this type of business, he said: “Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this business.

604

He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea.”

605

and a young man named Eutychus was sitting on a window sill and sank into a deep sleep as Paul kept on speaking. When he was overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead.

606

Look, you scoffers,
marvel and vanish away,
because I am doing a work in your days,
a work that you will never believe,
even if someone were to explain it to you.

607

“And now, brothers, I know that you did it in ignorance, just as your leaders also did.

609

Then he entered the synagogue and spoke boldly over a period of three months, engaging in discussion and trying to persuade them about the things of the kingdom of God.

611

“But get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

612

Then the commander came up, took him into custody, and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He asked who he was and what he had done.

613

After we tore ourselves away from them and set sail, we came by a direct route to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

614

By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you.

615

Once ashore, we then learned that the island was called Malta.

618

Those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving instructions for Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as possible, they departed.

619

Both Judas and Silas, who were also prophets themselves, encouraged the brothers and strengthened them with a long message.

620

Then Paul chose Silas and departed, after being commended to the grace of the Lord by the brothers.

621

No, you took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship.
So I will deport you beyond Babylon!

622

After they brought them in, they had them stand before the Sanhedrin, and the high priest asked,

623

Then Paul stood up and motioned with his hand and said: “Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen!

624

Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

625

Publius’s father was in bed suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went to him, and praying and laying his hands on him, he healed him.

626

As Paul gathered a bundle of brushwood and put it on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself to his hand.

627

And this went on for two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the message about the Lord.

628

We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

630

“Then what baptism were you baptized with?” he asked them.

“With John’s baptism,” they replied.

631

When we reached Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us gladly.

632

When her owners saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to the authorities.

633

so that even facecloths or work aprons that had touched his skin were brought to the sick, and the diseases left them, and the evil spirits came out of them.

634

they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian towns called Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding countryside.

635

Now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, who is also named Peter.

637

While we were staying there many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea.

638

But Elymas the sorcerer (this is the meaning of his name) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul away from the faith.

639

When they had been sent on their way by the church, they passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, explaining in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they created great joy among all the brothers.

640

They took a sounding and found it to be 120 feet deep; when they had sailed a little farther and sounded again, they found it to be 90 feet deep.

641

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

642

When they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.

643

For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple complex.

644

As a result, they would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them on cots and mats so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

645

The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke highly of him.

646

and said, “You son of the Devil, full of all deceit and all fraud, enemy of all righteousness! Won’t you ever stop perverting the straight paths of the Lord?

647

“And now I am on my way to Jerusalem, bound in my spirit, not knowing what I will encounter there,

648

Again, a second time, a voice said to him, “What God has made clean, you must not call common.”

649

For since ancient times, Moses has had those who proclaim him in every city, and every Sabbath day he is read aloud in the synagogues.”

650

But the Jews incited the prominent women, who worshiped God, and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district.

651

When this sound occurred, a crowd came together and was confused because each one heard them speaking in his own language.

652

When they reached Ephesus he left them there, but he himself entered the synagogue and engaged in discussion with the Jews.

653

You know the events that took place throughout Judea, beginning from Galilee after the baptism that John preached:

654

In fact, I myself supposed it was necessary to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.

655

Then the whole assembly fell silent and listened to Barnabas and Paul describing all the signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.

656

For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it’s only nine in the morning.

657

“After I came back to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple complex, I went into a visionary state

658

So they called for them and ordered them not to preach or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

659

I found out that the accusations were about disputed matters in their law, and that there was no charge that merited death or chains.

660

After explaining everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

662

But the people of the city were divided, some siding with the Jews and some with the apostles.

663

This man had been instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught the things about Jesus accurately, although he knew only John’s baptism.

664

Then the Lord said to Paul in a night vision, “Don’t be afraid, but keep on speaking and don’t be silent.

666

After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered at the island, with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead.

667

But Peter told him, “May your silver be destroyed with you, because you thought the gift of God could be obtained with money!

668

Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that the intent of your heart may be forgiven you.

670

There was such a sharp disagreement that they parted company, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed off to Cyprus.

671

Then, setting sail from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, the next day to Neapolis,

672

So each of the disciples, according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea.

673

Therefore, those who were about to examine him withdrew from him at once. The commander too was alarmed when he realized Paul was a Roman citizen and he had bound him.

674

So when we had boarded a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, intending to sail to ports along the coast of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.

675

As they were leaving, the people begged that these matters be presented to them the following Sabbath.

676

Then He gave him the covenant of circumcision. After this, he fathered Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; Isaac did the same with Jacob, and Jacob with the 12 patriarchs.

677

and from there to Philippi, a Roman colony, which is a leading city of that district of Macedonia. We stayed in that city for a number of days.

679

But the high priest Ananias ordered those who were standing next to him to strike him on the mouth.

682

And when they came to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time

683

For David, after serving his own generation in God’s plan, fell asleep, was buried with his fathers, and decayed.

684

when He said,

Go to these people and say:
You will listen and listen,
yet never understand;
and you will look and look,
yet never perceive.

685

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to kill them.

686

But some of the believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!”

687

When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell at his feet, and worshiped him.

689

The apostles Barnabas and Paul tore their robes when they heard this and rushed into the crowd, shouting:

690

Then, being sent off, they went down to Antioch, and after gathering the assembly, they delivered the letter.

691

Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of everyone’s blood,

692

The following night, the Lord stood by him and said, “Have courage! For as you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

693

Then the apostles and the elders assembled to consider this matter.

695

Then the mob joined in the attack against them, and the chief magistrates stripped off their clothes and ordered them to be beaten with rods.

696

When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all that God had done with them.

697

Though they found no grounds for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to have Him killed.

698

but we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread. In five days we reached them at Troas, where we spent seven days.

699

Sailing from there, the next day we arrived off Chios. The following day we crossed over to Samos, and the day after, we came to Miletus.

700

After they had completed their relief mission, Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, taking along John who is called Mark.

701

He summoned two of his centurions and said, “Get 200 soldiers ready with 70 cavalry and 200 spearmen to go to Caesarea at nine tonight.

702

They had previously known me for quite some time, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest party of our religion I lived as a Pharisee.

703

After 40 years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning bush.

704

The same thing happened in Iconium; they entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed.

705

Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. Striking Peter on the side, he woke him up and said, “Quick, get up!” Then the chains fell off his wrists.

706

And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

707

Then he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear the sound of His voice.

708

While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, greatly amazed, ran toward them in what is called Solomon’s Colonnade.

710

“Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, just as He who spoke to Moses commanded him to make it according to the pattern he had seen.

711

Therefore, let it be known to you that this saving work of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen!”

712

They had them stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

713

And many who had become believers came confessing and disclosing their practices,

714

Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

715

They listened to him up to this word. Then they raised their voices, shouting, “Wipe this person off the earth—it’s a disgrace for him to live!”

718

After five days Ananias the high priest came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus. These men presented their case against Paul to the governor.

719

“And now I know that none of you will ever see my face again—everyone I went about preaching the kingdom to.

720

When daylight came, the chief magistrates sent the police to say, “Release those men!”

721

When it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under a curse: neither to eat nor to drink until they had killed Paul.

722

“Brothers, sons of Abraham’s race, and those among you who fear God, the message of this salvation has been sent to us.

723

but in every nation the person who fears Him and does righteousness is acceptable to Him.

724

And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay for a few days.

725

Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking the magnificent acts of God in our own languages.”

727

When an attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to assault and stone them,

728

“I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest,” replied Paul. “For it is written, You must not speak evil of a ruler of your people.

730

Wasn’t it yours while you possessed it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it at your disposal? Why is it that you planned this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God!”

731

In past generations He allowed all the nations to go their own way,

732

Then even Simon himself believed. And after he was baptized, he went around constantly with Philip and was astounded as he observed the signs and great miracles that were being performed.

733

And now, I tell you, stay away from these men and leave them alone. For if this plan or this work is of men, it will be overthrown;

734

that the Messiah must suffer, and that as the first to rise from the dead, He would proclaim light to our people and to the Gentiles.”

735

Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people that they should believe in the One who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

737

Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the town, brought oxen and garlands to the gates. He, with the crowds, intended to offer sacrifice.

738

And we ourselves proclaim to you the good news of the promise that was made to our ancestors.

740

But Paul said to them, “They beat us in public without a trial, although we are Roman citizens, and threw us in jail. And now are they going to smuggle us out secretly? Certainly not! On the contrary, let them come themselves and escort us out!”

741

Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! You are sitting there judging me according to the law, and in violation of the law are you ordering me to be struck?”

742

As he was making his defense this way, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice, “You’re out of your mind, Paul! Too much study is driving you mad!”

743

By now much time had passed, and the voyage was already dangerous. Since the Fast was already over, Paul gave his advice

744

To this very day, I have obtained help that comes from God, and I stand and testify to both small and great, saying nothing else than what the prophets and Moses said would take place

745

So, bypassing Mysia, they came down to Troas.

746

not by all the people, but by us, witnesses appointed beforehand by God, who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead.

747

When he wanted to cross over to Achaia, the brothers wrote to the disciples urging them to welcome him. After he arrived, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace.

748

After some days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and paid a courtesy call on Festus.

750

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, he called two of his household slaves and a devout soldier, who was one of those who attended him.

752

“Didn’t we strictly order you not to teach in this name? And look, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to bring this man’s blood on us!”

753

After three days he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered he said to them: “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors, I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

754

Then they all seized Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judge’s bench. But none of these things concerned Gallio.

756

Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.”

Then Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

757

“As I was traveling and near Damascus, about noon an intense light from heaven suddenly flashed around me.

758

If then I am doing wrong, or have done anything deserving of death, I do not refuse to die, but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

759

And they started to call Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the main speaker.

760

When he was called in, Tertullus began to accuse him and said: “Since we enjoy great peace because of you, and reforms are taking place for the benefit of this nation by your foresight,

761

“The patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt, but God was with him

762

How is it that each of us can hear in our own native language?

763

And she did this for many days.

But Paul was greatly aggravated and turning to the spirit, said, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And it came out right away.

764

This became known to everyone who lived in Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. Then fear fell on all of them, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

765

He came to us, took Paul’s belt, tied his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into Gentile hands.’”

766

“I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that today I am going to make a defense before you about everything I am accused of by the Jews,

767

When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him any longer. But he went on his way rejoicing.

768

Then he went to Tarsus to search for Saul,

769

When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged all of them to remain true to the Lord with a firm resolve of the heart,

770

Our ancestors in turn received it and with Joshua brought it in when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers, until the days of David.

771

When the fourteenth night came, we were drifting in the Adriatic Sea, and in the middle of the night the sailors thought they were approaching land.

772

At once something like scales fell from his eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized.

773

After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus.

774

Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy stayed on there.

775

The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.

776

We ourselves are witnesses of everything He did in both the Judean country and in Jerusalem, yet they killed Him by hanging Him on a tree.

777

He will speak a message to you that you and all your household will be saved by.’

778

Heaven is My throne,
and earth My footstool.
What sort of house will you build for Me?
says the Lord,
or what is My resting place?

779

“Get up and go to the street called Straight,” the Lord said to him, “to the house of Judas, and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, since he is praying there.

780

So he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

782

After he said these things and had taken some bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all of them, and when he broke it, he began to eat.

783

but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You may even be found fighting against God.” So they were persuaded by him.

785

Then God turned away and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:

House of Israel, did you bring Me offerings and sacrifices
40 years in the wilderness?

786

Peter, along with John, looked at him intently and said, “Look at us.”

787

But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and of what I will reveal to you.

789

Now those who were with me saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of the One who was speaking to me.

790

The shouting grew loud, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees’ party got up and argued vehemently: “We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”

792

and being of the same occupation, stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.

794

Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to set sail from there, hoping somehow to reach Phoenix, a harbor on Crete open to the southwest and northwest, and to winter there.

795

You have revealed the paths of life to me;
You will fill me with gladness
in Your presence.

796

He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized.

798

When our days there were over, we left to continue our journey, while all of them, with their wives and children, escorted us out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach to pray,

799

After these days we got ready and went up to Jerusalem.

800

These men went on ahead and waited for us in Troas,

801

Now the believers from there had heard the news about us and had come to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

802

For they heard them speaking in other languages and declaring the greatness of God.

Then Peter responded,

803

King Agrippa, while on the road at midday, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and those traveling with me.

804

When they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even quieter.

805

Since many were going without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “You men should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete and sustain this damage and loss.

806

In all the synagogues I often tried to make them blaspheme by punishing them. I even pursued them to foreign cities since I was greatly enraged at them.

807

For this reason I’ve asked to see you and speak to you. In fact, it is for the hope of Israel that I’m wearing this chain.”

808

So we found some disciples and stayed there seven days. Through the Spirit they told Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

809

Then the proconsul, seeing what happened, believed and was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.

810

God raised up His Servant and sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your evil ways.”

811

The following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.

812

But the son of Paul’s sister, hearing about their ambush, came and entered the barracks and reported it to Paul.

813

The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the sound but seeing no one.

814

And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I was standing by and approving, and I guarded the clothes of those who killed him.’

815

“I was traveling to Damascus under these circumstances with authority and a commission from the chief priests.

816

When we completed our voyage from Tyre, we reached Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day.

817

Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded and set sail.

818

For the king knows about these matters. It is to him I am actually speaking boldly. For I am convinced that none of these things escapes his notice, since this was not done in a corner.

819

From there, after making a circuit along the coast, we reached Rhegium. After one day a south wind sprang up, and the second day we came to Puteoli.

820

And Peter stayed on many days in Joppa with Simon, a leather tanner.

821

“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.

822

When the governor motioned to him to speak, Paul replied: “Because I know you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I am glad to offer my defense in what concerns me.

823

and heard Paul speaking. After observing him closely and seeing that he had faith to be healed,

824

Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed,” and immediately he got up.

825

The evil spirit answered them, “I know Jesus, and I recognize Paul—but who are you?”

826

“This Moses, whom they rejected when they said, Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?—this one God sent as a ruler and a redeemer by means of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

828

But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began to oppose what Paul was saying by insulting him.

829

“Then I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’

“And the Lord told me, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that is assigned for you to do.’

830

But Paul said: “I am standing at Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you can see very well.

831

When a gentle south wind sprang up, they thought they had achieved their purpose. They weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.

832

I actually did this in Jerusalem, and I locked up many of the saints in prison, since I had received authority for that from the chief priests. When they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.

833

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

834

For the hearts of these people
have grown callous,
their ears are hard of hearing,
and they have shut their eyes;
otherwise they might see with their eyes
and hear with their ears,
understand with their heart,
and be converted,
and I would heal them.

835

But we would like to hear from you what you think. For concerning this sect, we are aware that it is spoken against everywhere.”

836

And now I stand on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers,

837

After we sighted Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we sailed on to Syria and arrived at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there.

838

In fact, we run a risk of being charged with rioting for what happened today, since there is no justification that we can give as a reason for this disorderly gathering.”

839

grieving most of all over his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

840

But Paul went down, fell on him, embraced him, and said, “Don’t be alarmed, for his life is in him!”

841

He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

842

The following Sabbath almost the whole town assembled to hear the message of the Lord.

843

Therefore I urge you to take some food. For this has to do with your survival, since none of you will lose a hair from your head.”

844

But when some became hardened and would not believe, slandering the Way in front of the crowd, he withdrew from them and met separately with the disciples, conducting discussions every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.

845

Philip appeared in Azotus, and he was traveling and evangelizing all the towns until he came to Caesarea.

846

I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. So Moses began to tremble and did not dare to look.

848

But Lysias the commander came and took him from our hands with great force,

849

Then they screamed at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him.

850

Now in the area around that place was an estate belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us hospitably for three days.

851

“This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your brothers.

852

After he had seen the vision, we immediately made efforts to set out for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to evangelize them.

853

Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and brought us to Mnason, a Cypriot and an early disciple, with whom we were to stay.

854

The eunuch replied to Philip, “I ask you, who is the prophet saying this about—himself or another person?”

855

Sailing slowly for many days, we came with difficulty as far as Cnidus. Since the wind did not allow us to approach it, we sailed along the south side of Crete off Salmone.

856

Barnabas wanted to take along John Mark.

857

“All the Jews know my way of life from my youth, which was spent from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem.

858

until I make Your enemies Your footstool.’

859

“Then the Lord said to him:

Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.

860

After hoisting it up, they used ropes and tackle and girded the ship. Then, fearing they would run aground on the Syrtis, they lowered the drift-anchor, and in this way they were driven along.

861

But they shook the dust off their feet against them and went to Iconium.

862

Therefore I immediately sent for you, and you did the right thing in coming. So we are all present before God, to hear everything you have been commanded by the Lord.”

863

With yet more difficulty we sailed along the coast and came to a place called Fair Havens near the city of Lasea.

864

Consequently, many of them believed, including a number of the prominent Greek women as well as men.

865

And everyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from the people.

866

When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you right away. I also ordered his accusers to state their case against him in your presence.

867

But not long afterward, a fierce wind called the “northeaster” rushed down from the island.

868

Paul said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” And he jumped up and started to walk around.

869

But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that God’s message had been proclaimed by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and disturbing the crowds.

870

But Paul did not think it appropriate to take along this man who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone on with them to the work.

872

So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they led him to the room upstairs. And all the widows approached him, weeping and showing him the robes and clothes that Dorcas had made while she was with them.

873

So the next day, Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium with the commanders and prominent men of the city. When Festus gave the command, Paul was brought in.

874

For you will be a witness for Him to all people of what you have seen and heard.

875

As Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of a crime or of moral evil, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you Jews.

876

But the One God raised up did not decay.

877

For many days neither sun nor stars appeared, and the severe storm kept raging. Finally all hope that we would be saved was disappearing.

878

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land but sighted a bay with a beach. They planned to run the ship ashore if they could.

879

“But I said, ‘Lord, they know that in synagogue after synagogue I had those who believed in You imprisoned and beaten.

880

while Paul made the defense that, “Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned at all.”

881

The next day we put in at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends to receive their care.

882

In His humiliation justice was denied Him.
Who will describe His generation?
For His life is taken from the earth.

883

the promise our 12 tribes hope to attain as they earnestly serve Him night and day. King Agrippa, I am being accused by the Jews because of this hope.

884

Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

885

But Paul replied, “I’m not out of my mind, most excellent Festus. On the contrary, I’m speaking words of truth and good judgment.

886

When the dispute became violent, the commander feared that Paul might be torn apart by them and ordered the troops to go down, rescue him from them, and bring him into the barracks.

887

There he found a man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and had been bedridden for eight years.

888

When the local people saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another, “This man is probably a murderer, and though he has escaped the sea, Justice does not allow him to live!”

889

I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’

890

In those days she became sick and died. After washing her, they placed her in a room upstairs.

891

“Then I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’

“And the Lord replied: ‘I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.

892

So beware that what is said in the prophets does not happen to you:

893

After sailing through the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we reached Myra in Lycia.

894

So taking a security bond from Jason and the others, they released them.

895

For you have brought these men here who are not temple robbers or blasphemers of our goddess.

896

After going upstairs, breaking the bread, and eating, Paul conversed a considerable time until dawn. Then he left.

897

After many years, I came to bring charitable gifts and offerings to my nation,

898

Then the man who had the evil spirit leaped on them, overpowered them all, and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of that house naked and wounded.

899

Since he would not be persuaded, we stopped talking and simply said, “The Lord’s will be done!”

900

So all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

901

So they came and apologized to them, and escorting them out, they urged them to leave town.

902

He said to them, “Men of Israel, be careful about what you’re going to do to these men.

903

Therefore send someone to Joppa and invite Simon here, who is also named Peter. He is lodging in Simon the tanner’s house by the sea.’

904

He found favor in God’s sight and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

905

we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with utmost gratitude.

906

Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation with all the Jews residing there,

907

and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed for each person’s basic needs.

908

I answered them that it’s not the Romans’ custom to give any man up before the accused confronts the accusers face to face and has an opportunity to give a defense concerning the charges.

909

Don’t let them persuade you, because there are more than 40 of them arranging to ambush him, men who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they kill him. Now they are ready, waiting for a commitment from you.”

910

When he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.

911

sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

912

Our ancestors were unwilling to obey him, but pushed him away, and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

913

They told Aaron:

Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we don’t know what’s happened to him.

914

And those standing nearby said, “Do you dare revile God’s high priest?”

915

But they struck a sandbar and ran the ship aground. The bow jammed fast and remained immovable, while the stern began to break up by the pounding of the waves.

916

and saw Him telling me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me!’

917

“This man,” they said, “persuades people to worship God contrary to the law!”

918

Therefore, take courage, men, because I believe God that it will be just the way it was told to me.

919

After greeting them, he related in detail what God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.

920

This man led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness 40 years.

921

as both the high priest and the whole council of elders can testify about me. After I received letters from them to the brothers, I traveled to Damascus to bring those who were prisoners there to be punished in Jerusalem.

922

He even tried to desecrate the temple, so we apprehended him [and wanted to judge him according to our law.

923

They expected that he would swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after they waited a long time and saw nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

924

There were many lamps in the room upstairs where we were assembled,

925

Instead they had some disagreements with him about their own religion and about a certain Jesus, a dead man Paul claimed to be alive.

926

and told them, “Men, I can see that this voyage is headed toward damage and heavy loss, not only of the cargo and the ship but also of our lives.”

927

He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him.

928

and said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. And, look! God has graciously given you all those who are sailing with you.’

929

commanding his accusers to come to you.] By examining him yourself you will be able to discern all these things we are accusing him of.”

930

When he had spent not more than eight or 10 days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, seated at the judge’s bench, he commanded Paul to be brought in.

931

These men went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn curse that we won’t eat anything until we have killed Paul.

932

There we found believers and were invited to stay with them for seven days.

And so we came to Rome.

933

So the message of the Lord spread through the whole region.

934

Then Festus, wanting to do a favor for the Jews, replied to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be tried before me on these charges?”

935

So if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, the courts are in session, and there are proconsuls. Let them bring charges against one another.

936

But if these are questions about words, names, and your own law, see to it yourselves. I don’t want to be a judge of such things.”

937

Then they said to him, “We haven’t received any letters about you from Judea. None of the brothers has come and reported or spoken anything evil about you.

938

After running under the shelter of a little island called Cauda, we were barely able to get control of the skiff.

939

The Jews stirred up the crowd and the city officials who heard these things.

940

I have observed the oppression of My people in Egypt; I have heard their groaning and have come down to rescue them. And now, come, I will send you to Egypt.

941

Then the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed,

942

They even made a calf in those days, offered sacrifice to the idol, and were celebrating what their hands had made.

944

Because the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; it was not as though I had any accusation against my nation.

945

So they heaped many honors on us, and when we sailed, they gave us what we needed.

946

They brought the boy home alive and were greatly comforted.

947

In all there were 276 of us on the ship.

948

But the centurion paid attention to the captain and the owner of the ship rather than to what Paul said.

949

“I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’

“He said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, the One you are persecuting!’

950

Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him who begged him, “Don’t delay in coming with us.”

951

After this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases also came and were cured.

952

Then the police reported these words to the magistrates. They were afraid when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens.

953

However, he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm.

954

Neither can they provide evidence to you of what they now bring against me.

955

Then Festus said: “King Agrippa and all men present with us, you see this man about whom the whole Jewish community has appealed to me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that he should not live any longer.

956

When we heard this, both we and the local people begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.

957

But it was Solomon who built Him a house.

958

Then the commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and inquired privately, “What is it you have to report to me?”

959

Since the ship was caught and was unable to head into the wind, we gave way to it and were driven along.

960

After Festus conferred with his council, he replied, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!”

961

You are able to determine that it is no more than 12 days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.

962

asking him to do them a favor against Paul, that he might summon him to Jerusalem. They were preparing an ambush along the road to kill him.

963

This became known throughout Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

964

“The Jews,” he said, “have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the Sanhedrin tomorrow, as though they are going to hold a somewhat more careful inquiry about him.

965

especially since you are an expert in all the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

966

So he drove them from the judge’s bench.

967

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us on board.

968

Therefore, when they had assembled here, I did not delay. The next day I sat at the judge’s bench and ordered the man to be brought in.

969

When we had put out to sea from there, we sailed along the northern coast of Cyprus because the winds were against us.

970

So now you, along with the Sanhedrin, make a request to the commander that he bring him down to you as if you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly. However, before he gets near, we are ready to kill him.”

971

He gave her his hand and helped her stand up. Then he called the saints and widows and presented her alive.

972

“Since I couldn’t see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus.

973

So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed him, “Don’t tell anyone that you have informed me about this.”

974

and while I was doing this, some Jews from Asia found me ritually purified in the temple, without a crowd and without any uproar.

975

for the mass of people followed, yelling, “Take him away!”

976

It is they who ought to be here before you to bring charges, if they have anything against me.

977

Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him.”

978

But when Paul appealed to be held for trial by the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”

979

Since they stayed there many days, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There’s a man who was left as a prisoner by Felix.

980

“Therefore,” he said, “let the men of authority among you go down with me and accuse him, if there is any wrong in this man.”

981

However, so that I will not burden you any further, I beg you in your graciousness to give us a brief hearing.

982

When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges that they were not able to prove,

983

When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

984

They didn’t find me disputing with anyone or causing a disturbance among the crowd, either in the temple complex or in the synagogues or anywhere in the city.

985

Did not My hand make all these things?

986

or about this one statement I cried out while standing among them, ‘Today I am being judged before you concerning the resurrection of the dead.’”

987

When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews presented their case and asked for a judgment against him.

988

Now there were about 12 men in all.

989

Because we were being severely battered by the storm, they began to jettison the cargo the next day.

990

came and stood by me and said, ‘Brother Saul, regain your sight.’ And in that very hour I looked up and saw him.

991

But the centurion kept them from carrying out their plan because he wanted to save Paul, so he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.

992

Since I was at a loss in a dispute over such things, I asked him if he wished to go to Jerusalem and be tried there concerning these matters.

993

Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear the man myself.”

“Tomorrow you will hear him,” he replied.

994

However, we must run aground on a certain island.”

995

Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed three days.

996

However, Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly.

997

So he took him, brought him to the commander, and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and asked me to bring this young man to you, because he has something to tell you.”

998

There were more than 40 who had formed this plot.

999

we said good-bye to one another. Then we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

1000

On the third day, they threw the ship’s gear overboard with their own hands.

1001

For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple complex and were trying to kill me.