(He was a prophet; he knew God had sworn an oath to him that he would seat one of his descendants on his throne;

they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds among all, as anyone might be in need.

There was not a needy person among them, for those who owned land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sale,

At this the commander went off with the attendants and fetched them ??but without using violence, for fear that the people would pelt them with stones.

But he did not give him any inheritance in it, not even a foot of the land. All be did was to promise that he would give it as a possession to him and to his offspring after him (he at the time being childless).

(He thought his brothers would understand God was going to bring them deliverance by means of him, but they did not understand.)

But our fathers would not submit to him; they pushed him aside and hankered secretly after Egypt.

Heaven is my throne, the earth is a footstool for my feet! What house would you build me? saith the Lord. On what spot could I settle?

when they got as far as Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them,

Paul was just on the point of opening his lips to reply, when Gallio said to the Jews, "If it had been a misdemeanour or wicked crime, there would be some reason in me listening to you,O Jews.

who asked him to stay for a while. But he would not consent;

Many believers would also come to confess and disclose their magic spells;

(Paul wanted to enter the popular assembly, but the disciples would not allow him.

sorrowing chiefly because he told them they would never see his face again. Then they escorted him to the ship.

As he would not be persuaded, we acquiesced, saying, "The will of the Lord be done."

Then Paul associated himself with the men next day; he had himself purified along with them and went into the temple to give notice of the time when the days of purification would be completed ??the time, that is to say, when the sacrifice could be offered for each one of them.

The bystanders said, "What! would you rail at God's high priest?"

The quarrel then became so violent that the commander was afraid they would tear Paul in pieces; he therefore ordered the troops to march down and take him from them by force, bringing him inside the barracks.

So the officer took him to the commander, saying, "The prisoner Paul has summoned me to ask if I would bring this young man to you, as he has something to tell you."

(though at the same time he hoped Paul would give him a bribe). So he did send for him pretty frequently and conversed with him.

Festus replied that Paul would be kept in custody at Caesarea, but that he himself meant to leave for Caesarea before long ??5 "when," he added, "your competent authorities can come down with me and charge the man with whatever crime he has committed."

As I felt at a loss about the method of inquiry into such topics, I asked if he would go to Jerusalem and be tried there on these charges.

"Long or short," said Paul, "I would to God that not only you but all my hearers to-day could be what I am ??barring these chains!"

Some were convinced by what he said, but the others would not believe.