Concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we have already written, deciding that they should observe no such thing, except that they should guard themselves from idol sacrifices, and blood, and what is strangled, and from whoredom.

(for they had before seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they imagined that Paul had introduced into the temple.)

And as they were attempting to murder him, the report reached the military tribune of the band, that all Jerusalem was in confusion.

But when he was on the stairs, it happened that he was borne up by the soldiers, because of the press of the crowd.

Art not thou certainly that Egyptian who some time since raised a sedition, and led out into the desert four thousand cutthroats?

Then when they heard that he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence: and he said,

so much so that I persecuted this way unto death, binding and delivering up to prisons both men and women.

As also the high-priest will bear me witness, and all the body of elders: from whom also having received letters unto the brethren, I went unto Damascus, to bring those who were there in chains unto Jerusalem, that they might be punished.

Now they who were with me saw the light indeed, and were terrified; but the voice of him that spake to me heard they not.

Then as I could no longer see through the dazzling brightness of that light, led by the hand of those who were with me, I came to Damascus.

Now it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance;

And I said, Lord, they know that I was imprisoning and scourging from synagogue to synagogue those who believe on thee:

And they gave him audience to this sentence, and lifted up their voice, saying, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.

the military tribune commanded him to be brought into the fortress, ordering that he should be put to the question by scourging; that he might know for what cause they clamoured so loudly against him.

Immediately then they who were about to put him to the question, withdrew from him: and indeed the tribune dreaded the consequences, when he knew that he was a Roman citizen, that he had even gone so far as to bind him.

Then said Paul unto him, God is ready to smite thee, thou whited wall: for art thou sitting to judge me according to the law, and violating that law, commandest me to be smitten?

And Paul said, I had not observed, brethren, that he was high-priest: for it is written, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."

Now when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried in the sanhedrim, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: for the hope and resurrection of the dead am I brought to this bar.

For the Sadducees say indeed, that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.

Then a great tumult arising, the tribune, apprehensive that Paul might be pulled in pieces by them, commanded the guard to go down, and take him by force from the midst of them, and bring him into the fortress.

Then as soon as it was day, some of the Jews forming a conspiracy, bound themselves under the direst imprecation, declaring that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.

Now therefore do ye with the sanhedrim give notice to the military tribune, that to-morrow he bring him down to you, as if intending to make more accurate inquiries into the things concerning him: but we, ere he come nigh, are ready to kill him.

Hereupon the tribune taking him by the hand, and leading him aside, inquired, What is it that thou hast to communicate to me?

And he said, The Jews have agreed together to entreat thee that to-morrow thou wouldest bring down Paul into the sanhedrim, as about to make some more accurate inquiry concerning him.

Hereupon the tribune dismissed the youth, with an injunction, not to mention it to any body that thou hast discovered these things to me.

and provide beasts, that setting Paul thereon, you may convey him safely to Felix the governor.

This person had been seized by the Jews, and was ready to be slain by them: but coming on them with the guard, I rescued him out of their hands, having understood that he was a Roman citizen.

But it being discovered to me that a design was forming against the man's [life] by the Jews, immediately I sent him to thee, commanding his accusers also to produce what they have against him before thee. Farewel.

Now that I may not be unnecessarily tedious to thee, I entreat thee to hear us briefly with thy wonted candour.

Then the Jews also joined in affirming, that these things were so.

But Paul (the governor having made him a sign to speak) replied, Knowing that for so many years thou hast been the judge of this nation, I with the more confidence offer my defence respecting the matters which concern me:

as thou mayest be ascertained, that it is not more than twelve days ago since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.

But this I confess to thee, that after the way which they call a sect, so worship I the God of our ancestors, believing all things that are written in the law, and in the prophets:

and having hope in God, the same which they also profess to look for, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust.

When Felix then heard these things he put them off, (for he knew very exactly all that related to that way,) saying, When Lysias the tribune is come down, I will inquire thoroughly into the matters between you.

And he commanded the centurion that Paul should be safe kept, yet have no close confinement, and not to hinder any of his friends from supplying his wants, or visiting him.

Indeed he had also entertained hope that money would be given him by Paul, in order to release him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him.

begging it as a favour from him, that he would send him back to Jerusalem, lying in wait for him to kill him on the road.

Then Festus answered, that Paul should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself was going thither shortly.

But he pleaded in his defence, That neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I committed the least offence.

To whom I replied, That it was not customary for Romans to give up any man gratuitously to destruction, before that the person accused should have his accusers produced face to face, and be allowed opportunity to defend himself against the charge.

But Paul appealing that he should be reserved for the cognizance of Augustus, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I should send him to Caesar.

And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all you, sirs, who are present with us, behold the man, concerning whom the whole multitude of the Jews have set upon me, both at Jerusalem and in this place, clamouring that he ought not to live a moment longer.

But finding on inquiry that he had done nothing worthy of death, and he himself indeed having appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

Respecting whom I have nothing determinate to write to my sovereign. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before thee, king Agrippa, that on a fresh examination taken, I might have something to write.

I count myself happy, king Agrippa, that I am about to address my defence to thee this day concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews:

who previously knew me a long while ago, (if they chose to bear testimony,) that according to the most precise sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

What! is it judged a thing incredible by you, that God should raise the dead?

I indeed then thought in myself, that I ought to do many things in opposition to the name of Jesus the Nazarean.

And in every synagogue oftentimes punishing them, I compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly maddened with rage against them, I persecuted them even to the cities that are without.

to open their eyes, to convert them from darkness to light, and from the dominion of Satan unto God, that they may receive remission of sins, and an inheritance with those who are sanctified by faith which is in me.

but preached first to those at Damascus, and Jerusalem, and to all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, practicing works worthy of repentance.

that the Messiah should suffer, [and] that he being the first who should rise from the dead, should display light to the people, and to the Gentiles.

For the king is well acquainted with these things, before whom also I speak with the greatest freedom. For I am persuaded that none of these events have escaped his notice; for this thing was not done in a corner.

King Agrippa! believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.

And Paul replied, would to God, that not only thou, but also that all who are hearing me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these chains.

NOW as it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan cohort.

saying unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be attended with much damage and loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, but [danger] of our lives also.

Wherefore, sirs, cheer up: for I believe God that it will be so, exactly as he hath spoken to me.

Now as the fourteenth night was passing, whilst we were driving about in the Adriatic sea, about midnight the sailors imagined that some land was near to them:

and that the rest should make the attempt, some on planks, and some on the floating materials of the ship: and in this manner so it was that they all safely reached the shore.

AND being safe landed, we then understood that the island was called Melita.

Now they expected that a violent inflammation would ensue, or that he would have fallen suddenly dead: but when, after waiting a considerable time, they saw no inconvenience arise to him, they changed their opinion, and said that he was a divinity.

Now in the vicinity of that place was the estate of the principal person on the island, named Publius, who received us into his house, and lodged us with great humanity three days.

And it so happened that the father of Publius was then confined to his bed with an attack of fever and dysentery: unto whom Paul went in, and after praying, laid his hands upon him, and healed him.

Now it came to pass that after three days Paul called together the principal persons of the Jews. And when they were assembled, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have done nothing contrary to the people and the customs of our ancestors, yet have I been delivered up a prisoner into the hands of the Romans.

But when the Jews opposed it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar; not that I have any accusation to bring against my countrymen.

But we think it highly proper to hear from thee what thy sentiments are; for indeed as to this sect, it is well known to us that everywhere it meets with opposition.

So being divided in sentiment among themselves, they broke up, Paul adding one word, That well had the Holy Ghost spoken by Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,

Be it known therefore unto you, that to the Gentiles is the salvation of God sent, and they will hear.

To all that are at Rome, beloved of God, called saints, grace unto you, and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

always in my prayers entreating that haply now at last I may have a prosperous journey by the will of God, to come to you.

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, in order that you may be established;

and that so I may be comforted together with you, by the mutual faith both of you and of me.

But I would not that ye should be unacquainted, brethren, that oftentimes I have been purposing to come to you (and have been prevented until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentile nations.

So, as far as is in my power, I am desirous to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Because that which is capable of being known relative to God, is evident among them; for God hath manifested it to them.

For from the creation of the world his invisible perfections, discoverable in the works that are made, are clearly seen, even his eternal power and deity; so that they are inexcusable:

For this cause God gave them up to dishonourable passions. For even their women did change the natural use into that which was contrary to nature;

who, though they know the righteous judgment of God, that they who live in such practices are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also find pleasure in the company of those who live in these practices.

THEREFORE thou art inexcusable, O man, even every one that judgeth: for in the very thing wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest art living in the practices of the same things.

But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth, against those who practise such things.

For thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest those who do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?

Or despisest thou the riches of his kindness and patience and long-suffering, ignorant that this goodness of God is leading thee to repentance?

tribulation and anguish upon every soul of man that doeth wickedness, of the Jew first, and also of the Greek.

But glory and honour and peace be to every man who doeth that which is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek:

and knowest the will of God, and bringest to the test the things that are different, being instructed out of the law;

and hast confidence that thou thyself art a leader of the blind, a light of those who are in darkness,

Thou therefore who teachest another, dost thou not teach thyself? thou that proclaimest aloud that a man should not steal, dost thou steal?

thou that sayest, Do not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that holdest idols in abomination, dost thou commit sacrilege?

For not he who is outwardly such, is the Jew; neither is that which is outward in the flesh, circumcision.

Much in every view: the principal one indeed is, that the oracles of God were entrusted to them.

God forbid: but let God be true, though every man were a liar; as it is written, "That thou mayest be acknowledged just in thy sayings, and overcome when thou art judged."

And why not admit, (as we are falsely reported of; and as some affirm we say,) That we should do evil things, that good may come? whose condemnation is just.

What then? have we pre-eminence? Not at all: for we have before proved that both the Jews and Greeks are all under sin;

there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

All are turned aside together, they are become worthless; there is none that doeth good, there is not even one.

Now we know that whatsoever things the law saith, it speaks to those who are under the law: that every mouth might be sealed up, and all the world become criminal before God.

the righteousness of God indeed by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe: for there is no difference:

for a demonstration of his justice at this present time: that he might be just, though justifying him who is of the faith of Jesus.