Thematic Bible


Thematic Bible



From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day on which I came into Asia, how I have been with you during the whole time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; read more.
and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.


And every one of the disciples determined, as he had the means, to send relief to the brethren that dwelt in Judea; which also they did; and they sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

And certain men came down from Judea, and taught the brethren, saying: Unless you be circumcised, according to the custom of Moses, you can not be saved. Therefore, after Paul and Barnabas had no little dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others from among them, should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. Being, therefore, con ducted on their journey by the church, they passed through Phenicia and Samaria, making known the conversion of the Gentiles; and they gave great joy to all the brethren. read more.
When they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and the apostles and elders, and they declared all that God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees, who believed, arose, saying, that it was necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together to deliberate about this matter. And after there had been much disputing, Peter arose, and said to them: Brethren, you know that, at the beginning, God made choice among us, that, by my mouth, the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel, and believe. And God, who knows the heart, became a witness for them, by giving them the Holy Spirit, as he gave it also to us; and he made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why do you put God to the proof, by placing a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers, nor we ourselves, were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved, even as they, through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then all the multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, while they made known what signs and wonders God had done by them among the Gentiles. And after they were silent, James answered and said: Brethren, hear me; Simeon has declared how God, at the first, did visit the Gentiles, in order to take out from among them a people for his name. And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and build again the tabernacle of David which has fallen down; and I will build again its ruins, and I will set it up; that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called, says the Lord, who does all these things. Known to God from eternity are all bis works. For these reasons, my judgment is, that we give no trouble to those who, from among the Gentiles, have turned to God; but that we write to them to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from lewdness, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For, from ancient times, Moses has, in every city, those who preach him, being read in the synagogue every sabbath-day. Then it pleased the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, chosen men from among themselves; Judas, who was surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren; and they wrote by their hands as follows: The apostles, and the elders, and the brethren, to the brethren of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: Inasmuch as we have heard that certain persons went out from us and troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, That you must be circumcised, and keep the law, to whom we gave no commandment, it has seemed good to us, having come together with one mind, to send chosen men to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have en dangered their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent, therefore, Judas and Silas, who will tell you the same things in word. For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: That you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from lewdness; from which if you keep yourselves carefully, you will do well. Farewell. So when these men were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and having assembled the multitude, they delivered this letter. When they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation which it gave. And Judas and Silas, who were also prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and strengthened them. And after spending some time, they were dismissed in peace from the brethren, to those who had sent them. But it pleased Silas to remain there. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching, with many others, the word of the Lord.



And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees that had been resolved on by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem, that they might keep them. Therefore, the churches were established in the faith, and they increased in number daily.


Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. read more.
Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified.

And, on the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. Verse Conceptselders, in the churchGoing To ChurchThe Elderlyelders

Let the elders who rule well, be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in word and teaching. For the scripture says: You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain; and, The laborer is worthy of his hire. Receive not an accusation against an old man, unless before two or three witnesses.

I left you in Crete for this purpose, that you might set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I commanded you: if any one is blameless, the husband of one wife, if he has faithful children that are not accused of riotous living, or disobedient. For the bishop must be blame less, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not passionate, not fond of wine, not quarrelsome, not one who makes money by base means; read more.
but hospitable, a lover of goodness, sober-minded, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the sure word as it is taught, that he may be able, by sound teaching, both to exhort and to convince the opposers.

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for by this the ancients obtained a good reputation. Verse ConceptsApprovalPeople Commended By God

Is any one among you sick? let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil, in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith shall save the sick; and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

The elders that are among you I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and a sharer in the glory that is to be revealed. Act as shepherds to the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight, not by compulsion, but willingly; not for the sake of sordid gain, but from readiness of mind: neither as being lords over God's possessions, but being examples to the flock. read more.
And when the chief shepherd shall appear, you shall receive the crown of glory that fades not away. Likewise, you younger, be in subjection to the older: do you all indeed be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resists the proud, but gives grace to the lowly.

THE elder to the elect lady, and to her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all who know the truth; Verse ConceptsElection, Description OfLove Exists Between PeopleKnowing God's TruthLove And RelationshipsLove And FamilyLoving Children

elder to the beloved Gains, whom I love in the truth. Verse ConceptsAffection, GoodThose Who Loved

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there; but he him self went into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. And though they besought him to remain with them a longer time, he did not consent, but took leave of them, saying: I must, by all means, keep this coming feast in Jerusalem: but I will return to you, if God be willing. And he sailed from Ephesus,

For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he hastened, that, if it were possible for him, he might be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day on which I came into Asia, how I have been with you during the whole time, read more.
serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day on which I came into Asia, how I have been with you during the whole time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; read more.
and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.

And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. And a certain Jew, named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord; and, being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, knowing only the immersion of John. read more.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him, and taught him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to pass into Achaia, the brethren, exhorting him, wrote to the disciples to receive him. And when he had come, he gave much help to the believers, through the grace conferred on him. For, with great strength, he utterly confounded the Jews publicly, showing, by the Scriptures, that the Christ was Jesus. And it came to pass, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, after passing through the upper districts, came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples, said to them: Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? They said to him: We have not only not received it, but we have not even heard whether the Holy Spirit is given. And he said to them: Into what, then, were you immersed? They replied: Into John's immersion. And Paul said: John immersed with the immersion of repentance, saying to the people, that they must believe on him who should come after him, that is, on the Christ, Jesus. And when they heard this, they were immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he entered the synagogue, and spoke boldly, reasoning, and persuading them for three months, with respect to the things of the kingdom of God. But as some were hardened, and did not believe, and spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he withdrew from them, and separated the disciples, and discoursed daily in the school of one Tyrannus. This continued for two years; so that all that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Mighty deeds, also, that were unusual, did God perform by the hands of Paul; so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried from his body to the sick, and diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits came out of them. And some of the roving Jews, who were exorcists, under took to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying: I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this. But the evil spirit answered and said: Jesus I acknowledge, and Paul I know; but who are you? And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them, and overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled from that house, naked and wounded. And this became known to all the Greeks and Jews that dwelt in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many of those who believed came and confessed, and made known their practices. And many of those who practiced magic, brought together their books, and burned them, in the presence of all. And they computed their value, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily did the word of the Lord grow and prevail. When these things had been accomplished, Paul purposed in spirit to go to Jerusalem, after he should pass through Macedonia and Achaia, saying: After I have been there, I must see Rome also. So, having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he remained for a time in Asia. And at that time there was no little excitement about that way. For a certain man, named Demetrius, a silversmith, by making silver shrines for Diana, furnished no little trade to the artists. These he called together, with the workmen em ployed about such things, and said: Men, you know that our wealth arises from this trade: and you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost the whole of Asia, this Paul, by his persuasions, has drawn away a great multitude, saying, that they which are made with hands are not gods. Now there is danger, not only that this our calling will come into disgrace, but that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be despised, and that the majesty of her whom all Asia and the world worships, will be destroyed. When they heard this, they were full of anger, and cried out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians! And the whole city was filled with confusion. And they seized Gains and Aristarchus, who were Macedonians, Paul's fellow-travelers, and, with one consent, rushed into the theater. And when Paul wished to go in among the people, the disciples did not permit him. Some of the Asiarchs also, who were friendly to him, sent to him, and besought him not to trust himself into the theater. Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together. And some of the multitude put Alexander forward, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander waved his hand, and wished to make a defense to the people. But perceiving that he was a Jew, they all cried out, with one voice, for about two hours: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. But the town-clerk quieted the multitude, and said: Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshiper of the great Diana, and of the image that fell down from Jupiter? As these things, then, can not be contradicted, you ought to be quiet, and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples, nor revilers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius, and the artists who are with him, have a charge against any one, the courts are in session, and the proconsuls are there; let them accuse each other. But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called to answer for this day's tumult, since there is no cause by which we shall be able to account for this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. After the tumult had ceased, Paul called the disciples to him, and bade them farewell, and departed, in order to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone through those regions, and had exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece. And having remained there three months, he determined to return through Macedonia, because a plot had been laid for him by the Jews, as he was about to sail to Syria. And Sopater of Berea, and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy and Tychicus and Trophimus, who were Asiatics, accompanied him to Asia. These went before, and waited for us at Troas. But we sailed from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we remained seven days. And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul discoursed to them, intending to depart on the morrow; and he continued his speech till mid night. And there were many lamps in the upper room, in which they had met together. And a certain young man, named Eutychus, was sitting in the window, overpowered with deep sleep: and, as Paul was discoursing a long time, being oppressed with sleep, he fell from the third story, and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, and fell upon him, and embracing him, said: Be not troubled, for his life is in him. And he went up again, and broke bread, and ate; and having conversed a long time, till daylight, he thus departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. And we went on before to the ship, and put to sea for Assos, intending to take Paul on board at that place; for he had BO directed, intending to go himself on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board, and came to Mityiene; and sailing from that place, we came, on the following day, opposite to Chios; and, on the next day, we arrived at Samos: and after stopping at Trogyllium, we came, on the next day, to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he hastened, that, if it were possible for him, he might be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day on which I came into Asia, how I have been with you during the whole time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship. And it came to pass that, after we had separated from them, we put to sea, and came by a straight course to Cos, and on the following day, to Rhodes, and thence to Patara. And finding a ship that was going to Phenicia, we embarked, and put to sea. And we came in view of Cyprus; and, leaving it to the left, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to put off her lading. And we remained there seven days, after finding the disciples. These urged Paul, by the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem. And when these days were completed, we went forth, and continued our journey, they all, with their wives and children, conducting us out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had bid each other farewell, we embarked, and they returned home. And completing the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais: and having saluted the brethren, we remained with them one day. On the following day we departed, and came to Caesarea, and went into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven; and we remained with him. This man had four virgin daughters, who had the gift of prophesy. And as we remained there many days, there came down, from Judea, a certain prophet, named Agabus; and he came to us, and taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own hands and feet, and said: Thus says the Holy Spirit; the Jews that are in Jerusalem will so bind the man to whom this girdle belongs; and they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, we, and those of that place also, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. But Paul answered: What do you effect by weeping, and breaking my heart? For I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to suffer death in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. And as he would not be persuaded, we kept silence, and said: The will of the Lord be done. And after these days we prepared for our journey, and went up to Jerusalem.

And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. read more.
And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.

And having spent some time there, he departed, and went through the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. And a certain Jew, named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He was instructed in the way of the Lord; and, being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things of the Lord, knowing only the immersion of John. read more.
And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him, and taught him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to pass into Achaia, the brethren, exhorting him, wrote to the disciples to receive him. And when he had come, he gave much help to the believers, through the grace conferred on him. For, with great strength, he utterly confounded the Jews publicly, showing, by the Scriptures, that the Christ was Jesus. And it came to pass, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, after passing through the upper districts, came to Ephesus, and finding certain disciples, said to them: Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? They said to him: We have not only not received it, but we have not even heard whether the Holy Spirit is given. And he said to them: Into what, then, were you immersed? They replied: Into John's immersion. And Paul said: John immersed with the immersion of repentance, saying to the people, that they must believe on him who should come after him, that is, on the Christ, Jesus. And when they heard this, they were immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. And he entered the synagogue, and spoke boldly, reasoning, and persuading them for three months, with respect to the things of the kingdom of God. But as some were hardened, and did not believe, and spoke evil of that way before the multitude, he withdrew from them, and separated the disciples, and discoursed daily in the school of one Tyrannus. This continued for two years; so that all that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Mighty deeds, also, that were unusual, did God perform by the hands of Paul; so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried from his body to the sick, and diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits came out of them. And some of the roving Jews, who were exorcists, under took to pronounce the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying: I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this. But the evil spirit answered and said: Jesus I acknowledge, and Paul I know; but who are you? And the man in whom the evil spirit was, leaped on them, and overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled from that house, naked and wounded. And this became known to all the Greeks and Jews that dwelt in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many of those who believed came and confessed, and made known their practices. And many of those who practiced magic, brought together their books, and burned them, in the presence of all. And they computed their value, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So mightily did the word of the Lord grow and prevail. When these things had been accomplished, Paul purposed in spirit to go to Jerusalem, after he should pass through Macedonia and Achaia, saying: After I have been there, I must see Rome also. So, having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he remained for a time in Asia. And at that time there was no little excitement about that way. For a certain man, named Demetrius, a silversmith, by making silver shrines for Diana, furnished no little trade to the artists. These he called together, with the workmen em ployed about such things, and said: Men, you know that our wealth arises from this trade: and you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but throughout almost the whole of Asia, this Paul, by his persuasions, has drawn away a great multitude, saying, that they which are made with hands are not gods. Now there is danger, not only that this our calling will come into disgrace, but that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be despised, and that the majesty of her whom all Asia and the world worships, will be destroyed. When they heard this, they were full of anger, and cried out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians! And the whole city was filled with confusion. And they seized Gains and Aristarchus, who were Macedonians, Paul's fellow-travelers, and, with one consent, rushed into the theater. And when Paul wished to go in among the people, the disciples did not permit him. Some of the Asiarchs also, who were friendly to him, sent to him, and besought him not to trust himself into the theater. Some, therefore, were crying one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what they had come together. And some of the multitude put Alexander forward, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander waved his hand, and wished to make a defense to the people. But perceiving that he was a Jew, they all cried out, with one voice, for about two hours: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. But the town-clerk quieted the multitude, and said: Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshiper of the great Diana, and of the image that fell down from Jupiter? As these things, then, can not be contradicted, you ought to be quiet, and do nothing rashly. For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of temples, nor revilers of your goddess. Therefore, if Demetrius, and the artists who are with him, have a charge against any one, the courts are in session, and the proconsuls are there; let them accuse each other. But if you have any inquiries to make about other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. For we are in danger of being called to answer for this day's tumult, since there is no cause by which we shall be able to account for this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly. After the tumult had ceased, Paul called the disciples to him, and bade them farewell, and departed, in order to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone through those regions, and had exhorted them with many words, he came into Greece. And having remained there three months, he determined to return through Macedonia, because a plot had been laid for him by the Jews, as he was about to sail to Syria. And Sopater of Berea, and Aristarchus and Secundus of Thessalonica, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy and Tychicus and Trophimus, who were Asiatics, accompanied him to Asia. These went before, and waited for us at Troas. But we sailed from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we remained seven days. And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul discoursed to them, intending to depart on the morrow; and he continued his speech till mid night. And there were many lamps in the upper room, in which they had met together. And a certain young man, named Eutychus, was sitting in the window, overpowered with deep sleep: and, as Paul was discoursing a long time, being oppressed with sleep, he fell from the third story, and was taken up dead. But Paul went down, and fell upon him, and embracing him, said: Be not troubled, for his life is in him. And he went up again, and broke bread, and ate; and having conversed a long time, till daylight, he thus departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. And we went on before to the ship, and put to sea for Assos, intending to take Paul on board at that place; for he had BO directed, intending to go himself on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board, and came to Mityiene; and sailing from that place, we came, on the following day, opposite to Chios; and, on the next day, we arrived at Samos: and after stopping at Trogyllium, we came, on the next day, to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he hastened, that, if it were possible for him, he might be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them: You know, from the first day on which I came into Asia, how I have been with you during the whole time, serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials, which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; and that I have kept back nothing that was profitable, but have preached to you, and taught you both publicly, and from house to house, bearing full testimony both to Jews and to Greeks, of the repentance that leads to God, and of the faith that leads to our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going, bound in spirit, to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that in every city the Holy Spirit testifies to me, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. But I esteem this a matter of no importance, nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy, and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to bear full testimony to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. For this reason I solemnly affirm to you this day, that I am clean from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare to you the whole counsel of God. Therefore, take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, that you be shepherds to the church of God, which he has purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that, after my departure, rapacious wolves will enter in among you, who will not spare the flock; and men will arise from among yourselves, speaking perverse things, that they may draw off disciples after them. Therefore watch, remembering that for three years, by day and by night, I ceased not to warn every one of you with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace; to Him who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. In all things I have taught you by ex ample, that by thus laboring, you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus; for he himself said, It is more blessed to give, than to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him, grieving most of all for the word he had spoken, that they would see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship. And it came to pass that, after we had separated from them, we put to sea, and came by a straight course to Cos, and on the following day, to Rhodes, and thence to Patara. And finding a ship that was going to Phenicia, we embarked, and put to sea. And we came in view of Cyprus; and, leaving it to the left, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to put off her lading. And we remained there seven days, after finding the disciples. These urged Paul, by the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem. And when these days were completed, we went forth, and continued our journey, they all, with their wives and children, conducting us out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had bid each other farewell, we embarked, and they returned home. And completing the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais: and having saluted the brethren, we remained with them one day. On the following day we departed, and came to Caesarea, and went into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven; and we remained with him. This man had four virgin daughters, who had the gift of prophesy. And as we remained there many days, there came down, from Judea, a certain prophet, named Agabus; and he came to us, and taking Paul's girdle, he bound his own hands and feet, and said: Thus says the Holy Spirit; the Jews that are in Jerusalem will so bind the man to whom this girdle belongs; and they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. And when we heard these things, we, and those of that place also, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. But Paul answered: What do you effect by weeping, and breaking my heart? For I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to suffer death in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. And as he would not be persuaded, we kept silence, and said: The will of the Lord be done. And after these days we prepared for our journey, and went up to Jerusalem.






For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Verse ConceptsFalse TeachingsFalse ChristsDeceivers, Of ChristiansAntichristMiraculous SignsSatan, As DeceiverSeducersPossibilities For PeopleBeing MisleadFalse PeoplePossible For PeopleSigns Of The Times

I have written these things to you concerning those who deceive you. Verse ConceptsFalse TeachingsReadingSeducersMen DeceivingWriting Letterstrying