1:1 The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Yẽshua began to do and teach, 2 until the day when he was taken up, after he had by the Holy Spĩrit given orders to the emissaries whom he had chosen. 3 To these he also presented himself alive, after his suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of the Almĩghty. 4 And gathering them together, he commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Fãther had promised, “which,” he said, “you heard of from me; 5 for John immersed with water, but you shall be immersed with the Holy Spĩrit not many days from now.” 6 And so when they had come together, they were asking him, saying, “Adõnai, is it at this time you are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Fãther has fixed by his own authority; 8 but you shall receive power when the Holy Spĩrit has come upon you; and you shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judah and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” 9 And after he had said these things, he was lifted up while they were looking on, and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And as they were gazing intently into the sky while he was departing, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them; 11 and they also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Yẽshua, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. 13 And when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judah the son of James. 14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Miriam the mother of Yẽshua, and with his brothers. 15 And at this time Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (a gathering of about one hundred and twenty persons was there together), and said, 16 “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spĩrit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judah, who became a guide to those who arrested Yẽshua. 17 “For he was counted among us, and received his portion in this ministry.” 18 (Now this man acquired a field with the price of his wickedness; and falling headlong, he burst open in the middle and all his bowels gushed out. 19 And it became known to all who were living in Jerusalem; so that in their own language that field was called Hakeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) 20 “For it is written in the scroll of Psalms, ‘Let his homestead be made desolate, and let no man dwell in it’; and, ‘His office let another man take.’ 21 “It is therefore necessary that of the men who have accompanied us all the time that Adõnai Yẽshua went in and out among us— 22 beginning with the immersion of John, until the day that he was taken up from us— one of these should become a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 And they put forward two men, Joseph called Barsabbas (who was also called Justus), and Matthias. 24 And they prayed, and said, “You, Yãhweh, who knowest the hearts of all men, show which one of these two you have chosen 25 to occupy this ministry and emissaryship from which Judah turned aside to go to his own place.” 26 And they drew lots for them, and the lot fell to Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven emissaries.
2:1 And when the fiftieth dayą had come, they were all together in one place˛. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a noise like a violent, rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and they rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spĩrit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spĩrit was giving them utterance. 5 Now there were Jews living in Jerusalem, devout men, from every nation under heaven. 6 And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because they were each one hearing them speak in his own language. 7 And they were amazed and marveled, saying, “Why, are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 “And how is it that we each hear them in our own language to which we were born? 9 “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and residents of Mesopotamia, Judah and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs— we hear them in our own tongues speaking of the mighty deeds of the Almĩghty.” 12 And they all continued in amazement and great perplexity, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 But others were mocking and saying, “They are full of sweet wine.” 14 But Peter, taking his stand with the eleven, raised his voice and declared to them: “Men of Judah, and all you who live in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give heed to my words. 15 For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day; 16 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17 And it shall be in the latter days—the Almĩghty says, ‘That I will pour out my Spĩrit upon all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even upon my menservants and maidservants, I will in those days pour out my Spĩrit.’ And they shall prophesy. 19 ‘And I will give wonders in the heavens above, and signs on the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of Yãhweh shall come. 21 And it shall be, that everyone who calls on the name of Yãhweh shall be saved.’ 22 Men of Israel, listen to these words: Yẽshua the Nazarene, a man attested to you by the Almĩghty with miracles and wonders and signs which the Almĩghty performed through him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23 this one, delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of the Almĩghty, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put him to death. 24 And the Almĩghty raised him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for him to be held in its power. 25 For David says of him, ‘I continually see Yãhweh before me; since he is at my right hand, so that I may not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; moreover my flesh also will remain trusting, 27 because you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, nor allow your Holy One to see decay. 28 You make known to me the ways of life; you make me full of gladness with your presence.’ 29 Brothers, it is permitted to say with confidence to you regarding the patriarch David that he also died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being indeed a prophet, and knowing that the Almĩghty had sworn to him with an oath to seat one from the fruit of his loin upon his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Mẽssiah, seeing that He was neither abandoned to Sheol, nor did his flesh see decay. 32 This Yẽshua the Almĩghty raised up, to which we are all witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted at the right hand of the Almĩghty, as well the promise of the Holy Spĩrit receiving from the Fãther, he pours out this which you see and hear. 34 For it was not David who ascended into heaven, but he himself says: ‘Yãhweh said to my Adõnai, “Stay on as my right hand, 35 onward of when I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 36 For certain then, let all the house of Israel know that the Almĩghty has designated him also Adõnai and Mẽssiah—this Yẽshua whom you crucified.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the emissaries, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent, and let each of you be immersed in the name of Yẽshua the Mẽssiah for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spĩrit. 39 For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as Yãhweh our Almĩghty shall call to himself.” 40 And with many other words he solemnly testified and was exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation!” 41 So then, those who received his word were immersed; and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they were continually devoting themselves to the emissaries’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 And fear came on every soul; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the emissaries. 44 And all those giving support were together, and had all things in common; 45 and they were selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need. 46 And day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising the Almĩghty, and having favor with all the people. And Yãhweh was adding to their number day by day those being saved.
3:1 Now Peter and John were going up to the temple at the ninth hour, the hour of prayer. 2 And a certain man, who had been lame from his mother’s womb, was being carried along, whom they would set down every day at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to beg alms from those who were entering the temple, 3 who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked to receive alms. 4 And Peter, with John, looked directly at him and said, “Look at us!” 5 And he fixed upon them, expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said, “I do not possess silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you: in the name of Yẽshua the Mẽssiah the Nazarene—walk!” 7 And grasping him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and his ankles were strengthened. 8 And with a leap, he stood upright and was walking around; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising the Almĩghty. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising the Almĩghty; 10 and they were taking note of him as being the one who was sitting at the Beautiful Gate of the temple for alms, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 And as he was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them at the porch called Solomon's, full of amazement. 12 But Peter seeing this, responded to the people, “Men, Israelites, why do you marvel at this, or why do you gaze at us, as if by our own power or piety we caused him to be made to walk? 13 The Almĩghty of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, the Almĩghty of our fathers, glorifies his servant Yẽshua, whom you delivered up, and disowned in the presence of Pilate, as he decided to release that one. 14 But you disowned the holy and righteous one, and asked for a murderer to be favored for you, 15 but the originator of life you killed, whom the Almĩghty raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And by the support of his name, he made this one, which you are looking at, strong—his name and the support which comes through it has given to him this wholeness before all of you. 17 And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, just as your rulers did also. 18 But the things which the Almĩghty announced beforehand by the mouth of all the prophets, that his Mẽssiah should suffer, he has thereby fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and return, that your sins may be wiped away, so times of refreshing may come from the face of Yãhweh; 20 and that he may send the one being made to be pre-picked for you, Mẽssiah Yẽshua, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which the Almĩghty spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from time immemorial. 22 Indeed, Moses said that, ‘Yãhweh the Almĩghty shall raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers; to him you shall give heed in everything whatever he says to you. 23 ‘And it shall be every soul whoever does not heed that prophet shall be utterly destroyed from the people.’ 24 And moreover all the prophets, as many as have spoken, from Samuel and those successively after—they also announced these days. 25 You are the sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which the Almĩghty cut with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 For you first, the Almĩghty raised up his Servant, and sent him, who blesses you by turning each one from your iniquities.”
4:1 And during their speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees, came upon them, 2 being worked up due to their teaching the people and proclaiming in Yẽshua the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them under watch until the morrow, for it was already evening. 4 But many of those who heard the word gave their support; and the number of the men came to be [about] five thousand. 5 And it was on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem; 6 and Annas the high priest was there, and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and all who were of high-priestly descent. 7 And when they had placed them in the midst, they inquired, “By what power, or in what name, have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spĩrit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people, 9 if we are on trial today for a benefit done to a sick man, as to how this man has been made well, 10 let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Yẽshua the Mẽssiah, the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom the Almĩghty raised from the dead— by it this man stands here before you in good health. 11 He is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, but which became the chief key stone. 12 And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” 13 Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were without credentials and common men, they were wondering, and recognized them as having been with Yẽshua. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in reply. 15 But when they had ordered them to go aside out of the Sanhedrin, they were conferring with one another, 16 saying, “What shall we do with these men? For the fact that a noteworthy miracle has taken place through them is apparent to all who live in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But in order that it may not spread any further among the people, let us warn them to speak no more to any man in this name.” 18 And when they had summoned them, they commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Yẽshua. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right before the Almĩghty to give heed to you rather than to the Almĩghty, you be the judge; 20 for we cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” 21 And when they had threatened them further, they let them go (finding no basis on which they might punish them) on account of the people, because they were all glorifying the Almĩghty for what had happened; 22 for he was more than forty years old on whom this sign of healing had come. 23 And as they were released, they went to their own, and proclaimed as much as the chief priests and the elders said to them. 24 And when they listened, they lifted their voices to the Almĩghty in unison and said, “Master, you are he who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all the things in them, 25 who through the Holy Spĩrit, from the mouth of our father David, your servant, said, ‘Why do nations rage, and the peoples devise vanities? 26 The kings of the earth set themselves up, and the rulers are gathered together against Yãhweh, and against his Mẽssiah.’ 27 For truly in this city there were gathered together against your holy servant Yẽshua, whom you did anoint, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the nations and the peoples of Israel, 28 to do whatever your hand and your purpose appointed to occur. 29 And now, Yãhweh, take note of their threats, and grant that your servants may speak your word with all confidence, 30 while you extend your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of your holy servant Yẽshua.” 31 And when they prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spĩrit, and were speaking the word of the Almĩghty with boldness. 32 And the multitude of those who entrusted their support to Messiah were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them. 33 And with great power the emissaries were giving witness to the resurrection of Adõnai Yẽshua; as well, abundant loving-kindness was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them; for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales, 35 and lay them at the emissaries’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need. 36 And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the emissaries (which translated means, “son of encouragement”), 37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the monetary need and laid it at the emissaries’ feet.
5:1 But a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, 2 and embezzled some of the price for himself, with his wife’s full knowledge, and bringing a portion of it, he laid it at the emissaries’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spĩrit, and to embezzle some of the price of the land? 4 “While it remained undedicated, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not under your control? Why is it that you have conceived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to the Almĩghty.” 5 And as he heard these words, Ananias fell down and breathed his last; and great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 And the young men arose and covered him up, and after carrying him out, they buried him. 7 Now there elapsed an interval of about three hours, and his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 And Peter responded to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for such and such a price?” And she said, “Yes, that was the price.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “Why is it that you have agreed together to put the Spĩrit of Yãhweh to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they shall carry you out as well.” 10 And she fell immediately at his feet, and breathed her last; and the young men came in and found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 And great fear came upon the whole assembly, and upon all who heard of these things.
12 And at the hands of the emissaries many signs and wonders were taking place among the people; and they were all with one purpose in Solomon’s portico. 13 But none of the rest dared to associate with them; however, the people held them in high esteem. 14 And all the more were being added, entrusting support to Yãhweh, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number; 15 to such an extent that they even carried the sick out into the streets, and laid them on cots and pallets, so that when Peter came by, at least his shadow might fall on any one of them. 16 And also the people from the cities in the vicinity of Jerusalem were coming together, bringing people who were sick or afflicted with unclean spirits; and they were all being healed.
17 But the high priest rose up, along with all his associates (that is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy; 18 and they laid hands on the emissaries, and put them in a public jail. 19 Then during the night the Messenger of Yãhweh opened the gates of the prison, and taking them out he said, 20 “Go your way, stand and speak to the people in the temple the whole message of this Life.” 21 And upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and were teaching. Now when the high priest and those with him came, they called the Sanhedrin together, even all the council of the sons of Israel, and sent orders to the prison house for them to be brought. 22 But the officers who came did not find them in the prison; and they returned, and reported back, 23 saying, “We found the prison house locked quite securely and the guards standing at the doors; but when we had opened up, we found no one inside.” 24 Now when the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed about them as to what would come of this. 25 But someone came and reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” 26 Then the captain went along with the officers to bring them without force, because they were afraid of the people, lest they should be stoned. 27 And when they had brought them, they stood them before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them, 28 saying, “We gave you strict orders not to continue teaching in this name, and behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us.” 29 But Peter and the emissaries answered and said, “We must obey the Almĩghty rather than men. 30 The Almĩghty of our fathers raised up Yẽshua, whom you had put to death by hanging him on a cross. 31 He is the one whom the Almĩghty exalts as his right hand as Leader and Savior, to permit repentance for Israel, and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and so is the Holy Spĩrit, whom the Almĩghty has given to those who obey him as first.” 33 But when they heard this, they were sawn through and were intending to slay them. 34 But a certain Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, respected by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and gave orders to put the men outside for a short time. 35 And he said to them, “Men of Israel, take care what you propose to do with these men. 36 For some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody; and a group of about four hundred men joined up with him. And he was slain; and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After this man Judah of Galilee rose up in the days of the census, and drew away some people after him, he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered. 38 And so in the present case, I say to you, stay away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or action should be of men, it will be overthrown; 39 but if it is of the Almĩghty, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against the Almĩghty.” 40 And they took his advice; and after calling the emissaries in, they flogged them and ordered them to speak no more in the name of Yẽshua, and then released them. 41 So they went on their way from the presence of the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for his name. 42 And every day, in the temple and from house to house, they kept right on teaching and proclaiming the Mẽssiah Yẽshua.
6:1 Now at this time while the disciples were multiplying, a complaint arose on the part of the Greek speaking Jews against the Hebrew speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. 2 And the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of the Almĩghty in order to serve tables. 3 But select from among you, brothers, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spĩrit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the word found approval before all multitude; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faithfulness and of the Holy Spĩrit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch. 6 And these they brought before the emissaries; and after praying, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of the Almĩghty kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were heeding the faithfulness of Messiah. 8 And Stephen, full of loving-kindness and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen, and Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and some from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and argued with Stephen. 10 And they were unable resist the wisdom and the Spĩrit with which he was speaking. 11 Then they secretly induced men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and the Almĩghty.” 12 And they stirred up the people, the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and dragged him away, and brought him before the Sanhedrin. 13 And they put forward false witnesses who said, “This man does not cease speaking against this holy place, and the Law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Nazarene, Yẽshua, will destroy this place and alter the customs which Moses handed down to us.” 15 And fixing their gaze on him, all who were sitting in the Sanhedrin saw his face like the face of a messenger.
7:1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And he said, “Hear me, brothers and fathers! The Almĩghty of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Depart from your country and your relatives, and come into the land that I will show you.’ 4 Then he departed from the land of the Chaldeans, and settled in Haran. And from there, after his father died, the Almĩghty removed him into this country in which you are now living. 5 And he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot of ground; and yet, even when he had no child, he promised that he would give it to him as a possession, and to his seed after him. 6 But the Almĩghty spoke to this effect, that his seed would be sojourners in a foreign land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. 7 ‘And whatever nation to which they shall be in bondage I Myself will judge,’ said the Almĩghty, ‘and after that they will come out and serve me in this place.’ 8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs. 9 And the patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him into Egypt. And the Almĩghty was with him, 10 and rescued him from all his afflictions, and granted him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his household. 11 Now a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction; and our fathers could find no food. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers the first time. 13 And on the second, visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was shown to Pharaoh. 14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his relatives to come to him, seventy-five persons. 15 And Jacob went down to Egypt and passed away—he and our fathers. 16 “And they were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb which Abraham had purchased for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. 17 “But as the time of the promise was approaching which the Almĩghty had assured to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, 18 until there arose another king over Egypt who knew nothing about Joseph. 19 “It was he who took shrewd advantage of our race, and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants and they would not survive. 20 “And it was at this time that Moses was born; and he was lovely in the sight of the Almĩghty; and he was nurtured three months in his father’s home. 21 “And after he had been exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter took him away, and nurtured him as her own son. 22 “And Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds. 23 “But when he was approaching the age of forty, it entered his mind to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel. 24 “And when he saw one of them being treated unjustly, he defended him and took vengeance for the oppressed by striking down the Egyptian. 25 “And he supposed that his brothers understood that the Almĩghty was granting them deliverance through him; but they did not understand. 26 “And on the following day he appeared to them as they were fighting together, and he tried to reconcile them in peace, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers, why do you injure one another?’ 27 “But the one who was injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and judge over us? 28 ‘You do not mean to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?’ 29 “And at this remark Moses fled, and became an alien in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. 30 “And after forty years had passed, the Messenger appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in the flame of a burning thorn bush. 31 “And when Moses saw it, he began to marvel at the sight; and as he approached to look more closely, there came the voice of Yãhweh: 32 ‘I am the Almĩghty of your fathers, the Almĩghty of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob.’ And Moses shook with fear and would not venture to look. 33 “But Yãhweh said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground. 34 ‘I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt, and have heard their groans, and I have come down to deliver them; come now, and I will send you to Egypt.’ 35 “This Moses whom they disowned, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ is the one whom the Almĩghty sent to be both a ruler and a deliverer with the help of the Messenger who appeared to him in the thorn bush. 36 “This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37 “This is the Moses who said to the sons of Israel, ‘The Almĩghty shall raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ 38 “This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness together with the Messenger who was speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and who was with our fathers; and he received living oracles to pass on to you. 39 “And our fathers were unwilling to be obedient to him, but repudiated him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us; for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt— we do not know what happened to him.’ 41 “And at that time they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 “But the Almĩghty turned away and delivered them up to serve the host of heaven; as it is written in the scroll of the prophets, ‘It was not to me that you offered victims and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, was it, house of Israel? 43 ‘You also took along the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of the god Rompha, the images which you made to worship them. I also will remove you beyond Babylon.’ 44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of testimony in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it according to the pattern which he had seen. 45 “And having received it in their turn, our fathers brought it in with Joshua upon dispossessing the peoples whom the Almĩghty drove out before our fathers, until the time of David. 46 “And David found favor in the Almĩghty’s sight, and asked that he might find a dwelling place for the Almĩghty of Jacob. 47 “But it was Solomon who built a house for him. 48 “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 49 ‘Heaven is my throne, and earth is the footstool of my feet; what kind of house will you build for me?’ says Yãhweh; ‘Or what place is there for my repose? 50 ‘Was it not my hand which made all these things?’ 51 “You men who are stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears are always resisting the Holy Spĩrit; you are doing just as your fathers did. 52 “Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who had previously announced the coming of the Righteous One, whose betrayers and murderers you have now become; 53 you who received the Law attended by ranks of angelic messengers, and yet did not keep it.” 54 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at him. 55 But being full of the Holy Spĩrit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of the Almĩghty, and Yẽshua standing at the right hand of the Almĩghty; 56 and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Sõn of Man standing at the right hand of the Almĩghty.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. 58 And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon Yãhweh and said, “Adõnai Yẽshua, receive my spirit!” 60 And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, “Yãhweh, do not hold this sin against them!” And having said this, he fell asleep.
8:1 And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution arose against the assembly in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judah and Samaria, except the emissaries. 2 And some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. 3 But Saul began ravaging the assembly, entering house after house; and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison. 4 Therefore, those who had been scattered went about proclaiming the word. 5 And Philip went down to the city of Samaria and began proclaiming Mẽssiah to them. 6 And the multitudes with one accord were giving attention to what was said by Philip, as they heard and saw the signs which he was performing. 7 For in the case of many who had unclean spirits, they were coming out of them shouting with a loud voice; and many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 And there was much rejoicing in that city. 9 Now there was a certain man named Simon, who formerly was practicing magic in the city, and astonishing the people of Samaria, claiming to be someone great; 10 and they all, from smallest to greatest, were giving attention to him, saying, “This man is what is called the Great Power of the Almĩghty.” 11 And they were giving him attention because he had for a long time astonished them with his magic arts. 12 But when they committed to Philip proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of the Almĩghty and the name of Yẽshua the Mẽssiah, they were being immersed, men and women alike. 13 And even Simon himself gave his support; and after being immersed, he continued on with Philip; and as he observed signs and great miracles taking place, he was constantly amazed. 14 Now when the emissaries in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of the Almĩghty, they sent them Peter and John, 15 who came down and prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spĩrit. 16 For he had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been immersed in the name of Adõnai Yẽshua. 17 Then they began laying their hands on them, and they were receiving the Holy Spĩrit. 18 Now when Simon saw that the Spĩrit was bestowed through the laying on of the emissaries’ hands, he offered them wealth, 19 saying, “Give this authority to me as well, so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spĩrit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of the Almĩghty with wealth! 21 “You have no part or portion in this matter, for your heart is not right before the Almĩghty. 22 “Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray Yãhweh that if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 “For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity.” 24 But Simon answered and said, “Pray to Yãhweh for me yourselves, so that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.” 25 And so, when they had solemnly testified and spoken the word of Yãhweh, they started back to Jerusalem, and were proclaiming the good news to many villages of the Samaritans. 26 A messenger, moreover, from Yãhweh spoke to Philip saying, “Arise and go south to the road that descends from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is a desert road.) 27 And he arose and went; and behold, there was an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasure; and he had come to Jerusalem to worship. 28 And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and was reading the prophet Isaiah. 29 And the Spĩrit said to Philip, “Go up and join this chariot.” 30 And when Philip had run up, he heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. 32 Now the passage of Scripture which he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter; and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so he does not open his mouth. 33 “In humiliation his judgment was taken away; who shall relate his generation? For his life is removed from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, “Please tell me, of whom does the prophet say this? Of himself, or of someone else?” 35 And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture he proclaimed Yẽshua to him. 36 And as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, “Look! Water! What prevents me from being immersed?” 37 And Philip said, “If you commit with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I affirm that Yẽshua the Mẽssiah is the Sõn of the Almĩghty.” 38 And he ordered the chariot to stop; and they both went down into the water, Philip as well as the eunuch; and he immersed him. 39 And when they came up out of the water, the Spĩrit of Yãhweh snatched Philip away; and the eunuch saw him no more, but went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip found himself at Azotus; and as he passed through he kept proclaiming the good news to all the cities, until he came to Caesarea.
9:1 Now Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of Yãhweh, went to the high priest, 2 and asked for letters from him to the congregations at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, both men and women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; 4 and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Adõnai?” And he said, “I am Yẽshua whom you are persecuting, 6 but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” 7 And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. 8 And Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. 10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and Yãhweh said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Behold, here am I, Yãhweh.” 11 And Yãhweh said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judah for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, 12 and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him, so that he might regain his sight.” 13 But Ananias answered, “ Yãhweh, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to your set-apart-ones at Jerusalem; 14 and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call upon your name.” 15 But Yãhweh said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear my name before the peoples and kings and the sons of Israel; 16 for I will show him how much he must suffer for my name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias departed and entered the house, and after laying his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, Adõnai Yẽshua, who appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may regain your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spĩrit.” 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he regained his sight, and he arose and was immersed; 19 and he took food and was strengthened. Now for several days he was with the disciples who were at Damascus, 20 and immediately he began to proclaim Yẽshua in the congregations, saying, “He is the Almĩghty[’s] Sõn.” 21 And all those hearing him continued to be amazed, and were saying, “Is this not he who in Jerusalem destroyed those who called on this name, and who had come here for the purpose of bringing them bound before the chief priests?” 22 But Saul kept increasing in strength and confounding the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that this Yẽshua is the Mẽssiah. 23 And when many days had elapsed, the Jews plotted together to do away with him, 24 but their plot became known to Saul. And they were also watching the gates day and night so that they might put him to death; 25 but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through an opening in the wall, lowering him in a large basket. 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not giving support that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the emissaries and described to them how he had seen Yãhweh on the road, and that he had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Yẽshua. 28 And he was with them moving about freely in Jerusalem, speaking out boldly in the name of Yãhweh. 29 And he was talking and arguing with the Greek Jews; but they were attempting to put him to death. 30 But when the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. 31 So the assembly throughout all Judah and Galilee and Samaria enjoyed peace, being built up; and, going on in the fear of Yãhweh and in the comfort of the Holy Spĩrit, it continued to increase. 32 Now it came about that as Peter was traveling through all those parts, he came down also to the set-apart-ones who lived at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years, for he was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Yẽshua the Mẽssiah heals you; arise, and make your bed.” And immediately he arose. 35 And all who lived at Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to Yãhweh. 36 Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which translated in Greek is called Dorcas); this woman was abounding with deeds of kindness and charity, which she continually did. 37 And it came about at that time that she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her body, they laid it in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent two men to him, entreating him, “Do not delay to come to us.” 39 And Peter arose and went with them. And when he had come, they brought him into the upper room; and all the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing all the tunics and garments that Dorcas used to make while she was with them. 40 But Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed, and turning to the body, he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and raised her up; and calling the set-apart-ones and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known all over Joppa, and many committed upon Yãhweh. 43 And it came about that he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain tanner, Simon.
10:1 Now there was a certain man at Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian cohort, 2 a devout man, and one who feared the Almĩghty with all his household, and gave many alms to the Jewish people, and prayed to the Almĩghty continually. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision the Messenger of the Almĩghty who had just come in to him, and said to him, “Cornelius!” 4 And fixing his gaze upon him and being much alarmed, he said, “What is it, Yãhweh?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before the Almĩghty. 5 “And now dispatch some men to Joppa, and send for a man named Simon, who is also called Peter; 6 he is staying with a certain tanner named Simon, whose house is by the sea.” 7 And when the Messenger who was speaking to him had departed, he summoned two of his servants and a devout soldier of those who were in constant attendance upon him, 8 and after he had explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 And on the next day, as they were on their way, and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry, and was desiring to eat; but while they were making preparations, he fell into a trance; 11 and he beheld the sky opened up, and a certain object like a great sheet coming down, lowered by four corners to the ground, 12 and there were in it all kinds of four-footed animals and crawling creatures of the earth and birds of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Arise, Peter, kill and eat!” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Yãhweh, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” 15 And again a voice came to him a second time, “What the Almĩghty has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” 16 And this happened three times; and immediately the object was taken up into the sky. 17 Now while Peter was greatly perplexed in mind as to what the vision which he had seen might be, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius, having asked directions for Simon’s house, appeared at the gate; 18 and calling out, they were asking whether Simon, who was also called Peter, was staying there. 19 And while Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spĩrit said to him, “Behold, three men are looking for you. 20 “But arise, go downstairs, and accompany them without misgivings; for I have sent them Myself.” 21 And Peter went down to the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for; what is the reason for which you have come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous and the Almĩghty-fearing man well spoken of by the entire nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by the set-apart Messenger to send for you to come to his house and hear a message from you.” 23 And so he invited them in and gave them lodging. And on the next day he arose and went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa accompanied him. 24 And on the following day he entered Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 And when it came about that Peter entered, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet and worshiped him. 26 But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up; I too am just a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he entered, and found many people assembled. 28 And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a man who is a Jew to associate with a foreigner or to visit him; and yet the Almĩghty has shown me that I should not call any man unholy or unclean. 29 “That is why I came without even raising any objection when I was sent for. And so I ask for what reason you have sent for me.” 30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago to this hour, I was praying in my house during the ninth hour; and behold, a man stood before me in shining garments, 31 and he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and your alms have been remembered before the Almĩghty. 32 ‘Send therefore to Joppa and invite Simon, who is also called Peter, to come to you; he is staying at the house of Simon the tanner by the sea.’ 33 “And so I sent to you immediately, and you have been kind enough to come. Now then, we are all here present before the Almĩghty to hear all that you have been commanded by Yãhweh.” 34 And opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly understand now that the Almĩghty is not one to show partiality, 35 but in every nation the one fearing him and working righteousnessą, is acceptable to him. 36 “The word which he sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming peace through Yẽshua the Mẽssiah (he is Adonai of all)— 37 you yourselves know the thing which took place throughout all Judah, starting from Galilee, after the immersion which John proclaimed. 38 “You know of Yẽshua of Nazareth, how the Almĩghty anointed him with the Holy Spĩrit and with power, and how he went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for the Almĩghty was with him. 39 “And we are witnesses of all the things he did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And they also put him to death by hanging him on a cross. 40 “The Almĩghty raised him up on the third day, and granted that he should become visible, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by the Almĩghty, that is, to us, who ate and drank with him after he arose from the dead. 42 “And he ordered us to proclaim to the people, and solemnly to testify that this is the One who has been appointed by the Almĩghty as Judge of the living and the dead. 43 “Of him all the prophets bear witness that through his name everyone who is committing himself to him receives forgiveness of sins.” 44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spĩrit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. 45 And all the circumcised faithful who had come with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spĩrit had been poured out upon the peoples also. 46 For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting the Almĩghty. Then Peter answered, 47 “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be immersed who have received the Holy Spĩrit just as we did, can he?” 48 And he ordered them to be immersed in the name of Yẽshua the Mẽssiah. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days.
11:1 Now the emissaries and the brothers who were throughout Judah heard that the peoples also had received the word of the Almĩghty. 2 And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised took issue with him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter began speaking and proceeded to explain to them in orderly sequence, saying, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain object coming down like a great sheet lowered by four corners from the sky; and it came right down to me, 6 and when I had fixed my gaze upon it and was observing it I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the crawling creatures and the birds of the air. 7 “And I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Arise, Peter; kill and eat.’ 8 “But I said, ‘By no means, Yãhweh, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’ 9 “But a voice from heaven answered a second time, ‘What the Almĩghty has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.’ 10 “And this happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into the sky. 11 “And behold, at that moment three men appeared before the house in which we were staying, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12 “And the Spĩrit told me to go with them without misgivings. And these six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house. 13 “And he reported to us how he had seen the Messenger standing in his house, and saying, ‘Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; 14 and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ 15 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spĩrit fell upon them, just as he did upon us at the beginning. 16 “And I remembered the word of Yãhweh, how he used to say, ‘ John immersed with water, but you shall be immersed with the Holy Spĩrit.’ 17 “If the Almĩghty therefore giveth to them the same gift as also to us who put our support upon Adõnai Yẽshua the Mẽssiah, who was I that I could stand in the Almĩghty’s way?” 18 And when they heard this, they quieted down, and glorified the Almĩghty, saying, “Well then, the Almĩghty has granted to the peoples also the repentance that leads to life.” 19 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. 20 But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, proclaiming Adõnai Yẽshua. 21 And the hand of Yãhweh was with them, and a large number, that gave its support, repented to Yãhweh. 22 And the news about them reached the ears of the assembly at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. 23 Then when he had come and witnessed the loving-kindness of the Almĩghty, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to Yãhweh; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spĩrit and of faithfulness. And considerable numbers were brought to Yãhweh. 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the assembly, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Messianics in Antioch. 27 Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spĩrit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the inhabitedą land˛. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. 29 And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brothers living in Judah. 30 And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders.
12:1 Now about that time Herod the king laid hands on some who belonged to the assembly, in order to mistreat them. 2 And he had James the brother of John put to death with a sword. 3 And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. Now it was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out before the people. 5 So Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer for him was being made fervently by the assembly to the Almĩghty. 6 And on the very night when Herod was about to bring him forward, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison. 7 And behold, the Messenger of Yãhweh suddenly appeared, and a light shone in the cell; and he struck Peter’s side and roused him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And his chains fell off his hands. 8 And the Messenger said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and continued to follow, and he did not know that what was being done by the Messenger was real, but thought he was seeing a vision. 10 And when they had passed the first and second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened for them by itself; and they went out and went along one street; and immediately the Messenger departed from him. 11 And when Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure that Yãhweh has sent forth his Messenger and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12 And when he realized this, he went to the house of Miriam, the mother of John who was also called Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying. 13 And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a servant-girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14 And when she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her joy she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15 And they said to her, “You are out of your mind!” But she kept insisting that it was so. And they kept saying, “It is his messenger.” 16 But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened the door, they saw him and were amazed. 17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he described to them how Yãhweh had led him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and the brothers.” And he departed and went to another place. 18 Now when day came, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what could have become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had searched for him and had not found him, he examined the guards and ordered that they be led away to execution. And he went down from Judah to Caesarea and was spending time there. 20 Now he was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon; and with one accord they came to him, and having won over Blastus the king’s chamberlain, they were asking for peace, because their country was fed by the king’s country. 21 And on an appointed day Herod, having put on his royal apparel, took his seat on the rostrum and began delivering an address to them. 22 And the people kept crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” 23 And immediately the Messenger of Yãhweh struck him because he did not give the Almĩghty the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. 24 But the word of Yãhweh continued to grow and to be multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their mission, taking along with them John, who was also called Mark.
13:1 Now there were at Antioch, in the assembly that was there, prophets and teachers: Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 And while they were ministering to Yãhweh and fasting, the Holy Spĩrit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spĩrit, they went down to Seleucia and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they reached Salamis, they began to proclaim the word of the Almĩghty in the congregations of the Jews; and they also had John as their helper. 6 And when they had gone through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found a certain magician, a Jewish false prophet whose name was Bar- Yẽshua, 7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a man of intelligence. This man summoned Barnabas and Saul and sought to hear the word of the Almĩghty. 8 But Elymas the magician (for thus his name is translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the covenant faithfulness. 9 But Saul, who was also known as Paul, filled with the Holy Spĩrit, fixed his gaze upon him, 10 and said, “You who are full of all deceit and fraud, you son of the devil, you enemy of all justiceą, will you not cease to make crooked the straight ways of Yãhweh? 11 “And now, behold, the hand of Yãhweh is upon you, and you will be blind and not see the sun for a time.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell upon him, and he went about seeking those who would lead him by the hand. 12 Then the proconsul gave support himself when he saw what had happened, being amazed at the teaching of Yãhweh. 13 Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 But going on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the congregation and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets the congregation officials sent to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” 16 And Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand, he said, “Men of Israel, and you who fear the Almĩghty, listen: 17 “The Almĩghty of this people Israel chose our fathers, and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm he led them out from it. 18 “And for a period of about forty years he put up with them in the wilderness. 19 “And when he had destroyed seven peoples in the land of Canaan, he distributed their land as an inheritance— all of which took about four hundred and fifty years. 20 “And after these things he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21 “And then they asked for a king, and the Almĩghty gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 “And after he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, concerning whom he also testified and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23 “From the offspring of this man, according to promise, the Almĩghty has brought to Israel a Savior, Yẽshua, 24 after John had proclaimed before his coming a immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 “And while John was completing his course, he kept saying, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. But behold, one is coming after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.’ 26 “Brothers, sons of Abraham’s family, and those among you who fear the Almĩghty, to us the word of this salvation is sent out. 27 “For those who live in Jerusalem, and their rulers, recognizing neither him nor the utterances of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled these by condemning him. 28 “And though they found no ground for putting him to death, they asked Pilate that he be executed. 29 “And when they had carried out all that was written concerning him, they took him down from the cross and laid him in a tomb. 30 “But the Almĩghty raised him from the dead; 31 and for many days he appeared to those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, the very ones who are now his witnesses to the people. 32 “And we proclaim to you the good news of the promise made to the fathers, 33 that the Almĩghty has fulfilled this promise to our children in that he raised up Yẽshua, as it is also written in the second Psalm, ‘You are my Sõn; today I have begotten you.’ 34 “And as for the fact that he raised him up from the dead, no more to return to decay, he has spoken in this way: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ 35 “Therefore he also says in another Psalm, ‘You will not allow your Holy One to undergo decay.’ 36 “For David, after he had served the purpose of the Almĩghty in his own generation, fell asleep, and was laid among his fathers, and underwent decay; 37 but he whom the Almĩghty raised did not undergo decay. 38 “Therefore let it be known to you men, brothers, that through this one forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed to you, [even] from all which you are not able by the Law of Moses to be justicedą; 39 in this one everyone who is committing himself is being justicedą. 40 “Take heed therefore, so that the thing spoken of in the Prophets may not come upon you: 41 ‘Behold, you scoffers, and marvel, and perish; for I am accomplishing a work in your days, a work which you will never support, though someone should describe it to you.’” 42 And as Paul and Barnabas were going out, the people kept begging that these things might be spoken to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the meeting of the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and of the Almĩghty-fearing proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, were urging them to continue in the loving-kindness of the Almĩghty. 44 And the next Sabbath nearly the whole city assembled to hear the word of the Almĩghty. 45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and began contradicting the things spoken by Paul, and were blaspheming. 46 And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, “It was necessary that the word of the Almĩghty should be spoken to you first; since you repudiate it, and judge yourselves unworthy of enduring life, behold, we are turning to the peoples. 47 “For thus Yãhweh has commanded us, ‘I have placed you as a light for the peoples, that you should bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” 48 And when the peoples heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of Yãhweh; and as many as were determined to have enduring life committed themselves. 49 And the word of Yãhweh was being spread through the whole region. 50 But the Jews aroused the devout women of prominence and the leading men of the city, and instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 But they shook off the dust of their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were continually filled with joy and with the Holy Spĩrit.
14:1 And it came about that in Iconium they entered the congregation of the Jews together, and spoke in such a manner that a great multitude committed, both of Jews and of Greeks. 2 But the Jews who were disloyal stirred up the minds of the peoples, and embittered them against the brothers. 3 Therefore they spent a long time there speaking boldly with reliance upon Yãhweh, who was bearing witness to the word of his loving-kindness, granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided; and some sided with the Jews, and some with the emissaries. 5 And when an attempt was made by both the peoples and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region; 7 and there they continued to proclaim the good news. 8 And at Lystra there was sitting a certain man, without strength in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man was listening to Paul as he spoke, who, when he had fixed his gaze upon him, and had seen that he had determination to be made well, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leaped up and began to walk. 11 And when the multitudes saw what Paul had done, they raised their voice, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have become like men and have come down to us.” 12 And they began calling Barnabas, Zeus, and Paul, Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 And the priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and wanted to offer sacrifice with the crowds. 14 But when the emissaries, Barnabas and Paul, heard of it, they tore their robes and rushed out into the crowd, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We are also men of the same nature as you, and proclaim the good news to you in order that you should turn from these vain things to a living Almĩghty, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them. 16 “And in the generations gone by he permitted all the peoples to go their own ways; 17 and yet he did not leave himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And even saying these things, they with difficulty restrained the crowds from offering sacrifice to them. 19 But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having won over the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 But while the disciples stood around him, he arose and entered the city. And the next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And after they had proclaimed the good news to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the covenant faithfulness, and saying, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of the Almĩghty.” 23 And when they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, having prayed with fasting, they commended them to Yãhweh to whom they had committed. 24 And they passed through Pisidia and came into Pamphylia. 25 And when they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; 26 and from there they sailed to Antioch, from which they had been commended to the loving-kindness of the Almĩghty for the work that they had accomplished. 27 And when they had arrived and gathered the assembly together, they began to report all things that the Almĩghty had done with them and how he had opened a door of faithfulness to the peoples. 28 And they spent a long time with the disciples.
15:1 And some men came down from Judah and began teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the ‘custom of Moses’ą, you cannot be saved.” 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brothers determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the emissaries and elders concerning this issue.
3 Therefore, being sent on their way by the assembly, they were passing through both Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the peoples, and were bringing great joy to all the brothers. 4 And when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the emissaries and the elders, and they reported all that the Almĩghty had done with them. 5 But certain ones of the sect of the Pharisees who had made their support in Yeshua, stood up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise themą, besides˛ to direct them to observe the Law of Moses.” 6 And the emissaries and the elders came together to look into this matter.
7 And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days the Almĩghty made a choice among you, that by my mouth the peoples should hear the word of the good news and fasten their support to Messiah. 8 “And the Almĩghty, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spĩrit, just as he also did to us; 9 and he made no distinction between us and them, as one who cleanses their hearts in faithfulness. 10 “Now therefore why do you put the Almĩghty to the test by placing upon the neck of the disciples a yoke which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 “But we are giving support that to be saved is through the lovingkindness of Adõnai Yẽshua, in the same way as they also are.”
12 And all the multitude kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul as they were relating what signs and wonders the Almĩghty had done through them among the peoples. 13 And after they had stopped speaking, James answered, saying, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 “Simeon has related how the Almĩghty first concerned himself about taking from among the peoples a people for his name. 15 “And with this the words of the Prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 ‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David which has fallen, and I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 in order that the rest of mankind may seek Yãhweh, and all the peoples who are called by my name,’ 18 Says Yãhweh, who makes these things known from time immemorial. 19 “Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to the Almĩghty from among the peoples, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. 21 “For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who proclaim him, since he is read in the congregations every Sabbath.”
22 Then it seemed good to the emissaries and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas— Judah called Barsabbas, and Silas, leading men among the brothers, 23 and they sent this letter by them, “The emissaries and the brothers who are elders, to the brothers in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia who are from the peoples, greetings. 24 “Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls, 25 it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Adõnai Yẽshua the Mẽssiah. 27 “Therefore we have sent Judah and Silas, who themselves will also report the same things by word of mouth.
28 “For it seemed good to the Holy Spĩrit and to us to lay upon you no more burden except these compulsory: 29 that you keep yourselves awayą from idol sacrifices, and blood˛, and things strangledł, and from fornication; if you keep yourselves free from such things, you will do well. Farewell.” 30 So, when they were sent away, they went down to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter. 31 And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement. 32 And Judah and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers with a lengthy message. 33 And after they had spent time there, they were sent away from the brothers in peace to those who had sent them out. 34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. 35 But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming, with many others also, the word of Yãhweh. 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city in which we proclaimed the word of Yãhweh, and see how they are.” 37 And Barnabas was desirous of taking John, called Mark, along with them also. 38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brothers to the loving-kindness of Yãhweh. 41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.
16:1 And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was one of the faithful, but his father was a Greek, 2 and he was well spoken of by the brothers who were in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted this man to go with him; and he took him and circumcised him through the Jews who were in those parts, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees, which had been decided upon by the emissaries and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe. 5 So the assemblies were being strengthened in the cỏvenant faithfulness, and were increasing in number daily. 6 And they passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spĩrit to speak the word in Asia; 7 and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spĩrit of Yẽshua did not permit them; 8 and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing and appealing to him, and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that the Almĩghty had called us to proclaim the good news to them. 11 Therefore putting out to sea from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and on the day following to Neapolis; 12 and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia, a Roman colony; and we were staying in this city for some days. 13 And on the Sabbath day we went outside the gate to a riverside, where we were supposing that there would be a place of prayer; and we sat down and began speaking to the women who had assembled. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple fabrics, a worshiper of the Almĩghty, was listening; and Yãhweh opened her heart to respond to the things spoken by Paul. 15 And when she and her household had been immersed, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to Yãhweh, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us. 16 And it happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain slave-girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortunetelling. 17 Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, “These men are bond-servants of the Almĩghty, Most High, who are proclaiming to you the Way of salvation.” 18 And she continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Yẽshua the Mẽssiah to come out of her!” And it came out at that very moment. 19 But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities, 20 and when they had brought them to the chief magistrates, they said, “These men are throwing our city into confusion, being Jews, 21 and are proclaiming customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans.” 22 And the crowd rose up together against them, and the chief magistrates tore their robes off them, and proceeded to order them to be beaten with rods. 23 And when they had inflicted many blows upon them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to guard them securely; 24 and he, having received such a command, threw them into the inner prison, and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25 But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns of praise to the Almĩghty, and the prisoners were listening to them; 26 and suddenly there came a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were unfastened. 27 And when the jailer had been roused out of sleep and had seen the prison doors opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here!” 29 And he called for lights and rushed in and, trembling with fear, he fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and after he brought them out, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Make your support upon Adõnai Yẽshua, and you shall be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of Yãhweh to him together with all who were in his house. 33 And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was immersed, he and all his household. 34 And he brought them into his house and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, having given his support to the Almĩghty with his whole household. 35 Now when day came, the chief magistrates sent their policemen, saying, “Release those men.” 36 And the jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The chief magistrates have sent to release you. Now therefore, come out and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us in public without trial, men who are Romans, and have thrown us into prison; and now are they sending us away secretly? No indeed! But let them come themselves and bring us out.” 38 And the policemen reported these words to the chief magistrates. And they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans, 39 and they came and appealed to them, and when they had brought them out, they kept begging them to leave the city. 40 And they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia, and when they saw the brothers, they encouraged them and departed.
31a lit. “upon”, i.e. put support on.
17:1 Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a congregation of the Jews. 2 And according to Paul’s custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and giving evidence that the Mẽssiah had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Yẽshua whom I am proclaiming to you is the Mẽssiah.” 4 And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a great multitude of the Almĩghty-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. 5 But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; and coming upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have upset the world have come here also; 7 and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Yẽshua.” 8 And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them. 10 And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they went into the congregation of the Jews. 11 Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily, to see whether these things were so. 12 Many of them therefore gave their support themselves, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that the word of the Almĩghty had been proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there likewise, agitating and stirring up the crowds. 14 And then immediately the brothers sent Paul out to go as far as the sea; and Silas and Timothy remained there. 15 Now those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed. 16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him as he was beholding the city full of idols. 17 So he was reasoning in the congregation with the Jews and the Almĩghty-fearing peoples, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present. 18 And also some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were conversing with him. And some were saying, “What would this idle babbler wish to say?” Others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities,”— because he was proclaiming Yẽshua and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is which you are proclaiming? 20 “For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; we want to know therefore what these things mean.” 21 (Now all the Athenians and the strangers visiting there used to spend their time in nothing other than telling or hearing something new.) 22 So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects.” 23 “For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.” 24 “The Almĩghty who made the world and all things in it, since he is Adõnćy of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; 25 neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all life and breath and all things; 26 and he made from one, every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times, and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they should seek the Almĩghty, if perhaps they might grope for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us; 28 for in him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, ‘For we also are his offspring.’ 29 “Being then the offspring of the Almĩghty, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.” 30 “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, the Almĩghty is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, 31 because he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world in justiceą through a Man whom he has appointed, having offered proof to all men by raising him from the dead.” 32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, “We shall hear you again concerning this.” 33 So Paul went out of their midst. 34 But some men joined him and gave their support, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them.
18:1 After these things he left Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome. He came to them, 3 and because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and they were working; for by trade they were tent-makers. 4 And he was reasoning in the congregation every Sabbath and trying to persuade Jews and Greeks. 5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul began devoting himself completely to the word, solemnly testifying to the Jews that Yẽshua was the Mẽssiah. 6 And when they resisted and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be upon your own heads! I am clean. From now on I shall go to the peoples.” 7 And he departed from there and went to the house of a certain man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of the Almĩghty, whose house was next to the plảce ỏf congregation. 8 And Crispus, the leader of the congregation, gave his support to Yãhweh with all his household, and many of the Corinthians when they heard were giving their support and being immersed. 9 And Yãhweh said to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; 10 for I am with you, and no man will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he settled there a year and six months, teaching the word of the Almĩghty among them. 12 But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This man persuades men to worship the Almĩghty contrary to the Law.” 14 But when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or of vicious crime, Jews, it would be reasonable for me to put up with you; 15 but if there are questions about words and names and your own Law, look after it yourselves; I am unwilling to be a judge of these matters.” 16 And he drove them away from the judgment seat. 17 And they all took hold of Sosthenes, the leader of the congregation, and began beating him in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio was not concerned about any of these things. 18 And Paul, having remained many days longer, took leave of the brothers and put out to sea for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he was keeping a vow. 19 And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the congregation and reasoned with the Jews. 20 And when they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent, 21 but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if the Almĩghty wills,” he set sail from Ephesus. 22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch. 23 And having spent some time there, he departed and passed successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. 24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the Scriptures. 25 This man had been instructed in the Way of Yãhweh; and being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching accurately the things concerning Yẽshua, being acquainted only with the immersion of John; 26 and he began to speak out boldly in the congregation. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way of the Almĩghty more accurately. 27 And when he wanted to go across to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him; and when he had arrived, he helped greatly those who had become committed, through Yãhwẻh’s lóving kindness; 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, demonstrating by the Scriptures that Yẽshua was the Mẽssiah.
19:1 And it came about that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper country came to Ephesus, and found some disciples, 2 and he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spĩrit when you gave your support?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spĩrit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you immersed?” And they said, “Into John’s immersion.” 4 And Paul said, “John immersed with the immersion of repentance, telling the people they should give support to him who was coming after him, that is, to Yẽshua.” 5 And when they heard this, they were immersed in the name of Adõnai Yẽshua. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spĩrit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. 7 And there were in all about twelve men. 8 And he entered the congregation and continued speaking out boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of the Almĩghty. 9 But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. 10 And this took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of Yãhweh, both Jews and Greeks. 11 And the Almĩghty was performing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons were even carried from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out. 13 But also some of the Jewish exorcists, who went from place to place, attempted to name over those who had the evil spirits the name of Adõnai Yẽshua, saying, “I adjure you by Yẽshua whom Paul proclaims.” 14 And seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said to them, “I recognize Yẽshua, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man, in whom was the evil spirit, leaped on them and subdued all of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived in Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all and the name of Adõnai Yẽshua was being magnified. 18 Many also of those who had become committed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. 19 And many of those who practiced magic brought their scrolls together and began burning them in the sight of all; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of Yãhweh was growing mightily and prevailing. 21 Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. 23 And about that time there arose no small disturbance concerning the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business to the craftsmen; 25 these he gathered together with the workmen of similar trades, and said, “Men, you know that our prosperity depends upon this business. 26 “And you see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away a considerable number of people, saying that gods made with hands are no gods at all. 27 “And not only is there danger that this trade of ours fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis be considered as worthless and that she whom all of Asia and the world worship should even be dethroned from her magnificence.” 28 And when they heard this and were filled with rage, they began crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29 And the city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. 30 And when Paul wanted to go into the assembly, the disciples would not let him. 31 And also some of the Asiarchs who were friends of his sent to him and repeatedly urged him not to venture into the theater. 32 So then, some were shouting one thing and some another, for the assembly was in confusion, and the majority did not know for what cause they had come together. 33 And some of the crowd concluded it was Alexander, since the Jews had put him forward; and having motioned with his hand, Alexander was intending to make a defense to the assembly. 34 But when they recognized that he was a Jew, a single outcry arose from them all as they shouted for about two hours, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 35 And after quieting the multitude, the town clerk said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there after all who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is guardian of the temple of the great Artemis, and of the image which fell down from heaven? 36 “Since then these are undeniable facts, you ought to keep calm and do nothing rash. 37 “For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of our goddess. 38 “So then, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a complaint against any man, the courts are in session and proconsuls are available; let them bring charges against one another. 39 “But if you want anything beyond this, it shall be settled in the lawful assembly. 40 “For indeed we are in danger of being accused of a riot in connection with today’s affair, since there is no real cause for it; and in this connection we shall be unable to account for this disorderly gathering.” 41 And after saying this he dismissed the assembly.
20:1 And after the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples and when he had exhorted them and taken his leave of them, he departed to go to Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone through those districts and had given them much exhortation, he came to Greece. 3 And there he spent three months, and when a plot was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia. 4 And he was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus; and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 But these had gone on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed from Philippi in the middle ofą the days of unleavened bread˛, and came to them at Troas within five daysł, şwhere we finallyş consumed the seven daysą. 7 And on the first of the sabbathsŞ, when we were gathered together to break bread˛, Paul began talking to them, intending to depart the next dayą, and he prolonged his message until midnightł. 8 And there were many lamps in the upper room where we were gathered together. 9 And there was a certain young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, sinking into a deep sleep; and as Paul kept on talking, he was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor, and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down and fell upon him and after embracing him, he said, “Do not be troubled, for his life is in him.” 11 And when he had gone back up, and had broken the bread and eaten, he talked with them a long while, until daybreak, and so departed. 12 And they took away the boy alive, and were greatly comforted. 13 But we, going ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, intending from there to take Paul on board; for thus he had arranged it, intending himself to go by land. 14 And when he metą us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene. 15 And sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios; and the next day we crossed over to Samos; and the day following we came to Miletusą. 16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost. 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called to him the elders of the assembly. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you the whole time, 19 serving Yãhweh with all humility and with tears and with trials which came upon me through the plots of the Jews; 20 how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house, 21 solemnly testifying to both Jews and Greeks of repentance toward the Almĩghty and commitment to our Lõŕd Yẽshua the Mẽssiah. 22 “And now, behold, bound in spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spĩrit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24 “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, in order that I may finish my course, and the ministry which I received from Adõnai Yẽshua, to testify solemnly of the good news of the loving-kindness of the Almĩghty. 25 “And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. 26 “Therefore I testify to you this day, that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 “For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of the Almĩghty. 28 “Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spĩrit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Almĩghty which he purchased with his own blood. 29 “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; 30 and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. 31 “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32 “And now I commend you to the Almĩghty and to the word of his loving-kindness, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35 “In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of Adõnai Yẽshua, that he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38 grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they were accompanying him to the ship.ą
21:1 And when it came about that we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara, 2 and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3 And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre, because there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4 And after looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven daysą, yet they were telling Paul through the Spĩrit not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5 And when it came about that our days there were ended, we departed and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. And after kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. 6 Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home again. 7 And when we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting the brothers, we stayed with them for a day.ą 8 And on the next day we departed and came to Caesarea. Then entering the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.ą 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who were prophetesses. 10 And as we were staying there for many daysą, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judah. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This is what the Holy Spĩrit says:” “In this way the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the peoples.” 12 And when we had heard this, we as well as the local residents were begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of Adõnai Yẽshua.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we fell silent, remarking, “The will of Yãhweh be done!” 15 And after these daysą we got ready and started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 And some of the disciples from Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of Cyprus, a disciple of long standing with whom we were to lodge. 17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladlyą. 18 And now the following dayą Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 And after he had greeted them, he was relating one by one the things which the Almĩghty had done among the peoples through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it they were glorifying the Almĩghty, and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have become committed, and they are all zealous for the Law.” 21 “And they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the peoples to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs.” 22 “What, then, is tỏ bẻ dỏne? They will certainly hear that you have come.” 23 “Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow.” 24 “Take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses in order that they may shave their heads, and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law.” 25 “But concerning the peoples who have become committed, we wrote, having decided that they should abstain from Şfood sacrificed to idolsŞ and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication.” 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself along with them, went into the temple, giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost over, the Jews from Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, were stirring up all the crowds and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, come to our aid! This is the man who proclaims to all men everywhere against our people, and the Law, and this place, and besides he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 And all the city was stirred up, and the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31 And while they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commander of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 And at once he took along soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains, and he was asking who he was and what he had done. 34 But among the crowd some were shouting one thing an̉d some another, and when he could not find out the facts on account of the uproar, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks. 35 And when he got to the stairs, it so happened that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob, 36 because the multitude of the people kept following behind, crying out, “Away with him!” 37 And as Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 “Then you are not the Egyptian who some time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out into the wilderness?” 39 But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city, and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned to the people with his hand, and when there was a great hush, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,
22:1 “Brothers and fathers, hear now my defense to you.” 2 And when they heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became even more quiet. And he said, 3 “I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated under Gamaliel, strictly according to the Law of our fathers, being zealous for the Almĩghty, just as you all are today. 4 And I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and all the council of the elders can testify. From them I also received letters to the brothers, and started off for Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem as prisoners to be punished. 6 And it came about that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus about noontime, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, 7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’ 8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Adõnai?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Yẽshua the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 But those who were with me beheld the light, to be sure, but did not understand the voice of the one who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Yãhweh?’ And Yãhweh said to me, ‘Arise and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told of all that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11 But since I could not see because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by those who were with me, and came into Damascus. 12 And a certain Ananias, a man who was devout according to the Law, and well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing near said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very time I looked up at him. 14 And he said, ‘The Almĩghty of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the righteous one, and to hear an utterance from his mouth. 15 For you will be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why do you delay? Arise, and immerse yourself, that you yourself should wash away your sińs, as one who calls upon his name.’ 17 And it came about when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I fell into a vision, 18 and I saw him saying to me, ‘Make haste, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Yãhweh, they themselves understand that in one congregation after another I used to imprison and beat those making their support upon you. 20 And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing by approving, and watching out for the cloaks of those who were slaying him.’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the peoples.’” 22 And they listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for he should not be allowed to live!” 23 And as they were crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, stating that he should be examined by scourging so that he might find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25 And when they stretched him out with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26 And when the centurion heard thỉs, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27 And the commander came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 And the commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship with a large sum.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born ả citizẻn.” 29 Therefore those who were about to examine him immediately let go of him, and the commander also was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had put him in chains. 30 But on the next day, wishing to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble, and brought Paul down and set him before them.
23:1 And Paul, looking intently at the Sanhedrin, said, “Brothers, I have lived my life with a perfectly good conscience before the Almĩghty up to this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those standing beside him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “The Almĩghty is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall! And do you sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law order me to be struck?” 4 But the bystanders said, “Do you revile the Almĩghty’s high priest?” 5 And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he was high priest, because it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’ ” 6 But perceiving that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, Paul was crying out in the Sanhedrin, “Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial for the hope and resurrection of the dead!” 7 And as he said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor a messenger, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. 9 And there arose a great uproar, and some of the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and were arguing heatedly, saying, “We find nothing wrong with this man. Suppose a spirit or a messenger has spoken to him?” 10 And as a great dissension was developing, the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them and ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks. 11 But on the night following, Yãhweh stood at his side and said, “Take courage, because as you have solemnly witnessed to my cause at Jerusalem, so you must witness at Rome also.” 12 And when it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves under an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 And there were more than forty who formed this plot. 14 And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now, therefore, you and the Sanhedrin notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case by a more thorough investigation, and we for our part are ready to slay him before he comes near the place.” 16 But the son of Paul’s sister heard of their ambush, and he came and entered the barracks and told Paul. 17 And Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Lead this young man to the commander, because he has something to report to him.” 18 So he took him and led him to the commander and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to lead this young man to you since he has something to tell you.” 19 And the commander took him by the hand and stepping aside, was inquiring of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to the Sanhedrin, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21 So do not listen to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him who have bound themselves under a curse not to eat or drink until they slay him, and now they are ready and waiting for the promise from you.” 22 Therefore the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.” 23 And he called to him two of the centurions, and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by the third hour of the night to proceed to Caesarea, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen.” 24 They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25 And he wrote a letter having this form: 26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, greetings. 27 When this man was arrested by the Jews and was about to be slain by them, I came upon them with the troops and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman. 28 And wanting to ascertain the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Sanhedrin, 29 and I found him to be accused over questions about their Law, but under no accusation deserving death or imprisonment. 30 And when I was informed that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing his accusers to bring charges against him before you.” 31 So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 But the next day, leaving the horsemen to go on with him, they returned to the barracks. 33 And when these had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 And when he had read it, he asked from what province he was, and when he learned that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing after your accusers arrive also,” giving orders for him to be kept in Herod’s Praetorium.
24:1 And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders, with a certain attorney named Tertullus, and they brought charges to the governor against Paul. 2 And after Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying to the governor, “Since we have through you attained much peace, and since by your providence reforms are being carried out for this nation, 3 we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 But, that I may not weary you any further, I beg you to grant us, by your kindness, a brief hearing. 5 For we have found this man a real pest and a fellow who stirs up dissension among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 And he even tried to desecrate the temple, and then we arrested him. And we wanted to judge him according to our own Law. 7 But Lysias the commander came along, and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8 ordering his accusers to come before you. And by examining him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so. 10 And when the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And neither in the temple, nor in the congregations, nor in the city itself did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or causing a riot. 13 Nor can they prove to you the charges of which they now accuse me. 14 But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the Almĩghty of our fathers, giving support to everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in the Almĩghty, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In view of this, I also do my best to maintain always a blameless conscience both before the Almĩghty and before men. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings, 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been purified, without any crowd or uproar. But there were certain Jews from Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you, and to make accusation, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves tell what misdeed they found when I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21 other than for this one statement which I shouted out while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today.’ ” 22 But Felix, having a more exact knowledge about the Way, put them off, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 And he gave orders to the centurion for him to be kept in custody and yet have some freedom, and not to prevent any of his friends from ministering to him. 24 But some days later, Felix arrived with Drusilla, his wife who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him speak about commitment to Mẽssiah Yẽshua. 25 And as he was discussing justiceą, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, “Go away for the present, and when I find time, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also sent for him quite often and conversed with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and wishing to do the Jews a favor, Felix left Paul imprisoned.
25:1 Festus therefore, having arrived in the province, three days later went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews brought charges against Paul and they were urging him, 3 requesting a concession against Paul, that he might have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, setting an ambush to kill him on the way). 4 Festus then answered that Paul was being kept in custody at Caesarea and that he himself was about to leave shortly. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let the influential men among you go there with me, and if there is anything wrong about the man, let them prosecute him.” 6 And after he had spent not more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on the tribunal and ordered Paul to be brought. 7 And after he had arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and serious charges against him which they could not prove, 8 while Paul said in his own defense, “I have committed no offense either against the Law of the Jews or against the temple or against Caesar.” 9 But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11 If then I am a wrongdoer, and have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die, but if none of those things is true of which these men accuse me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then when Festus had conferred with his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.” 13 Now when several days had elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and paid their respects to Festus. 14 And while they were spending many days there, Festus laid Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, 15 and when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation upon him. 16 And I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any man before the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17 And so after they had come together here, I made no delay, but on the next day took my seat on the tribunal, and ordered the man to be brought. 18 And when the accusers stood up, they were bringing charges against him not of such crimes as I was expecting, 19 but they simply had some points of disagreement with him about their own religion and about a certain dead man, Yẽshua, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 And being at a loss how to investigate such matters, I asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there stand trial on these matters. 21 But when Paul appealed to be held in custody for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him to be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22 And Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.” 23 And so, on the next day when Agrippa had come together with Bernice, amid great pomp, and had entered the auditorium accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen here present with us, you behold this man about whom all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both at Jerusalem and here, loudly declaring that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 Yet I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate also the charges against him.”
26:1 And Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and proceeded to make his defense: 2 “In regard to all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, that I am about to make my defense before you today; 3 especially because you are an expert in all customs and questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently. 4 “So then, all Jews know my manner of life from my youth up, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and at Jerusalem; 5 since they have known about me for a long time previously, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. 6 “And now I am standing trial for the hope of the promise made by the Almĩghty to our fathers; 7 the promise to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve the Almĩghty night and day. And for this hope, King, I am being accused by Jews. 8 “Why is it considered incredible among you people if the Almĩghty does raise the dead? 9 “So then, I thought to myself that I had to do many things hostile to the name of Yẽshua of Nazareth. 10 “And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the set-apart-ones in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my vote against them. 11 “And as I punished them often in all the congregations, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and being furiously enraged at them, I kept pursuing them even to foreign cities. 12 “While thus engaged as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday, King, I saw on the way a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining all around me and those who were journeying with me. 14 “And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 “And I said, ‘Who are you, Adõnai?’ And Yãhweh said, ‘I am Yẽshua whom you are persecuting. 16 ‘But arise, and stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to appoint you a minister and a witness not only to the things which you have seen, but also to the things in which I will appear to you; 17 delivering you from the Jewish people and from the peoples, to whom I am sending you, 18 to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to the Almĩghty, in order that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by commitment which is̉ to me.’ 19 “Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but kept declaring both to those of Damascus first, and also at Jerusalem and then throughout all the region of Judah, and even to the peoples, that they should repent and turn to the Almĩghty, performing deeds appropriate to repentance. 21 “For this reason some Jews seized me in the temple and tried to put me to death. 22 “And so, having obtained help from the Almĩghty, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place; 23 that the Mẽssiah was to suffer, and that by reason of his resurrection from the dead he should be the first to proclaim light both to the Jewish people and to the peoples.” 24 And while Paul was saying this in his defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! Your great learning is driving you mad.” 25 But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I utter words of sober truth. 26 “For the king knows about these matters, and I speak to him also with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a corner. 27 “King Agrippa, do you give your support to the Prophets? I know that you give your support.” 28 And Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become Messianic?” 29 And Paul said, “I would to the Almĩghty, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.” 30 And the king arose and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31 and when they had drawn aside, they began talking to one another, saying, “This man is not doing anything worthy of death or imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
27:1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they proceeded to deliver Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan cohort named Julius. 2 And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica. 3 And the next day we put in at Sidon; and Julius treated Paul with consideration and allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. 4 And from there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed through the sea along the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard it. 7 And when we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone; 8 and with difficulty sailing past it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. 9 And when considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even the fast was already over, Paul began to admonish them, 10 and said to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be attended with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion was more persuaded by the pilot and the captain of the ship, than by what was being said by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable for wintering, the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there. 13 And when a moderate south wind came up, supposing that they had gained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began sailing along Crete, close inshore. 14 But before very long there rushed down from the land a violent wind, called Euraquilo; 15 and when the ship was caught in it, and could not face the wind, we gave way to it, and let ourselves be driven along. 16 And running under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were scarcely able to get the ship’s boat under control. 17 And after they had hoisted it up, they used supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the sea anchor, and so let themselves be driven along. 18 The next day as we were being violently storm-tossed, they began to jettison the cargo; 19 and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 And since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was gradually abandoned. 21 And when they had gone a long time without food, then Paul stood up in their midst and said, “Men, you ought to have followed my advice and not to have set sail from Crete, and incurred this damage and loss. 22 “And yet now I urge you to keep up your courage, for there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 “For this very night the Messenger of the Almĩghty to whom I belong and whom I serve stood before me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar; and behold, the Almĩghty has granted you all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 “Therefore, keep up your courage, men, for I am committing to the Almĩghty, in that it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26 “But we must run aground on a certain island.” 27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to surmise that they were approaching some land. 28 And they took soundings, and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 And fearing that we might run aground somewhere on the rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and wished for daybreak. 30 And as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship, and had let down the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense of intending to lay out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat, and let it fall away. 33 And until the day was about to dawn, Paul was encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken nothing. 34 “Therefore I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your preservation; for not a hair from the head of any of you shall perish.” 35 And having said this, he took bread and gave thanks to the Almĩghty in the presence of all; and he broke it and began to eat. 36 And all of them were encouraged, and they themselves also took food. 37 And all of us in the ship were two hundred and seventy-six persons. 38 And when they had eaten enough, they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea. 39 And when day came, they could not recognize the land; but they did observe a certain bay with a beach, and they resolved to drive the ship onto it if they could. 40 And casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders, and hoisting the foresail to the wind, they were heading for the beach. 41 But striking a reef where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground; and the prow stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to be broken up by the force of the waves. 42 And the soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, that none of them should swim away and escape; 43 but the centurion, wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from their intention, and commanded that those who could swim should jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest should follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And thus it happened that they all were brought safely to land.
28:1 And when they had been brought safely through, then we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 And the natives showed us extraordinary kindness; for because of the rain that had set in and because of the cold, they kindled a fire and received us all. 3 But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 However he shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. 6 But they were expecting that he was about to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and began to say that he was a god. 7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us courteously three days. 8 And it came about that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with recurrent fever and dysentery; and Paul went in to see him and after he had prayed, he laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 And after this had happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and getting cured. 10 And they also honored us with many marks of respect; and when we were setting sail, they supplied us with all we needed. 11 And at the end of three months we set sail on an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 And after we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 And from there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and thus we came to Rome. 15 And the brothers, when they heard about us, came from there as far as the Market of Appius and Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked the Almĩghty and took courage. 16 And when we entered Rome, Paul was allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him. 17 And it happened that after three days he called together those who were the leading men of the Jews, and when they had come together, he began saying to them, “Brothers, though I had done nothing against our people, or the customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18 “And when they had examined me, they were willing to release me because there was no ground for putting me to death. 19 “But when the Jews objected, I was forced to appeal to Caesar; not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 “For this reason therefore, I requested to see you and to speak with you, for I am wearing this chain for the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 And they said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judah concerning you, nor have any of the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 “But we desire to hear from you what your views are; for concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” 23 And when they had set a day for him, they came to him at his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly testifying about the kingdom of the Almĩghty, and trying to persuade them concerning Yẽshua, from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 And some were being persuaded by the things spoken, but others would not commit themselves. 25 And when they did not agree with one another, they began leaving after Paul had spoken one parting word, “The Holy Spĩrit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say, “You will keep on hearing, but will not understand; and you will keep on seeing, but will not perceive; 27 For the heart of this people has become dull, and with their ears they scarcely hear, and they have closed their eyes; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart and return, and I should heal them.”‘ 28 “Let it be known to you therefore, that this salvation of the Almĩghty has been sent to the peoples; they will also listen.” 29 And when he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves. 30 And he stayed two full years in his own rented quarters, and was welcoming all who came to him, 31 proclaiming the kingdom of the Almĩghty, and teaching concerning Adõnai Yẽshua the Mẽssiah with all openness, unhindered.