Ch 11 Acts

Acts of the Apostles 11

11:1 Now the Apostles and brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the Word of God.
11:2 Then, when Peter had gone up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision argued against him,
11:3 saying, “Why did you enter to uncircumcised men, and why did you eat with them?”
11:4 And Peter began to explain to them, in an orderly manner, saying:
11:5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and I saw, in an ecstasy of mind, a vision: a certain container descending, like a great linen sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. And it drew near to me.
11:6 And looking into it, I considered and saw the four-footed beasts of the earth, and the wild beasts, and the reptiles, and the flying things of the air.
11:7 Then I also heard a voice saying to me: ‘Rise up, Peter. Kill and eat.’
11:8 But I said: ‘Never, lord! For what is common or unclean has never entered into my mouth.’
11:9 Then the voice responded a second time from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you shall not call common.’
11:10 Now this was done three times. And then everything was taken up again into heaven.
11:11 And behold, immediately there were three men standing near the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea.
11:12 Then the Spirit told me that I should go with them, doubting nothing. And these six brothers went with me also. And we entered into the house of the man.
11:13 And he described for us how he had seen an Angel in his house, standing and saying to him: ‘Send to Joppa and summon Simon, who is surnamed Peter.
11:14 And he shall speak to you words, by which you shall be saved with your whole house.’
11:15 And when I had begun to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as upon us also, in the beginning.
11:16 Then I remembered the words of the Lord, just as he himself said: ‘John, indeed, baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
11:17 Therefore, if God gave them the same grace, as also to us, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I would be able to prohibit God?”
11:18 Having heard these things, they were silent. And they glorified God, saying: “So has God also given to the Gentiles repentance unto life.”
11:19 And some of them, having been dispersed by the persecution that had occurred under Stephen, traveled around, even to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the Word to no one, except to Jews only.
11:20 But some of these men from Cyprus and Cyrene, when they had entered into Antioch, were speaking also to the Greeks, announcing the Lord Jesus.
11:21 And the hand of the Lord was with them. And a great number believed and were converted to the Lord.
11:22 Now the news came to the ears of the Church at Jerusalem about these things, and they sent Barnabas as far as Antioch.
11:23 And when he had arrived there and had seen the grace of God, he was gladdened. And he exhorted them all to continue in the Lord with a resolute heart.
11:24 For he was a good man, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit and with faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.
11:25 Then Barnabas set out for Tarsus, so that he might seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.
11:26 And they were conversing there in the Church for an entire year. And they taught such a great multitude, that it was at Antioch that the disciples were first known by the name of Christian.
11:27 Now in these days, prophets from Jerusalem went over to Antioch.
11:28 And one of them, named Agabus, rising up, signified through the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine over the entire world, which did happen under Claudius.
11:29 Then the disciples declared, according to what each one possessed, what they would offer to be sent to the brothers living in Judea.
11:30 And so they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts of the Apostles 12

12:1 Now at the same time, king Herod extended his hand, in order to afflict some from the Church.
12:2 Then he killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.
12:3 And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he set out next to apprehend Peter also. Now it was the days of Unleavened Bread.
12:4 So when he had apprehended him, he sent him into prison, handing him over into the custody of four groups of four soldiers, intending to produce him to the people after the Passover.
12:5 And so Peter was detained in prison. But prayers were being made without ceasing, by the Church, to God on his behalf.
12:6 And when Herod was ready to produce him, in that same night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, and was bound with two chains. And there were guards in front of the door, guarding the prison.
12:7 And behold, an Angel of the Lord stood near, and a light shined forth in the cell. And tapping Peter on the side, he awakened him, saying, “Rise up, quickly.” And the chains fell from his hands.
12:8 Then the Angel said to him: “Dress yourself, and put on your boots.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Wrap your garment around yourself and follow me.”
12:9 And going out, he followed him. And he did not know this truth: that this was being done by an Angel. For he thought that he was seeing a vision.
12:10 And passing by the first and second guards, they came to the iron gate which leads into the city; and it opened for them by itself. And departing, they continued on along a certain side street. And suddenly the Angel withdrew from him.
12:11 And Peter, returning to himself, said: “Now I know, truly, that the Lord sent his Angel, and that he rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the people of the Jews were anticipating.”
12:12 And as he was considering this, he arrived at the house of Mary, the mother of John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were gathered and were praying.
12:13 Then, as he knocked at the door of the gate, a girl went out to answer, whose name was Rhoda.
12:14 And when she recognized the voice of Peter, out of joy, she did not open the gate, but instead, running in, she reported that Peter stood before the gate.
12:15 But they said to her, “You are crazy.” But she reaffirmed that this was so. Then they were saying, “It is his angel.”
12:16 But Peter was persevering in knocking. And when they had opened, they saw him and were astonished.
12:17 But motioning to them with his hand to be silent, he explained how the Lord had led him away from prison. And he said, “Inform James and those brothers.” And going out, he went away to another place.
12:18 Then, when daylight came, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what had happened concerning Peter.
12:19 And when Herod had requested him and did not obtain him, having had the guards interrogated, he ordered them led away. And descending from Judea into Caesarea, he lodged there.
12:20 Now he was angry with those of Tyre and Sidon. But they came to him with one accord, and, having persuaded Blastus, who was over the bedchamber of the king, they petitioned for peace, because their regions were supplied with food by him.
12:21 Then, on the appointed day, Herod was clothed in kingly apparel, and he sat in the judgment seat, and he gave a speech to them.
12:22 Then the people were crying out, “The voice of a god, and not of a man!”
12:23 And immediately, an Angel of the Lord struck him down, because he had not given honor to God. And having been consumed by worms, he expired.
12:24 But the word of the Lord was increasing and multiplying.
12:25 Then Barnabas and Saul, having completed the ministry, returned from Jerusalem, bringing with them John, who was surnamed Mark.

Acts of the Apostles 13

13:1 Now there were, in the Church at Antioch, prophets and teachers, among whom were Barnabas, and Simon, who was called the Black, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manahen, who was the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
13:2 Now as they were ministering for the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said to them: “Separate Saul and Barnabas for me, for the work for which I have selected them.”
13:3 Then, fasting and praying and imposing their hands upon them, they sent them away.
13:4 And having been sent by the Holy Spirit, they went to Seleucia. And from there they sailed to Cyprus.
13:5 And when they had arrived at Salamis, they were preaching the Word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John in the ministry.
13:6 And when they had traveled throughout the entire island, even to Paphos, they found a certain man, a magician, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar-Jesu.
13:7 And he was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man. This man, summoning Barnabas and Saul, wanted to hear the Word of God.
13:8 But Elymas the magician (for so his name is translated) stood against them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the Faith.
13:9 Then Saul, who is also called Paul, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him,
13:10 and he said: “So full of every deceit and of all falsehoods, son of the devil, enemy of all justice, you never cease to subvert the righteous ways of the Lord!
13:11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you. And you will be blinded, not seeing the sun for a length of time.” And immediately a fog and a darkness fell over him. And wandering around, he was seeking someone who might lead him by the hand.
13:12 Then the proconsul, when he had seen what was done, believed, being in wonder over the doctrine of the Lord.
13:13 And when Paul and those who were with him had sailed from Paphos, they arrived at Perga in Pamphylia. Then John departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.
13:14 Yet truly, they, traveling on from Perga, arrived at Antioch in Pisidia. And upon entering the synagogue on the Sabbath day, they sat down.
13:15 Then, after the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the leaders of the synagogue sent to them, saying: “Noble brothers, if there is in you any word of exhortation to the people, speak.”
13:16 Then Paul, rising up and motioning for silence with his hand, said: “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen closely.
13:17 The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers, and exalted the people, when they were settlers in the land of Egypt. And with an exalted arm, he led them away from there.
13:18 And throughout a time of forty years, he endured their behavior in the desert.
13:19 And by destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land among them by lot,
13:20 after about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things, he gave them judges, even until the prophet Samuel.
13:21 And later on, they petitioned for a king. And God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, a man from the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.
13:22 And having removed him, he raised up for them king David. And offering testimony about him, he said, ‘I have found David, the son of Jesse, to be a man according to my own heart, who will accomplish all that I will.’
13:23 From his offspring, according to the Promise, God has brought Jesus the Savior to Israel.
13:24 John was preaching, before the face of his advent, a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
13:25 Then, when John completed his course, he was saying: ‘I am not the one you consider me to be. For behold, one arrives after me, the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to loosen.’
13:26 Noble brothers, sons of the stock of Abraham, and those among you who fear God, it is to you the Word of this salvation has been sent.
13:27 For those who were living in Jerusalem, and its rulers, heeding neither him, nor the voices of the Prophets that are read on every Sabbath, fulfilled these by judging him.
13:28 And although they found no case for death against him, they petitioned Pilate, so that they might put him to death.
13:29 And when they had fulfilled everything that had been written about him, taking him down from the tree, they placed him in a tomb.
13:30 Yet truly, God raised him up from the dead on the third day.
13:31 And he was seen for many days by those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who even now are his witnesses to the people.
13:32 And we are announcing to you that the Promise, which was made to our fathers,
13:33 has been fulfilled by God for our children by raising up Jesus, just as it has been written in the second Psalm also: ‘You are my Son. This day I have begotten you.’
13:34 Now, since he raised him from the dead, so as to no longer return to corruption, he has said this: ‘I will give to you the holy things of David, the faithful one.’
13:35 And also then, in another place, he says: ‘You will not allow your Holy One to see corruption.’
13:36 For David, when he had ministered to his generation in accordance with the will of God, fell asleep, and he was placed next to his fathers, and he saw corruption.
13:37 Yet truly, he whom God has raised from the dead has not seen corruption.
13:38 Therefore, let it be known to you, noble brothers, that through him is announced to you remission from sins and from everything by which you were not able to be justified in the law of Moses.
13:39 In him, all who believe are justified.
13:40 Therefore, be careful, lest what was said by the Prophets may overwhelm you:
13:41 ‘You despisers! Look, and wonder, and be scattered! For I am working a deed in your days, a deed which you would not believe, even if someone were to explain it to you.’ ”
13:42 Then, as they were departing, they asked them if, on the following Sabbath, they might speak these words to them.
13:43 And when the synagogue had been dismissed, many among the Jews and the new worshipers were following Paul and Barnabas. And they, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
13:44 Yet truly, on the following Sabbath, nearly the entire city came together to hear the Word of God.
13:45 Then the Jews, seeing the crowds, were filled with envy, and they, blaspheming, contradicted the things that were being said by Paul.
13:46 Then Paul and Barnabas said firmly: “It was necessary to speak the Word of God first to you. But because you reject it, and so judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
13:47 For so has the Lord instructed us: ‘I have set you as a light to the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’ ”
13:48 Then the Gentiles, upon hearing this, were gladdened, and they were glorifying the Word of the Lord. And as many as believed were preordained to eternal life.
13:49 Now the word of the Lord was disseminated throughout the entire region.
13:50 But the Jews incited some devout and honest women, and the leaders of the city. And they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas. And they drove them away from their parts.
13:51 But they, shaking the dust from their feet against them, went on to Iconium.
13:52 The disciples were likewise filled with gladness and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts of the Apostles 14

14:1 Now it happened in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and they spoke in such a way that a copious multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed.
14:2 Yet truly, the Jews who were unbelieving had incited and enflamed the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers.
14:3 And so, they remained for a long time, acting faithfully in the Lord, offering testimony to the Word of his grace, providing signs and wonders done by their hands.
14:4 Then the multitude of the city was divided. And certainly, some were with the Jews, yet truly others were with the Apostles.
14:5 Now when an assault had been planned by the Gentiles and the Jews with their leaders, so that they might treat them with contempt and stone them,
14:6 they, realizing this, fled together to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the entire surrounding region. And they were evangelizing in that place.
14:7 And a certain man was sitting at Lystra, disabled in his feet, lame from his mother’s womb, who had never walked.
14:8 This man heard Paul speaking. And Paul, gazing at him intently, and perceiving that he had faith, so that he might be healed,
14:9 said with a loud voice, “Stand upright upon your feet!” And he leaped up and walked around.
14:10 But when the crowds had seen what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice in the Lycaonian language, saying, “The gods, having taken the likenesses of men, have descended to us!”
14:11 And they called Barnabas, ‘Jupiter,’ yet truly they called Paul, ‘Mercury,’ because he was the lead speaker.
14:12 Also, the priest of Jupiter, who was outside the city, in front of the gate, bringing in oxen and garlands, was willing to offer sacrifice with the people.
14:13 And as soon as the Apostles, Barnabas and Paul, had heard this, tearing their tunics, they leapt into the crowd, crying out
14:14 and saying: “Men, why would you do this? We also are mortals, men like yourselves, preaching to you to be converted, from these vain things, to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them.
14:15 In previous generations, he permitted all nations to walk in their own ways.
14:16 But certainly, he did not leave himself without testimony, doing good from heaven, giving rains and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness.”
14:17 And by saying these things, they were barely able to restrain the crowds from immolating to them.
14:18 Now certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived there. And having persuaded the crowd, they stoned Paul and dragged him outside of the city, thinking him to be dead.
14:19 But as the disciples were standing around him, he got up and entered the city. And the next day, he set out with Barnabas for Derbe.
14:20 And when they had evangelized that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch,
14:21 strengthening the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them that they should remain always in the faith, and that it is necessary for us to enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations.
14:22 And when they had established priests for them in each church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, in whom they believed.
14:23 And traveling by way of Pisidia, they arrived in Pamphylia.
14:24 And having spoken the word of the Lord in Perga, they went down into Attalia.
14:25 And from there, they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had now accomplished.
14:26 And when they had arrived and had gathered together the church, they related what great things God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.
14:27 And they remained for no small amount of time with the disciples.

Acts of the Apostles 15

15:1 And certain ones, descending from Judea, were teaching the brothers, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”
15:2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas made no small uprising against them, they decided that Paul and Barnabas, and some from the opposing side, should go up to the Apostles and priests in Jerusalem concerning this question.
15:3 Therefore, being led by the church, they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles. And they caused great joy among all the brothers.
15:4 And when they had arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the church and the Apostles and the elders, reporting what great things God had done with them.
15:5 But some from the sect of the Pharisees, those who were believers, rose up saying, “It is necessary for them to be circumcised and to be instructed to keep the Law of Moses.”
15:6 And the Apostles and elders came together to take care of this matter.
15:7 And after a great contention had taken place, Peter rose up and said to them: “Noble brothers, you know that, in recent days, God has chosen from among us, by my mouth, Gentiles to hear the word of the Gospel and to believe.
15:8 And God, who knows hearts, offered testimony, by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as to us.
15:9 And he distinguished nothing between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.
15:10 Now therefore, why do you tempt God to impose a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
15:11 But by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, we believe in order to be saved, in the same manner also as them.”
15:12 Then the entire multitude was silent. And they were listening to Barnabas and Paul, describing what great signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles through them.
15:13 And after they had been silent, James responded by saying: “Noble brothers, listen to me.
15:14 Simon has explained in what manner God first visited, so as to take from the Gentiles a people to his name.
15:15 And the words of the Prophets are in agreement with this, just as it was written:
15:16 ‘After these things, I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down. And I will rebuild its ruins, and I will raise it up,
15:17 so that the rest of men may seek the Lord, along with all the nations over whom my name has been invoked, says the Lord, who does these things.’
15:18 To the Lord, his own work has been known from eternity.
15:19 Because of this, I judge that those who were converted to God from among the Gentiles are not to be disturbed,
15:20 but instead that we write to them, that they should keep themselves from the defilement of idols, and from fornication, and from whatever has been suffocated, and from blood.
15:21 For Moses, from ancient times, has had in each city those who preach him in the synagogues, where he is read on every Sabbath.”
15:22 Then it pleased the Apostles and elders, with the whole Church, to choose men from among them, and to send to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, and Judas, who was surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, preeminent men among the brothers,
15:23 what was written by their own hands: “The Apostles and elders, brothers, to those who are at Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, brothers from the Gentiles, greetings.
15:24 Since we have heard that some, going out from among us, have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, to whom we gave no commandment,
15:25 it pleased us, being assembled as one, to choose men and to send them to you, with our most beloved Barnabas and Paul:
15:26 men who have handed over their lives on behalf of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
15:27 Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who themselves also will, with the spoken word, reaffirm to you the same things.
15:28 For it has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no further burden upon you, other than these necessary things:
15:29 that you abstain from things immolated to idols, and from blood, and from what has been suffocated, and from fornication. You will do well to keep yourselves from these things. Farewell.”
15:30 And so, having been dismissed, they went down to Antioch. And gathering the multitude together, they delivered the epistle.
15:31 And when they had read it, they were gladdened by this consolation.
15:32 But Judas and Silas, being also prophets themselves, consoled the brothers with many words, and they were strengthened.
15:33 Then, after spending some more time there, they were dismissed with peace, by the brothers, to those who had sent them.
15:34 But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. So Judas alone departed to Jerusalem.
15:35 And Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, with many others, teaching and evangelizing the Word of the Lord.
15:36 Then, after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return to visit the brothers throughout all the cities in which we have preached the Word of the Lord, to see how they are.”
15:37 And Barnabas wanted to take John, who was surnamed Mark, with them also.
15:38 But Paul was saying that he ought not to be received, since he withdrew from them at Pamphylia, and he had not gone with them in the work.
15:39 And there occurred a dissension, to such an extent that they departed from one another. And Barnabas, indeed taking Mark, sailed to Cyprus.
15:40 Yet truly, Paul, choosing Silas, set out, being delivered by the brothers to the grace of God.
15:41 And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the Churches, instructing them to keep the precepts of the Apostles and the elders.

Acts of the Apostles 16

16:1 Then he arrived at Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a faithful Jewish woman, his father a Gentile.
16:2 The brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium rendered good testimony to him.
16:3 Paul wanted this man to travel with him, and taking him, he circumcised him, because of the Jews who were in those places. For they all knew that his father was a Gentile.
16:4 And as they were traveling through the cities, they delivered to them the dogmas to be kept, which were decreed by the Apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.
16:5 And certainly, the Churches were being strengthened in faith and were increasing in number every day.
16:6 Then, while crossing through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the Word in Asia.
16:7 But when they had arrived in Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.
16:8 Then, when they had crossed through Mysia, they descended to Troas.
16:9 And a vision in the night was revealed to Paul of a certain man of Macedonia, standing and pleading with him, and saying: “Cross into Macedonia and help us!”
16:10 Then, after he saw the vision, immediately we sought to set out for Macedonia, having been assured that God had called us to evangelize to them.
16:11 And sailing from Troas, taking a direct path, we arrived at Samothrace, and on the following day, at Neapolis,
16:12 and from there to Philippi, which is the preeminent city in the area of Macedonia, a colony. Now we were in this city some days, conferring together.
16:13 Then, on the Sabbath day, we were walking outside the gate, beside a river, where there seemed to be a prayer gathering. And sitting down, we were speaking with the women who had assembled.
16:14 And a certain woman, named Lydia, a seller of purple in the city of Thyatira, a worshiper of God, listened. And the Lord opened her heart to be receptive to what Paul was saying.
16:15 And when she had been baptized, with her household, she pleaded with us, saying: “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, enter into my house and lodge there.” And she convinced us.
16:16 Then it happened that, as we were going out to prayer, a certain girl, having a spirit of divination, met with us. She was a source of great profit to her masters, through her divining.
16:17 This girl, following Paul and us, was crying out, saying: “These men are servants of the Most High God! They are announcing to you the way of salvation!”
16:18 Now she behaved in this way for many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you, in the name of Jesus Christ, to go out from her.” And it went away in that same hour.
16:19 But her masters, seeing that the hope of their profit went away, apprehended Paul and Silas, and they brought them to the rulers at the courthouse.
16:20 And presenting them to the magistrates, they said: “These men are disturbing our city, since they are Jews.
16:21 And they are announcing a way which is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, since we are Romans.”
16:22 And the people rushed together against them. And the magistrates, tearing their tunics, ordered them to be beaten with staffs.
16:23 And when they had inflicted many scourges on them, they cast them into prison, instructing the guard to watch them diligently.
16:24 And since he had received this kind of order, he cast them into the interior prison cell, and he restricted their feet with stocks.
16:25 Then, in the middle of the night, Paul and Silas were praying and praising God. And those who were also in custody were listening to them.
16:26 Yet truly, there was a sudden earthquake, so great that the foundations of the prison were moved. And immediately all the doors were opened, and the bindings of everyone were released.
16:27 Then the prison guard, having been jarred awake, and seeing the doors of the prison open, drew his sword and intended to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled.
16:28 But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying: “Do no harm to yourself, for we are all here!”
16:29 Then calling for a light, he entered. And trembling, he fell before the feet of Paul and Silas.
16:30 And bringing them outside, he said, “Sirs, what must I do, so that I may be saved?”
16:31 So they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and then you will be saved, with your household.”
16:32 And they spoke the Word of the Lord to him, along with all those who were in his house.
16:33 And he, taking them in the same hour of the night, washed their scourges. And he was baptized, and next his entire household.
16:34 And when he had brought them into his own house, he set a table for them. And he was joyous, with his entire household, believing in God.
16:35 And when daylight had arrived, the magistrates sent the attendants, saying, “Release those men.”
16:36 But the prison guard reported these words to Paul: “The magistrates have sent to have you released. Now therefore, depart. Go in peace.”
16:37 But Paul said to them: “They have beaten us publicly, though we were not condemned. They have cast men who are Romans into prison. And now they would drive us away secretly? Not so. Instead, let them come forward,
16:38 and let us drive them away.” Then the attendants reported these words to the magistrates. And upon hearing that they were Romans, they were afraid.
16:39 And arriving, they pleaded with them, and leading them out, they begged them to depart from the city.
16:40 And they went away from the prison and entered into the house of Lydia. And having seen the brothers, they consoled them, and then they set out.

Acts of the Apostles 17

17:1 Now when they had walked through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they arrived at Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
17:2 Then Paul, according to custom, entered to them. And for three Sabbaths he disputed with them about the Scriptures,
17:3 interpreting and concluding that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise again from the dead, and that “this is the Jesus Christ, whom I am announcing to you.”
17:4 And some of them believed and were joined to Paul and Silas, and a great number of these were from the worshipers and the Gentiles, and not a few were noble women.
17:5 But the Jews, being jealous, and joining with certain evildoers among the common men, caused a disturbance, and they stirred up the city. And taking up a position near the house of Jason, they sought to lead them out to the people.
17:6 And when they had not found them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers to the rulers of the city, crying out: “For these are the ones who have stirred up the city. And they came here,
17:7 and Jason has received them. And all these men act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.”
17:8 And they incited the people. And the rulers of the city, upon hearing these things,
17:9 and having received an explanation from Jason and the others, released them.
17:10 Yet truly, the brothers promptly sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. And when they had arrived, they entered the synagogue of the Jews.
17:11 But these were more noble than those who were at Thessalonica. They received the Word with all enthusiasm, daily examining the Scriptures to see if these things were so.
17:12 And indeed, many believed among them, as well as not a few among the honorable Gentile men and women.
17:13 Then, when the Jews of Thessalonica had realized that the Word of God was also preached by Paul at Beroea, they went there also, stirring up and disturbing the multitude.
17:14 And then the brothers quickly sent Paul away, so that he might travel by sea. But Silas and Timothy remained there.
17:15 Then those who were leading Paul brought him as far as Athens. And having received an order from him to Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him quickly, they set out.
17:16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred up within him, seeing the city given over to idolatry.
17:17 And so, he was disputing with the Jews in the synagogue, and with the worshipers, and in public places, throughout each day, with whomever was there.
17:18 Now certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers were arguing with him. And some were saying, “What does this sower of the Word want to say?” Yet others were saying, “He seems to be an announcer for new demons.” For he was announcing to them Jesus and the Resurrection.
17:19 And apprehending him, they brought him to the Areopagus, saying: “Are we able to know what this new doctrine is, about which you speak?
17:20 For you bring certain new ideas to our ears. And so we would like to know what these things mean.”
17:21 (Now all the Athenians, and arriving visitors, were occupying themselves with nothing other than speaking or hearing various new ideas.)
17:22 But Paul, standing in the middle of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are rather superstitious.
17:23 For as I was passing by and noticing your idols, I also found an altar, on which was written: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, what you worship in ignorance, this is what I am preaching to you:
17:24 the God who made the world and all that is in it, the One who is the Lord of heaven and earth, who does not live in temples made with hands.
17:25 Neither is he served by the hands of men, as if in need of anything, since it is he who gives to all things life and breath and all else.
17:26 And he has made, out of one, every family of man: to live upon the face of the entire earth, determining the appointed seasons and the limits of their habitation,
17:27 so as to seek God, if perhaps they may consider him or find him, though he is not far from each one of us.
17:28 ‘For in him we live, and move, and exist.’ Just as some of your own poets have said. ‘For we are also of his family.’
17:29 Therefore, since we are of the family of God, we must not consider gold or silver or precious stones, or the engravings of art and of the imagination of man, to be a representation of what is Divine.
17:30 And indeed, God, having looked down to see the ignorance of these times, has now announced to men that everyone everywhere should do penance.
17:31 For he has appointed a day on which he will judge the world in equity, through the man whom he has appointed, offering faith to all, by raising him from the dead.”
17:32 And when they had heard about the Resurrection of the dead, indeed, some were derisive, while others said, “We will listen to you about this again.”
17:33 So Paul departed from their midst.
17:34 Yet truly, certain men, adhering to him, did believe. Among these were also Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Acts of the Apostles 18

18:1 After these things, having departed from Athens, he arrived at Corinth.
18:2 And upon finding a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently arrived from Italy with Priscilla his wife, (because Claudius had ordered all Jews to depart from Rome,) he met with them.
18:3 And because he was of the same trade, he lodged with them and was working. (Now they were tentmakers by trade.)
18:4 And he was arguing in the synagogue on every Sabbath, introducing the name of the Lord Jesus. And he was persuading Jews and Greeks.
18:5 And when Silas and Timothy had arrived from Macedonia, Paul stood firm in the Word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.
18:6 But since they were contradicting him and blaspheming, he shook out his garments and said to them: “Your blood is on your own heads. I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles.”
18:7 And moving from that place, he entered into the house of a certain man, named Titus the Just, a worshiper of God, whose house was adjoined to the synagogue.
18:8 Now Crispus, a leader of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, with his entire house. And many of the Corinthians, upon hearing, believed and were baptized.
18:9 Then the Lord said to Paul, through a vision in the night: “Do not be afraid. Instead, speak out and do not be silent.
18:10 For I am with you. And no one will take hold of you, so as to do you harm. For many of the people in this city are with me.”
18:11 Then he settled there for a year and six months, teaching the Word of God among them.
18:12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one accord against Paul. And they brought him to the tribunal,
18:13 saying, “He persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.”
18:14 Then, when Paul was beginning to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews: “If this were some matter of injustice, or a wicked deed, O noble Jews, I would support you, as is proper.
18:15 Yet if truly these are questions about a word and names and your law, you should see to it yourselves. I will not be the judge of such things.”
18:16 And he ordered them from the tribunal.
18:17 But they, apprehending Sosthenes, a leader of the synagogue, beat him in front of the tribunal. And Gallio showed no concern for these things.
18:18 Yet truly, Paul, after he had remained for many more days, having said goodbye to the brothers, sailed into Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. Now he had shaved his head in Cenchreae, for he had made a vow.
18:19 And he arrived at Ephesus, and he left them behind there. Yet truly, he himself, entering into the synagogue, was disputing with the Jews.
18:20 Then, although they were asking him to remain for a longer time, he would not agree.
18:21 Instead, saying goodbye and telling them, “I will return to you again, God willing,” he set out from Ephesus.
18:22 And after going down to Caesarea, he went up to Jerusalem, and he greeted the Church there, and then he descended to Antioch.
18:23 And having spent some length of time there, he set out, and he walked in order through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
18:24 Now a certain Jew named Apollo, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man who was powerful with the Scriptures, arrived at Ephesus.
18:25 He was learned in the Way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and teaching the things that are of Jesus, but knowing only the baptism of John.
18:26 And so, he began to act faithfully in the synagogue. And when Priscilla and Aquila had heard him, they took him aside and expounded the Way of the Lord to him more thoroughly.
18:27 Then, since he wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers wrote an exhortation to the disciples, so that they might accept him. And when he had arrived, he held many discussions with those who had believed.
18:28 For he was vehemently and publicly reproving the Jews, by revealing through the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts of the Apostles 19

19:1 Now it happened that, while Apollo was at Corinth, Paul, after he had journeyed through the upper regions, arrived at Ephesus. And he met with certain disciples.
19:2 And he said to them, “After believing, have you received the Holy Spirit?” But they said to him, “We have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”
19:3 Yet truly, he said, “Then with what have you been baptized?” And they said, “With the baptism of John.”
19:4 Then Paul said: “John baptized the people with the baptism of repentance, saying that they should believe in the One who is to come after him, that is, in Jesus.”
19:5 Upon hearing these things, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
19:6 And when Paul had imposed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came over them. And they were speaking in tongues and prophesying.
19:7 Now the men were about twelve in all.
19:8 Then, upon entering the synagogue, he was speaking faithfully for three months, disputing and persuading them about the kingdom of God.
19:9 But when certain ones became hardened and would not believe, cursing the Way of the Lord in the presence of the multitude, Paul, withdrawing from them, separated the disciples, disputing daily in a certain school of Tyrannus.
19:10 Now this was done throughout two years, so that all who were living in Asia listened to the Word of the Lord, both Jews and Gentiles.
19:11 And God was accomplishing powerful and uncommon miracles by the hand of Paul,
19:12 so much so that even when small cloths and wrappings were brought from his body to the sick, the illnesses withdrew from them and the wicked spirits departed.
19:13 Then, even some of the traveling Jewish exorcists had attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “I bind you by oath through Jesus, whom Paul preaches.”
19:14 And there were certain Jews, the seven sons of Sceva, leaders among the priests, who were acting in this way.
19:15 But a wicked spirit responded by saying to them: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know. But who are you?”
19:16 And the man, in whom there was a wicked spirit, leaping at them and getting the better of them both, prevailed against them, so that they fled from that house, naked and wounded.
19:17 And so, this became known to all the Jews and Gentiles who were living at Ephesus. And a fear fell over them all. And the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.
19:18 And many believers were arriving, confessing, and announcing their deeds.
19:19 Then many of those who had followed odd sects brought together their books, and they burned them in the sight of all. And after determining the value of these, they found the price to be fifty thousand denarii.
19:20 In this way, the Word of God was increasing strongly and was being confirmed.
19:21 Then, when these things were completed, Paul decided in the Spirit, after crossing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “Then, after I have been there, it is necessary for me to see Rome also.”
19:22 But sending two of those who were ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he himself remained for a time in Asia.
19:23 Now at that time, there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way of the Lord.
19:24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith making silver shrines for Diana, was providing no small profit to craftsmen.
19:25 And calling them together, with those who were employed in the same way, he said: “Men, you know that our income is from this craft.
19:26 And you are seeing and hearing that this man Paul, by persuasion, has turned away a great multitude, not only from Ephesus, but from nearly all of Asia, saying, ‘These things are not gods which have been made by hands.’
19:27 Thus, not only is this, our occupation, in danger of being brought into repudiation, but also the temple of the great Diana will be reputed as nothing! Then even her majesty, whom all of Asia and the world worships, will begin to be destroyed.”
19:28 Upon hearing this, they were filled with anger, and they cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
19:29 And the city was filled with confusion. And having seized Gaius and Aristarchus of Macedonia, companions of Paul, they rushed violently, with one accord, into the amphitheatre.
19:30 Then, when Paul wanted to enter to the people, the disciples would not permit him.
19:31 And some of the leaders from Asia, who were his friends, also sent to him, requesting that he not present himself in the amphitheatre.
19:32 But others were crying out various things. For the assembly was in confusion, and most did not know the reason they had been called together.
19:33 So they dragged Alexander from the crowd, while the Jews were propelling him forward. And Alexander, gesturing with his hand for silence, wanted to give the people an explanation.
19:34 But as soon as they realized him to be a Jew, all with one voice, for about two hours, were crying out, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”
19:35 And when the scribe had calmed the crowds, he said: “Men of Ephesus, now what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is in the service of the great Diana and of the offspring of Jupiter?
19:36 Therefore, since these things are not able to be contradicted, it is necessary for you to be calm and to do nothing rash.
19:37 For you have brought forward these men, who are neither sacrilegious nor blasphemers against your goddess.
19:38 But if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone, they can convene in the courts, and there are proconsuls. Let them accuse one another.
19:39 But if you would inquire about other things, this can be decided in a lawful assembly.
19:40 For now we are in peril of being convicted of sedition over today’s events, since there is no one guilty (against whom we are able to provide evidence) in this gathering.” And when he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts of the Apostles 20

20:1 Then, after the tumult ceased, Paul, calling the disciples to himself and exhorting them, said farewell. And he set out, so that he might go into Macedonia.
20:2 And when he had walked through those areas and had exhorted them with many sermons, he went into Greece.
20:3 After he had spent three months there, treacheries were planned against him by the Jews, just as he was about to sail into Syria. And having been advised of this, he return through Macedonia.
20:4 Now those accompanying him were Sopater, the son of Pyrrhus from Beroea; and also the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and also Tychicus and Trophimus from Asia.
20:5 These, after they had gone ahead, waited for us at Troas.
20:6 Yet truly, we sailed from Philippi, after the days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days we went to them at Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
20:7 Then, on the first Sabbath, when we had assembled together to break bread, Paul discoursed with them, intending to set out the next day. But he prolonged his sermon into the middle of the night.
20:8 Now there were plenty of lamps in the upper room, where we were gathered.
20:9 And a certain adolescent named Eutychus, sitting on the window sill, was being weighed down by a heavy drowsiness (for Paul was preaching at length). Then, as he went to sleep, he fell from the third floor room downward. And when he was lifted up, he was dead.
20:10 When Paul had gone down to him, he laid himself over him and, embracing him, said, “Do not worry, for his soul is still within him.”
20:11 And so, going up, and breaking bread, and eating, and having spoken well on until daylight, he then set out.
20:12 Now they had brought the boy in alive, and they were more than a little consoled.
20:13 Then we climbed aboard the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take in Paul. For so he himself had decided, since he was making the journey by land.
20:14 And when he had joined us at Assos, we took him in, and we went to Mitylene.
20:15 And sailing from there, on the following day, we arrived opposite Chios. And next we landed at Samos. And on the following day we went to Miletus.
20:16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not be delayed in Asia. For he was hurrying so that, if it were possible for him, he might observe the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.
20:17 Then, sending from Miletus to Ephesus, he called those greater by birth in the church.
20:18 And when they had come to him and were together, he said to them: “You know that from the first day when I entered into Asia, I have been with you, for the entire time, in this manner:
20:19 serving the Lord, with all humility and despite the tears and trials which befell me from the treacheries of the Jews,
20:20 how I held back nothing that was of value, how well I have preached to you, and that I have taught you publicly and throughout the houses,
20:21 testifying both to Jews and to Gentiles about repentance in God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
20:22 And now, behold, being obliged in spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there,
20:23 except that the Holy Spirit, throughout every city, has cautioned me, saying that chains and tribulations await me at Jerusalem.
20:24 But I dread none of these things. Neither do I consider my life to be more precious because it is my own, provided that in some way I may complete my own course and that of the ministry of the Word, which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.
20:25 And now, behold, I know that you will no longer see my face, all of you among whom I have traveled, preaching the kingdom of God.
20:26 For this reason, I call you as witnesses on this very day: that I am clean from the blood of all.
20:27 For I have not turned aside in the least from announcing every counsel of God to you.
20:28 Take care of yourselves and of the entire flock, over which the Holy Spirit has stationed you as Bishops to rule the Church of God, which he has purchased by his own blood.
20:29 I know that after my departure ravenous wolves will enter among you, not sparing the flock.
20:30 And from among yourselves, men will rise up, speaking perverse things in order to entice disciples after them.
20:31 Because of this, be vigilant, retaining in memory that throughout three years I did not cease, night and day, with tears, to admonish each and every one of you.
20:32 And now, I commend you to God and to the Word of his grace. He has the power to build up, and to give an inheritance to all who are sanctified.
20:33 I have coveted neither silver and gold, nor apparel,
20:34 as you yourselves know. For that which was needed by me and by those who are with me, these hands have provided.
20:35 I have revealed all things to you, because by laboring in this way, it is necessary to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”
20:36 And when he had said these things, kneeling down, he prayed with all of them.
20:37 Then a great weeping occurred among them all. And, falling upon the neck of Paul, they kissed him,
20:38 being grieved most of all over the word which he had said, that they would never see his face again. And they brought him to the ship.

Acts of the Apostles 21

21:1 And after these things had happened, having reluctantly parted from them, we sailed a direct course, arriving at Cos, and on following the day at Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
21:2 And when we had found a ship sailing across to Phoenicia, climbing aboard, we set sail.
21:3 Then, after we had caught sight of Cyprus, keeping it to the left, we sailed on to Syria, and we arrived at Tyre. For the ship was going to unload its cargo there.
21:4 Then, having found the disciples, we lodged there for seven days. And they were saying to Paul, through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
21:5 And when the days were completed, setting out, we went on; and they all accompanied us with their wives and children, until we were outside of the city. And we kneeled down at the shore and prayed.
21:6 And when we had said farewell to one another, we climbed aboard the ship. And they returned to their own.
21:7 Yet truly, having completed our journey by boat from Tyre, we descended to Ptolemais. And greeting the brothers, we lodged with them for one day.
21:8 Then, after setting out the next day, we arrived at Caesarea. And upon entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we stayed with him.
21:9 Now this man had four daughters, virgins, who were prophesying.
21:10 And while we were delayed for some days, a certain prophet from Judea, named Agabus, arrived.
21:11 And he, when he had come to us, took Paul’s belt, and binding his own feet and hands, he said: “Thus says the Holy Spirit: The man whose belt this is, the Jews will bind in this way at Jerusalem. And they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
21:12 And when we had heard this, both we and those who were from that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
21:13 Then Paul responded by saying: “What do you accomplish by weeping and afflicting my heart? For I am prepared, not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
21:14 And since we were not able to persuade him, we quieted, saying: “May the will of the Lord be done.”
21:15 Then, after those days, having made preparations, we ascended to Jerusalem.
21:16 Now some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing with them a certain Cypriot named Mnason, a very old disciple, whose guests we would be.
21:17 And when we had arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received us willingly.
21:18 Then, on the following day, Paul entered with us to James. And all the elders were assembled.
21:19 And when he had greeted them, he explained each thing that God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry.
21:20 And they, upon hearing it, magnified God and said to him: “You understand, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.
21:21 Now they have heard about you, that you are teaching those Jews who are among the Gentiles to withdraw from Moses, telling them that they should not circumcise their sons, nor act according to custom.
21:22 What is next? The multitude ought to be convened. For they will hear that you have arrived.
21:23 Therefore, do this thing that we ask of you: We have four men, who are under a vow.
21:24 Take these and sanctify yourself with them, and require them to shave their heads. And then everyone will know that the things that they have heard about you are false, but that you yourself walk in keeping with the law.
21:25 But, about those Gentiles who have believed, we have written a judgment that they should keep themselves from what has been immolated to idols, and from blood, and from what has been suffocated, and from fornication.”
21:26 Then Paul, taking the men on the next day, was purified with them, and he entered the temple, announcing the process of the days of purification, until an oblation would be offered on behalf of each one of them.
21:27 But when the seven days were reaching completion, those Jews who were from Asia, when they had seen him in the temple, incited all the people, and they laid hands on him, crying out:
21:28 “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who is teaching, everyone, everywhere, against the people and the law and this place. Furthermore, he has even brought Gentiles into the temple, and he has violated this holy place.”
21:29 (For they had seen Trophimus, an Ephesian, in the city with him, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)
21:30 And the entire city was stirred up. And it happened that the people ran together. And apprehending Paul, they dragged him outside of the temple. And immediately the doors were closed.
21:31 Then, as they were seeking to kill him, it was reported to the tribune of the cohort: “All Jerusalem is in confusion.”
21:32 And so, immediately taking soldiers and centurions, he rushed down to them. And when they had seen the tribune and the soldiers, they ceased to strike Paul.
21:33 Then the tribune, drawing near, apprehended him and ordered that he be bound with two chains. And he was asking who he was and what he had done.
21:34 Then they were crying out various things within the crowd. And since he could not understand anything clearly because of the noise, he ordered him to be brought into the fortress.
21:35 And when he had arrived at the stairs, it happened that he was carried up by the soldiers, because of the threat of violence from the people.
21:36 For the multitude of the people were following and crying out, “Take him away!”
21:37 And as Paul was beginning to be brought into the fortress, he said to the tribune, “Is it permissible for me to say something to you?” And he said, “You know Greek?
21:38 So then, are you not that Egyptian who before these days incited a rebellion and led out into the desert four thousand murderous men?”
21:39 But Paul said to him: “I am a man, indeed a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of a well-known city. So I petition you, permit me to speak to the people.”
21:40 And when he had given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the people. And when a great silence occurred, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying:

Acts of the Apostles 22

22:1 “Noble brothers and fathers, listen to the explanation that I now give to you.”
22:2 And when they heard him speaking to them in the Hebrew language, they offered a greater silence.
22:3 And he said: “I am a Jewish man, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but raised in this city beside the feet of Gamaliel, taught according to the truth of the law of the fathers, zealous for the law, just as all of you also are to this day.
22:4 I persecuted this Way, even unto death, binding and delivering into custody both men and women,
22:5 just as the high priest and all those greater by birth bear witness to me. Having received letters from them to the brothers, I journeyed to Damascus, so that I might lead them bound from there to Jerusalem, so that they might be punished.
22:6 But it happened that, as I was traveling and was approaching Damascus at midday, suddenly from heaven a great light shone around me.
22:7 And falling to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’
22:8 And I responded, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said to me, ‘I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’
22:9 And those who were with me, indeed, saw the light, but they did not hear the voice of him who was speaking with me.
22:10 And I said, ‘What should I do, Lord?’ Then the Lord said to me: ‘Rise up, and go to Damascus. And there, you shall be told all that you must do.’
22:11 And since I could not see, because of the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand by my companions, and I went to Damascus.
22:12 Then a certain Ananias, a man in accord with the law, having the testimony of all the Jews who were living there,
22:13 drawing near to me and standing close by, said to me, ‘Brother Saul, see!’ And in that same hour, I looked upon him.
22:14 But he said: ‘The God of our fathers has preordained you, so that you would come to know his will and would see the Just One, and would hear the voice from his mouth.
22:15 For you shall be his witness to all men about those things which you have seen and heard.
22:16 And now, why do you delay? Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, by invoking his name.’
22:17 Then it happened that, when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, a mental stupor came over me,
22:18 and I saw him saying to me: ‘Hurry! Depart quickly from Jerusalem! For they will not accept your testimony about me.’
22:19 And I said: ‘Lord, they know that I am beating and enclosing in prison, throughout every synagogue, those who have believed in you.
22:20 And when the blood of your witness Stephen was poured out, I stood nearby and was consenting, and I watched over the garments of those who put him to death.’
22:21 And he said to me, ‘Go forth. For I am sending you to far away nations.’ ”
22:22 Now they were listening to him, until this word, and then they lifted up their voice, saying: “Take this kind away from the earth! For it is not fitting for him to live!”
22:23 And while they were shouting, and tossing aside their garments, and casting dust into the air,
22:24 the tribune ordered him to be brought into the fortress, and to be scourged and tortured, in order to discover the reason that they were crying out in this way against him.
22:25 And when they had tied him with straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing near him, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and has not been condemned?”
22:26 Upon hearing this, the centurion went to the tribune and reported it to him, saying: “What do you intend to do? For this man is a Roman citizen.”
22:27 And the tribune, approaching, said to him: “Tell me. Are you a Roman?” So he said, “Yes.”
22:28 And the tribune responded, “I obtained this citizenship at great cost.” And Paul said, “But I was born to it.”
22:29 Therefore, those who were going to torture him, immediately withdrew from him. The tribune was similarly afraid, after he realized that he was a Roman citizen, for he had bound him.
22:30 But on the next day, wanting to discover more diligently what the reason was that he was accused by the Jews, he released him, and he ordered the priests to convene, with the entire council. And, producing Paul, he stationed him among them.

Acts of the Apostles 23

23:1 Then Paul, gazing intently at the council, said, “Noble brothers, I have spoken with all good conscience before God, even to this present day.”
23:2 And the high priest, Ananias, instructed those who were standing nearby to strike him on the mouth.
23:3 Then Paul said to him: “God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall! For would you sit and judge me according to the law, when, contrary to the law, you order me to be struck?”
23:4 And those who were standing nearby said, “Are you speaking evil about the high priest of God?”
23:5 And Paul said: “I did not know, brothers, that he is the high priest. For it is written: ‘You shall not speak evil of the leader of your people.’ ”
23:6 Now Paul, knowing that one group were Sadducees and the other were Pharisees, exclaimed in the council: “Noble brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of Pharisees! It is over the hope and resurrection of the dead that I am being judged.”
23:7 And when he had said this, a dissension occurred between the Pharisees and the Sadducees. And the multitude was divided.
23:8 For the Sadducees claim that there is no resurrection, and neither angels, nor spirits. But the Pharisees confess both of these.
23:9 Then there occurred a great clamor. And some of the Pharisees, rising up, were fighting, saying: “We find nothing evil in this man. What if a spirit has spoken to him, or an angel?”
23:10 And since a great dissension had been made, the tribune, fearing that Paul might be torn apart by them, ordered the soldiers to descend and to seize him from their midst, and to bring him into the fortress.
23:11 Then, on the following night, the Lord stood near him and said: “Be constant. For just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so also it is necessary for you to testify at Rome.”
23:12 And when daylight arrived, some of the Jews gathered together and bound themselves with an oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.
23:13 Now there were more than forty men who had taken this oath together.
23:14 And they approached the leaders of the priests, and the elders, and they said: “We have sworn ourselves by an oath, so that we will taste nothing, until we have killed Paul.
23:15 Therefore, with the council, you should now give notice to the tribune, so that he may bring him to you, as if you intended to determine something else about him. But before he approaches, we have made preparations to put him to death.”
23:16 But when Paul’s sister’s son had heard of this, about their treachery, he went and entered into the fortress, and he reported it to Paul.
23:17 And Paul, calling to him one of the centurions, said: “Lead this young man to the tribune. For he has something to tell him.”
23:18 And indeed, he took him and led him to the tribune, and he said, “Paul, the prisoner, asked me to lead this young man to you, since he has something to say to you.”
23:19 Then the tribune, taking him by the hand, withdrew with him by themselves, and he asked him: “What is it that you have to tell me?”
23:20 Then he said: “The Jews have met to ask you to bring Paul tomorrow to the council, as if they intended to question him about something else.
23:21 But truly, you should not believe them, for they would ambush him with more than forty men from among them, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat, nor to drink, until they have put him to death. And they are now prepared, hoping for an affirmation from you.”
23:22 And then the tribune dismissed the young man, instructing him not to tell anyone that he had made known these things to him.
23:23 Then, having called two centurions, he said to them: “Prepare two hundred soldiers, so that they may go as far as Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, for the third hour of the night.
23:24 And prepare beasts of burden to carry Paul, so that they may lead him safely to Felix, the governor.”
23:25 For he was afraid, lest perhaps the Jews might seize him and kill him, and that afterwards he would be falsely accused, as if he had accepted a bribe. And so he wrote a letter containing the following:
23:26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor, Felix: greetings.
23:27 This man, having been apprehended by the Jews and being about to be put to death by them, I rescued, overwhelming them with soldiers, since I realized that he is a Roman.
23:28 And wanting to know the reason that they objected to him, I brought him into their council.
23:29 And I discovered him to be accused about questions of their law. Yet truly, nothing deserving of death or imprisonment was within the accusation.
23:30 And when I had been given news of ambushes, which they had prepared against him, I sent him to you, notifying his accusers also, so that they may plead their accusations before you. Farewell.”
23:31 Therefore the soldiers, taking Paul according to their orders, brought him by night to Antipatris.
23:32 And the next day, sending the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the fortress.
23:33 And when they had arrived at Caesarea and had delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul before him.
23:34 And when he had read it and had asked which province he was from, realizing that he was from Cilicia, he said:
23:35 “I will hear you, when your accusers have arrived.” And he ordered him to be kept in the praetorium of Herod.

Acts of the Apostles 24

24:1 Then, after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with some of the elders and a certain Tertullus, a speaker. And they went to the governor against Paul.
24:2 And having summoned Paul, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: “Most excellent Felix, since we have much peace through you, and many things may be corrected by your providence,
24:3 we acknowledge this, always and everywhere, with acts of thanksgiving for everything.
24:4 But lest I speak at too great a length, I beg you, by your clemency, to listen to us briefly.
24:5 We have found this man to be pestilent, to be inciting seditions among all the Jews in the entire world, and to be the author of the sedition of the sect of the Nazarenes.
24:6 And he has even been attempting to violate the temple. And having apprehended him, we wanted him to be judged according to our law.
24:7 But Lysias, the tribune, overwhelming us with great violence, snatched him away from our hands,
24:8 ordering his accusers to come to you. From them, you yourself will be able, by judging about all these things, to understand the reason that we accuse him.”
24:9 And then the Jews interjected, saying that these things were so.
24:10 Then, since the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul responded: “Knowing that you have been the judge over this nation for many years, I will give an explanation of myself with an honest soul.
24:11 For, as you may realize, it has only been twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem.
24:12 And they did not find me in the temple arguing with anyone, nor causing a rally of the people: neither in the synagogues, nor in the city.
24:13 And they are not able to prove to you the things about which they now accuse me.
24:14 But I confess this to you, that according to that sect, which they call a heresy, so do I serve my God and Father, believing all that is written in the Law and the Prophets,
24:15 having a hope in God, which these others themselves also expect, that there will be a future resurrection of the just and the unjust.
24:16 And in this, I myself always strive to have a conscience that is lacking in any offence toward God and toward men.
24:17 Then, after many years, I went to my nation, bringing alms and offerings and vows,
24:18 through which I obtained purification in the temple: neither with a crowd, nor with a commotion.
24:19 But certain Jews out of Asia are the ones who should have appeared before you to accuse me, if they have anything against me.
24:20 Or let these ones here say if they have found in me any iniquity, while standing before the council.
24:21 For while standing among them, I spoke out solely about this one matter: about the resurrection of the dead. It is about this that I am being judged today by you.”
24:22 Then Felix, after having ascertained much knowledge about this Way, kept them waiting, by saying, “When Lysias the tribune has arrived, I will give you a hearing.”
24:23 And he ordered a centurion to guard him, and to take rest, and not to prohibit any of his own from ministering to him.
24:24 Then, after some days, Felix, arriving with his wife Drusilla who was a Jew, called for Paul and listened to him about the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
24:25 And after he discoursed about justice and chastity, and about the future judgment, Felix was trembling, and he responded: “For now, go, but remain under guard. Then, at an opportune time, I will summon you.”
24:26 He was also hoping that money might be given to him by Paul, and because of this, he frequently summoned him and spoke with him.
24:27 Then, when two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus. And since Felix wanted to show particular favor to the Jews, he left Paul behind as a prisoner.

Acts of the Apostles 25

25:1 And so, when Festus had arrived in the province, after three days, he ascended to Jerusalem from Caesarea.
25:2 And the leaders of the priests, and those first among the Jews, went to him against Paul. And they were petitioning him,
25:3 asking for favor against him, so that he would order him to be led to Jerusalem, where they were maintaining an ambush in order to kill him along the way.
25:4 But Festus responded that Paul was to be kept in Caesarea, and that he himself would soon go there.
25:5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those among you who are able, descend at the same time, and if there is any guilt in the man, they may accuse him.”
25:6 Then, having stayed among them no more than eight or ten days, he descended to Caesarea. And on the next day, he sat in the judgment seat, and he ordered Paul to be led in.
25:7 And when he had been brought, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, throwing out many serious accusations, none of which they were able to prove.
25:8 Paul offered this defense: “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I offended in any matter.”
25:9 But Festus, wanting to show greater favor to the Jews, responded to Paul by saying: “Are you willing to ascend to Jerusalem and to be judged there about these things before me?”
25:10 But Paul said: “I stand in Caesar’s tribunal, which is where I ought to be judged. I have done no harm to the Jews, as you well know.
25:11 For if I have harmed them, or if I have done anything deserving of death, I do not object to dying. But if there is nothing to these things about which they accuse me, no one is able to deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
25:12 Then Festus, having spoken with the council, responded: “You have appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you shall go.”
25:13 And when some days had passed, king Agrippa and Bernice descended to Caesarea, to greet Festus.
25:14 And since they remained there for many days, Festus spoke to the king about Paul, saying: “A certain man was left behind as a prisoner by Felix.
25:15 When I was at Jerusalem, the leaders of the priests and the elders of the Jews came to me about him, asking for condemnation against him.
25:16 I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to condemn any man, before he who is being accused has been confronted by his accusers and has received the opportunity to defend himself, so as to clear himself of the charges.
25:17 Therefore, when they had arrived here, without any delay, on the following day, sitting in the judgment seat, I ordered the man to be brought.
25:18 But when the accusers had stood up, they did not present any accusation about him from which I would suspect evil.
25:19 Instead, they brought against him certain disputes about their own superstition and about a certain Jesus, who had died, but whom Paul asserted to be alive.
25:20 Therefore, being in doubt about this kind of question, I asked him if he was willing go to Jerusalem and to be judged there about these things.
25:21 But since Paul was appealing to be kept for a decision before Augustus, I ordered him to be kept, until I might send him to Caesar.”
25:22 Then Agrippa said to Festus: “I myself also want to hear the man.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
25:23 And on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had arrived with great ostentation and had entered into the auditorium with the tribunes and the principal men of the city, Paul was brought in, at the order of Festus.
25:24 And Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present together with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews disturbed me at Jerusalem, petitioning and clamoring that he should not be allowed to live any longer.
25:25 Truly, I have discovered nothing brought forth against him that is worthy of death. But since he himself has appealed to Augustus, it was my judgment to send him.
25:26 But I have not determined what to write to the emperor about him. Because of this, I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, O king Agrippa, so that, once an inquiry has occurred, I may have something to write.
25:27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner and not to indicate the accusations set against him.”

Acts of the Apostles 26

26:1 Yet truly, Agrippa said to Paul, “It is permitted for you to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, extending his hand, began to offer his defense.
26:2 “I consider myself blessed, O king Agrippa, that I am to give my defense today before you, about everything of which I am accused by the Jews,
26:3 especially since you know everything that pertains to the Jews, both customs and questions. Because of this, I beg you to listen to me patiently.
26:4 And certainly, all the Jews know about my life from my youth, which had its beginning among my own people in Jerusalem.
26:5 They knew me well from the beginning, (if they would be willing to offer testimony) for I lived according to the most determined sect of our religion: as a Pharisee.
26:6 And now, it is in the hope of the Promise which was made by God to our fathers that I stand subject to judgment.
26:7 It is the Promise that our twelve tribes, worshiping night and day, hope to see. About this hope, O king, I am accused by the Jews.
26:8 Why should it be judged so unbelievable with you all that God might raise the dead?
26:9 And certainly, I myself formerly considered that I ought to act in many ways which are contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene.
26:10 This is also how I acted at Jerusalem. And so, I enclosed many holy persons in prison, having received authority from the leaders of the priests. And when they were to be killed, I brought the sentence.
26:11 And in every synagogue, frequently while punishing them, I compelled them to blaspheme. And being all the more maddened against them, I persecuted them, even to foreign cities.
26:12 Thereafter, as I was going to Damascus, with authority and permission from the high priest,
26:13 at midday, O king, I and those who were also with me, saw along the way a light from heaven shining around me with a splendor greater than that of the sun.
26:14 And when we had all fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me in the Hebrew language: ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goad.’
26:15 Then I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
26:16 But rise up and stand on your feet. For I appeared to you for this reason: so that I may establish you as a minister and a witness concerning the things that you have seen, and concerning the things that I will show to you:
26:17 rescuing you from the people and the nations to which I am now sending you,
26:18 in order to open their eyes, so that they may be converted from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive the remission of sins and a place among the saints, through the faith that is in me.’
26:19 From then on, O king Agrippa, I was not unbelieving to the heavenly vision.
26:20 But I preached, first to those who are at Damascus and at Jerusalem, and then to the entire region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, so that they would repent and convert to God, doing the works that are worthy of repentance.
26:21 It was for this reason that the Jews, having apprehended me when I was in the temple, attempted to kill me.
26:22 But having been aided by the help of God, even to this day, I stand witnessing to the small and the great, saying nothing beyond what the Prophets and Moses have said would be in the future:
26:23 that the Christ would suffer, and that he would be the first from the resurrection of the dead, and that he would bring light to the people and to the nations.”
26:24 While he was speaking these things and presenting his defense, Festus said with a loud voice: “Paul, you are insane! Too much studying has turned you to insanity.”
26:25 And Paul said: “I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but rather I am speaking words of truth and sobriety.
26:26 For the king knows about these things. To him also, I am speaking with constancy. For I think that none of these things are unknown to him. And neither were these things done in a corner.
26:27 Do you believe the Prophets, O king Agrippa? I know that you believe.”
26:28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “To some extent, you persuade me to become a Christian.”
26:29 And Paul said, “I hope to God that, both to a small extent and to a great extent, not only you, but also all those who hear me this day will become just as I also am, except for these chains.”
26:30 And the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them.
26:31 And when they had withdrawn, they were speaking among themselves, saying, “This man has done nothing worthy of death, nor of imprisonment.”
26:32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been released, if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts of the Apostles 27

27:1 Then it was decided to send him by ship to Italy, and that Paul, with the others in custody, should be delivered to a centurion named Julius, of the cohort of Augusta.
27:2 After climbing aboard a ship from Adramyttium, we set sail and began to navigate along the ports of Asia, with Aristarchus, the Macedonian from Thessalonica, joining us.
27:3 And on the following day, we arrived at Sidon. And Julius, treating Paul humanely, permitted him to go to his friends and to look after himself.
27:4 And when we had set sail from there, we navigated below Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
27:5 And navigating though the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we arrived at Lystra, which is in Lycia.
27:6 And there the centurion found a ship from Alexandria sailing to Italy, and he transferred us to it.
27:7 And when we had sailed slowly for many days and had barely arrived opposite Cnidus, for the wind was hindering us, we sailed to Crete, near Salmone.
27:8 And barely being able to sail past it, we arrived at a certain place, which is called Good Shelter, next to which was the city of Lasea.
27:9 Then, after much time had passed, and since sailing would no longer be prudent because the Fast Day had now passed, Paul consoled them,
27:10 and he said to them: “Men, I perceive that the voyage is now in danger of injury and much damage, not only to the cargo and the ship, but also to our own lives.”
27:11 But the centurion put more trust in the captain and the navigator of the ship, than in the things being said by Paul.
27:12 And since it was not a fitting port in which to winter, the majority opinion was to sail from there, so that somehow they might be able to arrive at Phoenicia, in order to winter there, at a port of Crete, which looks out toward the southwest and northwest.
27:13 And since the south wind was blowing gently, they thought that they might reach their goal. And after they had set out from Asson, they weighed anchor at Crete.
27:14 But not long afterward, a violent wind came against them, which is called the Northeast Wind.
27:15 And once the ship had been caught in it and was not able to strive against the wind, giving over the ship to the winds, we were driven along.
27:16 Then, being forced along a certain island, which is called the Tail, we were barely able to hold on to the ship’s lifeboat.
27:17 When this was taken up, they used it to assist in securing the ship. For they were afraid that they might run aground. And having lowered the sails, they were being driven along in this way.
27:18 Then, since we were being tossed about strongly by the tempest, on the following day, they threw the heavy items overboard.
27:19 And on the third day, with their own hands, they threw the equipment of the ship overboard.
27:20 Then, when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no end to the storm was imminent, all hope for our safety was now taken away.
27:21 And after they had fasted for a long time, Paul, standing in their midst, said: “Certainly, men, you should have listened to me and not set out from Crete, so as to cause this injury and loss.
27:22 And now, let me persuade you to be courageous in soul. For there shall be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.
27:23 For an Angel of God, who is assigned to me and whom I serve, stood beside me this night,
27:24 saying: ‘Do not be afraid, Paul! It is necessary for you to stand before Caesar. And behold, God has given to you all those who are sailing with you.’
27:25 Because of this, men, be courageous in soul. For I trust God that this will happen in the same way that it has been told to me.
27:26 But it is necessary for us to arrive at a certain island.”
27:27 Then, after the fourteenth night arrived, as we were navigating in the sea of Adria, about the middle of the night, the sailors believed that they saw some portion of the land.
27:28 And upon dropping a weight, they found a depth of twenty paces. And some distance from there, they found a depth of fifteen paces.
27:29 Then, fearing that we might happen upon rough places, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and they were hoping for daylight to arrive soon.
27:30 Yet truly, the sailors were seeking a way to flee from the ship, for they had lowered a lifeboat into the sea, on the pretext that they were attempting to cast anchors from the bow of the ship.
27:31 So Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men remain in the ship, you will not be able to be saved.”
27:32 Then the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat, and they allowed it to fall.
27:33 And when it began to be light, Paul requested that they all take food, saying: “This is the fourteenth day that you have been waiting and continuing to fast, taking nothing.
27:34 For this reason, I beg you to accept food for the sake of your health. For not a hair from the head of any of you shall perish.”
27:35 And when he had said these things, taking bread, he gave thanks to God in the sight of them all. And when he had broken it, he began to eat.
27:36 Then they all became more peaceful in soul. And they also took food.
27:37 Truly, we were two hundred and seventy-six souls on the ship.
27:38 And having been nourished with food, they lightened the ship, casting the wheat into the sea.
27:39 And when day had arrived, they did not recognize the landscape. Yet truly, they caught sight of a certain narrow inlet having a shore, into which they thought it might be possible to force the ship.
27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, at the same time loosing the restraints of the rudders. And so, raising the mainsail to the gusting wind, they pressed on toward the shore.
27:41 And when we happened upon a place open to two seas, they ran the ship aground. And indeed, the bow, being immobilized, remained fixed, but truly the stern was broken by the violence of the sea.
27:42 Then the soldiers were in agreement that they should kill the prisoners, lest anyone, after escaping by swimming, might flee.
27:43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, prohibited it from being done. And he ordered those who were able to swim to jump in first, and to escape, and to get to the land.
27:44 And as for the others, some they carried on boards, and others on those things that belonged to the ship. And so it happened that every soul escaped to the land.

Acts of the Apostles 28

28:1 And after we had escaped, we then realized that the island was called Malta. Yet truly, the natives offered us no small amount of humane treatment.
28:2 For they refreshed us all by kindling a fire, because rain was imminent and because of the cold.
28:3 But when Paul had gathered together a bundle of twigs, and had placed them on the fire, a viper, which had been drawn to the heat, fastened itself to his hand.
28:4 And truly, when the natives saw the beast hanging from his hand, they were saying to one another: “Certainly, this man must be a murderer, for though he escaped from the sea, vengeance will not permit him to live.”
28:5 But shaking off the creature into the fire, he indeed suffered no ill effects.
28:6 But they were supposing that he would soon swell up, and then would suddenly fall down and die. But having waited a long time, and seeing no ill effects in him, they changed their minds and were saying that he was a god.
28:7 Now among these places were estates owned by the ruler of the island, named Publius. And he, taking us in, showed us kind hospitality for three days.
28:8 Then it happened that the father of Publius lay ill with a fever and with dysentery. Paul entered to him, and when he had prayed and had laid his hands on him, he saved him.
28:9 When this had been done, all who had diseases on the island approached and were cured.
28:10 And then they also presented us with many honors. And when we were ready to set sail, they gave us whatever we needed.
28:11 And so, after three months, we sailed in a ship from Alexandria, whose name was ‘the Castors,’ and which had wintered at the island.
28:12 And when we had arrived at Syracuse, we were delayed there for three days.
28:13 From there, sailing close to the shore, we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, with the south wind blowing, we arrived on the second day at Puteoli.
28:14 There, after locating the brothers, we were asked to remain with them for seven days. And then we went on to Rome.
28:15 And there, when the brothers had heard of us, they went to meet us as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns. And when Paul had seen them, giving thanks to God, he took courage.
28:16 And when we had arrived at Rome, Paul was given permission to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.
28:17 And after the third day, he called together the leaders of the Jews. And when they had convened, he said to them: “Noble brothers, I have done nothing against the people, nor against the customs of the fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
28:18 And after they held a hearing about me, they would have released me, because there was no case for death against me.
28:19 But with the Jews speaking against me, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, though it was not as if I had any kind of accusation against my own nation.
28:20 And so, because of this, I requested to see you and to speak to you. For it is because of the hope of Israel that I am encircled with this chain.”
28:21 But they said to him: “We have not received letters about you from Judea, nor have any of the other new arrivals among the brothers reported or spoken anything evil against you.
28:22 But we are asking to hear your opinions from you, for concerning this sect, we know that it is being spoken against everywhere.”
28:23 And when they had appointed a day for him, very many persons went to him at his guest quarters. And he discoursed, testifying to the kingdom of God, and persuading them about Jesus, using the law of Moses and the Prophets, from morning until evening.
28:24 And some believed the things that he was saying, yet others did not believe.
28:25 And when they could not agree among themselves, they departed, while Paul was speaking this one word: “How well did the Holy Spirit speak to our fathers through the prophet Isaiah,
28:26 saying: ‘Go to this people and say to them: Hearing, you shall hear and not understand, and seeing, you shall see and not perceive.
28:27 For the heart of this people has grown dull, and they have listened with reluctant ears, and they have closed their eyes tightly, lest perhaps they might see with the eyes, and hear with the ears, and understand with the heart, and so be converted, and I would heal them.’
28:28 Therefore, let it be known to you, that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they shall listen to it.”
28:29 And when he had said these things, the Jews went away from him, though they still had many questions among themselves.
28:30 Then he remained for two whole years in his own rented lodgings. And he received all who went in to him,
28:31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which are from the Lord Jesus Christ, with all faithfulness, without prohibition.

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