eng_aiv Amundson Interpretive Version Acts Acts Acts Acts Acts id=eng_aiv name=Amundson Interpretive Version (AIV) status=draft spec=USFM-USX 3.1.1 export=2026-11-02 char:add=translator-addition-italic char:wj=words-of-Jesus-as-received-unmapped note:f=footnotes para:r=parallel-passage-references para:d=psalm-superscriptions Prologue (Luke 1:1–4) The first account, indeed, I made concerning all the things, O Theophilus, that Jesus began both to do and to teach, until the day in which, having given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom He chose, He was taken up, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, with many convincing proofs, being seen by them through forty days and speaking the things concerning the kingdom of God. And being assembled together,1.4 Or eating together He instructed them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to await the promise of the Father: “That which you⁺ heard of Me; for John indeed baptized with water, but you⁺ will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days after these.” 1.5 Or for John indeed baptized in water, but you⁺ will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days after these; cited in Acts 11:16 The Ascension (Mark 16:19–20; Luke 24:50–53) Therefore indeed those having come together were asking Him, saying, “Lord, at this time do You restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not yours⁺ to know times or seasons that the Father set by His own authority. But you⁺ will receive power at the Holy Spirit having come upon you⁺, and you⁺ will be My witnesses,1.8 BYZ and TR Witnesses unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And having said these things, in their looking on, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes. And as they were looking intently into heaven in His going, then behold, two men in white apparel stood by them, who also said, “Men, Galileans, why do you⁺ stand looking1.11 Or staring; or gazing up into heaven? This Jesus, having been taken up from you⁺ into heaven, will thus come in that manner you⁺ saw Him going into heaven.” Matthias Replaces Judas Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet,1.12 That is, the Mount of Olives which is near Jerusalem, holding a Sabbath’s journey.1.12 A Sabbath’s journey is 2,000 cubits (approximately 3,000 feet or 914.4 meters) And when they had entered, they went up into the upper room where they were staying, both Peter and John, and James and Andrew,1.13 BYZ and TR Peter and James, John and Andrew Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were steadfastly continuing with one accord in prayer,1.14 BYZ and TR include and petition. with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. And in these days, Peter, having risen up in the midst of the brothers,1.15 BYZ and TR the disciples said (and the multitude of names at the same place was about a hundred twenty), “Men, brothers, it was necessary for the Scripture1.16 BYZ and TR this Scripture to have been fulfilled that the Holy Spirit spoke beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, the one having become guide to those having arrested Jesus. For he was numbered among us and was allotted the share of this ministry.” (Then indeed this man acquired a field out of the reward of unrighteousness, and having fallen headlong, he burst open in the middle, and all his intestines poured out. And it became known to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, so that that field was called in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) “For it has been written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his homestead become desolate, and let there be no one dwelling in it,’ and, ‘May another take his oversight.’1.20 Psalm 69:25 1.20 Psalm 109:8 Therefore it is necessary for the men having accompanied us in all the time that the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us, having begun from the baptism of John until the day in which He was taken up from us, one of these, to become a witness with us of His resurrection.” And they set two, Joseph called Barsabbas,1.23 BYZ and TR Barsabas who was called upon as Justus, and Matthias. And having prayed, they said, “You, Lord, knower of the heart of all, show which one of these two You chose to take the place of this1.25 BYZ and TR to receive a share of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they gave lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. The Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Genesis 11:1–9; Leviticus 23:15–22) And in the arriving of the day of Pentecost,2.1 That is, Shavuot, the late spring feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it is also known as the Feast of Harvest (see Exodus 23:16) or the Feast of Weeks (see Exodus 34:22). they were all together2.1 BYZ and TR were all with one accord at the same place. And suddenly a sound like a violent rushing of wind came out of heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. And there appeared to them dividing tongues as of fire, and they sat upon each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit was giving to them to declare forth. Now there were Jews dwelling2.5 Or staying; similarly in verse 14 in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. Now this sound having happened, the multitude came together and was confounded, because each one was hearing them speaking in his own language. And they were amazed and were marveling, saying,2.7 BYZ and TR include to one another. “Behold, are not all2.7 HF, NA, F35, SBL, and WH do not include all. these who are speaking Galileans? And how do we each hear our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites; and those inhabiting Mesopotamia, also Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,2.9 That is, the Roman Province of Asia, located in what is now western Turkey both Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya that are around Cyrene; and those visiting from Rome, both Jews and converts; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the great things of God!” And all were amazed and were perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this wish to be?” But others, mocking, were saying, “They are full of new wine!” Peter Addresses the Crowd (Psalm 16:1–11; Joel 2:28–32) But Peter, having stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice and declared forth to them: “Men of Judea and all those inhabiting Jerusalem, let this be known to you⁺, and give heed to my words. For these are not drunkards, as you⁺ suppose, for it is the third hour of the day!2.15 That is, nine in the morning But this is that having been spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it will come to pass in the last days, God says, that I will pour out from My Spirit upon all flesh, and your⁺ sons and your⁺ daughters will prophesy, and your⁺ young men will see visions, and your⁺ old men will dream dreams. And even on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out from My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. And I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming Day of the Lord, great and glorious. And it will come to pass that everyone who shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.” 2.21 Joel 2:28–32 (see also LXX) Men, Israelites, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man having been set forth by God to you⁺ by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did through Him in your⁺ midst, as you yourselves know, Him delivered up by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you⁺ put to death, having crucified by2.23 BYZ and TR having taken by lawless hands— whom God raised up, having loosed the agony of death, inasmuch as it was not possible for Him to be held by it. For David says about Him: ‘I foresaw the Lord before me through all, because He is at my right hand, that I should not be shaken. 2.25 Or I saw Because of this my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced, and now also my flesh will dwell in hope, for You will not abandon my soul into Hades, nor will You give Your Holy One to see decay. You made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’2.28 Psalm 16:8–11 (see also LXX) Men, brothers, it is permitted me to speak with freedom to you⁺ concerning the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is among us unto this day, being therefore a prophet and knowing that God swore to him with an oath to seat one out of the fruit of his loins upon his throne.2.30 Or one of his descendants 2.30 BYZ and TR with an oath out of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, to raise up Christ to sit on his throne; Psalm 132:11 Having foreseen, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was He abandoned2.31 BYZ and TR neither was His soul abandoned into Hades, nor did His flesh see decay. This Jesus God raised up, of which we all are witnesses. Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you⁺ both see and hear. For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand until I place Your enemies as a footstool for Your feet.”’ 2.35 Psalm 110:1 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made Him both Lord and Christ—this Jesus whom you⁺ crucified.” Three Thousand Believe And having heard, they were pierced to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter says to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you⁺, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your⁺ sins,2.38 BYZ and TR forgiveness of sins and you⁺ will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you⁺ and to your⁺ children and to all those at a distance, as many as the Lord our God shall summon.” And he earnestly testified many other words and was exhorting them, saying, “Be saved from this crooked generation.” Therefore those indeed having received2.41 BYZ and TR having gladly received his word were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.2.41 Or about three thousand were added to the believers that day The Fellowship of Believers (Acts 4:32–37) Now they were steadfastly continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in the fellowship, in the breaking of the bread and in the prayers. And fear2.43 Or awe was coming upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all those believing were in the same place and were having all things in common. And they were selling the possessions and the goods and were dividing them to all, as anyone had need. And every day they were steadfastly continuing with one accord in the temple2.46 Or the temple courts and breaking bread at each house. They were partaking of food with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord kept adding every day to the same2.47 BYZ and TR to the church those being saved. A Lame Man Walks Now Peter and John were going up3.1 BYZ and TR include together. into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth.3.1 That is, three in the afternoon And a certain man was being carried, being lame from his mother’s womb, whom they placed every day at the temple gate called Beautiful to ask for alms from those going into the temple,3.2 Or the temple courts; also in verses 3 and 8 who, having seen Peter and John being about to enter into the temple, was asking to receive alms. And Peter, having looked intently upon him, with John, said, “Look toward us!” And he began to give heed to them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, “Silver and gold, unto me there is none; but what I have, this I give to you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”3.6 SBL, NE, and WH In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk! And having taken him by the right hand, he raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened. And leaping up, he stood and began walking, and he entered into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him, that he was the one sitting for alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at that having happened to him. Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Colonnade (Deuteronomy 18:15–22) Now of him clinging to3.11 BYZ and TR Now as the lame man who was healed was clinging to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the colonnade called Solomon’s,3.11 Or in the walkway called Solomon’s Colonnade greatly amazed. But having seen, Peter answered to the people: “Men, Israelites, why do you⁺ wonder at this? Or why do you⁺ look intently on us as if by our own power or godliness we have made him to walk? The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His servant3.13 Or His child; also in verse 26 Jesus, whom indeed you⁺ delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, that one having adjudged to release Him. But you⁺ denied the Holy and Righteous One and requested a man, a murderer, to be granted to you⁺. And you⁺ killed the Author of life, whom God raised out from the dead, of which we are witnesses. And on the faith in His name, this man whom you⁺ see and know, His name strengthened; and the faith that is through Him has given to him this complete soundness before all of you⁺. And now, brothers, I know that you⁺ acted in ignorance, as your⁺ rulers also. But what God foretold through the mouth of all the prophets, that His Christ should suffer, He thus fulfilled. Repent, therefore, and turn back, for the blotting out of your⁺ sins, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the One having been appointed to you⁺, Christ Jesus, whom indeed it is necessary for heaven to receive until the times of restoration of all things, of which God spoke by the mouth of3.21 BYZ and TR include all. His holy prophets from the age. Indeed Moses said, ‘The Lord your⁺ God will raise up to you⁺ a prophet like me out of your⁺ brothers. You⁺ will listen to Him in all things, as many as He might say to you⁺.3.22 BYZ and TR include to the fathers. 3.22 Deuteronomy 18:15 And it will come to pass that every soul who might not heed that prophet will be utterly destroyed out of the people.’ 3.23 See Deuteronomy 18:19. And also all the prophets from Samuel, and those subsequently, as many as have spoken—they also proclaimed3.24 ALT, F35, and TR foretold these days. You⁺ are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with your⁺ fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.’3.25 BYZ and TR our fathers 3.25 Genesis 22:18 God, having raised up His servant,3.26 BYZ and TR His Servant Jesus sent Him first to you⁺, blessing you⁺ in turning away each one from your⁺ wickednesses.” Peter and John before the Sanhedrin And of them speaking to the people, the priests4.1 WH the chief priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, being distressed because of their teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection out from the dead. And they laid hands on them and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. But many of those having heard the word believed, and the number of the men became about five thousand. And it came to pass on the next day that their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem, and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of high-priestly descent. And having placed them in the midst, they began to inquire, “In what power or in what name did you⁺ do this?” Then Peter, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders,4.8 BYZ and TR include of Israel. if we are being examined this day as to a good work to the ailing man, how4.9 Or by whom he has been healed, let it be known to all of you⁺, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—whom you⁺ crucified, whom God raised out from the dead—in Him this man stands before you⁺ sound. This is ‘the stone having been rejected by you⁺, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 4.11 Psalm 118:22 And there is salvation in no other, for there is not another name under heaven4.12 RP does not include under heaven. having been given among men by which it is necessary for us to be saved.” The Name Forbidden Now seeing the boldness of Peter and of John, and having understood that they are unschooled and ordinary men, they were astonished. And they recognized them, that they had been with Jesus. And beholding the man having been healed standing with them, they had nothing to contradict. But having commanded them to go outside the Council,4.15 Or the Sanhedrin they began to confer with one another, saying, “What shall we do to these men? For truly that a noteworthy sign has come to pass through them is evident to all those dwelling in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny it. But so that it might not spread further on among the people, let us threaten4.17 BYZ and TR strictly threaten. them to speak no longer in this name to any man.” And having summoned them, they commanded them not to speak, nor to teach at all, in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John, answering, said to them, “Whether it is right before God to listen to you⁺ rather than God, you⁺ must judge. For we are unable to stop speaking about what we saw and heard.” And having further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way they might punish them, on account of the people, because all were glorifying God for that having happened. For the man on whom this sign of healing had taken place was more than forty years old. The Believers’ Prayer (Psalm 2:1–12) Now having been let go, they came to their own and reported how much the chief priests and the elders had said to them. And having heard, they lifted up their voice with one accord to God and said, “Sovereign Lord, You made4.24 BYZ and TR You are God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them, having spoken by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant,4.25 BYZ and TR do not include by the Holy Spirit. our father David:4.25 Or child; also in verses 27 and 30 ‘Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples devise vain things? 4.25 BYZ and TR Your servant David The kings of the earth took their stand, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’4.26 Or His Anointed One For in truth, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, were gathered together in this city4.27 BYZ and TR do not include in this city. against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predetermined to happen. And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to Your servants to speak Your word with all boldness, while You stretch out Your hand for healing and signs and wonders to take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” And on their having prayed, the place in which they were assembled was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness. Sharing among Believers (Acts 2:42–47) Now the multitude of those having believed were one in heart and soul, and no one claimed anything of that being his4.32 RP theirs to be his own, but all things were to them in common. And with great power the apostles were giving testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. For there was not even anyone in need among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses, selling them, were bringing the proceeds of what is sold and were laying them at the feet of the apostles, and distribution was made to each just as anyone had need. Now Joseph4.36 BYZ and TR Joses having been called Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a Cypriot by birth, having sold a field being his, brought the money and laid it at the feet of the apostles. Ananias and Sapphira Now a certain man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a property, and he kept back from the proceeds, also the wife being aware of it, and having brought a certain portion, he laid it at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, “Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart for you to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back from the proceeds of the land? Remaining, did it not remain yours? And having been sold, was it not in your own authority? Why did you purpose this deed in your heart? You did not lie to men but to God!” And hearing these words, Ananias, having fallen down, breathed his last. And great fear came upon all those hearing. And the young ones, having arisen, wrapped him up, and having carried him out, buried him. Now it came to pass about three hours afterward that his wife also came in, not knowing that having happened. And Peter responded to her, “Tell me if you⁺ sold the land for so much?” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “Why is it that you⁺ have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those having buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” And immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men, having come in, found her dead; and having carried her out, they buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all those hearing these things. The Apostles Heal Many Now by the hands of the apostles, many signs and wonders were happening among the people, and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Colonnade. Now none of the rest dared to join them, but the people were magnifying them. And more believing in the Lord were added, multitudes of both men and women, so as even to bring out the sick into the streets and to put them on cots and mats, so that of Peter coming, at least the shadow might envelop some of them. Now the multitude from the cities surrounding Jerusalem also were coming together, bringing the sick and those being tormented by unclean spirits, who were all healed. The Apostles Arrested and Freed But the high priest, having risen up, and all those with him, being the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy, and they laid the hands on the apostles and put them in the public jail. But during the night an angel of the Lord, having opened the doors of the jail and having brought them out, said, “Go, and having stood in the temple,5.20 Or the temple courts; also in verses 21, 25, and 42 speak to the people all the words of this life.” And having heard, they entered into the temple at the dawn and were teaching. Now the high priest having come, and those with him, they called together the Council5.21 Or the Sanhedrin; also in verses 27, 34, and 41—even all the senate of the sons of Israel—and they sent to the prison house to bring them. But the officers, having come, did not find them in the prison. And having returned, they reported back, saying, “We found5.23 BYZ and TR We indeed found the prison house shut with all security and the guards standing before the doors; but having opened them, we found no one inside.” The Apostles before the Sanhedrin Now when both the captain5.24 BYZ and TR when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these words, they were perplexed concerning them, what this might be.5.24 Or as to what was happening And a certain one, having come, reported to them, “Behold, the men whom you⁺ put in the prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” Then the captain, having gone with the officers, was bringing them, not with force—for they were afraid of the people, lest they might be stoned. And having brought them, they set them in the Council. And the high priest questioned them, saying, “By a charge we commanded you⁺ not to teach in this name, and behold, you⁺ have filled Jerusalem with your⁺ teaching, and you⁺ intend to bring upon us the blood of this man.” But Peter and the apostles, answering, said, “It is necessary to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you⁺ killed, having hanged Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses5.32 BYZ and TR His witnesses of these things, and also the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those obeying Him.” Gamaliel’s Advice And having heard, they were cut, and they were intending5.33 ECM, BYZ, TR, and Tischendorf they were resolving or they were taking counsel to put them to death. But a certain man having risen up in the Council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law honored by all the people, commanded them to put the men5.34 BYZ and TR the apostles outside for a short while. And he said to them, “Men, Israelites, take heed to yourselves what you⁺ are about to do with these men. For before these days, Theudas rose up, affirming himself to be somebody—to whom a number of men, about four hundred, were joined—who was put to death, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were dispersed; and it came to nothing. After this man, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the registration and drew away people5.37 BYZ and TR many people after him. And he perished, and all, as many as were persuaded by him, were scattered. And now I say to you⁺, withdraw from these men and let them alone, for if this purpose or this work may be from men, it will be overthrown. But if it is from God, you⁺ will not be able to overthrow them,5.39 BYZ and TR to overthrow it lest perhaps you⁺ would be found fighting against God.” And they were persuaded by him. And having summoned the apostles, having beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and they released them. Therefore they indeed departed from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.5.41 BYZ and TR for the name of Jesus; TR for His name; F35 for the name of the Christ And every day, in the temple and in the house, they did not cease teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ. The Choosing of the Seven (1 Timothy 3:8–13) Now in these days of the disciples multiplying, there arose a grumbling of the Hellenists against the Hebrews,6.1 Or the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution. So the Twelve, having summoned the multitude of the disciples, said, “It is not desirable for us, having neglected the word of God, to attend tables. Therefore, brothers, select from yourselves seven men being well attested, full of the Spirit6.3 BYZ and TR the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint over this task. And we will steadfastly continue in prayer and the ministry of the word.” And the statement was pleasing before all the multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert of Antioch, whom they set before the apostles. And having prayed, they laid the hands on them. And the word of God kept increasing, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem was multiplied exceedingly, and a great multitude of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. 6.7 GOC of the Jews The Arrest of Stephen Now Stephen, full of grace6.8 BYZ and TR of faith and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people. But there arose certain ones of those of the synagogue called Freedmen—including Cyrenians and Alexandrians and those from Cilicia and Asia—6.9 Or and men from the provinces of Cilicia and Asia; the Roman province of Asia was located in what is now western Turkey. disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by whom he was speaking. Then they suborned men to say, “We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God.” And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes; and having come upon him, they seized him and brought him to the Council.6.12 Or the Sanhedrin; also in verse 15 And they set up false witnesses, saying, “This man does not stop speaking words6.13 BYZ and TR words of blasphemy against this holy place and the law. For we have heard him saying that this Jesus of Nazareth will demolish this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” And having looked intently on him, all the ones sitting in the Council saw his face as the face of an angel. Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham (Genesis 12:1–9) And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And he began to speak: “Men, brothers and fathers, listen! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, being in Mesopotamia before his dwelling in Haran, and He said to him, ‘Go out of your country and from your kindred, and come into the land that I will show to you.’ 7.3 Genesis 12:1 Then, having gone out from the land of the Chaldeans, he dwelt in Haran. And from there, after his father died, He transferred him into this land in which you⁺ now dwell. And He did not give to him an inheritance in it, not even the length of a foot; but He promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him—there being to him no child. And God spoke thus, that his seed will be a sojourner in a strange land, and they will enslave it and will mistreat it four hundred years. ‘And the nation to which they will be in bondage, I will judge,’ God said, ‘and after these things they will come out and will serve Me in this place.’ 7.7 Genesis 15:13–14; Exodus 3:12 And He gave to him the covenant of circumcision; and thus he begat Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. Joseph Sold into Egypt (Genesis 37:12–30) And the patriarchs, having envied Joseph, sold him into Egypt. And God was with him, and He rescued him out of all his tribulations, and He gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he appointed him ruler over Egypt and over all his house. And there was a famine upon all7.11 BYZ and TR include the land of. Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers were not finding sustenance. Now Jacob, having heard there is grain in Egypt, sent forth our fathers first. And on the second time, Joseph was made known to7.13 Or Joseph was recognized by; or Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and the family of Joseph became known to Pharaoh. And Joseph, having sent, called for his father Jacob and all his kindred, seventy-five souls in all. Israel Oppressed in Egypt (Exodus 1:8–22) And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died—he and our fathers, and they were carried over7.16 Or Their bones were carried back into Shechem and were placed in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.7.16 BYZ and TR of Shechem Now as the time of the promise that God swore to Abraham was drawing near, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt, until there arose another king over Egypt,7.18 BYZ and TR do not include over Egypt. who did not know Joseph. Having dealt treacherously with our kindred, this one mistreated our fathers, making them expose their infants, that they would not live. The Birth and Adoption of Moses (Exodus 2:1–10; Hebrews 11:23–29) In that time Moses was born (and he was beautiful to God),7.20 Or he was of great status to God who was brought up three months in the house of his father. And on his having been exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up and brought him up for herself for a son. And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds. The Rejection and Flight of Moses (Exodus 2:11–22) Now when a period of forty years was fulfilled to him, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the sons of Israel. And having seen a certain one being wronged, he defended and did vengeance for the one being oppressed, having struck down the Egyptian. And he was supposing his brothers to understand that God is giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. And on the following day, he appeared to those who were quarreling and urged them to peace, having said, ‘Men, you⁺ are brothers. Why do you⁺ wrong one another?’ But the one mistreating the neighbor pushed him away, having said, ‘Who appointed you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me the same way you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ 7.28 Exodus 2:13–14 (see also LXX) Now at this word Moses fled, and he became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begat two sons. The Call of Moses (Exodus 3:1–22) And forty years having been fulfilled, an angel7.30 Or Angel; also in verses 35 and 38; BYZ and TR include of the Lord. appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire of a bush. And Moses, having seen, marveled at the vision. And on his coming near to behold, there was the voice of the Lord:7.31 BYZ and TR include to him. ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses, having become terrified, did not dare to look. 7.32 Exodus 3:6 And the Lord said to him, ‘Loose the sandal of your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground. I have surely seen the oppression of My people in Egypt, and I heard their groans, and I came down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’ 7.34 Exodus 3:5–10 This Moses, whom they rejected, having said, ‘Who appointed you ruler and judge?’— this one whom God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel having appeared to him in the bush— 7.35 Exodus 2:14 this one led them out, having done wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness7.36 Or desert; also in verses 38, 42, and 44 forty years. This is the Moses having said to the sons of Israel, ‘God will raise up7.37 BYZ The Lord our God will raise up; TR The Lord your God will raise up for you⁺ a prophet like me from among your⁺ brothers.’7.37 Deuteronomy 18:15 This is the one having been in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel speaking to him in Mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received living oracles7.38 BYZ a living word to give to us,7.38 NE and WH to you to whom our fathers were not willing to be obedient, but pushed away, and they turned back in their hearts to Egypt, 7.39 BYZ heart having said to Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses, who brought us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what happened to him.’ 7.40 Exodus 32:1 The Rebellion of Israel (Exodus 32:1–35; Deuteronomy 9:7–29; Amos 5:16–27) And in those days they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, and they were rejoicing in the works of their hands. But God turned away and delivered them to worship the host of heaven, as it has been written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you⁺ offer slain beasts and sacrifices to Me forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? And you⁺ took up the tabernacle of Molech and the star of your⁺ god Rephan, the images that you⁺ made to worship them; and I will remove you⁺ beyond Babylon.’7.43 RP Remphan; F35 Rephphan; WH Rompha 7.43 Amos 5:25–27 (see also LXX) The Tabernacle of the Testimony (Exodus 40:1–33; Hebrews 9:1–10) The tabernacle of the Testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, just as the One speaking to Moses had commanded him to make it according to the pattern that he had seen, and which, having received it by succession, our fathers brought in with Joshua in taking possession of the nations whom God drove out from the face of our fathers, until the days of David, who found favor before God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 7.46 SBL, WH, BYZ, and TR; see also LXX for Psalm 132:5; ECM, NA, and NE a dwelling place for the house of Jacob. But Solomon built for Him a house. But the Most High does not dwell in hand-made houses.7.48 BYZ and TR temples made by hands As the prophet says: ‘Heaven is unto Me a throne, and the earth a footstool for My feet. What kind of house will you⁺ build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? Did not My hand make all these things?’ 7.50 Isaiah 66:1–2 You⁺ stiff-necked and uncircumcised in hearts7.51 BYZ and TR heart and ears! You⁺ always resist the Holy Spirit! As did your⁺ fathers, also you⁺ do. Which of the prophets did your⁺ fathers not persecute? And they killed those having foretold about the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you⁺ have now become betrayers and murderers, you who received the law by the ordination of angels, and did not keep it.” The Stoning of Stephen Now hearing these things, they were cut in their hearts,7.54 Or On hearing this, they were enraged, and they were gnashing the teeth at him. But being full of the Holy Spirit, having looked intently into heaven, he saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and he said, “Behold, I see the heavens having been opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” And having cried out in a loud voice, they held their ears and rushed upon him with one accord, and having cast him out of the city, they began to stone him. And the witnesses laid aside their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he was calling out and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And having fallen on his knees, he cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not place this sin on them.” And having said this, he fell asleep. Saul Persecutes the Church And Saul was there consenting to his killing. And on that day a great persecution arose against the church that was in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. Now devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was destroying the church. Entering into the houses and dragging off men and women, he was delivering them to prison. Philip in Samaria Then indeed those having been scattered went about preaching the word. Now Philip, having gone down to a city of Samaria,8.5 Or the city of Samaria was proclaiming the Christ to them. And the crowds, with one accord, were giving heed to the things being spoken by Philip in their hearing and seeing the signs that he was performing. For from many of those having unclean spirits they were coming out, crying in a loud voice. And many having been paralyzed and lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city. Simon the Sorcerer (Deuteronomy 18:9–14) Now a certain man named Simon had been formerly practicing sorcery in the city and amazing the people of Samaria, declaring himself to be someone great, to whom they were all8.10 RP does not include all. giving heed, from small to great, saying, “This one is the power of God that is called Great.8.10 BYZ and TR the Great Power of God” Now they were giving heed to him because for a long time he had amazed them with the magic arts. But when they believed Philip proclaiming the gospel concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. And Simon himself also believed, and having been baptized, he was steadfastly continuing with Philip. And beholding the signs and great miracles8.13 BYZ and Scrivener TR the miracles and signs being performed, he was amazed. Now the apostles in Jerusalem, having heard that Samaria had received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John, who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit. For He was not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus.8.16 BYZ of the Lord Jesus Christ Then they began laying the hands upon them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now Simon, having seen that the Spirit8.18 BYZ and TR the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, offered to them money, saying, “Give also to me this authority, so that on whomever I may lay the hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said to him, “Your silver with you, may it be to destruction, because you thought the gift of God was to be obtained by money! To you there is no part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.8.21 BYZ and TR in the sight of God Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray earnestly to the Lord,8.22 BYZ and TR to God if indeed the intent of your heart will be forgiven you. For I see you being in the gall of bitterness and the bond of iniquity.” And Simon, answering, said, “You⁺ pray earnestly to the Lord8.24 GOC Pray to God on behalf of me, so that nothing of which you⁺ have spoken may come upon me.” Then they indeed, having earnestly testified and having spoken the word of the Lord, traveled back to Jerusalem, and they were preaching the gospel to many villages of the Samaritans. Philip and the Ethiopian (Isaiah 53:1–8) Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Rise up and go toward the south, to the road going down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” (This is desert.) And having risen up, he went. And behold, a man, an Ethiopian eunuch, a potentate of Kandake, queen8.27 That is, Candace, queen; BYZ and TR Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. And he was returning and sitting in his chariot, and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and join yourself to this chariot.” And Philip, having run up, heard him reading Isaiah the prophet, and he said, “Do you then understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How indeed could I be able, unless someone will guide me?” And he invited Philip, having come up, to sit with him. Now the passage of Scripture that he was reading was this: “He was led as a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb before the one shearing it is silent, so He does not open His mouth. In His humiliation, justice was taken away from Him. Who will describe His generation? For His life is removed from the earth.” 8.33 Isaiah 53:7–8 (see also LXX) And the eunuch, answering, said to Philip, “I beseech you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself, or about some other?” And Philip, having opened his mouth and having begun from this Scripture, proclaimed the good news to him—Jesus. And as they were going along the road, they came upon some water, and the eunuch says, “Behold, water! What prevents my being baptized?”8.36 TR includes 37And Philip said, “If you believe out of all the heart, it is lawful.” And he answered, “I believe the Son of God to be Jesus Christ.” And he commanded the chariot to stop. And they both went down to the water—both Philip and the eunuch—and he baptized him. Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord carried away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no longer. For he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he was proclaiming the gospel to all the towns until his coming to Caesarea. The Road to Damascus (Acts 22:1–21; Acts 26:1–23) Now Saul, still breathing out threats and murder toward the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the high priest, requested letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any being of the Way, both men and women, having bound them, he might bring them to Jerusalem. Now in going, it came to pass that he drew near to Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. And having fallen on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And He said,9.5 BYZ and TR And the Lord replied “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.9.5 TR includes “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6And trembling and astonished, the man asked, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” And the Lord said to him: “But rise up and enter into the city, and it will be told to you that which it is necessary for you to do.” And the men traveling with him stood speechless, hearing the voice indeed, but seeing no one. And Saul rose up from the ground, but his eyes having been opened, he could see nothing. And leading him by the hand, they brought him to Damascus. And he was three days without seeing, and he did not eat, nor did he drink. Ananias Baptizes Saul Now there was a certain disciple in Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias!” And he said, “Behold, it is I, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Having risen up, go into the street called Straight, and seek in the house of Judas the one of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he saw in a vision9.12 ECM does not include in a vision. a man named Ananias having come and having put the hands9.12 BYZ and TR a hand on him so that he might see again.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many concerning this man, how many evils he did to Your saints in Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all those calling on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is to Me a vessel of choice to carry My name before the Gentiles, and also kings and the sons of Israel. For I will show to him how much it is necessary for him to suffer for My name.” And Ananias went away and entered into the house; and having laid the hands upon him, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,9.17 BYZ the Lord the One having appeared to you on the road by which you were coming, has sent me so that you may see again and may be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he saw again.9.18 ALT, F35, and TR include immediately. And having risen up, he was baptized, and having taken food, he was strengthened. And he was9.19 BYZ and TR Saul was some days with the disciples in Damascus. Saul Preaches at Damascus And immediately he began proclaiming Jesus9.20 RP and TR Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. And all those hearing were amazed and were saying, “Is this not the one having ravaged those in Jerusalem calling on this name? And he had come here for this, so that he might bring them, having been bound, to the chief priests.” But Saul was empowered all the more and kept confounding the Jews dwelling in Damascus, proving that this is the Christ. The Escape from Damascus Now when many days had passed, the Jews plotted together to kill him, but their plot became known to Saul. And now they were closely watching the gates day and also night so that they might kill him. But having taken him by night, his disciples9.25 BYZ and TR the disciples let him down through the wall,9.25 Or through a window in the wall having lowered him in a basket. Saul in Jerusalem And having arrived in Jerusalem, he was attempting to join the disciples, and all were afraid of him, not believing that he is a disciple. But Barnabas, having taken him, brought him to the apostles and related to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had spoken boldly in the name of Jesus.9.27 F35 the Lord Jesus And he was coming in and going out with them in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.9.28 BYZ and TR in the name of the Lord Jesus; F35 in the name of Jesus And he was speaking and was debating with the Hellenists,9.29 Or Grecian Jews but they were seeking to kill him. But the brothers, having known, brought him down to Caesarea and sent him away to Tarsus. The Healing of Aeneas Then indeed the church9.31 BYZ and TR churches throughout all of Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified. And going on in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Now it came to pass that Peter, passing through all quarters, also went down to the saints inhabiting Lydda. And he found there a certain man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed, lying on a bed for eight years. And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise up and make the bed for yourself.” And immediately he rose up, and all those inhabiting Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. The Raising of Tabitha (John 11:38–44) Now in Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (which, translated, is called Dorcas).9.36 Tabitha in Aramaic and Dorcas in Greek both mean gazelle. She was full of good works and of alms that she continually did. But in those days it came to pass that having become sick, she died. And having washed her, they put her in an upper room.9.37 F35 the upper room Now Lydda being near Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter is in it, sent two men9.38 BYZ does not include two men. to him, imploring, “Do not delay to come to us.9.38 BYZ and TR imploring him not to delay in coming to them” And Peter, having risen up, went with them, who, having arrived, brought him into the upper room. And all the widows stood by him, weeping and showing the tunics and garments that Dorcas had made while being with them. And Peter, having put all outside and having bowed the knees, prayed. And having turned to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise!” And she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up. And having given her his hand, he raised her up. And having called the saints and the widows, he presented her being alive. And it became known throughout all of Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. And it came to pass that he stayed many days in Joppa with a certain Simon, a tanner. Cornelius Sends for Peter Now a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius was a centurion of the cohort that is called Italian, devout and fearing God with all his household, doing many alms to the people and praying to God through all. He saw clearly in a vision, as it was about the ninth hour of the day,10.3 That is, about three in the afternoon; also in verse 30 an angel of God having come to him and having said to him, “Cornelius!” And having looked intently at him, and having become afraid, he said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon,10.5 BYZ and TR and summon Simon who is called Peter. He lodges with a certain Simon, a tanner whose house is by the sea.”10.6 TR includes He will speak to you what it is necessary for you to do. And when the angel speaking to him went away, having called two of the servants and a devout soldier of those attending him, and having related all things to them, he sent them to Joppa. Peter’s Vision (Leviticus 11:1–47; Deuteronomy 14:1–21) Now on the next day, in their journeying and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour10.9 That is, about noon to pray. And he became hungry and desired to eat. But in their preparing, a trance fell upon him, and he sees heaven opening and a certain vessel as a great sheet descending, being let down upon the earth by four corners,10.11 BYZ and TR upon the earth, bound at its four corners in which were all the quadrupeds10.12 BYZ and TR include and wild beasts. and creeping things of the earth and birds of heaven. And a voice came to him: “Having risen up, Peter, kill and eat!” But Peter said, “In no way, Lord! For never have I eaten anything common10.14 Or impure; similarly in verses 15 and 28 or unclean.” And a voice came again to him for the second time: “What God has cleansed, you do not call common.” Now this took place for three times, and immediately10.16 BYZ and TR and again the vessel was taken up into heaven. Peter Called to Caesarea And while Peter was perplexed in himself as to what the vision that he had seen might be, behold, the men having been sent from Cornelius, having inquired for the house of Simon, stood at the gate. And having called out, they were asking if Simon who is called Peter is lodged here. And of Peter thinking over the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you.10.19 ECM, NA, and TR; NE and WH two men are seeking you; SBL, BYZ, and Tischendorf men are seeking you But having risen, go down and proceed with them, doubting nothing, because I have sent them.” And Peter, having gone down to the men,10.21 TR the men sent to him by Cornelius said, “Behold, I am whom you⁺ seek; what is the cause for which you⁺ are here?” And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a man righteous and fearing God—and being well testified to by all the nation of the Jews—was divinely instructed by a holy angel10.22 F35 by an angel to send for you to his house and to hear a message from you.” Therefore, having called them in, he lodged them. And on the next day, having risen up,10.23 BYZ and TR do not include having risen up. he went out with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him. Peter Visits Cornelius And on the next day, he entered10.24 BYZ and TR they entered into Caesarea. Now Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his relatives and close friends. And as Peter was entering, Cornelius, having met him, having fallen at his feet, worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, “Rise up, I myself am also a man.” And talking with him, he entered, and he finds many having gathered together. And he was saying to them, “You⁺ know how it is unlawful for a man, a Jew, to unite himself or to come near to a foreigner. But God showed to me not to call a man common or unclean. Therefore also without objection I came, having been summoned. I ask, therefore for what reason did you⁺ summon me?” And Cornelius was saying, “Four days ago until this hour, the ninth hour, I was praying in my house;10.30 BYZ and TR Four days ago, until this hour, I was fasting, and at the ninth hour I was praying in my house and behold, a man in bright apparel stood before me, and he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer was heard, and your alms have been remembered before God. Therefore send to Joppa and call for Simon, who is called Peter; he lodges in the house of Simon, a tanner by the sea.10.32 BYZ and TR include He will speak to you when he arrives.’ Therefore I sent to you at once, and you did well, having come. Now, therefore, we are all present before God to hear all the things having been commanded you by the Lord.10.33 BYZ and TR you by God” Good News for the Gentiles And Peter, having opened the mouth, said, “Of a truth I understand that God is not One who shows partiality, but in every nation the one fearing Him and working righteousness is acceptable to Him, the word that He sent to the sons of Israel, proclaiming the gospel, peace by Jesus Christ—this One is Lord of all. You⁺ yourselves know the declaration having come through all Judea, having begun from Galilee, after the baptism that John proclaimed: Jesus from Nazareth—how God anointed Him with the Holy Spirit and with power—who went about doing good and healing all those being oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. And we are witnesses of all that He did—both in the region of the Jews and in Jerusalem—whom they also put to death, having hanged Him on a tree. This One God raised up on the third day and gave Him to become manifest, not to all the people, but to the witnesses having been chosen beforehand by God, to us who ate and drank with Him after His rising out from the dead. And He instructed us to proclaim to the people and to testify fully that He is the One having been appointed by God as Judge of the living and the dead. To this One all the prophets testify that everyone believing in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.” The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit (Acts 19:1–7) Peter still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those hearing the word. And the believers from the circumcision, as many as had come with Peter, were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit has been poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter answered, “Is anyone able to withhold the water to baptize these who have received the Holy Spirit just as we also have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.10.48 F35 of the Lord Jesus; RP and TR of the Lord Then they asked him to remain some days. Peter’s Report at Jerusalem Now the apostles and the brothers being in Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, those of the circumcision11.2 Or the circumcised believers began contending with him, saying, “You went to men having uncircumcision and ate with them.” Now Peter, having begun, set it forth to them in order, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel like a great sheet descending, being let down out of heaven by four corners, and it came as far as me. Having looked intently on it, I was observing it, and I saw the quadrupeds of the earth and the wild beasts and the creeping things and the birds of the air. And also I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Having risen up, Peter, kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘In no way, Lord, for never has a common11.8 Or an impure; similarly in verse 9 or unclean thing entered into my mouth.’ But for a second time the voice answered11.9 BYZ and TR answered me out of heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, you do not call common.’ Now this happened three times, and all was drawn up into heaven again. And behold, immediately three men having been sent to me from Caesarea stood at the house in which we were. And the Spirit told me to go with them, not having doubted. And these six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the man’s house, and he related to us how he saw the angel having stood in his house and having said, ‘Send forth11.13 RP and TR Send forth men to Joppa and send for Simon who is called Peter, who will speak words to you by which you will be saved—you and all your household.’ And in my beginning to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, even as also upon us in the beginning. And I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you⁺ will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 11.16 Or ‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’; Acts 1:5 If, then, God gave to them the same gift as also to us having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ,11.17 F35 the Lord Jesus how was I able to forbid God?” And having heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then indeed God has given also to the Gentiles repentance unto life.” The Church at Antioch Therefore, indeed, those having been scattered by the tribulation having taken place over Stephen passed through to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only. But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come into Antioch, were speaking also to the Hellenists,11.20 Or the Greeks proclaiming the gospel—the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number, having believed, turned to the Lord. Now the report was heard in the ears of the church being in Jerusalem concerning them, and they sent forth Barnabas to go as far as Antioch— who, having come and having seen the grace of God, rejoiced and was exhorting all to abide in the Lord with resolute purpose of heart. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord. And he went out to Tarsus to seek Saul, and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass that they also gathered together a whole year in the church and taught a great multitude. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus, having risen up, signified by the Spirit that a great famine is about to be over the whole world—11.28 Or the entire Roman world which came to pass under Claudius.11.28 BYZ and TR Claudius Caesar. And the disciples, as anyone was prospered, each of them determined to send for ministry to the brothers dwelling in Judea, which also they did, having sent it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul. James Killed, Peter Imprisoned Now at that time, Herod the king12.1 That is, King Herod Agrippa put forth the hands to mistreat12.1 Or reached out to harm some of those of the church. And he put to death James the brother of John with the sword. And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also—now these were the days of the Unleavened—12.3 Or seize Peter during the Feast of Unleavened Bread; see Exodus 12:14–20. whom also having arrested, he put in prison, having delivered him to four sets of four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. The Rescue of Peter Therefore indeed Peter was kept in the prison, but prayer was fervently12.5 BYZ and TR earnestly being made to God by the church concerning him. And when Herod was about to bring him forth, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, and guards before the door were keeping the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by, and a light shone in the cell. And having struck Peter’s side, he woke him up, saying, “Rise up in haste.” And his chains fell off the hands. And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and put on your sandals.” And he did so. And he says to him, “Wrap around you your cloak and follow me.” And having gone out, he was following, and he did not know that what is happening by means of the angel is real, but he was thinking he saw a vision. And having passed through a first and a second guard, they came to the iron gate leading into the city, which opened to them by itself. And having gone out, they went on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. And having come to himself, Peter said, “Now I know truly that the Lord sent forth His angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and of all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” And having considered, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John who is called Mark, where there were many gathered together and praying. And of him12.13 BYZ and TR Peter having knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. And having recognized Peter’s voice, from joy she did not open the gate, but having run in, she reported Peter to be standing before the gate. And they said to her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting it to be so. And they kept saying, “It is his angel.” But Peter continued knocking. And having opened, they saw him and were amazed. And having motioned to them with the hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Report these things to James and to the brothers.” And having gone out, he went to another place. Now day having come, there was no small disturbance among the soldiers as to what then was become of Peter. And Herod, having sought after him and not having found him, having examined the guards, commanded them to be led away. And having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he stayed there. The Death of Herod Now he was furiously angry12.20 Or was in a furious dispute with the Tyrians and Sidonians, and they came to him with one accord. And having gained Blastus, who was over the bedchamber of the king, they were seeking peace because of their region being nourished by the king’s. Now on the appointed day Herod, having put on royal apparel and having sat on the throne, was making an address to them. And the people were crying out, “The voice of a god and not of a man!” And immediately an angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give the glory to God. And having been eaten by worms, he breathed his last. But the word of God12.24 WH the Lord continued to grow and to multiply. And Barnabas and Saul returned, having fulfilled the ministry to Jerusalem,12.25 Or returned, having fulfilled the ministry, to Jerusalem; NE and TR returned, having fulfilled the ministry, from Jerusalem having taken with them John, the one having been called Mark. Paul’s First Missionary Journey Begins (Acts 15:36–41; Acts 18:23–28) Now there were13.1 BYZ and TR include certain. prophets and teachers in Antioch being there in the church: Both Barnabas and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenian, and Manaen brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. Now in their ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Now set apart unto Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have summoned them.” Then, having fasted and having prayed and having laid the hands on them, they sent them off. On Cyprus Indeed, therefore, having been sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and they sailed from there to Cyprus. And having come into Salamis, they began proclaiming the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John as a helper. Now having passed through the whole island13.6 BYZ and TR through the island as far as Paphos, they found a man—a certain a magician, a Jewish false prophet—whose name was Bar-Jesus, who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. This man, having summoned Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for his name is translated thus) was opposing them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith. And Saul, the one also called Paul, having been filled with the Holy Spirit, having looked intently upon him, said, “O full of all deceit and all craftiness, son of the devil, enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord? And now behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” And immediately mist and darkness fell upon him, and going about, he was seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul, having seen that having happened, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord. In Pisidian Antioch And those around Paul, having sailed from Paphos, came to Perga of Pamphylia. But John, having departed from them, returned to Jerusalem. Now having passed through from Perga, they came to Antioch of Pisidia, and having gone into the synagogue on the day of the Sabbaths, they sat down. And after the reading of the Law and of the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent to them, saying, “Men, brothers, if there is any word of exhortation among you⁺ toward the people, speak.” And Paul, having risen up and having motioned with the hand, said, “Men, Israelites, and those fearing God, listen: The God of this people Israel13.17 BYZ The God of the people chose our fathers and exalted the people in the sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm He brought them out of it, and for a period of about forty years He endured their ways in the wilderness,13.18 Or desert and having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He gave as an inheritance their land— in about four hundred and fifty years. And after these things, He gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. Then they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, forty years. And having removed him, He raised up David to them as king, to whom He also said, having testified: ‘I have found David the son of Jesse a man according to My heart, who will do all My will.’ 13.22 See 1 Samuel 13:14. Of the seed of this man, according to promise, God brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus—13.23 RP brought salvation to Israel John having proclaimed before the face of His coming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.13.24 BYZ to Israel And as John was fulfilling the course, he was saying, ‘Whom do you⁺ suppose me to be? I am not He, but behold, He comes after me of whom I am not worthy to untie a sandal of the feet.’ 13.25 Luke 3:16; see also Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:7, and John 1:27. Men, brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you⁺ fearing God, to us13.26 BYZ and TR to you the message of this salvation was sent forth. For those dwelling in Jerusalem and their rulers, not having known Him and the voices of the prophets that are being read on every Sabbath, having condemned Him, they fulfilled them. And having found no cause of death, they begged Pilate to put Him to death. And when they finished all the things having been written about Him, having taken Him down from the tree, they put Him in a tomb. But God raised Him out from the dead, who appeared for many days to those having come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now13.31 BYZ and TR do not include now. His witnesses to the people. And we preach the gospel to you⁺, the promise having been made to the fathers, that God has fulfilled this to us their children, having raised up Jesus, as it has also been written in the second psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have begotten You.’ 13.33 Psalm 2:7; or today I have become Your Father And that He raised Him out from the dead, no more being about to return to decay, He spoke thus: ‘I will give to you⁺ the holy blessings, the faithful ones, of David.’ 13.34 Or I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David; Isaiah 55:3 So also, He says in another place: ‘You will not allow Your Holy One to see decay.’ 13.35 Psalm 16:10 For indeed David, having served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was added to his fathers, and he saw decay. But the One God raised up did not see decay. Therefore be it known to you⁺, men, brothers, that through this One forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you⁺. And in Him everyone believing is justified from all things from which you⁺ were not able to be justified in the law of Moses. Take heed, therefore, lest that having been said in the prophets might come about:13.40 BYZ and TR include to you. ‘Behold, scoffers, and wonder and perish; for I am working a work in your⁺ days, a work that you⁺ would never believe, even if one should declare it to you⁺.’” 13.41 Habakkuk 1:5 (see also LXX) A Light for the Gentiles (Isaiah 49:1–6) And on their having departed, they were begging13.42 BYZ and TR And having gone forth out of the synagogue of the Jews, the Gentiles were begging these words to be spoken to them on the next Sabbath. And the synagogue having been dismissed, many of the Jews and worshiping converts followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, kept persuading them to continue in the grace of God. And on the coming Sabbath, almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word of the Lord.13.44 BYZ and TR word of God But the Jews, having seen the crowds, were filled with jealousy, and they began contradicting13.45 BYZ and TR contradicting and opposing the things spoken by Paul, blaspheming. And Paul and Barnabas, having spoken boldly, said, “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken first to you⁺. But since you⁺ thrust it away and do not judge yourselves worthy of eternal life, behold, we are turning to the Gentiles. For thus the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you may be for salvation to the end of the earth.’”13.47 Or nations 13.47 Isaiah 49:6 And the Gentiles hearing were rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was carried through the whole region. But the Jews incited the worshiping women of honorable position and the principals of the city, and they stirred up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their district. And having shaken off the dust of the feet against them, they went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Paul and Barnabas at Iconium Now it came to pass in Iconium, according to the same, that they entered into the synagogue of the Jews and spoke so that a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up and poisoned the minds of the Gentiles against the brothers. Therefore indeed they stayed a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord, testifying to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done through their hands. Now the multitude of the city was divided, and indeed some were with the Jews, but some with the apostles. And when there was a rush of both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them, having become aware, they fled to the Lycaonian cities Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding region, and there they continued preaching the gospel. The Visit to Lystra and Derbe And in Lystra a certain man was sitting, crippled in the feet, lame from the womb of his mother, who had never walked. This man heard Paul speaking, who, having looked intently at him and having seen that he has faith to be healed, said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet!” And he sprang up and began to walk. And the crowds, having seen what Paul had done, lifted up their voice in Lycaonian, saying, “The gods have come down to us, having become like men!” And Barnabas they began calling Zeus; and Paul, Hermes, because he was the leading speaker. And the priest of Zeus, being just outside the city, having brought oxen and wreaths to the gates, was desiring with the crowds to sacrifice. But the apostles Barnabas and Paul, having heard, having torn their garments, rushed out into the crowd, crying out and saying, “Men, why do you⁺ do these things? We also are men of like nature with you⁺, proclaiming the gospel to you⁺ to turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them, who in the generations past allowed all the nations to go their ways. And yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving to you⁺ rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your⁺ hearts with food and gladness.” Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the crowds from sacrificing to them. But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, and having stoned Paul, they dragged him outside the city, supposing him to have died. But the disciples having surrounded him, having risen up, he entered into the city. And on the next day he went out with Barnabas to Derbe. Strengthening the Disciples And having proclaimed the gospel to that city and having discipled many, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith and that “through many tribulations it is necessary for us to enter into the kingdom of God.” And having appointed elders for them in every church, having prayed, with fasting they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. And having passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia, and having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. And from there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work that they had fulfilled. And having arrived and having gathered together the church, they began declaring all that God had done with them, and that He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they remained no little time with the disciples. BYZ and TR their city TR to us BYZ and TR our BYZ and TR include there. The Dispute over Circumcision But certain ones having come down from Judea were teaching the brothers, “Unless you⁺ are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you⁺ are not able to be saved.” There having been, then, no small commotion and discussion by Paul and Barnabas with them, they appointed Paul and Barnabas and certain others out of them to go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders, about this question. Therefore indeed, having been sent forward by the church, they were passing through both15.3 BYZ and TR do not include both. Phoenicia and Samaria, relating in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they were bringing great joy to all the brothers. And having come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and the elders. And they declared all that God had done with them.15.4 GOC includes and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. The Council at Jerusalem (Amos 9:11–15; Galatians 2:1–10) Now certain ones of those who believed from the sect of the Pharisees rose up, saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” And the apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter. And much discussion having taken place, Peter having risen up, said to them, “Men, brothers, you⁺ know that from early days God chose among you⁺15.7 BYZ and TR us for the Gentiles to hear by my mouth the word of the gospel, and to believe. And the heart-knowing God testified to them, having given them the Holy Spirit, as also to us. And He made no distinction between both us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you⁺ testing God, putting upon the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe to be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus,15.11 TR the Lord Jesus Christ in the same manner as they also.” Now the whole multitude kept silent and were listening to Barnabas and Paul relating what signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them. And after they were silent, James answered, saying, “Men, brothers, hear me. Simeon15.14 Or Simon, a variant of Simeon related how God first visited to take out of the Gentiles a people for His name. And the words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written: ‘After these things I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David that has fallen, and its ruins I will rebuild, and I will set it upright, so that the remnant of men may seek out the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom has been called My name—upon them, says the Lord, doing these things known from the age.’ 15.18 Amos 9:11–12 (see also LXX); BYZ and TR says the Lord, who does all these things. 18Known unto God are all His works from the age. Therefore I judge not to trouble those from the Gentiles turning to God, but to write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from sexual immorality, and from that which is strangled, and from blood. For Moses has ones proclaiming him in every city from generations of old, being read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.” The Letter to the Gentile Believers Then it seemed good to the apostles and to the elders, with the whole church, having chosen out of them to send men to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas called Barsabbas15.22 ALT, F35, and TR Barsabas and Silas, leading men among the brothers, having written by their hand: The apostles and the elders, brothers, To those brothers among the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: Greetings. Inasmuch as we have heard that some went out from us, to whom we gave no instructions, and that they troubled you⁺ by words, upsetting your⁺ minds,15.24 BYZ and TR include by saying that you must be circumcised and keep the law. it seemed good to us, having come with one accord, having chosen men to send to you⁺ with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men having handed over their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, and they are telling the same things by word. For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay upon you⁺ no further burden except these necessary things: to abstain from things sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from sexual immorality. Keeping yourselves from these, you⁺ will do well. Farewell. The Believers at Antioch Rejoice Indeed, therefore, having been sent off, they went to Antioch, and having gathered the multitude, they delivered the letter. And having read it, they rejoiced at the encouragement. Both Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, exhorted and strengthened the brothers by much talk. And having continued a time, they were sent away in peace from the brothers to those having sent them.15.33 BYZ and TR to return to the apostles. TR includes 34But it seemed good to Silas to remain there. But Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the good news—with many others also—the word of the Lord. Paul’s Second Missionary Journey Begins (Acts 13:1–3; Acts 18:23–28) Now after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, “Indeed, having turned back, let us look after the brothers15.36 BYZ and TR our brothers in every city in which we have proclaimed the word of the Lord—how they are.” Now Barnabas purposed also to take along John, called Mark. But Paul was thinking it fit not to take him along, the one having withdrawn from them from Pamphylia and not having gone with them to the work. Therefore a sharp disagreement arose, so that they separated from one another. And Barnabas, having taken Mark, sailed to Cyprus. But Paul, having chosen Silas, went out, having been committed to the grace of the Lord15.40 BYZ and TR of God by the brothers. And he was passing through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Timothy Joins Paul and Silas And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father, who was well spoken of by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted this one to go out with him, and having taken him, he circumcised him on account of the Jews being in those parts; for they all knew that his father was a Greek. And while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to keep—the ones decided on by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. So indeed the churches were strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day. Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian And having passed through Phrygia and the Galatian region, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,16.6 Or in the province of Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. and having come down to Mysia, they were attempting to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus16.7 BYZ and TR the Spirit did not allow them. And having passed by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul during the night: A certain man of Macedonia was standing and beseeching him and saying, “Having passed over into Macedonia, help us.” And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out into Macedonia, concluding that God16.10 BYZ and TR that the Lord had summoned us to preach the gospel to them. Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi (Revelation 2:18–29) And having sailed16.11 BYZ and TR having sailed, therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, which is a leading city of the district of Macedonia—a colony.16.12 Or to the Roman colony of Philippi, the leading city of that district of Macedonia Now we were staying some days in this city. And on the day of the Sabbaths, we went outside the city gate,16.13 BYZ and TR the city by a river, where there was customary to be prayer. And having sat down, we began speaking to the women having gathered. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple of the city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening. The Lord opened her heart to attend to the things being spoken by Paul. And when she was baptized, and her house, she begged, saying, “If you⁺ have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having entered into my house, abide.” And she persuaded us. Paul and Silas Imprisoned Now it happened in our going to the prayer that a certain girl having a spirit of Python16.16 Or a spirit of divination; that is, a spirit of divination named after the mythical serpent slain by Apollo met us, who was bringing her masters much gain by fortune-telling. Having followed Paul and us,16.17 GOC, ALT, and F35 Paul and Silas she was crying out, saying, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you⁺16.17 BYZ and TR to us the way of salvation!” And she continued this for many days. And Paul, having been distressed and having turned, said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her!” And it came out the same hour. And her masters, having seen that their hope of profit was gone, having taken hold of Paul and Silas, dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers. And having brought them up to the magistrates, they said, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city and proclaim customs not lawful for us, being Romans, to accept nor to practice.” And the crowd rose up together against them, and the magistrates, having torn off their garments, were commanding that they be beaten with rods. And having laid many blows on them, they cast them into prison, having charged the jailer to keep them securely, who, having received such an order, threw them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. The Conversion of the Jailer Now toward midnight, Paul and Silas, praying, were singing praises to God. And the prisoners were listening to them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison house were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. And the jailer, having been awoken and having seen the doors of the prison open, having drawn his sword, was about to kill himself, supposing the prisoners to have escaped. But Paul called out in a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” And having called for lights, he rushed in, and having become terrified, he fell down before Paul and Silas. And having brought them out, he was saying, “Sirs, what is necessary for me to do so that I may be saved?” And they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus16.31 BYZ and TR the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your house.” And they spoke the word of the Lord16.32 WH of God to him, along with all those in his house. And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed them from the wounds, and immediately he was baptized, and all his own. And having brought them into the house, he set a table and rejoiced with all his household, having believed in God. An Official Apology And day having come, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Release those men.” And the jailer reported these words to Paul: “The captains have sent that you⁺ may be let go. Now, therefore, having gone out, depart in peace.” But Paul was saying to them, “Having beaten us publicly, uncondemned men being Romans, they cast us into prison, and now do they throw us out secretly? No indeed! Rather, having come themselves, let them bring us out.” And the officers reported these words to the captains, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans. And having come, they appealed to them, and having brought them out, they were asking them to go out of the city. And having gone out of the prison, they came to Lydia, and having seen them, they exhorted the brothers and went out. The Uproar in Thessalonica And having passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to the custom of Paul, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, opening and setting forth that it was necessary for the Christ to have suffered and to have risen out from the dead, and that “this Jesus whom I proclaim to you⁺ is the Christ.” And some of them were obedient and joined themselves to Paul and to Silas, along with a great multitude of the worshiping Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews, having become jealous and having taken along17.5 BYZ the unbelieving Jews, having taken along certain wicked men of the market-loungers, and having collected a crowd, set the city in uproar. And having assailed the house of Jason, they were seeking them to bring out to the people. But not having found them, they dragged Jason and certain brothers before the city authorities, crying out, “These ones, having upset the world, have come here also, whom Jason has received. And these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, proclaiming another to be king—Jesus!” And they stirred up the crowd and the city authorities hearing these things. And having taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. The Character of the Bereans And the brothers sent away both Paul and Silas immediately by night to Berea, who, having arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these, who were more noble than those in Thessalonica, received the word with all readiness, every day examining the Scriptures, if these things were so. Therefore many of them indeed believed, and not a few of the prominent Grecian women and men. But when the Jews from Thessalonica knew that the word of God also was proclaimed by Paul in Berea, they came there also, stirring up and agitating17.13 BYZ and TR do not include and agitating. the crowds. And then immediately the brothers sent away Paul to go as to the sea. And both Silas and Timothy remained there. And those escorting Paul brought him unto Athens, and having received a command to Silas and Timothy that as quickly as possible they should come to him, they departed. Paul in Athens Now Paul in Athens waiting for them, his spirit was provoked in him, seeing the city to be utterly idolatrous. So indeed he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and those worshiping, and in the marketplace on every day with those meeting. And also some of the Epicureans and Stoics, philosophers, encountered him, and some were saying, “What may this babbler desire to say?” but others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of strange gods,” because he was proclaiming the gospel—Jesus and the resurrection. And having taken hold of him, they brought him to the Areopagus,17.19 Or Ares Hill or Mars Hill; also in verse 22 saying, “Are we able to know what this new teaching is that is spoken by you? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears. We resolve, therefore, to know what these things wish to be.” Now all the Athenians and the visiting foreigners spent their time on nothing other than to say something and to hear something new. Paul’s Address in the Areopagus And Paul, having stood in the midst17.22 Or in the meeting of the Areopagus, was saying, “Men, Athenians, in all things I perceive you⁺ as very religious. For passing through and examining your⁺ objects of worship, I even found an altar on which had been inscribed: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore whom you⁺ worship without knowing, this I proclaim to you⁺. The God having made the world and all things that are in it, He, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in hand-made temples, nor is He served by hands of men as needing anything—He who gives to all life and breath and all things. And He made out of one man17.26 BYZ and TR out of one blood every nation of men to dwell upon all the face of the earth, having determined the appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, to seek God,17.27 BYZ and TR the Lord if perhaps indeed they might feel after Him and might find Him. And indeed, He is not far from each one of us. ‘For in Him we live and move and are.’17.28 This is probably a quote from the Cretan philosopher Epimenides of Knossos. As also some of the poets among you⁺ have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’17.28 This is probably a quote from the poem “Phainomena” by the Cilician philosopher Aratus. Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to consider the Divine Being to be like gold or silver or stone, a graven thing of man’s craft and imagination. Indeed, therefore, God, having overlooked the times of ignorance, now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He set a day in which He is about to judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He appointed, having provided a guarantee to all, having raised Him out from the dead.” Now having heard of a resurrection of the dead, some indeed began mocking, but some said, “We will hear you concerning this again also.” Thus Paul went out from their midst. But some men,17.34 Or some having joined themselves to him, believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. Paul Ministers in Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 1:1–2) And after these things, having departed from Athens, he came to Corinth. And having found a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, and Priscilla his wife, recently having come from Italy because of Claudius having commanded all the Jews to depart out of Rome, he came to them, and because of being of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked. For they were tentmakers by the trade. And he was reasoning in the synagogue on every Sabbath, persuading both Jews and Greeks. Now when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was occupied with the word, earnestly testifying to the Jews Jesus to be the Christ. 18.5 BYZ and TR Paul was compelled by the Spirit But on their opposing and reviling him, having shaken out the garments, he said to them, “Your⁺ blood be upon your⁺ head! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And having departed from there, he came to the house of a certain one named Titus Justus,18.7 ECM; NA, SBL, NE, and WH Titius Justus; BYZ and TR Justus one worshiping God, whose house was adjoining the synagogue. And Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed in the Lord with all his house, and many of the Corinthians hearing believed and were baptized. Now the Lord said to Paul through a vision in the night, “Do not be afraid, but continue speaking, and do not be silent, because I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, because there are many people unto Me in this city.” And he remained a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Paul before Gallio But Gallio being proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and led him to the judgment seat, saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” And Paul being about to open the mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If indeed it was some unrighteousness or wicked crime, O Jews, according to reason I would have endured with you⁺. But if it is a question about a word and names and in reference to your⁺ law, you⁺ will see yourselves. I resolve18.15 BYZ and TR For I resolve not to be a judge of these things.” And he drove them from the judgment seat. Then they all,18.17 BYZ and TR all the Greeks having seized Sosthenes the synagogue ruler, were beating him before the judgment seat. And it mattered nothing to Gallio about these things. Paul Returns to Antioch Now Paul, having remained many days more, having taken leave of the brothers, sailed away to Syria—and with him Priscilla and Aquila—having shaved the head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. And they came18.19 BYZ and TR he came to Ephesus and left them there. And he himself, having entered into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews. And of them asking him to remain18.20 BYZ and TR include with them. for a longer time, he did not consent, but having taken leave and having said, “I will return18.21 BYZ and TR “It is necessary for me by all means to keep the coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return to you⁺ again, God willing,” he sailed from Ephesus, and having landed at Caesarea, having gone up and having greeted the church,18.22 That is, the church at Jerusalem he went down to Antioch. Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Begins (Acts 13:1–3; Acts 15:36–41) And having stayed some time, he went out, passing successively through the Galatian region and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Now a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus, being an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures. He was instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he was speaking and was teaching earnestly the things concerning Jesus,18.25 BYZ and TR concerning the Lord knowing only the baptism of John, and he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But Priscilla and Aquila,18.26 BYZ and TR Aquila and Priscilla having heard him, took him to them and expounded the way of God to him more accurately. And in his resolving to pass through into Achaia, the brothers, having encouraged him, wrote to the disciples to welcome him, who, having arrived, helped greatly those having believed through grace. For he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly, showing by the Scriptures Jesus to be the Christ. The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus (Acts 10:44–48) And it came to pass while Apollos was in Corinth that Paul, having passed through the upper parts19.1 Or the highland or the interior to come to Ephesus and having found certain disciples, also said to them, “Did you⁺ receive the Holy Spirit, having believed?” And they said to him, “But we did not even hear that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what, then, were you⁺ baptized?” And they said, “Into John's baptism.” And Paul said, “John19.4 BYZ and TR include indeed. baptized a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in Jesus.19.4 BYZ and TR in Christ Jesus; GOC in Jesus Christ” And having heard, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. And Paul having laid the hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they were speaking in tongues and prophesying. And there were in all about twelve men. Paul Ministers in Ephesus (Ephesians 1:1–2; Revelation 2:1–7) And having entered into the synagogue, he was speaking boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading concerning the kingdom of God. But when some were hardened and were disbelieving, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, having departed from them, he separated the disciples, reasoning every day in the lecture hall of Tyrannus.19.9 BYZ and TR of a certain Tyrannus And this continued for two years, so that all those inhabiting Asia19.10 Or the province of Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey; similarly in verses 22, 26, 27, and 31. heard the word of the Lord,19.10 BYZ and TR of the Lord Jesus both Jews and Greeks. And God was doing miracles not being ordinary through the hands of Paul, so that even soudaria19.12 That is, handkerchiefs or simikinthia19.12 That is, aprons worn by artisans from his skin were brought to the ailing, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits left. Seven Sons of Sceva And some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, also attempted to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those having evil spirits, saying, “I adjure you⁺ by Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” Now seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish high priest, were doing this. But the evil spirit, answering, said to them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about; but you⁺, who are you⁺?” And the man in whom was the evil spirit, having leapt on them, having overpowered them all,19.16 BYZ and TR having overpowered them prevailed against them so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. Now this became known to all those inhabiting Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified. And many of those having believed were coming, confessing and declaring their deeds, and many of those having practiced works of magic, having brought the books, burned them before all. And they counted up the prices of them and found it five myriads of silver.19.19 Or fifty thousand drachmas. A drachma was a silver coin worth about one day’s wages. Thus the word of the Lord continued to increase and prevail with might. The Riot in Ephesus Now after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit19.21 Or purposed in his spirit to go to Jerusalem, having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, having said, “After my having been there, it is necessary for me to see Rome also.” And having sent two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he remained for a time in Asia. And there arose at the same time no little disturbance19.23 That is, there arose a great disturbance concerning the Way. For a certain silversmith named Demetrius, making silver shrines of Artemis, was bringing no little business19.24 That is, bringing much business to the craftsmen. Having brought them together along with the workmen in such things, he said, “Men, you⁺ know that out of this business is our wealth. And you⁺ see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in almost all of Asia, this Paul, having persuaded them, has turned away a great many people, saying that they are not gods being made by hands. Now not only is this business of ours endangered to come into disrepute, but also for the temple of the great goddess Artemis to be reckoned for nothing, and also her majesty to be deposed, whom all Asia and the world worship.” And having heard and having become full of rage, they were crying out, saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” And the city19.29 BYZ and TR all the city was filled with confusion, and with one accord they rushed to the theatre, having dragged off Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, fellow travelers of Paul. But on Paul intending to go in to the people, the disciples were not allowing him. And also some of the Asiarchs being friends to him,19.31 Or some of Paul's friends who were officials of the province of Asia having sent to him, were urging him not to venture into the theatre. Some indeed therefore were crying out one thing, some another. For the assembly was confused, and most did not know for what cause they were assembled. And out of the crowd they put forward Alexander, the Jews having thrust him forward. And Alexander, having motioned with the hand, was wanting to make a defense to the people. But having recognized that he is a Jew, there was one cry from all, ongoing about two hours, crying out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” And having calmed the crowd, the town clerk says, “Men, Ephesians, what man is there indeed who does not know the city of the Ephesians as being temple-keeper of the great19.35 BYZ and TR include goddess. Artemis and of that fallen from the sky? Therefore, these things being undeniable, it is necessary for you⁺ to be calm and to do nothing rash. For you⁺ brought these men, neither temple plunderers nor blaspheming our19.37 BYZ and TR your goddess. Therefore if indeed Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a matter against anyone, courts are conducted, and there are proconsuls; let them accuse one another. But if you⁺ inquire anything beyond this,19.39 BYZ and TR anything concerning other matters it will be solved in the lawful assembly. And indeed, we are in danger of being accused of insurrection concerning this day, there existing not one cause concerning which we will be able to give a reason concerning this commotion.” And having said these things, he dismissed the assembly. Paul in Macedonia and Greece Now after the uproar had ceased, Paul, having summoned the disciples and having encouraged them,20.1 BYZ and TR do not include having encouraged them. having said farewell, went out to go to Macedonia. And having passed through those districts and having exhorted them with much talk, he came to Greece. And having continued three months, a plot having been made against him by the Jews, he being about to sail into Syria, a purpose arose to return through Macedonia. And he was accompanied20.4 BYZ and TR include into Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey; twice in this verse and also in verses 16 and 18. by Sopater son of Pyrrhus, a Berean,20.4 BYZ and TR Sopater of Berea and Aristarchus, and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and the Asians Tychicus and Trophimus. But these, having gone ahead, waited for us in Troas. And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of the Unleavened,20.6 Or after the Feast of Unleavened Bread; see Exodus 12:14–20. and within five days we came to them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. Eutychus Revived at Troas (2 Kings 4:18–37) And on the first of the week, we having come together20.7 BYZ and TR the disciples having come together to break bread, Paul, about to depart on the next day, talked to them and continued the talk until midnight. Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were20.8 TR they were assembled. And a certain young man named Eutychus was sitting by the window, overcome by deep sleep, Paul talking on longer. Having been overcome by sleep, he fell down from the third story and was picked up dead. But Paul, having descended, fell upon him, and having embraced him, he said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him!” And having gone up, and having broken the bread, and having eaten, and having talked for a considerable time until daybreak, so he went out. Then they brought the boy alive and were not just a little comforted. From Troas to Miletus But we, having gone ahead to20.13 BYZ having gone to the ship, sailed to Assos, being about to take in Paul there. For having arranged thus, he was readying himself to go on foot. And when he met with us at Assos, having taken him in, we came to Mitylene. And having sailed away from there, the next day we arrived opposite Chios, and the second day we arrived at Samos, and20.15 BYZ and TR and, having remained at Trogyllium, the following day we came to Miletus. For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, so that it might not come upon him to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.20.16 That is, Shavuot, the late spring feast of pilgrimage to Jerusalem; it is also known as the Feast of Harvest (see Exodus 23:16) or the Feast of Weeks (see Exodus 34:22). Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians And from Miletus, having sent to Ephesus, he called for the elders of the church. And when they had come to him, he said to them, “You⁺ know from the first day on which I arrived in Asia, how I was with you⁺ the whole time, serving the Lord with all humility and tears,20.19 BYZ and TR and many tears and in trials having befallen me in the plots of the Jews; how I kept back nothing of that being profitable, to declare it to you⁺ and to teach you⁺ publicly and from house to house, earnestly testifying both to the Jews and to the Greeks repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.20.21 ECM, TR, GOC, and Tischendorf; NA, SBL, NE, BYZ, and WH our Lord Jesus And now behold, bound in the Spirit I go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me in it, except that the Holy Spirit fully testifies to me20.23 BYZ and TR do not include to me. in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But on no account do I make my life dear to myself, so as to finish my course20.24 BYZ and TR include with joy. and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus: to testify fully to the gospel of the grace of God. And now, behold, I know that all of you⁺ among whom I went about proclaiming the kingdom will see my face no more. 20.25 BYZ and TR include of God. Therefore I testify to you⁺ in this day that I am innocent of the blood of all.20.26 See Ezekiel 33:8–9. For I did not shrink back from proclaiming to you⁺ the whole counsel of God. Take heed20.28 BYZ and TR include therefore. to yourselves and to all the flock among whom the Holy Spirit has set you⁺ as overseers, to shepherd the church of God,20.28 Tischendorf of the Lord; BYZ and GOC of the Lord and God which He purchased with His own blood. I have known that20.29 BYZ and TR For I have known this, that after my departure, grievous wolves will come in among you⁺, not sparing the flock, and out from your⁺ own selves men will rise up, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. Therefore stay awake, remembering that three years, night and day, I did not cease admonishing each one with tears. And now I commit you⁺20.32 BYZ and TR include brothers. to God and to the word of His grace, being able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those having been sanctified. I coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my needs and to those being with me. In everything I showed you⁺ that by thus laboring, it is necessary to aid those being weak, and also to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” And having said these things, having bowed his knee, he prayed with them all. Then there was much weeping among all, and having fallen upon the neck of Paul, they were kissing him, sorrowing especially over the word that he had spoken, that they are about to see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem And it happened that after having drawn away from them, having run directly in our sailing, we came to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. And having found a boat passing over into Phoenicia, having gone aboard, we set sail. And having sighted Cyprus and having left it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was unloading the cargo there. And we remained there seven days, having sought out the disciples,21.4 BYZ and TR having sought out disciples who kept saying to Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. And it happened that when we had completed the days, having gone out, we journeyed, all accompanying us, with wives and children, as far as outside the city. And having bowed the knees on the shore, having prayed, having said farewell to one another, we then went up into the boat, and they returned to their own. And having completed the voyage from Tyre, we came down to Ptolemais; and having greeted the brothers, we stayed one day with them. Paul Visits Philip the Evangelist And having gone out on the next day, we came to21.8 BYZ and TR Paul and his companions came to Caesarea; and having entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, being of the Seven,21.8 See Acts 6:5. we stayed with him. And with this man there were four daughters, virgins, prophesying. And in our remaining many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And having come to us and having taken Paul’s belt, having bound his feet and hands,21.11 TR hands and feet he said, “Thus the Holy Spirit says, ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man whose belt this is, and they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” And when we had heard these things, both we and those of that place were begging him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you⁺ doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I have readiness not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And he not being persuaded, we were silent, having said, “The will of the Lord be done.” And after these days, having packed the baggage, we were going up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing a certain Mnason, a Cypriot, an early disciple with whom we would lodge. Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem Now of us having arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. And on the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders arrived. And having greeted them, he began to relate, one by one, each of the things God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. And those having heard were glorifying God,21.20 BYZ and TR glorifying the Lord and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many myriads there are among the Jews having believed, and they are all zealous ones of the law. Now they have been informed about you that you teach all Jews among the Gentiles apostasy from Moses, telling them not to circumcise the children nor to walk in the customs. What then is it? Certainly21.22 BYZ and TR include a multitude will gather, for. they will hear that you have come. Therefore do this that we say to you. With us there are four men having a vow on themselves. Having taken these, be purified with them and bear expense for them, so that they will shave the head. And all will know that what they have been informed about you is nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the law. Now concerning those of the Gentiles having believed, we wrote, having adjudged,21.25 BYZ and TR include that they should observe no such thing, except. to keep themselves from both the things sacrificed to idols and blood, and from what is strangled and sexual immorality.” Then Paul, having taken the men on the following day, having been purified with them, entered into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of the purification until the offering was offered for each one of them. Paul Seized at the Temple Now when the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews from Asia,21.27 Or from the province of Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. having seen him in the temple, began stirring up all the crowd, and they laid the hands upon him, crying out, “Men, Israelites, help! This is the man who is teaching all those everywhere against the people and the law and this place. And besides, he has also brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” For it was they having previously seen21.29 BYZ having seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they were supposing that Paul had brought into the temple. And the whole city was provoked, and there was a rushing together of the people. And having laid hold of Paul, they dragged him outside the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. And in their seeking to kill him, a report came to the commander of the cohort21.31 That is, the commander of the Roman regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar, who at once, having taken with him soldiers and centurions, ran down upon them. And having seen the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. Then having drawn near, the commander laid hold of him and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and he began inquiring who he might be and what it is he has been doing. They were crying out in the crowd one thing, but others another. And he, not being able to know the facts on account of the uproar, ordered him to be brought into the barracks. And when he came to the stairs, it happened that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd. For the multitude of the people were following, crying out, “Away with him!” Paul Addresses the Crowd And being about to be brought into the barracks, Paul says to the commander, “Is it permitted to me to say something to you?21.37 BYZ to speak to you” And he was saying, “Do you know Greek? Are you not, then, the Egyptian, the one before these days having led a revolt and having led out into the wilderness21.38 Or desert the four thousand men of the Assassins?” But Paul said, “I am indeed a Jew, a man of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. Now I implore you, allow me to speak to the people.” And he having allowed him, Paul, having stood on the stairs, made a sign with the hand to the people. And a great silence having taken place, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language,21.40 Or in the Aramaic language saying: Paul’s Defense to the Crowd (Acts 9:1–19; Acts 26:1–23) “Men, brothers and fathers, hear now my defense to you⁺.” And having heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language,22.2 Or in the Aramaic language they became even more quiet. And he says, “I am22.3 BYZ and TR include indeed. a man, a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia and brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been educated according to the exactness of the law of our fathers, being a zealous one of God, even as all of you⁺ are this day, who persecuted this Way as far as death, binding and delivering to prisons both men and women, as also the high priest—and all the elderhood—testifies to me, from whom also having received letters to the brothers, I was going to Damascus to bring also those being there bound to Jerusalem so that they might be punished. But it happened to me, journeying and drawing near to Damascus about noon, that suddenly a great light out of heaven shone around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ And those being with me indeed saw the light,22.9 BYZ and TR include and were terrified. but they did not hear the voice of the One speaking to me. And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Having risen up, go to Damascus, and there it will be told to you concerning all things that it has been appointed to you to do.’ And while I could not see from the brightness of that light, I came to Damascus, being led by the hand by those being with me. And a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the law, being testified to by all the Jews dwelling there,22.12 GOC, HF, and F35 dwelling in Damascus having come to me and having stood near, said to me, ‘Brother Saul, look up.’ And the same hour I looked up at him. And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice out of His mouth. For you will be a witness for Him to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now, why do you delay? Having arisen, be baptized and wash away your sins, having called on His name.22.16 BYZ and TR on the name of the Lord’ And it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem and in my praying in the temple, that I fell into a trance and saw Him22.18 That is, saw the Lord saying to me, ‘Make haste and go forth with speed out of Jerusalem, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in each of those synagogues I was imprisoning and beating those believing on You. And when the blood of Your witness22.20 Or martyr Stephen was poured out, I myself was also standing by and consenting22.20 BYZ and TR include to his death. and watching over the garments of those killing him.’ And He said to me, ‘Go, because I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’” Paul the Roman Citizen Now they were listening to him until this word. And they lifted up their voice, saying, “Away with such from the earth! For it is not fitting for him to live!” And in their crying out and casting off the garments and throwing dust into the air, the commander ordered him to be brought into the barracks, having directed him to be examined by flogging, so that he might know for what cause they were crying out against him like this. But as they stretched him forward22.25 RP and Stephanus TR as he stretched him forward with the straps, Paul said to the centurion standing by, “Is it lawful to you⁺ to flog a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” And the centurion, having heard, having gone to the commander, reported it, saying, “What are you about to do?22.26 BYZ and TR “Consider what you are about to do.” For this man is a Roman.” And having come near, the commander said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he was saying, “Yes.” And the commander answered, “I bought this citizenship with a great sum.” But Paul was saying, “But I have even been born so.” So immediately those being about to examine him departed from him, and the commander also was afraid, having ascertained that he is a Roman, and because he had bound him. And on the next day, desiring to know for certain why he is accused by the Jews, he unbound him22.30 BYZ and TR include from the bonds. and he commanded the chief priests and all the Council22.30 Or the whole Sanhedrin to assemble. And having brought down Paul, he set him among them. Paul before the Sanhedrin And having looked intently at the Council,23.1 Or the Sanhedrin; also in verses 6, 15, 20, and 28 Paul said, “Men, brothers, I have conducted myself in all good conscience to God up to this day.” And the high priest Ananias commanded those standing by him to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is about to strike you, whitewashed wall! And you, do you sit judging me according to the law, and violating the law, command me to be struck?” But those who stood by said, “Do you insult the high priest of God?” And Paul was saying, “I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it has been written: ‘You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.’” 23.5 Exodus 22:28 (see also LXX) And Paul, having known that the one part consists of Sadducees, but the other of Pharisees,23.6 F35 Pharisees, but the other of Sadducees was crying out in the Council, “Men, brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; concerning hope and resurrection of the dead I am judged.” And on his saying this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees,23.7 RP does not include and Sadducees. and the multitude was divided. For indeed Sadducees say there is no resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both. Then a great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the party of the Pharisees, having risen up, were contending, saying, “We find nothing evil in this man. And what if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?23.9 BYZ and TR And if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God” And a great dissension arising, the commander, having feared, lest Paul should be torn to pieces by them, commanded the troop, having gone down, to take him by force from their midst and to bring him into the barracks. But the following night the Lord, having stood by him, said, “Take courage,23.11 BYZ and TR include Paul. for as you have fully testified about Me at Jerusalem, so also it is necessary for you to testify at Rome.” The Plot to Kill Paul (John 16:1–4) And day having come, the Jews,23.12 BYZ and TR some of the Jews having made a conspiracy, put themselves under an oath, declaring neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill Paul. Now there were more than forty having made this sworn conspiracy, who, having come to the chief priests and the elders, said, “We have bound ourselves with an oath to eat nothing until we should kill Paul. Now therefore, you⁺, with the Council, make a report to the commander, so that23.15 BYZ and TR include tomorrow. he might bring him down to you⁺ as being about to examine more accurately the things about him. And we are ready to kill him before his drawing near.” But the son of Paul’s sister, having heard of the ambush,23.16 Or the plot having come near and having entered into the barracks, reported it to Paul. And Paul, having summoned one of the centurions, was saying, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” Therefore indeed the one having taken him brought him to the commander, and he says, “Paul the prisoner, having summoned me, asked me to lead this young man to you, having something to say to you.” Then the commander, having taken hold of his hand and having withdrawn in private, began to inquire, “What is it that you have to report to me?” And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you that you might bring down Paul into the Council tomorrow as being about to inquire something more accurately about him. You, therefore, should not be persuaded by them. For more than forty of their men lie in wait for him, who have put themselves under an oath neither to eat nor to drink until they should kill him; and now they are ready, awaiting the promise from you.” Therefore indeed the commander dismissed the young man, having instructed him, “Tell no one that you have reported these things to me.” Paul Sent to Felix And having summoned a certain two of the centurions, he said, “Prepare for the third hour of the night23.23 That is, at nine tonight two hundred soldiers and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen, so that they might go as far as Caesarea, and provide mounts so that, having set Paul upon them, they might bring him safely to Felix the governor,” having written a letter having this form: Claudius Lysias, To the most excellent Governor Felix: Greetings. This man having been seized by the Jews and being about to be killed by them—having come up with the troop, I rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman. And resolving to know the charge on account of which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their Council, whom I found being accused concerning questions of their law, but having no accusation worthy of death or of chains. And a plot23.30 BYZ and TR include by the Jews. having been disclosed to me to be against the man, I sent him to you at once, also having instructed the accusers to speak these things against him before you.23.30 BYZ and TR include Farewell. Therefore indeed the soldiers, according to that having been ordered them, having taken Paul, brought him to Antipatris by night. And on the next day, having allowed the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the barracks; those having entered into Caesarea and having delivered the letter to the governor, also presented Paul to him. And having read it and having asked what province he is from, and having learned that he is from Cilicia, he was saying, “I will hear you fully when your accusers may have arrived also,” having commanded him to be guarded in the Praetorium of Herod. Tertullus Prosecutes Paul And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with some elders24.1 BYZ and TR with the elders and a certain orator,24.1 Or lawyer Tertullus, who made a presentation against Paul to the governor. And he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Attaining great peace through you, and excellent measures24.2 BYZ and TR worthy deeds being done to this nation through your foresight, in every way and also everywhere, we gladly accept it, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. But so that I should not be a hindrance to you any longer, I implore you to hear us briefly in your kindness. For having found this man a pestilence and stirring dissension among all the Jews in the world—also a leader of the sect of the Nazarenes— who even attempted to profane the temple, whom we also seized.24.6 TR includes and we wanted to judge him according to our law. 7But Lysias the commander, having come up with much force, took him away out of our hands, 8having commanded his accusers to come to you. Having examined him yourself, you will be able to know from him concerning all these things of which we accuse him.” And the Jews also agreed, declaring these things to be so. Paul’s Defense to Felix And the governor having motioned to him to speak, Paul answered: “Knowing you as being a judge24.10 F35 a righteous judge to this nation for many years, I make a defense cheerfully to the things concerning myself, you being able to know that there are to me no more than twelve days since I went up to worship in Jerusalem. And neither did they find me reasoning with anyone or making a tumultuous gathering of a crowd in the temple, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city. Nor are they able to prove to you24.13 BYZ and TR do not include to you. the things concerning which now they accuse me. But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our fathers, believing all things throughout the Law and that have been written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which they themselves also await, that there is about to be a resurrection24.15 BYZ and TR include of the dead. both of righteous and of unrighteous. In this I myself also strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men through everything. Now after many years, I arrived to bring alms to my nation, and offerings, during which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd nor with an uproar. But there are some Jews from Asia24.18 Or from the province of Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. who ought to appear before you and to make accusation if they may have anything against me. Or let these say themselves any unrighteousness they found24.20 BYZ and TR include in me. in my having stood before the Council,24.20 Or the Sanhedrin other than concerning this one voice in which I cried out standing among them: ‘I am judged by you⁺ this day concerning the resurrection of the dead.’” The Verdict Postponed But24.22 BYZ and TR include on hearing these things. Felix, having known more precisely the things concerning the Way, put them off, having said, “When Lysias the commander shall have come down, I will examine the things as to you⁺,” having commanded the centurion to keep him and to let him have ease and not to forbid his own to minister24.23 BYZ and TR to come and minister to him. Then after some days Felix, having arrived with his own wife Drusilla, being a Jewess, sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.24.24 BYZ and TR in Christ And in his reasoning concerning righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix, having become frightened, answered, “Be going for the present, and having found opportunity, I will call for you,” at the same time also hoping that riches will be given to him by Paul.24.26 BYZ and TR include to release him. Therefore also, sending for him often, he was talking with him. But two years having been completed, Felix received Porcius Festus as successor, and wishing to acquire for himself favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul bound. Paul’s Trial before Festus Therefore Festus, having arrived in the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. And the chief priests and the chiefs of the Jews presented to him against Paul, and they were imploring him, requesting a favor against him that he would summon him to Jerusalem, forming an ambush to kill him on the way. Then, indeed, Festus answered that Paul is to be kept in Caesarea, and that he himself is about to go out in haste. “Therefore those powerful among you⁺,” he says, “having gone down together, if there is anything wrong in the man, let them accuse him.” And having spent with them no more than eight or ten days, having gone down to Caesarea, on the next day having sat on the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. And he having arrived, the Jews having come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and weighty charges, which they were not able to prove. Paul made his defense: “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned in anything.” But Festus, wishing to lay a favor on the Jews, answering, said to Paul, “Are you willing, having gone up to Jerusalem, to be judged before me there concerning these things?” Paul Appeals to Caesar And Paul said, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where it is necessary for me to be judged. I did nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. Therefore if indeed I am unrighteous and have done anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing of which they can accuse me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!” Then Festus, having conferred with the council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!” Festus Consults Agrippa Now some days having passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice came down to Caesarea, greeting Festus. And as they were staying there many days, Festus laid before the king the things relating to Paul, saying, “There is a certain man left by Felix, a prisoner, concerning whom, in my having been in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews made a presentation, requesting a judgment against him, to whom I answered that it is not a custom with Romans to give up any man before the one being accused may have it to face the accusers and may have a place of defense concerning the accusation. Therefore on their having come together here, having made no delay, the next day having sat on the judgment seat, I commanded the man to be brought, concerning whom the accusers, having stood up, were bringing no charge of the evils that I was expecting. But they had certain questions against him concerning their own religion and concerning a certain Jesus having been dead, whom Paul was affirming to be alive. Now I, being perplexed concerning this inquiry, was asking if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there to be judged concerning these things. But Paul having appealed for himself to be kept for the decision of the Emperor, I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.” And Agrippa said to Festus, “I have also been wanting to hear the man myself.” He says, “Tomorrow you will hear him.” Paul before Agrippa and Bernice Therefore on the next day, Agrippa and Bernice having come with great pomp and having entered into the auditorium with both the commanders and the men of prominence in the city, and Festus having commanded, Paul was brought in. And Festus says, “King Agrippa and all men being present with us, you⁺ see this one concerning whom all the multitude of the Jews pleaded with me, both in Jerusalem and here, crying out of him that he ought not to live any longer. But I, having understood him to have done nothing worthy of death—this one himself now having appealed to the Emperor—I determined to send him, concerning whom I have nothing definite to write to my lord. Therefore I have brought him before you⁺ all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that on the examination having taken place, I might have something to write. For it seems absurd to me, sending a prisoner, not also to specify the charges against him.” BYZ and TR chief priest BYZ and TR with them more than ten days BYZ and TR include against Paul F35 be tried by RP he was staying BYZ and TR include to die. BYZ and TR no charge of the things CT and F35 concerning these matters Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa (Acts 9:1–19; Acts 22:1–21) And Agrippa was saying to Paul, “It is permitted you to speak for yourself.” Then Paul, having stretched out the hand, began his defense: “Concerning all of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I esteem myself fortunate before you, being about to defend myself today, you26.3 Scrivener TR since I know you being especially acquainted with all the customs and also controversies of the Jews. Therefore I implore you to hear me patiently. Then indeed my manner of life, which is from youth, having been from its beginning among my nation and26.4 BYZ and TR do not include and. in Jerusalem, all the Jews know— knowing me from the first, if they would be willing to testify—that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee. And now I stand, being judged for the hope of the promise having been made by God to our fathers, to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, serving in earnestness night and day, the hope concerning which I am accused by the Jews, O king.26.7 BYZ and TR O King Agrippa Why is it judged incredible by you⁺ if God raises the dead? Therefore I indeed in myself thought it to be necessary to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth, which I also did in Jerusalem. And I also locked up many of the saints in prisons, having received the authority from the chief priests; and on their being put to death, I cast against them a vote. And in all the synagogues, punishing them often, I was compelling them to blaspheme. And being exceedingly furious against them, I was persecuting them even as far as to foreign cities, during which, going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, at midday on the road I saw, O king, a light from heaven above the brightness of the sun having shone around me and those going with me. And all of us having fallen down to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language,26.14 Or in the Aramaic language ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ Then I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said,26.15 BYZ and TR And He said ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you for this, to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of that which you have seen of Me26.16 BYZ and TR do not include of Me. and of the things in which I will appear to you, delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those having been sanctified by faith in Me.’ Hence, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but also first to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, also to all the region of Judea, and to the Gentiles, I was declaring to repent and to turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance. On account of these things the Jews, having seized me (being in the temple),26.21 Or the temple courts were attempting to kill me. Therefore, having obtained help from God up to this day, I have stood bearing witness both to small and to great, saying nothing other than that which both the prophets and Moses said was about to happen: that the Christ would suffer and, as first through resurrection from the dead, He is about to proclaim light both to our people26.23 BYZ and TR light to our people and to the Gentiles.” Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense Now of him making this defense, Festus said in a loud voice, “You are insane, Paul! Much learning turns you to insanity!” But Paul says,26.25 BYZ and TR But he says “I am not insane, most excellent Festus, but I declare forth words of truth and sobriety. For the king understands concerning these things, to whom also I speak, being bold. For I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing is not done in a corner. Do you believe the prophets, King Agrippa? I know that you believe.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “In so little time do you persuade me to become a Christian?” And Paul said, “I would wish anyhow to God, both in a little and in much, not only you, but also all those hearing me this day, to become such as I also am, except these chains.” Then26.30 BYZ and TR When he had spoken these things, the king and the governor rose up, and Bernice and those sitting with them, and having withdrawn, they began speaking to one another, saying, “This man is doing nothing worthy of death or of chains.” Then Agrippa was saying to Festus, “This man could have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Paul Sails for Rome Now when our sailing to Italy was determined, they delivered up both Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the cohort of Augustus.27.1 Or the Imperial Regiment And having boarded a ship of Adramyttium being about to sail to the places along Asia,27.2 Or sail for ports along the coast of Asia; Asia was a Roman province in what is now western Turkey. we set sail—Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius, having treated Paul considerately, allowed him, having gone to his27.3 Stephanus TR some friends, to receive care. And having set sail from there, we sailed under Cyprus because of the winds being contrary. And having sailed across the sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra of Lycia. And there the centurion, having found a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy, placed us into it. And sailing slowly for many days, and with difficulty having arrived off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us, we sailed under Crete off Salmone. And coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near to which was the city of Lasea. Now much time having passed and the voyage being already dangerous because of even the Fast27.9 That is, Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement already being over, Paul was admonishing them, saying to them, “Men, I see that the voyage is about to be with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and the ship owner rather than by the things spoken by Paul. And the harbor being unsuitable to winter in, the majority made a decision to set sail from there, if somehow they might be able, having arrived at Phoenix—a harbor of Crete looking toward the southwest and toward the northwest—to winter there. The Storm at Sea (Jonah 1:4–10) And a south wind having blown gently, having thought to have obtained their purpose, having weighed anchor, they began coasting along very near Crete. But not long after, there came down from it a tempestuous wind called Euroclydon.27.14 Or the Northeaster; BYZ and TR Euraquilo And the ship having been caught and not being able to face the wind, having given way, we were driven along. And having run under a certain island called Cauda,27.16 NE, BYZ, and TR Clauda we were able with difficulty to gain control of the lifeboat, which having taken up, they began using supports, undergirding the ship. And fearing lest they might fall into the sandbars of Syrtis, having lowered the gear,27.17 Or the sails thus they were driven along. And in our being storm-tossed violently, on the next day they began to make a jettison of cargo, and on the third day they cast away the tackle of the ship with their own hands.27.19 BYZ and TR we cast away the tackle of the ship with our own hands And neither sun nor stars appearing for many days, and no small storm lying on us, from then on all hope of our being saved was abandoned. There being also much time without food, at that time having stood up in their midst, Paul said, “It was necessary indeed, O men, having been obedient to me, not to have set sail from Crete and to have incurred this disaster and loss. And now I exhort you⁺ to take heart, for there will be no loss of life from among you⁺—only of the ship. For this night an angel of God, whose I am and whom I serve, stood by me, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. It is necessary for you to stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted to you all those sailing with you.’ Therefore take heart, men, for I believe God that it will be thus, according to the way it has been said to me. But it is necessary for us to fall upon a certain island.” The Shipwreck And when the fourteenth night had come of us being driven about in the Adriatic,27.27 The Adriatic Sea referred to an area extending well south of Italy to include the central portion of the Mediterranean Sea. toward the middle of the night the sailors began sensing some land to be drawing near to them. And having taken soundings, they found twenty fathoms.27.28 20 fathoms is approximately 120 feet or 36.6 meters. And having gone a little farther and having taken soundings again, they found fifteen fathoms.27.28 15 fathoms is approximately 90 feet or 27.4 meters. And fearing, lest we might fall27.29 Stephanus TR they would run aground somewhere on rocky places, having cast four anchors out of the stern, they were praying for day to come. And the sailors seeking to flee out of the ship and having let down the lifeboat into the sea under pretense as being about to cast out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these remain in the ship, you⁺ are not able to be saved.” Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the lifeboat and allowed it to fall away. And until that day was about to come, Paul kept urging all to partake of food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day you⁺ continue waiting without eating, having taken nothing. Therefore I exhort you⁺ to take food, for this is for your⁺27.34 F35 our preservation; for not one hair of your⁺ head will perish.” And having said these things and having taken bread, he gave thanks to God before all; and having broken it, he began to eat. And all, having been encouraged, also took food themselves. And we were altogether two hundred seventy-six27.37 WH seventy-six souls in the ship. And having been filled with food, they began to lighten the ship, casting out the wheat into the sea. And when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay, having a shore on which they decided to drive the ship if they could.27.39 BYZ if possible And having cut away the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time having loosened the ropes of the rudders. And having hoisted the foresail to the blowing wind, they began making for the shore. But having fallen into a place between two seas, they ran the vessel aground. And indeed the bow, having stuck fast, remained immovable, and the stern was being broken up by the violence of the waves. Now the plan of the soldiers was that they should kill the prisoners, lest anyone, having swum away, should escape. But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, hindered them of the plan; and he commanded those being able to swim, having cast themselves off first, to go out on the land, and the rest, some indeed on boards and some on things from the ship. And thus it came to pass that all were brought safely to the land. Ashore on Malta And having been saved, then we found out that the island is called Malta.28.1 WH Melitene And the natives were showing not just the ordinary kindness to us. For having kindled a fire, they received all of us because of the rain setting in and because of the cold. Now on Paul having gathered a multitude of sticks and having laid them on the fire, a viper, having come out from the heat, fastened itself on his hand. And when the natives saw the beast hanging from his hand, they began to say to one another, “By all means this man is a murderer whom, having been saved from the sea, Dike28.4 Or Justice; the Greek goddess of justice is Dike. did not permit to live.” Then indeed, having shaken off the creature into the fire, he suffered no harm. But they were expecting him to be about to become inflamed or suddenly to fall down dead. But on their waiting a great while and seeing nothing amiss happening to him, having changed their opinion, they began declaring him to be a god. Now in the parts around that place were lands of the chief of the island, named Publius, who, having received us, entertained us hospitably for three days. And it came to pass that the father of Publius was lying, oppressed with fevers and dysentery, toward whom Paul, having entered and having prayed, having laid the hands on him, healed him. And on this having taken place, also the rest in the island having infirmities were coming and were healed, who also honored us with many honors, and on setting sail, they laid on us the things for our needs. Paul Arrives in Italy And after three months, we sailed in an Alexandrian ship having wintered in the island, with a figurehead of the Dioscuri.28.11 Or the Twin Brothers; that is, the Greek gods Castor and Pollux And having put in at Syracuse, we stayed three days, from where, having cast off,28.13 BYZ and TR having sailed around we arrived at Rhegium. And after one day, a south wind having come up, on the second day we came to Puteoli, where having found some brothers, we were entreated to remain with them seven days. And so we came to Rome. And the brothers from there, having heard the things concerning us, came out as far as the Forum of Appius28.15 The Forum of Appius was about 43 miles or 70 kilometers from Rome. and the Three Taverns28.15 The Three Taverns was about 35 miles or 57 kilometers from Rome. to meet us, whom Paul having seen, having given thanks to God, took courage. Paul Preaches at Rome (Isaiah 6:1–13) Now when we came to Rome,28.16 BYZ and TR include the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the captain of the barrack, but. Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier guarding him. And it came to pass after three days that he28.17 BYZ and TR Paul called together those being leaders of the Jews. And on their having come together, he was saying to them, “Men, brothers, having done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers, I was delivered from Jerusalem as a prisoner into the hands of the Romans, who, having examined me, were wanting to let me go on account of not one cause of death existing in me. But on the Jews objecting, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything to accuse my nation. For this cause, therefore, I have called to see you⁺ and to speak to you. For because of the hope of Israel, I have around me this chain.” And they said to him, “We received neither letters concerning you from Judea, nor did any of the brothers having arrived report or say anything evil concerning you. But we count it worthy to hear from you what you think, for truly, concerning this sect, it is known to us that it is spoken against everywhere.” Then, having appointed to him a day, many came to him to the lodging, to whom he expounded from morning to evening, fully testifying to the kingdom of God and persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets. And indeed, some were persuaded of the things being said, but some refused to believe. And being discordant with one another they began to leave, Paul having said one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke rightly by the prophet Isaiah to your⁺28.25 BYZ and TR our fathers, saying: ‘Go to this people and say, “In hearing you⁺ will hear and never understand; and in seeing you⁺ will see and never perceive.” For the heart of this people grew dull, and with the ears they barely hear, and they have closed their eyes, lest ever they should see with the eyes, and should hear with the ears, and should understand with the heart, and should turn, and I will heal them.’ 28.27 Isaiah 6:9–10 (see also LXX) Therefore be it known to you⁺ that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”28.28 BYZ and TR include 29And on his having said this, the Jews went away, having much dispute among themselves. And he stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and he was welcoming all those coming to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, freely.