had preached the word of God in Perga, they descended into Attalia, and
thence departed by ship to Antioche, from whence they were delivered
unto the grace of God, to the work which they had fulfilled. When they
were come and had gathered the congregation together, they rehearsed
all that God had done by them, and how he had opened the door of faith
unto the Gentiles. And there they abode long time with the disciples.
The .xv. Chapter.
And there came certain from jewry and taught the brethren: except ye be
circumcised after the manner of Moses ye cannot be saved. Then arose
there dissension and disputing not a little unto Paul and Barnabas
against them. And they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain
other of them should ascend to Ierusalem unto the Apostles and seniors
about this question. After they were brought on their way by the
congregation, they passed over Phenices and Samaria, declaring the
conversation {conversion} of the Gentiles, and they brought great joy
unto all the brethren. When they were come to Ierusalem they were
received of the congregation and of the apostles and seniors. And they
declared what things God had done by them. Then arose there up certain
of the sect of the pharisees, which did believe saying that it was
needful to circumcise them and to enjoin them to keep the law of Moses.
The Apostles and seniors came together to reason of this matter.
When there was much disputing, Peter rose up and said unto them: Ye men
and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago, God chose among us
that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospell and
believe. And God which knoweth the heart, bare them witness, and gave
unto them the holy ghost, even as he did unto us, And he put no
difference between them and us, and with faith purified their hearts.
Now therefore why tempt ye God, that ye would put a yoke on the
disciples necks which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear: But
we believe that thorow the grace of the lord Iesu Christ we shall be
saved as they do. Then all the multitude was peaced and gave audience
to Barnabas and Paul which told what signs and wonders God had shewed
among the gentiles by them. As soon as they held their peace, Iames
answered saying: Men and brethren hearken unto me, Simeon told how God
at the beginning did visit the gentiles, and received of them people
unto his name. And to this agreeth the words of the prophets, as it is
written: After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle
of David which is fallen down, and that which is fallen in decay of it
will I build again and I will set it up, that the residue of men might
seek after the lord, and also the Gentiles upon whom my name is called
saith the lord, which doth all these things: known unto God are all his
works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that
we trouble not them which of the gentiles are turned to God: but that
we write unto them, that they abstain themselves from filthiness of
images, from fornication, from strangled, and from blood. For Moses of
old time in every city hath them that preach him, and he is read in the
synagogues every saboth day.
Then pleased it the apostles and seniors with the whole congregation to
send chosen men of their own company to Antioche with Paul and
Barnabas. They sent Iudas called also Barsabas and Silas which were
chief men among the brethren and gave them letters in their hands after
this manner.
The Apostles, seniors and brethren send greetings unto the brethren
which are of the gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as
we have heard that certain which departed from us, have troubled you
with words, and cumbered your minds saying: Ye must be circumcised and
keep the law, to whom we gave no such commandment. It seemed therefore
to us a good thing, when we were come together with one accord, to send
chosen men unto you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have
jeoparded their lives, for the name of our lord Iesus Christ. We have
sent therefore Iudas and Sylas, which shall also tell you the same
things by mouth. For it seemed good to the holy ghost and to us, to put
no grievous thing to you more than these necessary things, that is to
say, that ye abstain from things offered unto images, from blood, from
strangled and fornication. From which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall
do well. So fare ye well.
When they were departed, they came to Antioche and gathered the
multitude together and delivered the pistel. When they had read it,
they rejoiced of that consolation. Iudas and Silas being prophets,
exhorted the people with much preaching, and strengthened them. After
they had tarried there a certain space, they were let go in peace of
the brethren unto the Apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Sylas to
abide there still. Paul and Barnabas continued in Antioche teaching,
and preaching the word of the lord with other many.
But after a certain space Paul said unto Barnabas: Let us go again and
visit our brethren in every city, where we have shewed the word of the
lord, and see how they do. Barnabas gave counsel, to take with them
Ihon called also Marke: But Paul thought it not meet to take him unto
their company which departed from them at Pamphilia, and went not with
them to the worke. So sharp was the dissension between them, that they
departed asunder one from the other. And Barnabas took Mark and sailed
unto Cypers. Paul chose Sylas and departed delivered of the brethren
unto the grace of God. And he went thorow all Cyria and Cilicia,
stablishing the congregations.
The .xvj. Chapter.
Then came he to Derba and Listra. And behold a certain disciple was
there named Timotheus, a womans son which was a jewess and believed,
but his father was a greek. Of whom reported well, the brethren of
Listra and of Iconium. Paul would that he should go forth with him, and
took and circumcised him because of the jewes which were in those
quarters, for they knew all that his father was a greek. As they went
thorow the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep,
ordained of the apostles and seniors which were at Ierusalem. So were
the congregations stablished in the faith, and increased in number
daily.
When they had gone thorowout Phrigia and the region of Galatia, and
were forbidden of the holy ghost to preach the word in Asia, they came
to Misia, and sought to go into Bethinia, and the spirit suffered them
not. When they went over Misia, and came down to Troada and a vision
appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and
prayed him saying: Come into Macedonia and help us. After he had seen
the vision immediately we prepared to go into Macedonia certified that
the lord had called us for to preach the gospell unto them. Then loosed
we forth from Troada, and with a straight course came we to
Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolim, and from thence to
Philippos, which is the chiefest city in the parts of Macedonia and a
free city.
We were in that city abiding a certain days. And on the saboth days we
went out of the city besides a river where men were wont to pray, and
we sat down and spake unto the women which thither resorted. And a
certain woman named Lidia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira
which worshipped God, gave us audience, whose heart God opened that she
attended unto those things which Paul spake. When she was baptised, and
her household, she besought us saying: If ye think that I believe on
the lord come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
It fortuned as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a
spirit that prophesied met us, which brought her master and masters
much vantage with prophesying. The same followed Paul and us saying:
These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the
way of health. And this did she many days. But Paul not content turned
about and said to the spirit: I command thee in the name of Iesu Christ
that thou come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
When her master and mastress saw that the hope of their gains was gone,
they caught Paul and Silas, and brought them into the market place unto
the rulers, and delivered them to the officers saying: These men
trouble our city, which are jews and shew new decrees, which are not
lawful for us to receive, neither to observe seeing we are romans. And
the people ran on them, and the officers rent their clothes, and
commanded them to be beaten with rods, and when they had beaten them
sore, they cast them into prison commanding the jailer to keep them
surely. Which when he had received such commandment thrust them into
the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
At midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and lauded God. And the prisoners
heard them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the
foundation of the prison was shaken, and by and by all the doors
opened, and every man's bonds were lowsed. When the keeper of the
prison waked out of his sleep, and saw the prison doors open, he drew
out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing the prisoners
had been fled. Paul cried with a loud voice saying: Do thyself no harm,
for we are all here.
He called for a light and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down
before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said, Sirs what must I
do to be saved? And they said: believe on the lord Iesus, and thou
shalt be saved and thy household. And they preached unto him the word
of the lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the
same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and was baptised with
all that belonged unto him straight way. When he had brought them into
his house, he set meat before them, and joyed that he with all his
household believed on God.
And when it was day the officers sent the ministers saying: Let those
men go. The keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul: the officers
have sent word to loose you. Now therefore get you hence and go in
peace. Then said Paul unto them: They have beaten us openly
uncondemned, for all that we are Romans, and have cast us into prison:
and now would they send us away privily? Nay not so, but let them come
themselves and fetch us out. The ministers told these words unto the
officers and they feared when they heard that they were Romans, and
came and besought them, and brought them out, and desired them to
depart out of the city. They went out of the prison and entered into
the house of Lidia, and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted
them and departed.
The .xvij. Chapter.
As they made their journey thorow Amphipolis, and Apolonia, they came
to Thessalonica where was a synagogue of the jewes. Paul as his manner
was went in unto them, and three saboth days declared out of the
scripture unto them, opening and alleging that Christ must needs have
suffered and risen again from death. And that this Iesus was Christ,
whom (said he) I preach to you. And some of them believed and came and
companied with Paul and Silas. Also of the honorable greeks a great
multitude, and of the chief women, not a few.
The jewes which believed not having indignation took unto them evil men
which were vagabonds, and gathered a company, and set all the city on a
roar, and made assault unto the house of Iason, and sought to bring
them out to the people. and when they found them not, they drew Iason
and certain brethren unto the heads of the city crying: These that
trouble the world are come hither also, which Iason hath received
privily. And these all do contrary to the ordinations of Cesar,
affirming another king, one Iesus. And they troubled the people and the
officers of the city when they heard these things. And when they were
sufficiently answered of Iason, and of the other they let them go.
The brethren immediately sent away Paul, and Silas by night unto
Berrea. When they were come thither they entered into the Synagogue of
the jews. These were the noblest among them of Thessalonia, which
received the word with all diligence of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily whether those things were even so. And many of them
believed, and of worshipful women which were greeks, and of men not a
few. When the jews of Thessalonia had knowledge that the word of God
was preached of Paul at Berrea, they came thither and moved the people,
and then by and by the brethren sent away Paul to go unto the sea: but
Silas and Timotheus abode there still. They that guided Paul brought
him unto Athens, and received a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus
for to come to him at once. And came their way.
While Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was moved in him to
see the city given to worshipping of images. Then he disputed in the
synagogue with the jews, and with the devout persons, And in the market
daily with them that came unto him. Certain Philosophers of the
Epicures, and of the Stoyckes disputed with him. And some there were
which said: what will this babbler say. Other said: he seemeth to be a
tidings bringer of new devils, because he preached unto them Iesus, and
the resurrection, and they took him, and brought him into Marce street
saying: may we not know what is this new doctrine whereof thou
speakest. For thou bringest strange tidings to our ears. We would know
therefore what these things mean. For all the Athenians and strangers
which were there gave themselves to nothing else, but either to tell or
to hear new tidings.
Paul stood in the midst of Marce street and said, ye men of Athens, I
perceive that in all things ye are somewhat superstitious. For as I
passed by and beheld the manner how ye worship your gods, I found an
altar wherein was written: unto the unknown God. Whom ye then
ignorantly worship, him shew I unto you: God that made the world, and
all that are in it, seeing that he is lord of heaven and earth, he
dwelleth not in temples made with hands neither is worshipped with
men's hands, as though he needed of any thing. Forasmuch as he giveth
to all men life and breath every where, and hath made of one blood all
nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth. And hath
assigned times appointed before, And the ends of their inhabitation,
that they should seek God, if they might feel and find him, though he
be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, move, and have our
being, as certain of your own poets said. For we are also his
generation. Forasmuch then as we are the generation of God, we ought
not to think that the godhead is like unto gold, silver, or stone,
graven by craft and imagination of man.
And the time of this ignorance God regarded not: but now he biddeth all
men everywhere repent, because he hath appointed a day, in the which he
will judge the world according to righteousness, by that man, whom he
hath appointed, and hath given faith to all men, after that he had
raised him from death. When they heard of the resurrection from death,
some mocked, and other said: we will hear thee again of this matter. So
Paul departed from among them. Certain men clave unto Paul and
believed, among the which was Dionysius a senator, and a woman named
Damaris, and other with them.
The .xviij. Chapter.
After that, Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinthum, and found
a certain jew named Aquila, born in Ponthus, lately come from Italy
with his wife Priscilla (because that the Emperor Claudius had
commanded all jewes to depart from Rome) and he drew unto them. And
because he was of the same craft he abode with them and wrought (their
craft was to make tents.) and he preached in the synagogue every saboth
day, And exhorted the jewes and the gentiles.
When Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia Paul was pained by
the spirit, as he testified to the jewes that Iesus was Christ. When
they said contrary and blasphemed, he shook his raiment and said unto
them: your blood upon your own heads. For henceforth I go unto the
gentiles, and he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's
house named Iustus which worshipped God, whose house joined hard to the
synagogue. One Crispus a ruler of the synagogue believed on the lord
with all his household. And many of the Corinthians gave audience and
believed, and were baptised.
Then spake the lord to Paul in the night by a vision: be not afraid,
but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, and no man shall
invade thee that shall hurt thee. For I have much people in this city.
And he rested there a year and six months, and taught them the word of
God.
When Gallio was ruler of the country of Acaia. The jewes made
insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the
judge's seat, saying: This man teacheth to worship God contrary to the
law. And as Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio said unto the jews:
if it were a matter of wrong, or an evil deed (o ye jews) reason would
that I should hear you: but if it be a question of words, or of names,
or of your law, look ye to it yourselves. For I will be no judge in
such matters, and he drave them from his seat. Then took all the greeks
Sosthenes a ruler of the Synagogue and smote him before the judge's
seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things.
Paul after this, tarried there yet a good while, and then took his
leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Ciria, Priscilla and
Aquila accompanying him after that he shore his head in Cenchrea. For
he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus and left them there: but he
himself entered into the Synagogue, and reasoned with the jewes. When
they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not, but
bade them fare well saying: I must needs at this feast that cometh be
in Ierusalem: but I will return again unto you if God will. And
departed from Ephesus and came unto Cesarea: and ascended and saluted
the congregation, and departed unto Antioche, and when he had tarried
there a while, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatacia
and Phrigia by order, strengthening all the disciples.
And a certain jewe named Apollos, born at Alexandria came to Ephesus.
An eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures. The same was informed in
the way of the lord, and he spake fervently in the spirit, and taught
diligently the things of the lord, and knew but the baptism of Ihon
only. And the same began to speak boldly in the Synagogue. When
Priscilla and Aquila had heard him: they took him unto them, And
expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.
When he was disposed to go into Acaia, the brethren exhorted him
thereto, and wrote unto the disciples that they should receive him.
After he was come thither he helped them much, which had believed
thorow grace. And mightily he overcame the jews openly shewing by the
scriptures that Iesus was Christ.
The .xix. Chapter.
It fortuned, while Apollos was at Corinthum, that Paul passed over the
upper coasts, and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples and said
unto them: have ye received the holy ghost after ye believed? And they
said unto him: No, neither have we heard if there be any holy ghost or
no. And he said unto them: wherewith were ye then baptised? And they
said: with Ihon's baptism. Then said Paul: Ihon verily baptised with
the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should
believe on him, which should come after him. That is on Christ Iesus.
When they heard that, they were baptised in the name of the lord Iesu,
and when Paul laid his hands upon them, the holy ghost came on them.
And they spake with tongues and prophesied, All the men were about xij.
And he went into the synagogue, and behaved himself boldly for the
space of three months, disputing, and giving them exhortations of the
kingdom of God. When diverse waxed hard hearted, and believed not, but
spake evil of the way of the lord before the multitude: he departed
from them, And severed the disciples away, And taught daily in the
school of one called Tirannus. And this continued by the space of two
years: So that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the lord
Iesu, both jewes and greeks. And God wrought not small miracles by the
hands of Paul. So that from his body were brought unto the sick,
napkins or partlets, and the diseases and evil spirits departed from
them.
Certain of the vagabond jewes exorcists, took upon them to call over
them which had evil spirits the name of the lord Iesus saying: We
adjure you by Iesu whom Paul preacheth.
There were seven sons of one Sceva a ruler of the synagogue which did
so: and the evil spirit answered and said: Iesus I know, and Paul I
know: but who are ye? And the man in whom the wicked devil was, ran on
them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled
out of the house naked and wounded. This was known to all the jewes and
greeks also, which dwelt at Ephesus, and fear came on them all. And
they magnified the name of the lord Iesus.
And many that believed came, and confessed and shewed their works. Many
of them which used curious crafts, brought their books and burned them
before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty
thousand silverlings. So mightily grew the word of God, and prevailed.
After these things were ended Paul purposed in the spirit, to pass over
Macedonia and Acaia, and to go to Ierusalem saying: After I have been
there I must also see Rome. So sent he into Macedonia two of them that
ministered unto him: Timotheus and Erastus: but he himself remained in
Asia. For a season.
The same time there arose no little a do about that way. For a certain
man named Demetrius, a goldsmith, which made silver shrines for Diana,
was not a little beneficial unto the craftsmen: which he called
together with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs ye know
that by this craft we have vantage. Moreover ye see and hear that not
alone at Ephesus: but almost thorow out all Asia, this Paul entiseth,
and turned away much people saying: that they be no gods which are made
with hands: so that not only this our craft cometh into peril to be set
at nought: but that also the temple of great Diana should be despised.
And her majesty should be destroyed, which all Asia, and the world
worshippeth.
When they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out
saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And all the city was on a
roar, and they rushed into the common hall with one assent, and caught
Gaius, and Aristarcus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions. When Paul
would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.
Certain also of the chief of Asia which were his friends, sent unto
him, desiring him that he would not press into the common hall. Some
cried one thing, and some another and the congregation was all out of
quiet, and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.
Some of the company drew forth Alexander (the jewes thrusting him
forwards) Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have given the
people an answer. When they knew that he was a jewe, there arose a
shout almost for the space of two hours of all men crying, great is
Diana of the Ephesians.
When the town clerk had ceased the people he said: ye men of Ephesus:
what man is it that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a
worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which came from
heaven. Seeing then that no man saith here against, ye ought to be
content, and to do nothing rashly, For ye have brought hither these
men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet despisers of your
goddess. Wherefore if Demetrius and the craftsmen which are with him,
have any saying to any man, the law is open, and there are rulers, let
them accuse one another. If ye go about any other thing, it may be
determined in a lawful congregation. For we are in jeopardy to be
accused of this day's business. For as much as there is no cause
whereby we may give a reckoning of this concourse of people. And when
he had thus spoken, he let the congregation depart.
The .xx. Chapter.
After the rage was ceased, Paul called the disciples unto him, and took
his leave of them, and departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he
had gone over those parts, and given them large exhortations, he came
into Greece. And there abode .iij. months. When the jewes laid wait for
him as he was about to sail into Syria, He purposed to return through
Macedonia. There accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berrea: And of
Thessalonia Aristarcus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derba, and Timotheus:
Out of Asia Tychicus, and Trophimos. These went before, and tarried us
at Troas. We sailed away from Philippos after the ester holidays, and
came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days.
On a saboth day the disciples came together for to break bread, and
Paul preached unto them (ready to depart on the morrow) and continued
the preaching unto midnight. There were many lights in the chamber
where we were gathered together, and there sat in a window a certain
young man named Eutichus, fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul
declared he was the more overcome with sleep, and fell down from the
third loft, and was taken up dead. Paul went down and fell on him, and
embraced him, and said: Make nothing ado. For his life is in him. When
he was come up again, he brake bread, and tasted, and communed a long
while even till the morning, and so departed. They brought the young
man alive, and were not a little comforted.
Then took we shipping, and departed unto Asson, there to receive Paul.
For so had he appointed, and would himself go by land. When he was come
to us unto Asson, we took him in, and came to Mittilenes. And sailed
thence, and came the next day over against Chios. And the day following
we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogilon. The next day we came to
Mileton. For Paul had determined to leave Ephesus as they sailed,
because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted to be (if he
were possible) at Ierusalem at the day of Pentecost.
From Mileton he sent to Ephesus, and called the seniors of the
congregation. When they were come to him, he said to them: Ye know from
the first day that I came unto Asia, after what manner I have been with
you at all seasons, serving God with all humbleness of mind, and with
many tears, and temptations, which happened unto me by the layings wait
of the jewes, and how I kept back nothing that might be for your
profit: but that I have shewed you, and taught you openly and at home
in your houses, witnessing both to the jewes, and also to the greeks,
the repentance toward God, and faith toward our lord Iesu.
And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto Ierusalem, and know not
what shall come of me there, but that the holy ghost witnesseth in
every city saying: that bonds and trouble abide me: but none of those
things move me. Neither is my life dear unto myself, that I might
fulfil my course with joy, and the ministration which I have received
of the lord Iesu to testify the gospell of the grace of God.
And now behold, I am sure that henceforth ye all (thorow whom I have
gone preaching the kingdom of God) shall see my face no more. Wherefore
I take you to record this same day, that I am pure from the blood of
all men. For I have kept nothing back: but have shewed you all the
counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the
flock, whereof the holy ghost hath made you overseers, to rule the
congregation of God, which he hath purchased with his blood. For I am
sure of this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in
among you, which will not spare the flock. And of your ownselves shall
men arise speaking perverse things, to draw disciples after them.
Therefore awake and remember, that by the space of iij. years I ceased
not to warn every one of you, both night and day with tears.
And now dear brethren I commend you to God and to the word of his
grace, which is able to build further, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified. I have desired no man's silver,
gold, or vesture. Ye know well that these hands have ministered unto my
necessities, and to them that were with me. I have shewed you all
things, how that so laboring ye ought to receive the weak, and to
remember the words of the lord Iesu, how that he said: It is more
blessed to give, than to receive.
When he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And
they wept all abundantly, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him
sorrowing, most of all, for the words, which he spake, that they should
see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
The .xxj. Chapter.
And it chanced that as soon as we had launched forth, and were departed
from them, we came with a straight course unto Choon, and the day
following unto the Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara. And we found a
ship ready to sail unto Phenices, and went aboard and set forth. Then
appeared unto us Cyprus, and we left it on the left hand, and sailed
unto Syria, and came unto Tyre. For there the ship unladed her burden.
And when we had found brethren, we tarried there. vij. days. And they
told Paul thorow the spirit, that he should not go up to Ierusalem. And
when the days were ended we departed, and went our ways, and they all
brought us on our way, with their wives and children, till we were come
out of the city. And we kneeled down in the shore and prayed. And when
we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship, and they returned
home again.
When we had full ended the course, from Tyre, we arrived at
Ptholomaida, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. The
next day, we that were of Paulus company, came unto Cesarea. And we
entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the
seven, and abode with him. The same man had four daughters virgins,
which did prophesy. And as we tarried there a good many days, there
came a certain prophet from jewry, named Agabus. When he was come unto
us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his hands and feet and said: Thus
saith the holy ghost: So shall the jewes at Ierusalem, bind the man
that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the
gentiles.
When we heard this, both we and other of the same place, besought him,
that he would not go up to Ierusalem. Then Paul answered, and said:
What do ye weeping, and breaking mine heart? I am ready not to be bound
only, but also to die at Ierusalem for the name of the lord Iesu. When
we could not turn his mind, we ceased saying: The will of the lord be
fulfilled. After those days we made ourselves ready, and went up to
Ierusalem. There went with us also certain of his disciples of Cesarea,
and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an olde disciple, with whom
we should lodge. And when we were come to Ierusalem, the brethren
received us gladly. On the morrow Paul went in with us unto Iames. And
all the seniors came together. And when he had saluted them, he told by
order, what things God had wrought among the gentiles by his
ministration. When they heard it, they glorified the lord, and said
unto him: Thou seest brother, how many thousand jewes there are which
believe, and they are all zealous over the law. And they are informed
of thee that thou teachest all the jewes which are among the gentiles
to forsake Moses, and sayest that they ought not to circumcise their
children, neither to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The
multitude must needs come together. For they shall hear that thou art
come. Do therefore this that we say to thee.
We have iiij. men, which have a vow on them. Them take and purify
thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads
and all shall know that those things which they have heard of thee are
nothing: but that thou thyself also walkest and keepest the law. As
touching the gentiles which believe we have written and concluded, that
they observe no such things: but that they keep themselves from things
offered to idols, from blood, from strangled, and from fornication.
Then the next day Paul took the men and purified himself with them, and
entered into the temple, declaring the fulfilling of the days of
purification, until that an oblation should be offered for every one of
them.
And as the seven days should have been ended, the jewes which were of
Asia when they saw him in the temple, they moved all the people and
laid hands on him crying: Men of Israhell help. This is the man that
teacheth all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this
place. Moreover also he hath brought greeks into the temple, and hath
polluted this holy place. For they saw one Trophimus an Ephesian with
him in the city. Him they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.
And all the city was moved, and the people swarmed together. And they
took Paul, and drew him out of the temple, and forthwith the doors were
shut to.
As they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the high captain of
the soldiers, that all Ierusalem was moved. Which immediately took
soldiers and undercaptains, and ran down unto them. When they saw the
uppercaptain and the soldiers, They left smiting of Paul. Then the
captain came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two
chains, and demanded what he was, and what he had done. One cried this,
another that, among the people. And when he could not know the
certainty, for the rage: He commanded him to be carried into the
castle. When he came unto a grece, it fortuned that he was borne of the
soldiers for the violence of the people. The multitude of the people
followed after crying: away with him.
And as Paul should have been carried into the castle, He said unto the
high captain: May I speak unto thee? Which said: Canst thou speak
greek? Art not thou that Egyptian which before these days, made an
uproar, and led out into the wilderness iiij. thousand men that were
murderers? Paul said: I am a man which am a jewe of Tharsus a city in
Cicill, a citizen of no vile city, I beseech thee suffer me to licence,
Paul stood on the steps, and beckoned with the hand unto the people,
and there was made a great silence. And he spake unto them in Hebrew
saying:
The .xxij. Chapter.
Ye men, brethren, and fathers, hear mine answer which I make unto you.
When they heard that he spake Hebrew unto them, they kept the more
silence. And he said: I am verily a man which am a jewe, born in
Tharsus, a city in Cicill, nevertheless yet brought up in this city, at
the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the
fathers, and was fervent minded to Godward, as ye all are this same
day, and I persecuted this way unto the death binding, and delivering
into prison both men and women, as the chief priest doth bear me
witness, and all the seniors: of whom also I received letters unto the
brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them which were there bound
unto Ierusalem for to be punished.
And it fortuned that as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto
Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light
round about me, and I fell unto the earth, and heard a voice saying
unto me. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered: what art
thou lord? and he said unto me? I am Iesus of Nazareth, whom thou
persecutest. And they that were with me saw verily a light and were
afraid: but they heard not the voice of him that spake with me. And I
said: what shall I do lord? And the lord said unto me: Arise and go
into Damascus and there it shall be told thee of all things which are
appointed for thee to do. And when I saw nothing for the brightness of
that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, and came
into Damascus. One Ananias a perfect man, and as pertaining to the law
having good report of all the jewes which there dwelt, came unto me,
and stood and said unto me: Brother Saul receive thy sight. And that
same hour I received my sight and saw him. And he said unto me, the God
of our fathers hath ordained thee before, that thou shouldest know his
will, and shouldest see that which is rightful, and shouldest hear the
voice of his mought: for thou shalt be his witness unto all men of
those things which thou hast seen and heard. And now: why tarriest
thou? Arise and be baptised, and wash away thy sins, in calling on the
name of the lord.
And it fortuned, when I was come again to Ierusalem and prayed in the
temple, that I was in a trance, And saw him saying unto me: Make haste,
and get thee quickly out of Ierusalem: for they will not receive the
witness that thou bearest of me. And I said: lord they know that I
prisoned, and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee. And
when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, I also stood by, and
consented unto his death and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
And he said unto me: depart for I will send thee afar hence unto the
gentiles.
They gave him audience unto this word, and lifted up their voices and
said: away with such a fellow from the earth: it is pity that he should
live. And they cried and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into
the air. The captain bade him to be brought into the castle, and
commanded him to be scourged, and to be examined, that he might know
wherefore they cried on him. And as they bound him with thongs, Paul
said unto an undercaptain: Is it lawful for you to scourge a Roman
uncondemned? When the centurion heard that, he went to the
uppercaptain, and told him saying: What intendest thou to do? This man
is a Roman.
The uppercaptain came to him, and said: Tell me, art thou a Roman? He
said: Yee. {yea} And the captain answered: With much money obtained I
this freedom. And Paul said: I was freeborn. Then straightway departed
from him they which should have examined him. And the captain also was
afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman: because he had bound him.
On the morrow he lowsed him from his bonds desiring to know the
certainty for what cause he was accused of the jewes, and commanded the
high priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paul,
and set him before them.
The .xxiij. Chapter.
Paul beheld the council and said: Men and brethren, I have lived in all
good conscience before God until this day. The high priest Ananias
commanded them that stood by, to smite him on the mought. Then said
Paul to him: God shall smite thee thou painted wall. Sittest thou and
judgest me after the law: and commandest me to be smitten contrary to
the law? And they that stood by said: Revilest thou god's high priest?
Then said Paul: I wist not brethren, that he was the high priest. For
it is written thou shalt not speak evil to the ruler of thy people.
When Paul perceived that the one part were Saduces, and the other
Pharises: He cried out in the council. Men and brethren I am a
pharisaye, the son of a pharisaye. Of hope, and of resurrection from
death I am judged. And when he had so said, there arose a debate
between the pharises and the saduces, and the multitude was divided.
For the Saduces say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor
spirit. But the Pharises grant both. And there arose a great cry, and
the scribes which were of the Pharises' part strove saying: We find
none evil in this man. Though a spirit, or an angel hath appeared to
him, let us not strive against God.
And when there arose great debate, the captain fearing lest Paul should
have been plucked asunder of them, commanded the soldiers to go down,
and to take him from among them, and to bring him into the castle. The
night following God stood by him and said: Be of good cheer Paul: For
as thou hast testified of me in Ierusalem, so must thou bear witness at
Rome.
When day was come, certain of the jewes gathered themselves together,
and made a vow saying: that they would neither eat nor drink till they
had killed Paul. They were about. xl. which had made this conspiration.
And they came to the chief priest and seniors, and said: we have bound
ourselves with a vow, that we will eat nothing until we have slain
Paul. Now therefore give ye knowledge to the upper captain, and to the
council that he bring him forth unto us tomorrow, as though we would
know some thing more perfectly of him. But we (or ever he come near)
are ready in the mean season to kill him.
When Paul's sister's son heard of their laying await, he went and
entered into the castle, and told Paul. And Paul called one of the
under captains unto him, and said: Bring this young man unto the
captain: for he hath a certain thing to shew him. And he took him, and
led him to the high captain, and said: Paul the prisoner called me unto
him and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, which hath a
certain matter to shew thee.
The high captain took him by the hand, and went apart with him out of
the way: and asked him: what hast thou to say unto me? And he said: the
jewes are determined to desire thee that thou wouldest bring forth Paul
tomorrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him
more perfectly. But follow not their minds: for there lay await for him
of them, more than xl. men, which have bound themselves with a vow,
that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now
are they ready, and look for thy promise.
The upper captain let the young man depart and charged him: See thou
tell no man that thou hast told me this. And he called unto him two
under captains, saying: make ready two hundred soldiers to go to
Cesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten. And spearmen two hundred, at
the third hour of the night. And deliver them beasts that they may put
Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the high debite, and wrote a
letter in this manner.
Claudius Lisias unto the most mighty ruler Felix sendeth greetings.
This man was taken of the jewes, and should have been killed of them:
Then came I with soldiers, and rescued him, and perceived that he was a
Roman. And when I would have known the cause, wherefore they accused
him, I brought him forth into their council. There perceived I that he
was accused of questions of their law: but was not guilty of any thing
worthy of death, or of bonds. Afterward when it was shewed me how that
the jews laid wait for the man, I sent him straight way to thee, and
gave commandment to his accusers, if they had ought against him, to
tell it unto thee: fare well.
The soldiers as it was commanded them, took Paul and brought him by
night to Antipatras. On the morrow they left horsemen to go with him,
and returned unto the castle. When they came to Cesarea, they delivered
the pistel to the debite, and presented Paul before him. When the
debite had read the letter, he asked of what country he was. And when
he understood that he was of Cicill, I will hear thee (said he) when
thine accusers are come also: And commanded him to be kept in Herod's
palace.
The .xxiiij. Chapter.
After v. days, Ananias the high priest descended, with seniors, and
with a certain orator named Tartullus, and enformed the ruler against
Paul. When Paul was called forth, Tartullus began to accuse him saying:
Seeing that we live in great quietness by the means of thee and that
many good things are done unto this nation thorow thy providence: that
allow we ever and in all places, most mighty Felix with all thanks.
Notwithstanding, lest I be not tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou
wouldest hear us of thy courtesy a few words.
We have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of debate among
all the jewes thorow out the world, And a maintainer of the sect of the
Nazarens: Which also hath enforced to pollute the temple, whom we took
and would have judged according to our law: but the high captain Lisias
came upon us, and with great violence took him out of our hands,
commanding his accusers to come unto thee, of whom thou mayest (if thou
wilt enquire) know the certain of all these things where of we accuse
him. The jewes likewise affirmed, saying that it was even so.
Then Paul (after that the ruler himself had beckoned unto him that he
should speak) answered: I shall with a more quiet mind answer for
myself, forasmuch as I understand that thou hast been of many years a
judge unto this people, because that thou mayest know that there are
yet but xij. days since I went up to Ierusalem for to pray. And that
they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, either
raising up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city.
Neither can they prove the things whereof they accuse me.
But this I confess unto thee, that after that way (which they call
heresy) so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which
are written in the law and the prophets, and have hope towards God,
that the same resurrection from death (which they themselves look for
also) shall be both of just and unjust. And therefore study I to have a
clear conscience toward God, and toward man also.
Many years ago I came and brought alms to my people and offerings, in
the which they found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude,
nor yet with unquietness. There were certain jewes out of Asia which
ought to be here present before thee, and accuse me, if they had ought
against me: or else let these same here say, if they have found any
evildoing in me, while I stand here in the council, except it be for
this one voice, that I cried standing among them of the resurrection
from death am I judged of you this day.
When Felix heard that he deferred them, for he knew very well of that
way and said: when Lisias the captain is come, I will know the utmost
of your matters. And he commanded an undercaptain to keep Paul, and
that he should have rest, and that he should forbid none of his
acquaintance to minister unto him, or to come unto him.
After a certain days came Felix, and his wife Drusilla which was a
jewess, and called forth Paul, and heard him of the faith which is
toward Christ. And as he preached of Justice, temperance, and Judgement
to come, Felix trembled, and answered: thou hast done enough at this
time, depart, when I have a convenient time, I will send for thee. He
hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul that he might
loose him, wherefore he called him the oftener, and communed with him.
After two year came Festus Porcius into Felix room, and Felix willing
to shew the jewes a pleasure left Paul in prison bound.
The .xxv. Chapter.
When Festus was come into the province, after three days, he ascended
from Cesarea unto Ierusalem. Then informed him the high priests, and
the chief of the jews against Paul. And they entreated him, and desired
favour against him that he would send for him to Ierusalem, and laid
wait for him in the way to kill him. Festus answered that Paul should
be kept at Cesarea: but that he himself would shortly depart thither.
Let them therefore (said he) which among you are able to do it come
down with us and accuse him, if there be any fault in the man.
When he had tarried there more than ten days he departed unto Cesarea,
and the next day sat down in the judgement seat, and commanded Paul to
be brought. When he was come the jewes which were come from Ierusalem,
came about him and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul,
which they could not prove as long as he answered for himself, that he
had neither against the law of the jewes, neither against the temple,
nor yet against Cesar offended any thing at all.
Festus willing to do the jewes a pleasure, answered Paul, and said:
Wilt thou go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of these things before
me? Then said Paul: I stand at Cesar's judgement seat, where I ought to
be judged. To the jewes have I no harm done, as thou verily well
knowest. If I have hurt them, or committed any thing worthy of death, I
refuse not to die. If none of these things are, where of they accuse
me, no man ought to deliver me to them. I appeal unto Cesar. Then spake
Festus with deliberation, and answered: Thou hast appealed unto Cesar:
unto Cesar shalt thou go.
After a certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Cesarea to
salute Festus. And when they had been there a good season, Festus
rehearsed Paul's cause unto the king saying: There is a certain man
left in prison of Felix about whom when I came to Ierusalem the high
priests, and seniors of the jewes informed me, and desired to have
judgement against him. To whom I answered: It is not the manner of the
Romans to deliver any man that he should perish, before that he which
is accused, have the accusers before him, and have license to answer
for himself, as pertaining to the crime whereof he is accused: when
they were come hither, without delay on the morrow I sat to give
judgement, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when
the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I
supposed: But had certain questions against him of their own
superstition, and of one Iesus which was dead. whom Paul affirmed to be
alive. Because I doubted of the questions, I asked him whither he would
go to Ierusalem, and there be judged of these matters. Then when Paul
had appealed to be kept unto the knowledge of Cesar. I commanded him to
be kept till I might send him to Cesar.
Agrippa said unto Festus: I would also hear the man myself. Tomorrow
(said he) thou shalt hear him. On the morrow when Agrippa was come and
Bernice with great pomp, and were entered into the council house with
the captains and chief men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was
brought forth, and Festus said: King Agrippa, and all men which are
here present with us: Ye see this man about whom all the multitude of
jewes have been with me, both at Ierusalem and also here, crying that
he ought not to live any longer. Yet found I nothing worthy of death
that he had committed. Nevertheless seeing that he hath appealed to
Cesar, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing
to write unto my lord. Wherefore I have brought him unto you, and
specially unto thee, king Agrippa, that after examination had, I might
have somewhat to write. For me thinketh it unreasonable for to send a
prisoner, and not to shew the causes, which are laid against him.
The .xxvj. Chapter.
Agrippa said unto Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then
Paul stretched forth his hand, and answered for himself: I think myself
happy King Agrippa, because I shall answer this day before thee of all
the things whereof I am accused of the jewes, namely because thou art
expert in all customs, and questions, which are among the jewes.
Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
My living of a child, which was at the first among mine own nation at
Ierusalem know all the jewes which knew me from the beginning, if they
would testify it. For after the most straitest sect of our lay, lived I
a pharisaye and now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise
made of God unto our fathers unto which promise, our xij. tribes
instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's
sake, king Agrippa am I accused of the jewes. Why should it be thought
a thing incredible unto you, if God raise again the dead?
I also verily thought in myself, that I ought to do many contrary
things, clean against the name of Iesus of Nazareth: which things I
also did in Ierusalem. And many of the saints shut I in prison,
moreover I received authority of the high priests: And when they were
put to death I gave the sentence. And I punished them oft in every
synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme: and was yet more mad upon
them, even unto strange cities. About the which things as I went to
Damascus with authority, and commission from the high priests, even at
mid day (king Agrippa) I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the
brightness of the sun, shine round about me and them, which journeyed
with me.
When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me,
and saying in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
It is hard for thee to kick against the prick. And I said: Who art thou
lord? And he said: I am Iesus whom thou persecutest: But rise and stand
up on thy feet. For I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make
thee a minister, and a witness both of those things which thou hast
seen, and of those things in thee which I will appear unto thee,
delivering thee from the people, and from the gentiles, unto thee which
now I send thee, to open their eyes that they might turn from darkness
unto light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive
forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by
faith in me.
Wherefore king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:
but shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Ierusalem, and thorowout
all the coasts of Iewry, and to the gentiles, that they should repent,
and turn to God, and do the right works of repentance. For this cause
the jewes caught me in the temple, and went about to kill me.
Nevertheless I obtained help of God, and stood unto this day witnessing
both to small and to great, saying none other things, than those which
the prophets and Moses did say should come, that Christ should suffer,
and that he should be the first that should rise from death, and should
shew light unto the people, and to the gentiles.
As he thus answered for himself: Festus said with a loud voice: Paul,
thou art besides thyself. Much learning hath made thee mad. And Paul
said: I am not mad most dear Festus: but speak the words of truth and
soberness. The king knoweth of these things, before whom I speak
freely: neither think I that any of these things are hidden from him.
For this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa believest thou
the prophets? I wot well thou believest. Agrippa said unto Paul:
Somewhat thou bringest me in mind for to become christen. And Paul
said: I would to God that not only thou: but also all that hear me
today, were not somewhat only, but altogether such as I am except these
bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the debite,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them. And when they were gone
apart, they talked between themselves saying: This man doth nothing
worthy of death, nor of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus: This man
might have been lowsed if he had not appealed unto Cesar.
The .xxvij. Chapter.
When it was concluded that we should sail into Italy, they delivered
Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Iulius, an undercaptain
of Cesar's soldiers. And we entered into a ship of Adramicium, and
lowsed from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of Asia, one
Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalia, being with
us. The next day came we to Sidon, and Iulius courteously entreated
Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends, and to refresh
himself. And from thence launched we and sailed hard by Cypers, because
the winds were contrary. Then sailed we over the sea of Cicill, and
Pamphylia, and came to Myra a city in Lycia.
And there the undercaptain found a ship of Alexandry ready to sail into
Italy, and put us therein, and when we had sailed slowly many days, and
scarce were come over against Gnydon (because the wind withstood us) we
sailed hard by the coast of Candy, over against Salmo, and with much
work sailed beyond it, and came unto a place called Goode port. Nigh
whereunto was a city called Lasea. When much time was spent and sailing
was now jeopardous, because also that we had overlong fasted, Paul put
them in remembrance, and said unto them: Sirs I perceive that this
voyage will be with hurt and damage, not of the lading and ship only:
but also of our lives. But the undercaptain believed the governor, and
the master, better than those things which were spoken of Paul. And
because the haven was not commodious to winter in, many took counsel to
depart thence, if by any means they might attain to Phenices and there
to winter, which haven pertaineth to Candy, and serveth to the
southwest, and northwest wind. When the south wind blew, they supposing
to obtain their purpose lowsed unto Asson, and sailed past all Candy.
But anon after there arose (against their purpose) a flaw of wind out
of the northeast. When the ship was caught, and could not resist the
wind, we let her go and drave with the weather. We came unto an isle
named Clauda, And had much work to come by a boat, which they took up,
and used help undergirding the ship, fearing lest we should have fallen
into Syrtes, and we let down a vessel and so were carried. The next day
when we were tossed with an exceeding tempest, they lightened the ship,
and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the
ship. When at the last neither sun nor star in many days appeared, And
no small tempest lay upon us, all hope that we should be saved, was
taken away.
Then after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them and
said: Sirs ye should have heard me, and not have departed from Candy,
neither to have brought unto us this harm and loss. And now I exhort
you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man's life
among you: But of the ship only. For there stood by me this night the
angel of God whose I am, and whom I serve, saying: fear not Paul, for
thou must be brought before Cesar. And lo, God hath given unto thee all
that are in the ship with thee, wherefore sirs be of good cheer, for I
believe God that so it shall be even as it was told me, and we must be
cast into a certain island.
But when the fourteenth night was come as we were carried in Adria,
about midnight the shipmen deemed that there appeared some country unto
them, and they sounded, and found it xx. fathoms. they went a little
further and sounded again, and found xv. fathoms. Then fearing lest
they should have fallen on some Rocke, they cast iiij. anchors out of
the stern, and wished for the day. As the shipmen were about to flee
out of the ship, and had let down the boat into the sea, under a colour
as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship: Paul said
unto the undercaptain and the soldiers: except these abide in the ship
ye cannot be safe. Then the soldiers cut off the rope of the boat, and
let it fall away.
And in the meantime, betwixt that and day, Paul besought them all to
take meat, saying: this is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and
continued fasting receiving nothing at all, wherefore I pray you to
take meat: for this no doubt is for your health, for there shall not an
hair fall from the head of any of you. And when he had thus spoken he
took bread and gave thanks to God in presence of them all, and brake
it, and began to eat. Then were they all of Good cheer, and they also
took meat. We were all together in the ship, two hundred and three
score and sixteen souls. When they had eaten enough, they lightened the
ship and cast out the wheat into the sea.
When it was day they knew not the land, but they spied a certain reach
with a bank, into the which they were minded (if it were possible) to
thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they
committed themselves unto the sea, and lowsed the rudder bonds and
hoised up the main sail to the wind and drew to land, but they fell
into a place, which had the sea on both the sides, and thrust in the
ship. And the fore part stuck fast, and moved not, but the hinderpart
brake with the violence of the waves.
The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners lest any of them, when
he had swum out should flee away: but the undercaptain willing to save
Paul kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they that could
swim should cast themselves first in to the sea, and scape to land. And
the other he commanded to go, some on boards, and some on broken pieces
of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they came all safe to land.
The .xxviij. Chapter.
And when they were scaped they knew that the isle was called Mileta.
The people of the country shewed us no little kindness, for they
kindled a fire and received us every one because of the present rain,
and because of cold. When Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, And put
them into the fire, a viper (because of the heat) crept out leapt on
his hand. When the men of the country saw the worm hang on his hand,
they said among themselves: this man must needs be a murderer: Whom
(though he have escaped the sea) yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
and he shook off the vermin into the fire, and felt no harm. They
waited when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly. But
after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they
changed their minds, and said that he was a God.
In the same quarters, the chief man of the isle whose name was Publius,
had a lordship: which received us, and lodged us three days
courteously. It fortuned that the father of Publius lay sick of a
fever, and of a bloody flux to whom Paul entered in and prayed, and
laid his hands on him and healed him. When this was done, other also
which had diseases in the isle, came and were healed: And they did us
great honour. And when we departed, they laded us with things
necessary.
After three months we departed in a ship of Alexandry, which had
wintered in the isle, whose badge was Castor and Pollux. And when we
came to Ciracusa, we tarried there iij. days, from whence we sailed
about and came to Regium. And after one day the south wind blew, and we
came the next day to Putiolus where we found brethren, and were desired
to tarry with them seven days, and so came we to Rome. and from thence,
when the brethren heard of us, they came to Apiphorum, and three
taverns, and met us. When Paul saw them he thanked God, and waxed bold.
When he came to Rome, the undercaptain delivered the prisoners to the
chief captain of the host: but Paul was suffered to dwell alone with
one Soldier that kept him.
It fortuned after three days Paul called the chief of the jewes to
gether. When they were come, he said unto them: Men and brethren,
though I have committed no thing against the people, or laws of our
fathers: yet was I delivered prisoner from Ierusalem into the hands of
the romans. Which when they had examined me, would have let me go,
because they found no cause of death in me: but when the jewes cried
contrary: I was constrained to appeal unto Cesar. Not because I had
ought to accuse my people of. For this cause have I called for you to
see you, and to speak with you. For I because of the hope of Israhel,
am bound with this chain.
And they said unto him: We neither received letters out of Iewry
pertaining unto thee, neither came any of the brethren that shewed or
spake any harm of thee. But we will hear of thee what thou thinkest.
For we have heard of this sect, that everywhere it is spoken against.
When they had appointed him a day, there came many unto him into his
lodging: to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God. and
preached unto them of Iesu: both by the law of Moses, and also out by
the prophets from morning to night. And some believed the things which
were spoken, and some believed not.
When they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul
had spoken one word: well spake the holy ghost by Esay the prophet unto
our fathers, saying: Go unto this people and say: with your ears shall
ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye see and
shall not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and
their ears wex thick of hearing, and their eyes have they closed, lest
they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and
understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should
heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that this consolation of God
is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it. And when he had said
that, the jewes departed from him, and had great despicions among
themselves.
But Paul dwelt two years in his lodging. And received all that came to
him, preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which
concerned the lord Iesus with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Here endeth the Actes off the Apostles.