and came into the city: and the next day he departed with Barnabas to
Derbe.
44:014:021 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had
taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,
44:014:022 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to
continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter
into the kingdom of God.
44:014:023 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and
had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they
believed.
44:014:024 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to
Pamphylia.
44:014:025 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down
into Attalia:
44:014:026 And thence sailed to Antioch, from whence they had been
recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled.
44:014:027 And when they were come, and had gathered the church
together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had
opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.
44:014:028 And there they abode long time with the disciples.
44:015:001 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the
brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses,
ye cannot be saved.
44:015:002 When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and
disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and
certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and
elders about this question.
44:015:003 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed
through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles:
and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
44:015:004 And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of
the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things
that God had done with them.
44:015:005 But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which
believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command
them to keep the law of Moses.
44:015:006 And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of
this matter.
44:015:007 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and
said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God
made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word
of the gospel, and believe.
44:015:008 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving
them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;
44:015:009 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their
hearts by faith.
44:015:010 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck
of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?
44:015:011 But we believe that through the grace of the LORD Jesus
Christ we shall be saved, even as they.
44:015:012 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to
Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought
among the Gentiles by them.
44:015:013 And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying,
Men and brethren, hearken unto me:
44:015:014 Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the
Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
44:015:015 And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is
written,
44:015:016 After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle
of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins
thereof, and I will set it up:
44:015:017 That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all
the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all
these things.
44:015:018 Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the
world.
44:015:019 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which
from among the Gentiles are turned to God:
44:015:020 But that we write unto them, that they abstain from
pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled,
and from blood.
44:015:021 For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach
him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
44:015:022 Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole
church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and
Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the
brethren:
44:015:023 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The
apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which
are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.
44:015:024 Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from
us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must
be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment:
44:015:025 It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to
send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,
44:015:026 Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
44:015:027 We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell
you the same things by mouth.
44:015:028 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon
you no greater burden than these necessary things;
44:015:029 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood,
and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep
yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.
44:015:030 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when
they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle:
44:015:031 Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.
44:015:032 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted
the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.
44:015:033 And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in
peace from the brethren unto the apostles.
44:015:034 Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.
44:015:035 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and
preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
44:015:036 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again
and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of
the LORD, and see how they do.
44:015:037 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname
was Mark.
44:015:038 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed
from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.
44:015:039 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they
departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and
sailed unto Cyprus;
44:015:040 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the
brethren unto the grace of God.
44:015:041 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the
churches.
44:016:001 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain
disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which
was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:
44:016:002 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at
Lystra and Iconium.
44:016:003 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and
circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for
they knew all that his father was a Greek.
44:016:004 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the
decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which
were at Jerusalem.
44:016:005 And so were the churches established in the faith, and
increased in number daily.
44:016:006 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of
Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in
Asia,
44:016:007 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into
Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
44:016:008 And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
44:016:009 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man
of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help
us.
44:016:010 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured
to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us
for to preach the gospel unto them.
44:016:011 Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course
to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
44:016:012 And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that
part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding
certain days.
44:016:013 And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side,
where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the
women which resorted thither.
44:016:014 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the
city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord
opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.
44:016:015 And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought
us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into
my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.
44:016:016 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel
possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters
much gain by soothsaying:
44:016:017 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men
are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of
salvation.
44:016:018 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned
and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to
come out of her. And he came out the same hour.
44:016:019 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was
gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace
unto the rulers,
44:016:020 And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being
Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,
44:016:021 And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive,
neither to observe, being Romans.
44:016:022 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the
magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.
44:016:023 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them
into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely:
44:016:024 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the
inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.
44:016:025 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto
God: and the prisoners heard them.
44:016:026 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the
foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors
were opened, and every one's bands were loosed.
44:016:027 And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and
seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have
killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled.
44:016:028 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm:
for we are all here.
44:016:029 Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came
trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,
44:016:030 And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be
saved?
44:016:031 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou
shalt be saved, and thy house.
44:016:032 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that
were in his house.
44:016:033 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their
stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
44:016:034 And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat
before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
44:016:035 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the serjeants,
saying, Let those men go.
44:016:036 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul, The
magistrates have sent to let you go: now therefore depart, and go in
peace.
44:016:037 But Paul said unto them, They have beaten us openly
uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison; and now do they
thrust us out privily? nay verily; but let them come themselves and
fetch us out.
44:016:038 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and
they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
44:016:039 And they came and besought them, and brought them out, and
desired them to depart out of the city.
44:016:040 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house
of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and
departed.
44:017:001 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia,
they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
44:017:002 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three
sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,
44:017:003 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered,
and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto
you, is Christ.
44:017:004 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas;
and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a
few.
44:017:005 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto
them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and
set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and
sought to bring them out to the people.
44:017:006 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain
brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the
world upside down are come hither also;
44:017:007 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the
decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
44:017:008 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when
they heard these things.
44:017:009 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other,
they let them go.
44:017:010 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by
night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the
Jews.
44:017:011 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that
they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the
scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
44:017:012 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women
which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.
44:017:013 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word
of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and
stirred up the people.
44:017:014 And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it
were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still.
44:017:015 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and
receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with
all speed, they departed.
44:017:016 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was
stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
44:017:017 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and
with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with
him.
44:017:018 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the
Stoicks, encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say?
other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he
preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.
44:017:019 And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying,
May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
44:017:020 For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears: we
would know therefore what these things mean.
44:017:021 (For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent
their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new
thing.)
44:017:022 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men
of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious.
44:017:023 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an
altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye
ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
44:017:024 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that
he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;
44:017:025 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed
any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;
44:017:026 And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on
all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before
appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;
44:017:027 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel
after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:
44:017:028 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain
also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
44:017:029 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not
to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven
by art and man's device.
44:017:030 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now
commandeth all men every where to repent:
44:017:031 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge
the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he
hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the
dead.
44:017:032 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some
mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter.
44:017:033 So Paul departed from among them.
44:017:034 Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the
which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and
others with them.
44:018:001 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to
Corinth;
44:018:002 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately
come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had
commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
44:018:003 And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and
wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers.
44:018:004 And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded
the Jews and the Greeks.
44:018:005 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul
was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was
Christ.
44:018:006 And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook
his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am
clean; from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.
44:018:007 And he departed thence, and entered into a certain man's
house, named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house joined hard to
the synagogue.
44:018:008 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on
the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing
believed, and were baptized.
44:018:009 Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision, Be not
afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace:
44:018:010 For I am with thee, and no man shall set on thee to hurt
thee: for I have much people in this city.
44:018:011 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the
word of God among them.
44:018:012 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made
insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the
judgment seat,
44:018:013 Saying, This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to
the law.
44:018:014 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said
unto the Jews, If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O ye
Jews, reason would that I should bear with you:
44:018:015 But if it be a question of words and names, and of your law,
look ye to it; for I will be no judge of such matters.
44:018:016 And he drave them from the judgment seat.
44:018:017 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the
synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for
none of those things.
44:018:018 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then
took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with
him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had
a vow.
44:018:019 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself
entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
44:018:020 When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he
consented not;
44:018:021 But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this
feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God
will. And he sailed from Ephesus.
44:018:022 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted
the church, he went down to Antioch.
44:018:023 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went
over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all
the disciples.
44:018:024 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an
eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.
44:018:025 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being
fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the
Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.
44:018:026 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when
Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded
unto him the way of God more perfectly.
44:018:027 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren
wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come,
helped them much which had believed through grace:
44:018:028 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly,
shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
44:019:001 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul
having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding
certain disciples,
44:019:002 He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye
believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether
there be any Holy Ghost.
44:019:003 And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And
they said, Unto John's baptism.
44:019:004 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of
repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him
which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
44:019:005 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the
Lord Jesus.
44:019:006 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost
came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.
44:019:007 And all the men were about twelve.
44:019:008 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the
space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning
the kingdom of God.
44:019:009 But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake
evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and
separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.
44:019:010 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all
they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and
Greeks.
44:019:011 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:
44:019:012 So that from his body were brought unto the sick
handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the
evil spirits went out of them.
44:019:013 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them
to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the LORD Jesus,
saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.
44:019:014 And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of
the priests, which did so.
44:019:015 And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul
I know; but who are ye?
44:019:016 And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and
overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that
house naked and wounded.
44:019:017 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling
at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus
was magnified.
44:019:018 And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their
deeds.
44:019:019 Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books
together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of
them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.
44:019:020 So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.
44:019:021 After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit,
when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem,
saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.
44:019:022 So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto
him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
44:019:023 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.
44:019:024 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made
silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;
44:019:025 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation,
and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.
44:019:026 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but
almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away
much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
44:019:027 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at
nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be
despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and
the world worshippeth.
44:019:028 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath,
and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
44:019:029 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having
caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in
travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
44:019:030 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the
disciples suffered him not.
44:019:031 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends,
sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the
theatre.
44:019:032 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the
assembly was confused: and the more part knew not wherefore they were
come together.
44:019:033 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews
putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would
have made his defence unto the people.
44:019:034 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice
about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.
44:019:035 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye
men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of
the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the
image which fell down from Jupiter?
44:019:036 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye
ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.
44:019:037 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither
robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.
44:019:038 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him,
have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies:
let them implead one another.
44:019:039 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it
shall be determined in a lawful assembly.
44:019:040 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's
uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this
concourse.
44:019:041 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.
44:020:001 And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the
disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia.
44:020:002 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them
much exhortation, he came into Greece,
44:020:003 And there abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for
him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through
Macedonia.
44:020:004 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of
the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and
Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
44:020:005 These going before tarried for us at Troas.
44:020:006 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened
bread, and came unto them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven
days.
44:020:007 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came
together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the
morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.
44:020:008 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they
were gathered together.
44:020:009 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus,
being fallen into a deep sleep: and as Paul was long preaching, he sunk
down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up
dead.
44:020:010 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said,
Trouble not yourselves; for his life is in him.
44:020:011 When he therefore was come up again, and had broken bread,
and eaten, and talked a long while, even till break of day, so he
departed.
44:020:012 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little
comforted.
44:020:013 And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there
intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to
go afoot.
44:020:014 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to
Mitylene.
44:020:015 And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against
Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium;
and the next day we came to Miletus.
44:020:016 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would
not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him,
to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
44:020:017 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of
the church.
44:020:018 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know,
from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been
with you at all seasons,
44:020:019 Serving the LORD with all humility of mind, and with many
tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the
Jews:
44:020:020 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but
have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
44:020:021 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks,
repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
44:020:022 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not
knowing the things that shall befall me there:
44:020:023 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying
that bonds and afflictions abide me.
44:020:024 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life
dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the
ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel
of the grace of God.
44:020:025 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone
preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
44:020:026 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from
the blood of all men.
44:020:027 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of
God.
44:020:028 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock,
over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the
church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
44:020:029 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous
wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
44:020:030 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse
things, to draw away disciples after them.
44:020:031 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three
years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
44:020:032 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of
his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance
among all them which are sanctified.
44:020:033 I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel.
44:020:034 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered
unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
44:020:035 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought
to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he
said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
44:020:036 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with
them all.
44:020:037 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed
him,
44:020:038 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.
44:021:001 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and
had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day
following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
44:021:002 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went
aboard, and set forth.
44:021:003 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left
hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was
to unlade her burden.
44:021:004 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said
to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
44:021:005 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went
our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children,
till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and
prayed.
44:021:006 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship;
and they returned home again.
44:021:007 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to
Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
44:021:008 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and
came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the
evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
44:021:009 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did
prophesy.
44:021:010 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from
Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
44:021:011 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and
bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So
shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and
shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
44:021:012 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that
place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
44:021:013 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine
heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem
for the name of the Lord Jesus.
44:021:014 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The
will of the Lord be done.
44:021:015 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to
Jerusalem.
44:021:016 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea,
and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom
we should lodge.
44:021:017 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us
gladly.
44:021:018 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and
all the elders were present.
44:021:019 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what
things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
44:021:020 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said
unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are
which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
44:021:021 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the
Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they
ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the
customs.
44:021:022 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together:
for they will hear that thou art come.
44:021:023 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which
have a vow on them;
44:021:024 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges
with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those
things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but
that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
44:021:025 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and
concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep
themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from
strangled, and from fornication.
44:021:026 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself
with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the
days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every
one of them.
44:021:027 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which
were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the
people, and laid hands on him,
44:021:028 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that
teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this
place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath
polluted this holy place.
44:021:029 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an
Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
44:021:030 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and
they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors
were shut.
44:021:031 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the
chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
44:021:032 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down
unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they
left beating of Paul.
44:021:033 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded
him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he
had done.
44:021:034 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude:
and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded
him to be carried into the castle.
44:021:035 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was
borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
44:021:036 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away
with him.
44:021:037 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the
chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?
44:021:038 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an
uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were
murderers?
44:021:039 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in
Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to
speak unto the people.
44:021:040 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs,
and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a
great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
44:022:001 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make
now unto you.
44:022:002 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to
them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
44:022:003 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in
Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught
according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was
zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
44:022:004 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and
delivering into prisons both men and women.
44:022:005 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the
estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the
brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound
unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
44:022:006 And it came to pass, 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.
44:022:007 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me,
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
44:022:008 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am
Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
44:022:009 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were
afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
44:022:010 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.
44:022:011 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being
led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
44:022:012 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a
good report of all the Jews which dwelt there,
44:022:013 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul,
receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
44:022:014 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that
thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear
the voice of his mouth.
44:022:015 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast
seen and heard.
44:022:016 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash
away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
44:022:017 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to
Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance;
44:022:018 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly
out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
44:022:019 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in
every synagogue them that believed on thee:
44:022:020 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was
standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them
that slew him.
44:022:021 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence
unto the Gentiles.
44:022:022 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up
their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it
is not fit that he should live.
44:022:023 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw
dust into the air,
44:022:024 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the
castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might
know wherefore they cried so against him.
44:022:025 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the
centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a
Roman, and uncondemned?
44:022:026 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief
captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
44:022:027 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art
thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
44:022:028 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I
this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
44:022:029 Then straightway they departed from him which should have
examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that
he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
44:022:030 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty
wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and
commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought
Paul down, and set him before them.
44:023:001 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and
brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.
44:023:002 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him
to smite him on the mouth.
44:023:003 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited
wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to
be smitten contrary to the law?
44:023:004 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?
44:023:005 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high
priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy
people.
44:023:006 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and
the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am
a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the
dead I am called in question.
44:023:007 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the
Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
44:023:008 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither
angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
44:023:009 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the
Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man:
but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against
God.
44:023:010 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain,
fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded
the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and
to bring him into the castle.
44:023:011 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be
of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so
must thou bear witness also at Rome.
44:023:012 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and
bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor
drink till they had killed Paul.
44:023:013 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
44:023:014 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We
have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until
we have slain Paul.
44:023:015 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief
captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would
enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come
near, are ready to kill him.
44:023:016 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait, he
went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
44:023:017 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said,
Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing
to tell him.
44:023:018 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and
said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this
young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
44:023:019 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with
him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
44:023:020 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou
wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they
would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
44:023:021 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for
him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an
oath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him:
and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
44:023:022 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and
charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to
me.
44:023:023 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two
hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and
spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
44:023:024 And provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring
him safe unto Felix the governor.
44:023:025 And he wrote a letter after this manner:
44:023:026 Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix
sendeth greeting.
44:023:027 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed
of them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood
that he was a Roman.
44:023:028 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused
him, I brought him forth into their council:
44:023:029 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law, but
to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
44:023:030 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the
man, I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers
also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
44:023:031 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul, and
brought him by night to Antipatris.
44:023:032 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and
returned to the castle:
44:023:033 Who, when they came to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to
the governor, presented Paul also before him.
44:023:034 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what
province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
44:023:035 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come.
And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
44:024:001 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with
the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the
governor against Paul.
44:024:002 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him,
saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very
worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
44:024:003 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix,
with all thankfulness.
44:024:004 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I
pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
44:024:005 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of
sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of
the sect of the Nazarenes:
44:024:006 Who also hath gone about to profane the temple: whom we took,
and would have judged according to our law.
44:024:007 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great
violence took him away out of our hands,
44:024:008 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of
whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we
accuse him.
44:024:009 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
44:024:010 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to
speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a
judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
44:024:011 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but
twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
44:024:012 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any
man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in
the city:
44:024:013 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
44:024:014 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they
call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things
which are written in the law and in the prophets:
44:024:015 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow,
that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and
unjust.
44:024:016 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience
void to offence toward God, and toward men.
44:024:017 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and
offerings.
44:024:018 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the
temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
44:024:019 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they
had ought against me.
44:024:020 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil
doing in me, while I stood before the council,
44:024:021 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among
them, Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by
you this day.
44:024:022 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect
knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief
captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
44:024:023 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him
have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to
minister or come unto him.
44:024:024 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife
Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning
the faith in Christ.
44:024:025 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment
to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I
have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
44:024:026 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul,
that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and
communed with him.
44:024:027 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room: and
Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
44:025:001 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days
he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
44:025:002 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him
against Paul, and besought him,
44:025:003 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to
Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to kill him.
44:025:004 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,
and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
44:025:005 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go
down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
44:025:006 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he
went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat
commanded Paul to be brought.
44:025:007 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem
stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul,
which they could not prove.
44:025:008 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the
Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have I
offended any thing at all.
44:025:009 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul,
and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these
things before me?
44:025:010 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I
ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well
knowest.
44:025:011 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy
of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things
whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto
Caesar.
44:025:012 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council,
answered, Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
44:025:013 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto
Caesarea to salute Festus.
44:025:014 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared
Paul's cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds
by Felix:
44:025:015 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and
the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against
him.
44:025:016 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to
deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the
accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning
the crime laid against him.
44:025:017 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on
the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be
brought forth.
44:025:018 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none
accusation of such things as I supposed:
44:025:019 But had certain questions against him of their own
superstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be
alive.
44:025:020 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked
him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these
matters.
44:025:021 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of
Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
44:025:022 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man
myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
44:025:023 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with
great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief
captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was
brought forth.
44:025:024 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here
present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the
Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that
he ought not to live any longer.
44:025:025 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of
death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined
to send him.
44:025:026 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord.
Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before
thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat
to write.
44:025:027 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not
withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
44:026:001 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for
thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
44:026:002 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer
for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am
accused of the Jews:
44:026:003 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs
and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear
me patiently.
44:026:004 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among
mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
44:026:005 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that
after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
44:026:006 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise
made of God, unto our fathers:
44:026:007 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God
day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am
accused of the Jews.
44:026:008 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that
God should raise the dead?
44:026:009 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things
contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
44:026:010 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints
did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief
priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
44:026:011 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled
them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted
them even unto strange cities.
44:026:012 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission
from the chief priests,
44:026:013 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven,
above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which
journeyed with me.
44:026:014 And 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 pricks.
44:026:015 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom
thou persecutest.
44:026:016 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto
thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of
these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I
will appear unto thee;
44:026:017 Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto
whom now I send thee,
44:026:018 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to 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 that
is in me.
44:026:019 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the
heavenly vision:
44:026:020 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and
throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they
should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
44:026:021 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went
about to kill me.
44:026:022 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this
day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than
those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
44:026:023 That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first
that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people,
and to the Gentiles.
44:026:024 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud
voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
44:026:025 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth
the words of truth and soberness.
44:026:026 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I
speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden
from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
44:026:027 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou
believest.
44:026:028 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be
a Christian.
44:026:029 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also
all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I
am, except these bonds.
44:026:030 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the
governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
44:026:031 And when they were gone aside, they talked between
themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
44:026:032 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set
at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
44:027:001 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy,
they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a
centurion of Augustus' band.
44:027:002 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning
to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of
Thessalonica, being with us.
44:027:003 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously
entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh
himself.
44:027:004 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus,
because the winds were contrary.
44:027:005 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia,
we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
44:027:006 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing
into Italy; and he put us therein.
44:027:007 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come
over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete,
over against Salmone;
44:027:008 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The
fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
44:027:009 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now
dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
44:027:010 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be
with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of
our lives.
44:027:011 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner
of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
44:027:012 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the
more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might
attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and
lieth toward the south west and north west.
44:027:013 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had
obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
44:027:014 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind,
called Euroclydon.
44:027:015 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the
wind, we let her drive.
44:027:016 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we
had much work to come by the boat:
44:027:017 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding
the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake
sail, and so were driven.
44:027:018 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day
they lightened the ship;
44:027:019 And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling
of the ship.
44:027:020 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no
small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken
away.
44:027:021 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of
them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have
loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
44:027:022 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.
44:027:023 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I
am, and whom I serve,
44:027:024 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar:
and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.
44:027:025 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it
shall be even as it was told me.
44:027:026 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
44:027:027 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up
and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near
to some country;
44:027:028 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had
gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
44:027:029 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast
four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
44:027:030 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when
they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they
would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
44:027:031 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these
abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
44:027:032 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her
fall off.
44:027:033 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to
take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried
and continued fasting, having taken nothing.
44:027:034 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your
health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
44:027:035 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks
to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to
eat.
44:027:036 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some
meat.
44:027:037 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and
sixteen souls.
44:027:038 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and
cast out the wheat into the sea.
44:027:039 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they
discovered a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were
minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
44:027:040 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed
themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the
mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
44:027:041 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the
ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but
the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
44:027:042 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any
of them should swim out, and escape.
44:027:043 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their
purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves
first into the sea, and get to land:
44:027:044 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of
the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
44:028:001 And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island
was called Melita.
44:028:002 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for
they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present
rain, and because of the cold.
44:028:003 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them
on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his
hand.
44:028:004 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his
hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom,
though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
44:028:005 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
44:028:006 Howbeit they looked 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.
44:028:007 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the
island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three
days courteously.
44:028:008 And it came to pass, 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.
44:028:009 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in the
island, came, and were healed:
44:028:010 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed,
they laded us with such things as were necessary.
44:028:011 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria,
which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
44:028:012 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
44:028:013 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium:
and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to
Puteoli:
44:028:014 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them
seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
44:028:015 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to
meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul
saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
44:028:016 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the
prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by
himself with a soldier that kept him.
44:028:017 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the
chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said
unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the
people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from
Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
44:028:018 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because
there was no cause of death in me.
44:028:019 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to
appeal unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
44:028:020 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you,
and to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound
with this chain.
44:028:021 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of
Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or
spake any harm of thee.
44:028:022 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as
concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
44:028:023 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him
into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God,
persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out
of the prophets, from morning till evening.
44:028:024 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some
believed not.
44:028:025 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed,
after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias
the prophet unto our fathers,
44:028:026 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear,
and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive:
44:028:027 For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears
are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should
see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their
heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
44:028:028 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is
sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
44:028:029 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had
great reasoning among themselves.
44:028:030 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and
received all that came in unto him,
44:028:031 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which
concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding
him.