Acts 20-28
21st Century King James Version
20 And after the uproar had ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
2 And when he had gone through those parts and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece.
3 And there he abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail for Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.
4 And there accompanied him into Asia, Sopater of Berea, and Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and from Asia, Tychichus and Trophimus.
5 These, going ahead, tarried for us at Troas.
6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread and came unto them in five days at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
7 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.
8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber where they were gathered together.
9 And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus, having fallen into a deep sleep; and as Paul was long in preaching, he sank down with sleep and fell down from the third floor and was taken up dead.
10 And Paul went down and fell on him and, embracing him, said, “Trouble not yourselves, for his life is in him.”
11 When he therefore had come up again, and had broken bread and eaten and talked for a long while, even until break of day, he departed.
12 And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted.
13 And we went ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, there intending to take aboard Paul; for so had he arranged, intending himself to go on foot.
14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.
15 And we sailed thence and arrived the next day off Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia; for he was in haste, that it might be possible for him to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called for the elders of the church.
18 And when they had come to him, he said unto them, “Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, in what manner I have been with you in all seasons,
19 serving the Lord in all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations which befell me through the lying in wait of the Jews;
20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable for you, but have shown you and have taught you publicly and from house to house,
21 testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
22 And now behold, bound by the Spirit, I go unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there,
23 save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me.
24 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 from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the Gospel of the grace of God.
25 “And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the Kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
26 Therefore I attest to you this day that I am pure from the blood of all men,
27 for I have not shrunk from declaring unto you all the counsel of God.
28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God which He hath purchased with His own blood.
29 For I know this: that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also from among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears.
32 “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 those who are sanctified.
33 I have coveted no man’s silver or gold or apparel.
34 Yea, ye yourselves know that these hands have ministered unto my own necessities, and also to those who were with me.
35 I have shown you all things, how that by so laboring 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.’”
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sorely and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
38 sorrowing most of all because of the words which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
21 And it came to pass that after we had parted from them and had launched, we came on a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara.
2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard and set forth.
3 Now when we had sighted Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her burden.
4 And having found disciples, we tarried there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 And when those days there had been accomplished, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, until we were out of the city. And we kneeled down on the shore and prayed.
6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we boarded ship, and they returned home again.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais and saluted the brethren, and stayed with them one day.
8 The next day, we who were in Paul’s company departed and came unto Caesarea, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and lodged with him.
9 And this man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.
10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judea a certain prophet named Agabus.
11 And when he had 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 who owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
12 And when we heard these things, both we and those at that place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, “What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? For I am not only ready to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 And when he would not be dissuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
15 And after those days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, who brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we were to lodge.
17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18 And the day following, Paul went with us unto James, and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord and said unto him, “Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe, and they are all zealous for the law.
21 And they are informed about thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor walk according to the customs.
22 What is therefore to be done? The multitude must surely come together, for they will hear that thou art come.
23 Do therefore this which we say to thee: We have four men who have taken a vow upon themselves.
24 Take them and purify thyself with them, and bear their charges with them, that they may shave their heads; and all may know that those things of which they have been informed concerning thee are nothing, butthat thou thyself also walkest orderly and keepest the law.
25 And as to the Gentiles who 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 things strangled, and from fornication.”
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day, purifying himself with them, he entered into the temple to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an offering should be offered for every one of them.
27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews who were from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people and laid hands on him,
28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teacheth all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place, and furthermore brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.”
29 (For they had seen previously with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved and the people ran together, and they took Paul and dragged him out of the temple; and forthwith the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the garrison that all Jerusalem was in an uproar,
32 who immediately took soldiers and centurions and ran down unto them; and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left off beating Paul.
33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him and commanded that he be bound with two chains, and demanded who he was and what he had done.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude. And when he could learn nothing with certainty because of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.
35 And when Paul came upon the stairs, so it was that he had to be borne by the soldiers because of the violence of the people.
36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, “Away with him!”
37 And as Paul was about to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, “May I speak unto thee?” And he said, “Canst thou speak Greek?
38 Art not thou that Egyptian who prior to these days madest an uproar and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men who were murderers?”
39 But Paul said, “I am a man who am a Jew of Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city; and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.”
40 And when he had given him leave, Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with his hand unto the people. And when there fell a great silence, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:
22 “Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defense which I make now unto you.”
2 (And when they heard that he spoke in the Hebrew tongue to them, they were the more silent.) And he said,
3 “I am verily a man who am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city of Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taughtaccording to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.
4 And I persecuted this Way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women,
5 as also the high priest doth bear me witness and all the council of the elders. From them I also received letters unto the brethren, and I went to Damascus to bring those who were there bound unto Jerusalem to be punished.
6 “And it came to pass that, as I made my journey and had come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7 And I fell unto the ground and heard a voice saying unto me, ‘Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?’
8 And I answered, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And He said unto me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.’
9 And those who were with me saw indeed the light and were afraid, but they heard not the voice of Him that spoke to me.
10 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 the things which are appointed for thee to do.’
11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 “And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, of good report among all the Jews who dwelt there,
13 came unto me and stood and said unto me, ‘Brother Saul, receive thy sight!’ And that same hour I looked up upon him.
14 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.
15 For thou shalt be His witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.
16 And now why tarriest thou? Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
17 “And it came to pass that when I had come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance
18 and saw Him saying unto me, ‘Make haste and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem, for they will not receive thy testimony concerning Me.’
19 And I said, ‘Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in Thee.
20 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 those who slew him.’
21 And He said unto me, ‘Depart, for I will send thee far hence, unto the Gentiles.’”
22 And the crowd gave him an audience up to this word; and then they lifted up their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live!”
23 And as they cried out and cast off their clothes and threw dust into the air,
24 the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging, so that he might find out why they cried so against him.
25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?”
26 When the centurion heard this, he went and told the chief captain, saying, “Take heed what thou doest, for this man is a Roman.”
27 Then the chief captain came and said unto him, “Tell me, art thou a Roman?” And he said, “Yea.”
28 And the chief captain answered, “With a great sum I obtained this freedom.” And Paul said, “But I was free born.”
29 Then straightway those who should have examined him departed from him, and the chief captain also was afraid after he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
30 On the morrow, because he would know with certainty why he was accused by 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.
23 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God to this day.”
2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to smite him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, “God shall smite thee, thou whited wall! For sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?”
4 And those who stood by said, “Revilest thou God’s high priest?”
5 Then said Paul, “I knew not, brethren, that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.’”
6 But when Paul perceived that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out to the council, “Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: for the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called into question!”
7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided.
8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.
9 And there arose a great cry, and the scribes who were on the Pharisees’ side arose and strove, saying, “We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.”
10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be torn to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
11 And that night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as thou hast testified for Me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.”
12 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 until they had killed Paul.
13 And there were more than forty who entered into this conspiracy.
14 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.
15 Now, therefore, ye, of the council, ask the chief captain that he bring him down unto you tomorrow, as though ye would inquire somewhat more thoroughly concerning him; and we, even before he comes near, are ready to kill him.”
16 But when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle and told Paul.
17 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.”
18 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, as he hath something to say unto thee.”
19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and going aside with him privately, asked him, “What is it that thou hast to tell me?”
20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to request thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul tomorrow into the council, as though they wished to inquire of him somewhat more thoroughly.
21 But do not thou yield unto them, for there lie in wait for him more than forty of their men, who have bound themselves with an oath that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. And now they are ready, looking for consent from thee.”
22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart and charged him, “See thou tell no man that thou hast revealed these things to me.”
23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, “Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and threescore and ten horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night;
24 and provide them with beasts that they may set Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the governor.”
25 And he wrote a letter in this manner:
26 “Claudius Lysias, unto the most excellent governor Felix, sendeth greeting:
27 This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them. Then came I with an army and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.
28 And desiring to know the cause whereof they accused him, I brought him forth into their council.
29 I perceived him to be accused about questions of their law, but there was nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds.
30 And when it was told me how the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him straightway to thee, and gave a command to his accusers also to speak before thee what they have against him. Farewell.”
31 Then the soldiers took Paul, as it was commanded them, and brought him by night to Antipatris.
32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him and returned to the castle,
33 who, when they had come to Caesarea and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province Paul was. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia,
35 he said, “I will hear thee when thine accusers have also come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall.
24 And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders and with him a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
2 And when Paul was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that by thee we enjoy much quietness, most noble Felix, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
3 we accept it always and in all places with all thankfulness.
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear from us in thy clemency a few words.
5 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,
6 who also hath gone about profaning the temple. Him we took and would have judged according to our law.
7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8 commanding his accusers to come unto thee, so that by examining him thyself, thou mayest have knowledge of all of these things whereof we accuse him.”
9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were so.
10 Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered: “Inasmuch as I know that thou hast been for many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself.
11 For thou mayest understand that there have been yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.
12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, neither stirring up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city.
13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.
14 But this I confess unto thee, that according to the Way, which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the Law and in the Prophets.
15 And I have hope in God, which they themselves also hold, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men.
17 “Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings,
18 whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, with neither crowd nor tumult.
19 These ought to have been here before thee to object if they had aught against me;
20 or else let these same say here if they have found any evildoing in me when I stood before the council,
21 unless it be for this one utterance that I cried out standing among them: ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am called into question by you this day.’”
22 And when Felix heard these things, having a more complete knowledge of that Way, he deferred the hearing and said, “When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.”
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, but to let him have some liberties, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintances to minister or come unto him.
24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jew, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as Paul reasoned about righteousness, temperance, and the Judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, “Go thy way for this time. When I have a convenient occasion I will call for thee.”
26 He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him the oftener and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’s position; and Felix, wanting to show the Jews a favor, left Paul bound.
25 Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
2 Then the high priest and the chief men of the Jews informed him against Paul and besought him,
3 desiring a favor against him: that he would have Paul brought to Jerusalem, so that they might lie in wait on the way to kill him.
4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
5 “Let those therefore,” he said, “who among you are able, go down with me and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.”
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea. And the next day, sitting in the judgment seat, he commanded Paul to be brought.
7 And when he had come, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem stood round about and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove,
8 while Paul answered for himself: “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor yet against Caesar have I offended any thing at all.”
9 But Festus, desiring to do the Jews a favor, answered Paul and said, “Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem and there be judged of these things before me?”
10 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.
11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I should not refuse to die; but if there is nothing to these things whereof they accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto Caesar.”
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, “Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? Unto Caesar shalt thou go!”
13 Some days later, King Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.
14 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,
15 about whom, when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To them I answered, ’It is not in the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die before he that is accused has the accusers face to face, and has license to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.’
17 Therefore when they had come hither, without any delay on the morrow, I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought forth,
18 against whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation of such things as I supposed,
19 but had certain questions against him concerning their own superstition and of one Jesus, who was dead and whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I was in doubt as to this manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged on these matters.
21 But when Paul appealed to be reserved for a hearing by Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.”
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, “I would also hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” said he, “thou shalt hear him.”
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and had entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus’ command Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all men who are here present with us, ye see this man about whom all the multitude of the Jews have applied to me, both at Jerusalem and also here, crying out that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he hath committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of him I have nothing certain to write unto my lord. Therefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before thee, O King Agrippa, that after we have examined him I might have something to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also to specify the crimes laid against him.”
26 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, “Thou art permitted to speak for thyself.” Then Paul stretched forth his hand and answered for himself:
2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee concerning all the things whereof I am accused by the Jews,
3 especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was from the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, is known to all the Jews.
5 They knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived as a Pharisee.
6 And now I stand and am judged because of the hope of the promise made by God unto our fathers,
7 unto which promise our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God day and night, hope to come. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.
8 Why should it be thought an incredible thing by you that God should raise the dead?
9 “I myself verily thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth,
10 which things 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.
11 And I punished them often in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly maddened against them, I persecuted them even unto foreign cities.
12 “Thereupon, as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,
13 at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, brighter than the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and those who journeyed with me.
14 And when we had 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 goads.’
15 And I said, ‘Who art Thou, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.
16 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 which I will appear unto thee,
17 delivering thee from the people and from the Gentiles unto whom now I send thee,
18 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 an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in Me.’
19 “Thereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision,
20 but showed first unto those at Damascus and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
21 For these causes the Jews seized me in the temple and went about to kill me.
22 Having therefore obtained the help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing other than what the prophets and Moses said should come:
23 that Christ should suffer, and that He should be the first who should rise from the dead, and should show light unto the people and to the Gentiles.”
24 And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, thou art beside thyself! Much learning doth make thee mad!”
25 But Paul said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness.
26 For the king himself 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.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.”
28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, “Thou almost persuadest me to be a Christian.”
29 And Paul said, “I would to God that not only thou, but also all who hear me this day, were both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these bonds.”
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and also the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them.
31 And when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds.”
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, “This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed unto Caesar.”
27 And when it was determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.
2 And entering into a ship from Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia, one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously treated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and he put us aboard.
7 And when we had sailed slowly many days and scarcely had come as far as Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone;
8 and, with difficulty passing by it, we came unto a place which is called The Fair Havens, nigh unto the city of Lasea.
9 Now after much time had been lost, and when sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was now already past, Paul admonished them
10 and said unto them, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be attended by hurt and much damage, not only to the lading and ship, but also to our lives.”
11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, rather than those things which were spoken by Paul.
12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the greater number advised to depart thence also, hoping that by some means they might attain Phoenix, which is a haven of Crete and lieth toward the southwest and northwest, and there to winter.
13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, casting loose from thence, they sailed close by Crete.
14 But not long after, there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
15 And when the ship was caught and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.
16 And running under the lee of a certain island, which is called Clauda, we had much work in securing the boat,
17 which when they had taken up, they used helps to undergird the ship. And fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, they struck sail, and so were driven.
18 And being exceedingly tossed by a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship;
19 and the third day we cast out with our own hands the ship’s tackle.
20 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.
21 But after long fasting, Paul stood forth in the midst of them and said, “Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and should not have cast loose from Crete and suffered this harm and loss.
22 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.
23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, to whom I belong and whom I serve,
24 saying, ‘Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Caesar. And lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee.’
25 Therefore sirs, be of good cheer, for I believe God, and that it shall be even as it was told to me.
26 Nonetheless, we must be cast upon a certain island.”
27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were being driven up and down in the Adriatic, about midnight the shipmen deemed that we were drawing near to some land.
28 And they took a sounding and found it to be twenty fathoms deep; and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again and found it fifteen fathoms.
29 Then, fearing lest we should be driven upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
30 And as the shipmen were about to flee from the ship, and had let down the boat into the sea under the pretext that they would cast anchors out of the prow,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these remain in the ship, ye cannot be saved.”
32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.
33 And as 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.
34 Therefore I pray you to take some meat, for this is for your health; for there shall not a hair fall from the head of any of you.”
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all; and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
36 Then they were all of good cheer, and they also took some meat.
37 And we were in all on the ship, two hundred threescore and sixteen souls.
38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and cast out the wheat into the sea.
39 And when it was day, they knew not the land, but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder ropes, and hoisted up the mainsail into the wind, and made toward shore.
41 And falling into a place where two currents met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up with the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldier’s counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out and escape.
43 But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should cast themselves first into the sea and get to land,
44 and the rest, some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass that they all escaped safely to land.
28 And when they had escaped, they then learned that the island was called Malta.
2 And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire and received us every one, because of the present rain and because of the cold.
3 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.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hanging from 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.”
5 And he shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm.
6 Now they were expecting that he should have swollen or suddenly fallen down dead; but after watching a great while and seeing no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7 In the same quarters were the possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and lodged us three days courteously.
8 And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick with a fever and a bloody flux. Paul entered in and prayed and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
9 So when this was done, others also on the island who had diseases, came and were healed.
10 These also honored us with many honors; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered on the isle and whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
13 And from thence we followed a circuitous course and came to Rhegium. And a day later the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli.
14 There we found brethren and were invited to tarry with them seven days; and so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as the Appii Forum and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.
16 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 who kept him.
17 And it came to pass that after three days Paul called the chief Jews together; and when they had 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,
18 who, when they had examined me, would have let me go because there was no cause deserving of death in me.
19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you and to speak with you, because it is for the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
21 And they said unto him, “We neither received letters from Judea concerning thee, nor did any of the brethren who came show or speak any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear from thee what thou thinkest; for concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against.
23 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 until evening.
24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not.
25 And when they were unable to agree among themselves, they departed after Paul had spoken one word: “Well spoke the Holy Ghost through Isaiah the prophet unto our fathers,
26 saying, ‘Go unto this people and say, “Hearing, ye shall hear and shall not understand; and seeing, ye shall see and not perceive.
27 For the heart of this people has 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.”’
28 “Be it known therefore unto you that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.”
29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had great reasoning among themselves.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house and received all who came in unto him,
31 preaching the Kingdom of God and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Copyright © 1994 by Deuel Enterprises, Inc.