The Acts of the Followers
1 [1-8] The earlier work I made for you, Theophilus, told of all that Yeshua began to do and teach, until the day in which the Christ was taken up, after the Christ, through the Holy Spirit, had told the followers, whom Yeshua had chosen, what to do: To whom also the Christ appeared alive after suffering death on the cross, by many unmistakable proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the realm of God: And being gathered together with them, the Christ said, Don’t leave from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of Yahweh God, who I am from. You’ve heard me say, John truly baptized with water; but you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit a few days from now. So when they had come together, they asked, saying, “Christ, will you now give Israel back again the realm of God?” But the Christ answered, "It isn’t for you to know the days or periods of time, which are all in the power of Yahweh God. But you’ll have power, after the Holy Spirit comes on you: and you’ll be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and even to the farthest parts of the world.”
[9-14] And when Yeshua had spoken this, even as they watched, the Christ was taken up in the sky, with a cloud blocking their sight. And as they kept on looking toward heaven as the Christ went up, two messengers stood by them in white clothing; Who said, “You people of Galilee, why are you standing here staring up into heaven? This same Yeshua, which has been taken up from you into heaven, will come again in the same way as you’ve seen the Christ go into heaven.” Then they came back to the city from the Mount of Olives, which is a Seventh Day's walk from Jerusalem. And when they had come in, they went upstairs into an upper room, where Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, the child of Alphaeus, Simon, the Zealot, and Judas, the brother of James, were. They all came together with one heart, praying and making requests, along with the women, Mary, the mother of Yeshua, and with the other Christians.
Matthias Chosen
[15-26] And in those days Peter stood up in the middle of the followers, (about a hundred and twenty all together) saying, “Christians, this Word had to have been completed, which the Holy Spirit spoke by the mouth of David about Judas, who was the guide to those who took Yeshua. “He was included in our number, and had taken part in this ministry.” (Now Judas bought a field with the profit of his sin; and falling headfirst, his body burst open, and all his insides fell out. And everyone who lives in Jerusalem knew this; so that field is called in their language, Aceldama, which means, Field of Blood.) “The Word says in the book of Psalms, “Leave his home empty, and let no one live in it: and let someone else take up his work.” So which of these others who have been with us all the time that Christ Yeshua went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, to that same day that the Christ was taken up from us, must be set apart to be a witness with us of the Christ’s coming to life again?” So they chose two, Joseph, who is called Barsabas, who was nicknamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, saying, “You, Christ, who knows the hearts of everyone, show us which of these two You’ve chosen, who will take part in the leadership of this ministry, from which Judas by sin fell, that he might go where he belonged.” And they threw their lots to see who would be chosen; and the lot fell on Matthias; who was numbered along with the other eleven leaders.
Peter’s Sermon on the Day of Pentecost
2 [1-13] And when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all in the same place together with one heart. And suddenly a loud noise from heaven, like a very strong wind, filled the whole house where they were sitting together. And they all saw what looked like split languages of fire, which came to rest on each of them. And everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them words. And many people were staying at Jerusalem, both Jews, and other dedicated people, from all over the world. Now when they heard the noise sound out, the crowd came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speaking in their own language. And everyone was amazed and wondered about it, saying to one another, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galilaeans? So how do we hear them in our own languages, which came from where we were born? Parthians, Medes, Elamites, those who live in Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, Libya near Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and converts, Cretes and Arabians, we all hear them speak of the amazing things God has done in our own languages.” And everyone was amazed, and wondered, asking one another, “What does this mean?” Others mocking them said, “These people are drunk on new wine.”
[14-21] But Peter, standing up with the eleven, spoke out, saying to them, “You people of Judea, and all you that live at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen carefully to My Words: because these people aren’t drunk, like you think. You can see it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. But this is what was spoken by the great preacher Joel; And in the last days, says God, I’ll pour out of My Spirit on all people: and your sons and your daughters will preach, and your young people will see visions, and your old people will dream dreams: And on My male and My female workers I’ll pour out of My Spirit in those days; and they’ll all preach: And I’ll show amazing things in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and smoky vapors: The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon will shine blood red, till that great and notable day of Yahweh God comes: And whoever will call on the Name of Yahweh God will be saved.
[22-36] You people of Israel, hear these words; Yeshua of Nazareth, someone who lived among you and who was approved by God by the amazing and wonderful signs, which God did among you through Yeshua, as you yourselves also know: This person, being given by the unchangeable direction and foreknowledge of God, you’ve taken, and by evil hands have put to death on the cross: Whom God has brought back to life, having been freed from the sufferings of death, because it wasn’t possible for the Christ to be held by it. And David speaks about the Christ, saying, I saw the Christ before my face, who is always beside me, so that I wouldn’t be shaken: So my heart celebrated, and my voice was happy; and my body will also rest in hope: because you won’t leave my soul in hell, nor will you let your Holy One decay. You’ve made known to me the ways of life; you’ll make me full of joy when you come. Everyone, let me speak to you freely of our ancestor David, who’s both dead and buried, and whose tomb is with us to today. David, being a great preacher, knew that God had sworn to him with a promise, that from one of his own descendants, the Christ would be raised up to sit on his throne; So knowing this, David spoke of the new life of Christ, that the Christ’s soul wasn’t left in hell, nor was the Christ’s body decayed. This Yeshua, God has brought back to life, in which we are all witnesses. So being lifted up on the right side of God, and having gotten the promise of the Holy Spirit from God, the Christ has poured it out upon us, which is what you now see and hear. David hasn’t gone up into the heavens: but said himself, Yahweh God said to my Christ, “Sit beside Me, until I put your enemies under your feet.” So let all the house of Israel know without a doubt, that God has made that same Yeshua, whom you’ve put to death, both Ruler and Christ.”
[37-40] Now when the people heard this, their hearts were greatly saddened, saying to Peter and to the rest of the followers, “Everyone, what should we do?” Then Peter answered, “Change your evil ways, and all of you be baptized in the Name of Yeshua the Christ for the forgiveness of sins and you’ll get the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are to come, whoever Yahweh God will call.” And with many other words, Peter talked to them and strongly encouraged them, saying, “Save yourselves from the evil of the people of this time.”
All Things Together In Common
[41-47] Then those who gladly accepted his word were baptized: and this same day about three thousand souls were added to their numbers. And they faithfully stayed in the followers' teachings, breaking bread and praying in loving friendship. And every soul feared and wondered at many amazing things and signs that had happened by the followers. And everyone that believed had all things together in common; And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them out to everyone, as they had need. And continuing daily with one heart in the place of worship, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with happiness and undivided hearts, praising God, and having favor with all the people. And God gave to the church daily all who would be saved.
The Crippled Walks
3 [1-11] Now Peter and John went up together into the place of worship at the time of prayer, being three o’clock. And someone unable to walk from birth was carried and laid daily at the gate of the place of worship which is called Beautiful, to ask for money of those who went in the place of worship; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the place of worship asked for a gift. And Peter, looking at him with John, said, “Look at us.” And he looked up to them, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “I don’t have any money; but what I have I give to you: In the Name of Yeshua the Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.” And they took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and suddenly his feet and ankle bones were made strong. And jumping up, he stood up and walked, and came with them into the place of worship, walking, leaping, and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God: And they knew that it was the one who sat waiting for gifts at the Beautiful gate of the place of worship: and they were amazed and wondered at what had happened to him. And as the person who was unable to walk and was healed held Peter and John, all the people, who were greatly amazed, ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's.
[12-18] And when Peter saw it, he said to the people, “People of Israel, why are you so amazed at this? Why are you staring at us, as though by our own power or goodness we had made this person walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our ancestors, has made Yeshua, God’s Christ, known; whom you gave up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to let the Christ go. But you denied the Holy and Godly One, and wanted a murderer to be freed to you instead; And you killed the One who has the power of life, which God has brought back to life from the dead; in which we’re all witnesses. And through faith in the Christ’s name, this person was made strong, whom you see and know: yes, the faith in the name of Yeshua, which is through the Christ, has given this person complete healing in the presence of you all. And now, people, I understand that you did it in ignorance, as your rulers also did. But those things, which God had showed by the words of all the great preachers, that Christ would suffer, have now happened.
[19-26] So change your evil ways, and turn back to God, that your sins can be forgiven, so that the times of refreshing will come from the presence of God; And God will send Yeshua the Christ, which was preached to you: Whom heaven must keep until the time when everything will be made right, which God has spoken by the mouth of all the great holy preachers since the world began. The truth is, Moses said to the ancestors, Yahweh your God will raise up to you a great preacher out of your own people, like me; Listen to whatever is said to you by this One. Every soul, which won’t listen to that great preacher, will be completely separated from among the people. Yes, and all the great preachers from Samuel and those that follow after, whoever has spoken, has foretold of these days. You’re the children of the great preachers, and of the promised agreement which God made with our ancestors, saying to Abraham, ‘and your descendant will bless all the families of the earth.’ God, having brought back Yeshua the Christ to life, sent the Christ to you first to bless you, by turning all of you away from your uncontrolled actions.”
Peter and John Jailed
4 [1-4] And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the leader of the place of worship, and those of the Religious sects, came to them, being upset that they taught the people, and preached through Yeshua the coming to life again from the dead. So they took them, and put them in a holding cell till the next day because it was now evening. But many of those who heard the Word believed; and the people numbered about five thousand.
[5-12] And then the next day, their rulers, the elders, the religious leaders, Annas, the leading priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and all those who were kin to the leading priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had put them in the middle, they asked, “Who gave you the power to do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, answered, “You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel, If we’re being questioned today about the good thing we did to the helpless person, who was made well; Let it be known to all of you, and to all the people of Israel, that it was by the Name of Yeshua the Christ of Nazareth, whom you put to death, and whom God raised from the dead, that this person stands here before you made completely well. This is the stone that was not chosen by you builders, which has now been chosen for the most important cornerstone. Nor can we be saved by any other because there’s no other name under heaven given to humanity, by which we can be saved.
[13-22] Now when they saw that Peter and John had no fear, and realized that they were untaught and without knowledge, they were amazed and took note that they had been with Yeshua. And seeing the person who was healed standing with them, they couldn’t say anything against it. So they told them to leave the courtroom, and they talked among themselves, saying, “What are we going to do to these people? There’s no doubt that a notable miracle has been done by them. It’s plain to all who live in Jerusalem; and we can’t deny it. But so that it spread no further among the people, let’s strictly warn them not to speak to anyone in this name again.” And they called them, and told them not to speak at all, nor teach in the Name of Yeshua. But Peter and John asked them, “Which is right in the sight of God? To listen to you more than to God, what do you say? We can’t say anything but what we’ve seen and heard.” So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people. And everyone praised God for what happened, because the person on whom this miracle of healing was done was more than forty years old.
Peter and John Released
[23-30] And being let go, they went to their own company, and told all that the leading priests and elders had said. And when they heard that, they called out to God with one heart, saying, “Yahweh, You are God, who has made heaven and earth, and the sea, and everything that is in them: Who by the mouth of Your worker David has said, ‘Why did the ungodly rage, and the people imagine meaningless things? The rulers of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against Yahweh God, and against God’s Christ.’ The truth is, both Herod, Pontius Pilate, the people of Israel, and all the other peoples were gathered together against Your Holy One Yeshua, whom You’ve anointed, to do whatever You decided was to be done. And now, God, listen to their threatening: and help Your workers speak Your word without fear. Let us be Your healing hands, let there be great signs, and let amazing things be done by the Name of Your Holy One, Yeshua.”
All Things Together In Common
[31-37] And when they had finished praying, the place where they were gathered together shook strongly; and everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God without fear. And all of those who believed were of one heart and of one mind: no one said that anything they had was their own; but they had all things together in common. And the followers spoke with great power about the coming to life again of Christ Yeshua: and great grace was on them all. No one lacked anything among them because whoever had lands or homes sold them, and brought whatever they got from the things that were sold, and laid it down at the followers' feet: and everyone was given according to their needs. And Joses, who by the followers was nicknamed Barnabas, which means “the child of comfort,” and Matthew, from the country of Cyprus, sold the land they owned, and brought the money, and laid it at the followers' feet.
Ananias and Sapphira Lie
5 [1-11] Someone named Ananias, along with Sapphira, his spouse, sold some land, but kept back part of the price. With Sapphira being in on it, he brought a certain part, and laid it at the followers' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Wasn’t it yours as long as you owned it? And after it was sold, wasn’t it in your own power? Why have you planned this thing in your heart? You haven’t lied to human beings, but to God.” And when Ananias heard these words, he fell down, and died: and great fear came on all those who heard about it. And some young people got up, wound him up, carried him out, and buried him. Then about three hours later, Sapphira, not knowing what had happened, came in. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for this much?” And she said, “Yes, for that much.” Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you’ve agreed together to tempt the Spirit of God? The feet of those who buried your husband are at the door, and will carry you out as well.” Then suddenly she fell down at their feet, and died: and the young people came in, and found her dead, and carried her out, and buried her by her husband. And great fear came on all the church, and on whoever heard this.
Peter’s Shadow
[12-16] And the followers did many great signs and amazing things among the people; (and everyone was with one heart in Solomon's porch. But none of the rest dared to join them, even though the people thought highly of them. And more and more, both men and women believed in Christ and were added to their numbers.) So much so, that they brought the sick out into the streets, and laid them on beds and pallets, that Peter’s shadow might at least overshadow some of them as he passed by. A crowd also came out of the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and those who were suffering with evil spirits: and they were all healed.
Peter and the Followers Released from Jail by an Angel
[17-28] Then the leading priest and all those of the religious sect who were with him were filled with resentment, and took the followers, and put them in the common prison. But the angel of God opened the prison doors that night, and brought them out, saying, “Go, stand, and speak in the place of worship to the people all the Words of this life.” And when they heard that, they went in the place of worship early in the morning, and taught. But when the leading priest and those who were with him came, they called the court together and all the elders of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they didn’t find them in the prison, and came back, and told them, saying, “The truth is, we found the prison shut tight, and the guards standing outside the doors: but when we had opened them, we found no one inside.” Now when the leading priest and the captain of the guard of the place of worship, and the other priests heard this, they wondered what would happen next. Then someone came and told them, saying, “Those people you put in prison are standing in the place of worship, and teaching the people.” Then the captain and the officers went and brought them without violence because they were afraid, thinking the people might try to kill them. And when they had brought them, they brought them before the court: and the leading priest asked them, saying, “Didn’t we clearly tell you that you shouldn’t teach in this name? And you’ve filled all Jerusalem with your teachings, and intend to bring this person's blood on us.”
[29-32] Then Peter and the other followers answered, “We must obey God, not people. The God of our ancestors brought Yeshua back to life, which you hung on a cross and killed. The Christ was lifted up to God’s own right side to be a Ruler and a Savior, to give the people of Israel a chance to change their ways, and be freed from sins. And we’re Christ’s witnesses of this; and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who accept the Christ.”
Beaten for Christ’s Sake
[33-42] When they heard that, they were so angry they planned to kill them. Then someone stood up in the court, a Religious leader, named Gamaliel, a teacher of the Word of God, who had a good reputation among all the people, and told them to put the followers out for a little while; Who said, “You people of Israel, be very careful what you intend to do with these people. Someone named Theudas once came, bragging about himself and claiming to be somebody important; to whom about four hundred people joined themselves: who was put to death; and all who followed him were scattered out, and brought to nothing. Later someone named Judas of Galilee came in the days of the taxing, and drew many people after himself, who was also killed; and all who followed him were scattered. And now I tell you, don’t do anything to these people, and leave them alone because if these words or this work is of human origin, it’ll come to nothing: But if it’s of God, you can’t stop it; and you may even find yourselves to be fighting against God.” And they all agreed with him: and when they had called the followers, and beaten them, they told them not to speak in the Name of Yeshua, and let them go. And they went from the presence of the court, with joy that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for the name of Christ. And they didn’t stop teaching and preaching about Yeshua the Christ, but spoke daily in the place of worship, and in every house.
Stephen Chosen
6 [1-4] And in those days, when the number of followers was growing, the Grecian followers secretly complained against the Hebrew followers, because their widows were being neglected in the daily ministry. Then the twelve called all the followers to them, saying, “It isn’t right that we neglect spreading the Word of God to serve tables. So, Christians, pick out from among you seven people known to be honest and respectable, who are full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we can appoint over this business, so we may continue to pray, and to do the ministry of the Word.”
[5-8] And this pleased the whole crowd, so they chose Stephen, someone full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert of Antioch. They brought them before the followers, who prayed for them, and laid their hands on them. And the Word of God spread; and the number of the followers in Jerusalem grew daily; and a great many of the Jewish priests accepted the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did wonderful and amazing things among the people.
[9-15] Then some of the local worshipers from the Church of the Free People, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those of Cilicia and Asia, began arguing with Stephen. But they weren’t able to speak against the wisdom and the spirit of Stephen. Then they secretly told some to say, “We’ve heard this person speak disrespectful words against Moses, and against God.” So they stirred up the people, the elders, and the religious leaders, who came to take Stephen and brought him to the court. The false witnesses said, “This person won’t stop speaking disrespectful words against this holy place, and the Word of God: We’ve heard him say that this Yeshua of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the way of life which Moses gave us.” And all that sat in the court, stared intently at Stephen, whose face shown like the face of an angel.
Stephen Martyred
7 [1-10] Then the leading priest asked, “Is this so?” And Stephen said, "Everyone, listen carefully; The God of victory appeared to our ancestor Abraham, who was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said, ‘Get out of your country, and go away from your family, and go the land which I’ll show you.’ Then Abraham came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and lived in Haran: and from there, when his father died, God moved Abraham’s family into this land in which you now live. But God gave him no inheritance in it, no, not even enough to set a foot on. But still God promised to give it to the descendants of Abraham for a possession, when Abraham still had no child. And God said that the descendants would live in a foreign country, which would make slaves of them, and treat them cruelly for four hundred years. ‘And then I’ll judge the nation who enslaves them,’ God said: ‘and after that they’ll come out of that country, and serve Me in this place.’ And God gave them the sign of the promised agreement, which was the cutting of the male foreskin. So Abraham had Isaac, and cut his flesh on the eighth day; and Isaac had Jacob; and Jacob had the twelve leaders of the families of Israel, who acted in jealousy, and sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him, and freed him from all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt, who made him governor over Egypt and his whole house.
[11-22] Now a drought came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, with great suffering, so that our ancestors had no food. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, our ancestors were sent the first time. Then when they were sent a second time, Joseph was made known to his brothers; and Joseph's family was made known to Pharaoh. Then Joseph sent, and called Jacob to come, and all their family, seventy-five people in all. So Jacob went down into Egypt, where he and our ancestors died, and whose bones were carried back into Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought from the children of Hamor, the leader of Shechem. But when the time came near for the promise to take place, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and grew in Egypt, till another ruler came, which didn’t know Joseph. This Pharaoh was very cruel to our people, and treated our ancestors horribly, making them throw their babies in the river and kill them. Moses was born at this time, and was a beautiful baby, and was nursed in his parent's house three months: And when Moses was put out, Pharaoh's daughter found him, and brought him up as her own child. And Moses was taught in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was powerful in words and in actions.
[23-36] And when Moses was forty years old, it came into his heart to go see the children of Israel. And seeing one of them being beaten, he defended them, and took revenge for the one who was hurt, and killed the Egyptian. He thought the Hebrews would understand how that God would free them through him: but they didn’t understand. And the next day he came up to two of them as they argued, and wanted to help them make peace again, saying, ‘People, you’re family; Why are you fighting one another?’ But the one who did the other wrong pushed him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Will you kill me, as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ When he said this, Moses ran away, and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he had two children. And after another forty years, an angel of God appeared to him in the countryside of Mount Sinai in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight: and as he came nearer, he heard the voice of God say, ‘I am the God of your ancestors, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Then Moses was so afraid that he dared not look. Then God said to him, ‘Take your shoes from off your feet because the place where you’re standing is holy ground. I’ve seen the suffering of My people in Egypt, and I’ve heard their crying, and I am come down to free them. And now come, I’ll send you back to Egypt.’ This Moses whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’ was the same person God sent to be their leader to free them by the power of the Angel who appeared to him in the bush. So Moses led them out, showing them amazing things for forty years, with signs in the land of Egypt, in the Red sea, and in the countryside.
[37-50] This is the same Moses, who said to the children of Israel, ‘Yahweh your God will send you a great preacher out of your own people, like me; Listen to this One.’ This is the One who was in the meeting place in the countryside with the angel which spoke to him in Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors who got the words of life to give to us. But our ancestors wouldn’t accept him, rejected Moses, and turned their hearts back to Egypt again, saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go with us. As for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we don’t even know what has happened to him.’ And they made a golden calf in those days, and offered sacrifices and celebrated in the false worship of something made by their own hands. So God turned away from them, and let them worship the planets and stars of heaven; as the Word says in the book of the great preachers, ‘House of Israel, did you give Me animals to be killed and sacrifices those forty years in the countryside? You took up the worship of Molech, and worshiped the star of your god Remphan; things which you made yourselves to worship them: so I’ll carry you far away beyond Rome.’ Our ancestors had the place of worship in the desert as a witness of God’s Word, who had told Moses to make it the way that God had shown it to him. Our ancestors that came afterwards brought it in with Joshua into the land of the other peoples, whom God drove out before them. It was used until the time of David, who found favor with God, and wanted to find a place of worship for the God of Jacob that wouldn’t be moved. But Solomon built the house of God, though the Most High God doesn’t live in places of worship made by humans; as the great preacher once said, ‘God said, Heaven is My throne, and the earth is where I rest My feet, so what kind of house will you build Me to rest in? Haven’t I made all this Myself?’
[51-60] You stubborn people are uncleansed in your heart and ears, you always reject the Holy Spirit: you do just as your ancestors did. Have any of the great preachers not been abused by your ancestors? They’ve put to death all those who told them of the coming of the Christ; And now, you, who have the Word of God by the gift of angels, and haven’t kept it, have handed over and murdered Yeshua the Christ.” When they heard this, they were deeply angered, and they ground their teeth at him. But Stephen, being full of the Holy Spirit, stared up into heaven, and saw the light of God, and Yeshua standing on the right side of God, and said, “I see heaven opened up, and the Christ standing on the right side of God.” Then they yelled loudly, and stopped listening, and ran at him all together, and put him out of the city, and stoned him to death, laying down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen while he called on God, saying, “Christ Yeshua, take my spirit.” And he kneeled down, and called out with a loud voice, “Christ, don’t hold this sin against them.” And after he said that, he fell dead.
Saul Persecutes the Church
8 [1-8] Now Saul agreed to Stephen’s death. And at that time the church at Jerusalem was greatly discriminated against; so much that everyone except the followers were scattered throughout all the areas of Judea and Samaria, but some dedicated people carried Stephen to be buried, and mourned greatly over him. As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, going into every Christian home, putting both men and women into prison. So those who were scattered out went every where preaching the New Word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached about Christ to them. And the people listened to what Philip spoke with one heart, because they both heard and saw the amazing things which he did. Evil spirits, calling out with loud voices, came out of many that were overcome by them, and many who were paralyzed, and that were unable to walk, were healed, also. There was great joy in that city.
Simon, the Witch, is Converted
[9-24] But there was someone, named Simon, who used witchcraft before in that same city, and fooled the people of Samaria, making out that he was someone great. Everyone in the city listened to him, from the youngest to the oldest, saying, “This person is the great power of God.” And they had great respect for him, because he had fooled them with his witchcraft for so long. But when they believed Philip’s preaching about the things of the realm of God, and the Name of Yeshua the Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself also believed, and when he was baptized, he stayed with Philip, and was amazed, watching all the amazing things and signs which had happened. Now when the followers who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the Word of God, they sent Peter and John to them: Who, when they had come down, prayed for the Holy Spirit to come on them: (because the spirit hadn’t fallen on any of them yet; they were only baptized in the Name of Christ Yeshua.) Then they laid their hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came on all of them. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the followers' hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying, “Give me this power, too, so that whoever I lay hands on can get the Holy Spirit.” But Peter said, “Your money will be destroyed along with you, because you think that the gift of God can be bought with money. You can’t have any part in this, because your heart isn’t right in the sight of God. Change your evil ways, and pray to God that maybe what you thought in your heart can be forgiven you. I realize that you have a spirit of bitterness, and are being controlled by sin.” Then Simon said, “Pray to God for me, that what you’ve just said won’t happen to me.”
Phillip Baptizes
[25-40] And when they had told us the truth and preached the Word of God, they went back to Jerusalem, preaching the New Word in many of the Samaritan towns, which were of mixed race. And an angel of God spoke to Philip, saying, “Get up, and go south, toward the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is deserted.” So he got up and went, coming to someone who was from Ethiopia, one of Queen Candace’s helpers, who had great power and was in charge of all her wealth. He had come to Jerusalem to worship, and was returning, sitting in a chariot reading from Isaiah, the great preacher. Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and catch up to this chariot.” And Philip ran up to it, and heard the person reading from the great preacher Isaiah, saying, “Do you understand what you’re reading?” And he answered, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” And he asked Philip to come up and sit with him. He was reading in the Word at this place, “The Christ was led as an animal to slaughter; and like a dumb lamb to its shearer, who didn’t cry out: The Christ was humbled, whose judgment was taken away. Who will tell of the Christ’s people? The Christ’s life was taken from the earth.” And the person asked Philip, saying, “Who does the great preacher speak about? of himself, or of some other person?” Then Philip began to speak at the same place, and preached about Yeshua to him. And as they went on, they came to a place with water, so the person asked Phillip, “Look, here’s some water; what’s keeping me from being baptized?” And Philip answered, “If you believe with all your heart, you can.” And the person said, “I believe that Yeshua the Christ is the Child of God.” They told the chariot to stop, and both of them went down into the water; and Phillip baptized him. And when he had come up out of the water, the Spirit of God caught Philip, away and he never saw him again, but went on with great joy. And Philip was brought to Azotus, so passing through, he preached in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.
Saul Sees the Christ
9 [1-9] And Saul, still threatening to slaughter the followers of God, went to the leading priest, and asked for letters to send him to Damascus to the places of worship, and that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, to arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, coming near Damascus, a bright light suddenly shined from heaven all around him. He fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you trying to hurt me?” And he said, “Who are you, Christ?” And the Christ said, “I am Yeshua, who you are trying to hurt: isn’t it hard for you to fight against My prods?” And trembling and amazed Saul said, “Christ, what do you want me to do?” And the Christ said, “Get up, and go into the city, and you’ll be told there what you must do.” And the others who went with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but not seeing anyone. And Saul got up from the ground; and when his eyes opened, he couldn’t see anything. So they led him by the hand, bringing him into Damascus. And he couldn’t see for three days, nor did he eat or drink anything.
Saul’s Ministry Begins
[10-22] And there was a certain follower at Damascus, named Ananias; and God said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he answered, “I am here, Christ.” And the Christ said, “Get up, and go to the street named Straight, and ask in the house of Judas for someone called Saul of Tarsus, because he prays, and has seen in a vision someone named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him to give him sight again.” Then Ananias said, “Christ, I’ve heard by many of this person, and how much evil he has done to your people at Jerusalem: And now he has power from the leading priests to arrest all that call on Your Name.” But the Christ said, “Go now because he’s has been chosen by Me, to bring My Name to the other peoples, and rulers, and the children of Israel: but I’ll show him the great things he must suffer because of My Name.” And Ananias left, and went to the house, and putting his hands on Saul said, “Brother Saul, Christ Yeshua, who appeared to you down the road as you came, has sent me, that you might see again, and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” And suddenly something like scales fell from his eyes and he could see then. He got up, and was baptized right then. And after he had eaten, he was strengthened. Then Saul stayed a few days with the followers at Damascus. Then suddenly, he began to preach about Christ in the places of worship, that Yeshua was the Child of God. Everyone who heard him was amazed, saying, “Isn’t this the one who killed all those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that very reason, to arrest them and bring them to the leading priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and shamed the Jews which lived at Damascus, proving that Yeshua was, in fact, the Christ.
[23-31] And after a long time had passed, the Jews planned to kill him, but Saul found out about their plan. They watched the gates day and night to kill him, but the followers took him by night, and let him down a window in the city wall in a basket. Then when Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the followers, but everyone was afraid of him, and didn’t believe that he was really a follower. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the followers, and told them how he had seen Christ on the road, and that the Christ had spoken to him, and how he had preached without fear at Damascus in the Name of Yeshua. So he was with the followers at Jerusalem, coming and going with them. And he spoke without fear in the Name of Christ Yeshua, and argued with the Greeks, who tried to kill him. So when the Christians found out, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him to Tarsus. Then the churches had rest throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria, and grew. And walking in the fear of God, and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, their numbers grew greatly.
Peter raises Tabitha from the Dead
[32-43] And then, as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down to the Christians who lived at Lydda, also. And Peter found someone named Aeneas there, who had been bed-ridden for eight years, and was paralyzed. And Peter said, “Aeneas, Yeshua the Christ makes you well: Get up, and make up your bed.” And suddenly, he got up. And everyone that lived at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to Christ. Now at Joppa, there was a certain follower named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. This woman was always doing good things and loved everyone. And then in those days, she got sick, and died, who they had washed, and lay in an upstairs room. And so as Lydda was near Joppa, the followers had heard that Peter was there, so they sent two people, hoping that Peter would come quickly. So Peter got up and went with them, and when he came, they brought him to the upstairs room. All the widows stood around crying, and showing him the coats and clothes which Dorcas had made, while she was alive. But Peter put them all out, and kneeling down to pray, turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, Get up.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. And Peter gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called in all the Christians and widows, and showed them that she was alive. And it was made known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Christ. And then Peter stayed for a long time in Joppa with someone named Simon, who was a tanner.
Peter’s Vision
10 [1-8] There was someone in Caesarea named Cornelius, a soldier of the Italian band. He was a dedicated person, who believed in God along with his whole family, who gave many gifts to the people, and always prayed to God. He saw clearly in a vision at about three o’clock in the afternoon, an angel of God coming to him, and saying, “Cornelius.” And when he saw it, he was afraid, saying, “What is it, Christ?” And the angel said, "Your prayers and your gifts have gone up as a memorial to God. Now send to Joppa, and call for someone named Simon, whose is called Peter, who lives with another named Simon, who is a tanner, whose house is by the sea shore: he’ll tell you what you need to do.” And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius was gone, he called two of his household workers, and a dedicated soldier of those who waited on him continually; And when he told this to them, he sent them to Joppa.
[9-18] The next day, as they went on their journey, and came near the city, Peter went up on the rooftop to pray about noon: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while it was being made, he fell into a trance, and saw heaven open up. And something like a great sheet knotted at its four corners came down to him, which was let down to the earth. All kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, insects, and birds of the air were in the sheet. And a voice spoke to him, saying, “Get up, Peter; kill, and eat.” But Peter said, “No, Christ, I’ve never eaten anything that is common or bad for me.” And the voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God says is good, don’t call evil.” This happened three times, and then the sheet was taken up again into heaven again. Now while Peter was wondering what this vision that he had seen meant, those who were sent from Cornelius had asked where Simon's house was, and stood at the gate, asking whether Simon, who was nicknamed Peter, lived there.
[19-33] While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said, “Three people are looking for you. So get up, and go down stairs. Go with them, doubting nothing because I’ve sent them.” Then Peter went down to those who were sent to him from Cornelius; saying, “I’m the One you’re looking for. Why have you come?” And they said, “Cornelius, the soldier, a good person, who believes God, and has a good name among the whole nation of the Jews, was told by God through a holy angel to call you to come to his home to hear what you have to say.” Then he called them in, asking them to stay for the night. The next day Peter went away with them, along with some Christians from Joppa, who went with them. And the next day they came to Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, and had called all his kin people and close friends together. And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met them, and bowed down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, stand up; “I’m just a man, myself.” And as he talked with them, they went in, and found that many people had come together. So Peter said, “You know how it’s not proper for a Jew to keep company, or come to the house of someone from another nation; but God has shown me that I shouldn’t call anyone common or evil. So I came to you without arguing, as soon as I was sent for: So I ask why you’ve sent for me?” And Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was going without food until this time; and at three o’clock I was praying in my house, and someone came to me in bright clothing, and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts are remembered in the sight of God. So send to Joppa, and call Simon, whose nickname is Peter, who lives in the house of someone named Simon, who is a tanner by the sea shore. When he comes, he’ll speak to you.’ So I sent to you right away; and it’s good that you’ve come. So now that we’re all here before God, we want to hear everything that God has told you.”
[34-43] Then Peter began telling them, “The truth is, I realize now that God doesn’t favor one person over another: But in every nation whoever believes God, and does good things, is accepted by God. The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preached peace by Yeshua the Christ, who is the Christ of all. That Word, I say, and you know, was published throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached. God anointed Yeshua of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were kept down by the devil, because God was with the Christ. And we’re witnesses of everything which the Christ did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they hung on a cross and killed. But God brought the Christ back to life on the third day, who was openly seen; Not by all the people, but to the witnesses chosen by God, those of us who ate and drink with Yeshua after the Christ rose from the dead. And the Christ told us to preach to the people, and to tell others that it’s Yeshua who was chosen by God to be the Judge of both those alive and dead. All the great preachers have witnessed that through the Name of Christ, whoever believes in Yeshua the Christ will be forgiven of their sins.”
[44-48] While Peter was speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard it. And the Jews who came with Peter and were believers were amazed, knowing that the gift of the Holy Spirit was given to the other peoples also, when they heard them speak with other languages, and praising God. Then Peter said, “Can anyone deny them water, that these people shouldn’t be baptized, who have gotten the Holy Spirit just as we did?” And Peter told them to be baptized in the Name of Christ. Then the people asked them to stay a few days.
Peter Tells the News at Jerusalem
11 [1-10] And the followers and the Christians from Judea heard that the other peoples had also heard the Word of God. And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, those who were of the Jews argued with him, saying, “You went to those who are not of us, and ate with them.” But Peter went over the story from the beginning, and explained it to them in order, saying, “I was in the city of Joppa praying and in a trance when I saw in a vision something like a large sheet come down, which was let down from heaven by its four corners; and it came down to me. And when I looked at it, I thought about it, and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, insects, and birds of the air. And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Get up, Peter; kill and eat.’ But I said, ‘No, Christ; I have never eaten anything common or bad for me.’ But the voice from heaven said to me again, ‘What God says is good, don’t call evil.’ And this happened three times: and it was all taken back up into heaven again.
[11-18] And suddenly there were three people, who had already come to the house where I was, and who were sent from Caesarea to me. And the Spirit wanted me to go with them, without doubting anything. Besides this, these six Christians came with me, and we went in to the person's house, who told us how he had seen an angel in his house, which said, ‘Send to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose nickname is Peter; Who will tell you words, by which you and all your house will be saved.’ And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as it did on us at the beginning. Then I remembered the words of Christ, who said, ‘The truth is, John baptized with water; but you’ll be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ So then, as God gave them the same gift, who believed on Yeshua the Christ, as we ourselves got; who was I that I could go against God?” When they heard this, they didn’t say anything else, but praised God, saying, “Then God has also given to the other peoples a chance to change their ways to have life without end.”
The Followers Called Christians
[19-30] Now those, who were scattered out from the discrimination that rose up after Stephen was killed, traveled as far as Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the Word only to the Jews. And some of them were those of Cyprus and Cyrene, who after coming to Antioch, spoke to the Grecians, preaching about Christ Yeshua. And the hand of God was with them: and many people believed, and turned to God. Then news of this came to the church that was in Jerusalem, so they sent out Barnabas, to go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen God’s grace, was happy, and encouraged them all that they should cling to God with all their hearts. He was a good person, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith: and many people came to God through him. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus, to look fo Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And then for a whole year they gathered with the church, and taught all the people. And the followers were first called Christians in Antioch. And in these days great preachers came from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them named Agabus stood up, and said by the spirit that there would be a great drought throughout the whole world, which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the followers, everyone as they were able, decided to send relief to the Christians who lived in Judea, which they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
Herod Beheads James, Peter Freed From Jail
12 [1-10] Now about that time Herod the ruler used his power to trouble some of the church. And he beheaded James, the brother of John with the sword. And when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he tried to take Peter also, during the celebration days of unleavened bread. And when he arrested him, and put him in prison, he ordered four troops of guards to keep him; intending after Passover to bring him out to the people. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church didn’t stop praying to God for him. And the night before Herod was to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two guards, held with two chains; and the doorkeepers kept the prison tight. And the angel of God came to him, and a bright light shined in the prison. The messenger hit Peter on the side, and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off from his hands. Then the angel said, “Get dressed, and put on your sandals.” And so he did. And then the angel said, “Throw your coat around you, and follow Me.” And he went out, and followed along; and didn’t know that what was happening by the angel was really true; but thought that he was seeing a vision. When they were past the first and the second guards of the prison, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened up for them all by themselves. And they went out, going down the street; and then the angel was gone.
[11-19] And when Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I know for sure, that God has sent the messenger, and has taken me out of Herod’s hands, saving me from what the Jews were hoping for.” Then when he had thought about it, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, whose nickname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying. And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to listen carefully. When she knew Peter's voice, she didn’t open the gate, being so happy, but ran in, and told them that Peter was at the gate. They said to her, “You’re crazy.” But she kept on telling them the same thing. Then they said, “It’s his spirit.” But Peter kept knocking, and when they opened the door, and saw him, they were amazed. But Peter, waving to them with his hands to be quiet, told them how God had brought him out of the prison. And they said, “Go tell this to James, and the followers.” So he left, and went there. Now as soon as it was day, the guards were very upset, and didn’t know what happened to Peter. And when Herod called for him, and they couldn’t find him, he questioned the guards, and ordered them to be killed. So Peter went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.
Herod Dies
[20-25] Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon, but they came with one heart to him, having made Blastus, the ruler's own private assistant, their friend, and wanted peace because their country was supported by food from the ruler's country. Then on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his public throne, and made a speech to them. And the people shouted out, saying, “It’s the voice of a god, and not of a man.” And suddenly the angel of God struck him, because he didn’t give God due respect, and he was eaten of worms, and died. And the Word of God grew more and more. Then Barnabas and Saul came back from Jerusalem, when they had completed their ministry, and took along John, whose nickname was Mark.
Paul and Barnabas Sent Out
13 [1-13] Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain great preachers and teachers; Barnabas, Simeon that was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the governor, and Saul. As they ministered to God, and went without food to pray, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Me Barnabas and Paul for the work that I’ve called them.” And when they had gone without food and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, went to Seleucia; and from there they sailed to Cyprus. And when they were at Salamis, they preached the Word of God in the places of worship of the Jews, having John to help them. And when they had gone past the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false preacher, a Jew, whose name was Bar-jesus, who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, who was a careful person and called for Barnabas and Saul, because he wanted to hear the Word of God. But Elymas the sorcerer (this is the meaning of his name) refused to accept them, looking for a way to turn the deputy away from the faith. Then Saul, (who is also called Paul,) filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him, and said, “You sneaky and lying child of the devil, you enemy of everything good, won’t you stop twisting the right ways of God? And now, the hand of God is on you, and you’ll be blind, not seeing the sun for a while.” And suddenly a mist of darkness fell on him; and he went about looking for someone to lead him by the hand. Then the deputy, when he saw what happened, believed, being amazed at the Word of God. Now when Paul and the others left from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them and went back to Jerusalem.
[14-22] But when they went from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the place of worship on a Day of Worship, and sat down. And after the reading of the Word of God and the great preachers, the rulers of the place of worship asked them, saying, “Do you all have any word of encouragement for the people? If so, say so.” Then Paul stood up, and waving with his hand, said, “People of Israel, and you who honor and respect God, pay attention. The God of this people of Israel chose our ancestors, and uplifted the people when they lived as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with great strength brought them out of it. And God put up with their ways for forty years in the countryside. And when God had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, their land was divided to them by lot. And after that God gave them judges for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel, the great preacher came. And later when they wanted a ruler: God gave them Saul, the child of Kish, from the family of Benjamin, for forty years. And when God had removed him, God lifted up David to be their ruler; of whom also God said, ‘David the child of Jesse, I’ve found, is someone after my own heart, which will fulfill all My will.’
[23-37] God has raised up a descendant of this person, as promised to Israel, a Savior, Yeshua. John had first preached before the Christ’s coming, the baptism of a changed life, to all the people of Israel. And as John finished his work, he asked, ‘Who do you think I am? I’m not the one you’re looking for. But, there comes One after me, whose shoes I am not worthy to undo.’ You people, children of the family of Abraham, and whoever among you respects God, the Word of how to be saved is sent to you now. Those who live at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn’t know Yeshua was the Christ, nor even the voices of the great preachers which are read every Day of Worship, they’ve made to come true by passing judgment on the Christ. And even though they found no reason for a death sentence, they still wanted Pilate to put Yeshua to death. They did everything that was written about the Christ, who they took down from the cross and laid in a tomb. But God raised the Christ from the dead, who was seen for a long time by those who came up with Yeshua from Galilee to Jerusalem. We are the witnesses of Christ to the people, and tell you this happy news. The promise which was made to the ancestors, God has made happen for all of us, who are their children, through this person. God has brought Yeshua back to life again; as it’s also written in the second song, ‘You’re My Child, today I have born you.’ And about God raising the Christ from the dead, no more to return to death, God said in this way, ‘I’ll give you the true promises of David.’ Which is why God also said this in another song, ‘You won’t let your Holy One rot in the grave.’ But David, after having served his own people by the will of God, died, and was laid with his ancestors, and rotted in his grave. But the Christ didn’t rot, whom God brought back to life.
[38-43] So we want you to know, dear people and loved ones, that through this person, who we’ve preached to you, you can be saved from your sins. Through Christ, all that believe are made right from everything, from which you couldn’t be made right by the Word of God which was given to Moses. So beware, in case what was spoken of in the great preachers comes on you: ‘See, you who hate others, wonder and die! I’ll do something in your days, something you’ll never believe, even if someone tells it to you.’ And when the Jews had gone out of the place of worship, the other peoples begged them to preach this to them the next Day of Worship. Now when the people left, many of the Jews and religious converts followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, proved to them that they should stay in God’s grace.
[44-52] When the next day of Worship came, almost the whole city came together to hear the Word of God. But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were jealous, and spoke against what Paul was saying, contradicting him and disrespecting God. Then Paul and Barnabas, having no fear, said, “It was necessary that the Word of God was first spoken to you, but seeing you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, we turn to the other peoples. The Christ has told us, saying, ‘I’ve made you to be a light to the other peoples, that you would teach all people how to be saved, even to the farthest parts of the world.’” And when the other peoples heard this, they were happy, and praised the Word of God: and whoever was set apart for everlasting life believed in the Christ. And the Word of Christ was published throughout the whole region. But the Jews stirred up the dedicated and honorable women, and the leading men of the city, and made the people prejudiced against Paul and Barnabas, and forced them to leave out of their coasts. So they shook the dust off of their feet as a witness against them, and came to Iconium. And the followers were joyful, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
Paul Stoned and Left for Dead
14 [1-7] Later, in Iconium, they went both together into the Jews’ place of worship, and spoke, so that a great crowd, both of the Jews and also of the Greeks, believed. Then the unbelieving Jews stirred up the other peoples, and made them turn against the Christians. But they stayed a long time, speaking without fear in Christ, who gave witness to the Word of God’s grace, letting signs and amazing things be done by their hands. So the people of the city were divided, part of them agreeing with the Jews, and part with the followers. And when an attack was planned by both the other peoples, and also by the Jews, along with their rulers, to abuse them shamefully, and kill them, they became aware of it, and ran away to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the region that lies around them. So they preached the New Word there.
[8-18] And there was someone at Lystra, sitting helpless, being a cripple in their feet from birth, who had never walked. This person heard Paul speak, who firmly watching them, knew that this person had faith to be healed, and said with a loud voice, “Stand on your feet.” And suddenly this person jumped up and walked. And when the people saw what Paul had done, they called out, saying in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of human beings.” And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the leading speaker. Then the priest of Jupiter for their city, brought a cow and a wreath to the gates, and would have sacrificed the cow with the people. But when the followers, Barnabas and Paul, heard about it, they tore their clothes, and ran in among the people, calling out, and saying, “People, why are you doing this? We’re human beings just like you and have a human nature, and preach to you so that you will turn from these empty practices to the living God, who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in it: Who in the past let all nations act in their own ways. Just the same, God left us a witness. God is good, giving us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and happiness.” And with this, they barely kept the people from worshiping them.
[19-28] And certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium came, who won over the people to stone Paul, and they threw him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But as the followers stood around him, he got up, and went back into the city. The next day he went with Barnabas to Derbe. And when they had preached the New Word to that city, and had taught many, they came back through Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, proving the souls of the followers, and encouraging them to stay in the faith, and telling them that we must go through many troubles to come into the realm of God. And when they had set apart elders for every church, and had prayed, willingly going without food, they trusted them to God, on whom they believed. And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. When they had preached the Word in Perga, they went down into Attalia, where they then sailed to Antioch, and where they were praised for God’s grace to them for the work they’d done. And when they had come, and had gathered the church together, they went over everything that God had done with them, and how they had opened the door of faith to the other peoples. They stayed there a long time with the followers.
Questions of the Law
15 [1-11] And some people which came down from Judea told the Christians, “Unless you’re flesh is cut in the way of Moses, you can’t be saved.” So when Paul and Barnabas had a big disagreement with them and argued about it, they decided that Paul and Barnabas, and a few more of them, would go to Jerusalem to the followers and elders to ask about it. The church sending them on their way, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, telling how the other peoples were saved: and all the Christians there were very happy about it. And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, and the followers and elders, and they told them everything that God had done with them. But some of the sects of the religious leaders who believed got up, saying that they needed to cut the foreskins of the other peoples, and to order them to obey the Word of God by Moses. And the followers and elders came together to decide the matter. After there had been a lot of arguing, Peter got up, saying to them, “Christians, you know how that a good while ago God chose among us, that the other peoples by my mouth would hear the New Word, and believe. And God, which knows the hearts, gave them witness, by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as God did to us. God put no difference between us and them, making their hearts pure by faith. So now, why are you tempting God, to put restrictions on the new followers, which neither our ancestors, nor we were able to carry? Don’t we believe that through the grace of Yeshua the Christ we’ll be saved, just as they do?”
[12-21] Then everyone was silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, who told them what wonderful and amazing things God had done among the other peoples by them. And after they stopped speaking, James said, “Christians, listen carefully to me: Simeon has made known how God first visited the other peoples, to take a people out of them for God’s name. And the Words of the great preachers agree with this; as the Word says, “I’ll return later, and will rebuild the place of worship of David, which is fallen down; and I’ll rebuild its ruins, and I’ll set it up, so that the rest of the peoples might look for God, and all the other peoples, on whom My Name is called, God said, who does all this”. God knows everything we’ve done from the beginning of the world. So this is what I think: we shouldn’t trouble those who came from among the other peoples who turned to God. We should write to them, and tell them not to worship anything else but God, not to do any sexual sin, and not to eat anything that has been strangled, or still has blood in it. Moses, since long ago, has been made known to them in every city by those who preached, being read in the places of worship every Seventh Day.
[22-35] Then it pleased the followers and elders, along with the whole church, to send some chosen out of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas, who was nicknamed Barsabas, and Silas, who were leaders among the Christians. They wrote letters later by them in this way:
The followers, elders, and Christians send greeting to the Christians which are of the other peoples in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: So as we’ve heard that some who went out from us have upset you with their words, weakening your faith, saying, “You must be cleansed, and obey the Word of God”: to whom we gave no such word. We thought it best, all of us having one heart, to send some of our people to you, along with our dear loved ones Barnabas and Paul, who have risked their lives for the Name of our Christ, Yeshua. So we’ve sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by mouth. It seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to put on you nothing more than what’s necessary; That you don’t eat meats offered in false worship to statues, don’t eat anything with its blood in it, or that has been strangled, and don’t do any sexual sin. If you keep yourselves from these things, you’ll do good. Be well.
So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch, and when they had gathered the crowd together, they gave them the letter: Which after they had read it, they celebrated for the comfort it gave them. And Judas and Silas, being great preachers also themselves, encouraged the Christians with many words, and blessed them. And after they had stayed there awhile, they went in peace from the new Christians back to the followers. Silas decided to stay there, and Paul and Barnabas also stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the Word of God, with many others also.
[36-41] And a few days later, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go and visit the Christians everywhere that we’ve preached the Word of God, and see how they’re doing. And Barnabas decided to take with them John, whose nickname was Mark. But Paul didn’t want to take him with them, who had left from Pamphylia, and didn’t go with them to the work. And the argument between them was so great, that they separated from one another: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and went, being recommended by the Christians to God’s grace. And they went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
Paul Meets Timothy
16 [1-15] Then they came to Derbe and Lystra, where a certain follower was, named Timothy, whose mother was a Jew, who believed; but whose father was a Greek. They were told of Timothy by the Christians that were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted him to go out with them; and took and cut his foreskin because of the Jews there, all of them knowing that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they gave them the rules they were to keep, that were set up by the followers and elders which were at Jerusalem. So the churches settled in the faith, and increased in number daily. Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were foretold by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word in Asia, after they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit wouldn’t let them. And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. Then a vision appeared to Paul in the night, in which someone of Macedonia stood, calling them, saying, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” And after he had seen the vision, we quickly tried to go into Macedonia, gathering that God had called us to preach the New Word to them. So leaving from Troas, we came straight to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from there to Philippi, which is the leading city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony. We were staying a few days in that city. And on the Seventh Day we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer services were being held. We sat down, and spoke to the women who went there. And a certain woman named Lydia, who sold things dyed purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us. God opened her heart that she listened to the things which were spoken by Paul. So after she and her family were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you’ve judged me to be faithful to God, come and stay at my house. So she won us over.
[16-24] And then as we went to prayer, a certain girl who was being controlled by an evil spirit, which helped her tell the future, and which made her employers much money by her fortune telling, followed Paul and us, and called out, saying, “These people are the workers of the Most High God, who will show us the way to be saved.” And she did this for a long time, so Paul, being tired of it, turned saying to the spirit, “I tell you in the Name of Yeshua the Christ, come out of her.” And it came out as soon as he said it. And when her employers saw that they had no hope of making any more money off of her, they caught Paul and Silas, bringing them into the shopping center to the rulers, and brought them to the courts, saying, “These people, being Jews, greatly trouble our city, and teach a way of life, which isn’t right for us to do, nor to observe, being Romans.” And the crowd gathered together against them, tearing off their clothes, and told the guards to beat them. And when they had beaten them, they put them in jail, charging the jailer to keep them safely: Who, having gotten such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and put their feet in chains.
Paul and Silas Sing at Midnight
[25-40] And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God: and all the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of the prison, and all the doors began to open, and everyone's chains fell open. And the keeper of the prison, awaking out of sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, thinking that the prisoners had run away. But Paul called out, saying, “Do yourself no harm; we’re all here.” Then he called for a light, and came in trembling, and bowed down to Paul and Silas, and brought them out, saying, “Please, what must I do to be saved?” And they answered, “Believe on Yeshua the Christ, and you’ll be saved, and your whole house.” And they told him the Word of God, along with all that were in his house. And he took them at the same time of night, and washed their wounds; and was baptized, him and his whole house. And when he had brought them home, he gave them something to eat, and celebrated, believing in God with his whole house. But when the day came, the courts sent the sergeants, saying, “Let those people go.” And the keeper of the prison told this to Paul, “The courts have sent to let you go: so you can leave now, and go in peace.” But Paul answered, “They have beaten us openly uncharged, being Romans, and have put us in jail; and now do they want to kick us out secretly? No! Let them come themselves and get us out.” And the sergeants told these words to the courts, who were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. And they came, begging them, and brought them out, and asked them to leave the city. And they went out of the prison, and went to the house of Lydia, and when they had seen the Christians, they comforted them, and left.
17 [1-4] Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a place of worship of the Jews. So Paul, as his way was, for three Days of Worship, went in and explained to them and showed them from the Word that Christ needed to have suffered, and come back to life again from the dead; saying that “This Yeshua, whom I preach to you, is the Christ.” And some of them believed, and a great crowd of dedicated Greeks and many of the leading women gathered together with Paul and Silas.
[5-9] But the Jews that didn’t believe, became jealous, and gathered a crowd of evil people, who stirred up the whole city, and attacked the house of Jason, trying to bring them out to the people. But when they didn’t find them, they took Jason and a few other Christians to the rulers of the city, saying, “These people who have upset the whole world have come here also; Whom Jason has taken in: and they all act against the law of Caesar, saying that there’s another ruler, Yeshua.” Both the people and the rulers of the city were greatly upset when they heard this, and when they had taken money from Jason and the others for security, they let them go.
[10-15] And right away the Christians sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, where they went into the Jews’ place of worship. The people there were more understanding than those in Thessalonica, in that they accepted the Word with willing minds, and searched the Words daily, to see whether or not those things were true. So many of them believed; both the honorable women of the Greeks, and many of the men. But when the Jews of Thessalonica found out that Paul preached the Word of God at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people there. And then the Christians quickly sent Paul away to go to the sea, but Silas and Timothy still stayed there. And those who led Paul brought him to Athens, and being told to tell Silas and Timothy to come to him as quickly as they could, they went.
[16-21] Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred when he saw the whole city falsely worshiped other things. So he argued in the place of worship with the Jews, and with the other people who were dedicated, and in the shopping center daily with whoever he met. Then he met certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics. And some said, “What’s this babbler trying to say?” Others said, “He seems to be telling us of a strange god;” because he was preaching about Yeshua and the new life to them. So they took Paul, and brought him to Areopagus, asking, “Would you please tell us what this new teaching is, which you’ve been talking about? What you’ve been saying seems strange to us, so we want to know what it means.” (All the Athenians and the strangers who came there spent all their time either telling, or listening to something new.)
The Unknown God Made Known
[22-33] Then Paul stood in the middle of Mars' hill, saying, “You people of Athens, I realize that you’re too superstitious in everything, because as I passed by, and watched your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. I will tell you about the One whom you worship without knowing. God, who made the world and everything in it, seeing that this One is the God of all heaven and earth, doesn’t live in place of worship made with human hands; Neither is worshipped with human hands, as though God needed anything, seeing that God gives life, breath, and everything else to all things; And has made of one race all the nations of humanity that live on the face of the earth, and has decided their times beforehand, and where the borders of their nation was to be; To look for God, if it so happens that they search for God, and find God, though God isn’t far from any of us. We live, and move, and have our very being in God; as certain also of your own poets have said, “We’re God’s children also.” So then, since we’re the children of God, we shouldn’t think that God is like gold, or silver, or stone, which is carved by the art work of a human being. And though God winked at these times of ignorance; now God tells everyone everywhere to change their evil ways. God has chosen a day, in which the whole world will be judged rightly by that person whom God has set apart; in which God has given assurance to everyone, in that God has raised the Christ from the dead. And when they heard of the coming to life again of the dead, some mocked him, but others said, “We want to hear more about this from you.” So Paul left them, but some of them went with him, and believed: Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and some others, being among them.
Paul Ministers in Corinth
18 [1-6] Later Paul went from Athens, and came to Corinth, finding there a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had just come from Italy, with his spouse Priscilla; ( because Claudius had told all Jews to leave Rome:) and came to them. And because they did the same kind of work, he stayed with them, and worked because they were all tentmakers by trade. And they argued in the place of worship every Seventh Day, and won over many of the Jews and the Greeks. And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was called by the spirit to clearly tell the Jews that Yeshua was the Christ. But when they argued against it, showing disrespect for God, he shook his clothing, saying to them, “Your blood is on your own heads; I’ve done what I was supposed to, and now I’ll go to the other peoples.”
[7-11] And he left there, and went to someone's house, named Justus, who worshipped God, whose house was right next door to the place of worship. And Crispus, the leading ruler of the place of worship, believed on Christ, along with his whole house; and many of the Corinthians who heard believed, and were baptized. Then God spoke to Paul in a dream by night, saying, “Don’t be afraid, but speak, and don’t be silent. I am with you, and no one will try to hurt you because I have many people in this place.” And he stayed there a year and a half, teaching the Word of God among them.
[12-17] And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews, with one heart, stirred everyone up against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, saying, “This person teaches others to worship in a way that is against the Word of God.” And when Paul was just about to speak, Gallio said to the Jews, “If it were about some wrong or evil action, Jews, I would put up with you and reason with you. But since it’s a question of words and names, and of your law, you see to it! I won’t judge these kinds of things.” And he ran them out from the judgment seat. Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, a ruler of the place of worship, and beat him right in front of the judgment seat. And Gallio didn’t even care about that.
[18-23] Paul still stayed there a good while, and then took leave of the Christians there, and sailed into Syria, with Priscilla and Aquila going along. Paul had all his hair cut off in Cenchrea because he had made a promise. Then he came to Ephesus, and left them there, but he himself went to the place of worship, and argued with the Jews. When they wanted him to stay a little longer with them, he said no; But told them goodbye, saying, “I must keep the celebration that comes in Jerusalem if at all possible, but I’ll come back to you later, if its God will.” And he sailed from Ephesus. And when he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church there, then went down to Antioch. And after he had spent some time there, he left, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the followers.
[24-28] And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, a great speaker, and knowledgeable in the Word, came to Ephesus. This person was taught in the way of Christ; and being strong in the spirit, he spoke and taught everything about the Christ perfectly, knowing only the baptism of John. And he began to speak without fear in the place of worship, whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him aside, and explained to him the way of Christ more completely. And when he wanted to go on to Achaia, the Christians wrote, encouraging the followers to accept him. And when he came, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, publicly winning over the Jews, and showing Yeshua to be Christ by the Word.
Pauls Heals and Preaches at Ephesus
19 [1-12] And then, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus. Finding some followers there, he asked, “Have you gotten the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said, “We haven’t even heard that there is any Holy Spirit.” So he asked them, “Then into what baptism were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John's baptism.” Then Paul said, “The truth is, John baptized with the baptism of a changed life, saying to the people, to believe on the One who would come later, that is, on Christ Yeshua.”So when they heard this, they were baptized in the Name of Christ Yeshua. And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in another language, and preached. There were twelve of them in all. And they went into the place of worship, and spoke without fear for about three months, arguing and proving the things of the realm of God. But when some were doubtful, and didn’t believe, but spoke evil of that way to the crowds, he left, and separated the followers, teaching daily in the school of Tyrannus. And this happened for two years; so that all those who lived in Asia heard the Word of Christ Yeshua, both Jews and Greeks. And God did some amazing things by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases were healed, and the evil spirits left them.
[13-20] Then some of the traveling Jews, exorcists, took it upon themselves to call the Name of Christ Yeshua over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We order you to come out by Yeshua whom Paul preaches.” There were seven children of someone named Sceva, a Jew, and a leader of the priests, which did this. But the evil spirit answered them, saying, “Yeshua I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” And the person in whom the evil spirit was jumped on them, attacking and overpowering them, so that they ran naked and wounded out of that house. And all the Jews and Greeks living at Ephesus found out about it; and great fear fell on them all, so the Name of Christ Yeshua became well known. And many that believed came, and confessed, telling what they had done. Many of them, who used witchcraft, brought their books together, and burned them in front of everyone: and they counted to see what they were worth, and found it to be fifty thousand silver coins. So the Word of God grew more and more and did well.
Ephesus in an Uproar
[21-27] After Paul had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, he decided in the spirit to go on to Jerusalem, thinking, “After I’ve been there, I must also go to Rome.” So he sent into Macedonia two of those who had ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a while. And at the same time there was a great stir about that way. Someone named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver objects of worship of Diana, and helped the salesmen make a lot of money, called together everyone in that occupation, saying, “People, you know that we make our money by this trade. Besides this, you see and hear, that not just at Ephesus, but almost throughout all of Asia, this Paul has won over and turned many people away from us, saying that the things which are made with hands aren’t gods at all. Not only our employment is in danger of loosing its place; but also the place of worship of the great goddess Diana will be hated, and her beauty will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the whole world worships.”
[28-41] And when they heard this, they were very angry, and called out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” And the whole city was in an uproar. Then, having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, of Macedonia, Paul's traveling companions, they rushed together into the theatre. And when Paul would have come to speak to the people, the other followers wouldn’t let him. And some of the leading of people of Asia, which were his friends, sent to him, begging him not to go into the theatre. So some cried one thing, and others cried out another because the whole crowd was confused; and most of them didn’t even know why they had come together. So they forced Alexander out of the crowd, the Jews putting him forward. Alexander waved his hands to make his defense to the people, but when they knew that he was a Jew, they all called out with one voice for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” Then when the town clerk had quieted the people, he said, “You people of Ephesus, everyone knows that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, which came down from Jupiter! Seeing then that this can’t be argued against, you should be quiet, and do nothing too quickly. You’ve brought these people here, which haven’t stolen anything from the place of worship, nor have spoken evil of your goddess. So if Demetrius, and the others which are with him, have a problem with anyone, court days are held, and there are officers: let them accuse one another. But if you have a problem with anything else, it’ll be decided on in a legal gathering. We’re in danger of being called into question for today's uproar! There’s no reason for us to explain this meeting.” After he had said this, he told the crowd to go.
Paul Raises the Dead
20 [1-12] And after the uproar ended, Paul called the followers, and hugged them, and left to go into Macedonia. After he had gone through it, and had given the Christians there much encouragement, he came into Greece, and stayed there three months. And when the Jews tried to catch him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he planned to return through Macedonia. And Sopater of Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; Gaius of Derbe, Timothy; Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia all went with him into Asia. They had gone on ahead, waiting for us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippi after the holidays of unleavened bread, and came to them to Troas in five days; where we stayed seven days. And on Sunday, when the followers came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, being ready to leave the next day; and kept talking until midnight. And there were many lights in the upstairs room, where they were gathered together. And there sat in a window a certain young person named Eutychus, who had fallen into a deep sleep. As Paul was preaching for a long time, he fell down as he was sleeping from the third story window, and was found dead. And Paul went down, and fell on him, and holding on to him said, “Don’t worry, he’s still alive.” So when they had come up again, and had broken bread, after having eaten, and talked for a long while, even till daybreak, he went. And they brought the young person alive, and were greatly comforted.
[13-16] We went to the ship, and sailed to Assos, intending to take Paul in there, because he had chosen to go there on foot. And when he met us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And we sailed from there, and came the next day across from Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and stayed at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus. Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, not wanting to spend time in Asia because he was in a hurry, if it were possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
[17-27] And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. And when they had come, he said, “You know, from the first day that I came into Asia, how I’ve lived among you at all times, serving God with a willing mind, and with many tears, and trials, which happened to me by the evil plans of the Jews: And how I didn’t keep anything back that was helpful to you, but have told you everything, having taught you publicly, and from house to house. I have told both the Jews, and also the Greeks, about having a changed life in God, and having faith in Yeshua, the Christ of God. And now I go to Jerusalem, trusting in the spirit, not knowing what might happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit witnesses in every city, saying that imprisonment and troubles await me. But none of this changes my mind, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my way with joy, and the ministry, which I’ve gotten from Christ Yeshua, to tell others of the New Word of God’s grace. And now, I know that you all, among whom I’ve gone preaching the realm of God, won’t see me any more. So I tell you today, that I’m innocent of the blood of all people. I haven’t neglected telling you any of the Words of God.
[28-38] So be sure of yourselves, and to all the people, which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to take care of the church of God, which has been bought with the Christ’s own blood. I know that after I leave, evil people who are as wild wolves will come in among you, tearing the people apart as if they were a flock of animals. Even out of your own selves, some will come, speaking evil things, to lead the followers away after themselves. So watch, and remember, that for three years I didn’t stop warning everyone, night and day, with tears. And now, Christians, I give you to God, and to the Word of God’s grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all those who are set apart. I’ve wanted no one's money or clothes. Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have worked for whatever I and those who were with me needed. I’ve shown you in every way, how that by working you should support the weak. And remember the Words of Christ Yeshua, who said, ‘It’s more blessed to give than to get’.” And when he had said this, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. And they all cried very much, hugging Paul's neck, and kissing him, being sorry most of all for what he had said about them not seeing him any more. And they walked him to the ship.
Phillip’s Daughters Foretell Paul’s Arrest
21 [1-14] And then after we had left them, and started out, we sailed straight to Cos, and the next day, on to Rhodes, and from there, on to Patara. Then finding a ship to Phenicia, we boarded it, and set out again. Now when we had seen Cyprus, we left it on the left hand and sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, because the ship was to be unloaded of its cargo there. And we stayed there for seven days, and found followers, who said to Paul through the Spirit, “Don’t go up to Jerusalem.” And at the end of those days, we left, and went on our way. The followers walked with us on our way, along with their families, till we were out of the city. Then we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. And when we had said goodbye to one another, we boarded the ship; and they went back home. And after we left from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and greeted the Christians there, and stayed a day with them. And the next day, we that were of Paul's company went, and came to Caesarea: and we went to the house of Philip, the evangelist, which was one of seven; and stayed with him. And this person had four daughters, who had never been sexually active, who preached. And as we stayed there for a long time, there came down from Judea a certain great preacher, named Agabus. And when they came to us, they took Paul's belt, and tied their own hands and feet up, saying, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘The Jews at Jerusalem will tie up the person that owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the other peoples.’” And when we heard this, both we, and the people of that place, begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul asked, “Why are you crying and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be tied up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the Name of Christ Yeshua.” And when he wouldn’t change his mind, we stopped, saying, “Let what God wants be done.”
[15-26] And after that, we packed our stuff, and went up to Jerusalem. Some of the followers of Caesarea went with us, and brought with them Mnason of Cyprus, an old follower, with whom we would stay. When we had come to Jerusalem, the Christians gladly took us in. The next day Paul went with us to James; and all the elders were there, also. And when he had greeted them, he told them in detail all the things God had done among the other peoples by his ministry. And when they heard it, they praised God, saying, “You see how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they’re all passionate about the Word of God. But they have heard of you, that you teach all the Jews, who live among the other peoples, to turn away from Moses, saying that they shouldn’t cut the foreskins of their children, nor to practice that way of life. What then, should we do? The crowd will come together as soon as they hear that you’ve come. So do what we say to you: There are four people who have made promises; Them take, and purify yourself with them, and pay for them to have their heads shaved: and then everyone will know that the things they were told about you, aren’t true; but that you yourself also walk orderly, and obey the Word of God. About the other peoples which believe, we’ve written and decided that they don’t have to do this, except only that they stay away from foods offered in the false worship of other things, and from anything that’s been strangled, or still has its blood, and from sexual sin.” Then Paul took the others, and the next day purifying himself with them, went into the place of worship, to signify the end of the days of purification, so that an offering could be offered for all of them.
Paul is Arrested
[27-40] And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the place of worship, stirred up all the people, and took him, calling out, “People of Israel, help: This is the person, that teaches everyone every where against the people, and the Word of God, and this place: and has also brought Greeks into the place of worship, making it unholy.” (because they had seen Trophimus an Ephesian with him before in the city, whom they thought Paul had brought into the place of worship.) And the whole city was upset, and a mob of people came together, taking Paul out of the place of worship, and shut the doors. And as they tried to kill him, news came to the captain of the guard that all Jerusalem was in an uproar, who quickly took soldiers and guards, and ran down to them. When the people saw the captain and the guards, they stopped beating Paul. Then the captain came near, and took him, and ordered him to be held with two chains; and demanded to know who he was, and what he had done. And some cried out one thing, and some another, among the crowd. So when he couldn’t find out for sure what had started the disorder, he ordered him to be carried into the prison. And when Paul got to the stairs, he had to be picked up and carried off by the guards because the people were so violent. The crowd of people followed them, calling out, “Take him away!” And as Paul was to being led into the prison, he said to the captain, “May I speak to you?” Who answered, “Can you speak Greek? Aren’t you that Egyptian, which made an uproar not long ago, and led four thousand people who were murderers out into the countryside?” But Paul said, “I am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no rough city: I beg you, let me speak to the people.” So when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs, and waved his hand to the people. And when it was silent, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language.
Paul’s Defense to the People
22 [1-11] Paul said to them, “Everyone, hear my defense which I make to you now.” (And when they heard him speaking in the Hebrew language to them, they quieted down: and he said,) “The truth is, I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught in the strict way of the ancestors in God’s Word, and was as passionate about God, as you all are today. And I abused the people of this Way, even to death, arresting and putting them in jails, both the men and the women. As also the leading priest are my witnesses, and all the court of the elders: from whom also I had gotten letters to the Jews, and went to Damascus, to bring those who were arrested there back to Jerusalem to be punished. And then, as I traveled there, and came near Damascus about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shined all around me. And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, Why are you trying to hurt me?’ And I said, ‘Who are you, Christ?’ And the Christ told me, ‘I am Yeshua of Nazareth, whom you’re trying to hurt.’ And those who were with me saw the light, too, and were afraid; but they didn’t hear the voice of the One who spoke to me. And I said, ‘What should I do, Christ?’ And the Christ told me, ‘Get up, and go into Damascus; and it’ll be told you there everything that has been chosen for you to do.’ And when I couldn’t see because the light was so bright, being led by those who were with me, I came into Damascus.
[12-21] And someone named Ananias, someone dedicated to the Word of God, having a good report of all the Jews which lived there, came to me and said, ‘Brother Saul, see again.’ And as soon as he said this, I could see him. And he said, ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you, that you would know God’s will, and see that Holy One, and would hear the voice of the Christ. You’ll be the Christ’s witness to everyone of what you’ve seen and heard. And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the Name of God.’ And then, when I came again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the place of worship, I was in a trance; And saw the Christ saying to me, ‘Go quickly, and get out of Jerusalem because they won't accept what you say about Me.’ And I said, ‘Christ, they know that I locked up and beat in every place of worship those who believed on You: And when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I was standing there, too, and agreed to his death, and kept the coats of those who killed him.’ And the Christ told me, ‘Go and I’ll send you far from here to the other peoples.’”
[22-30] And they listened to him until he said this, and then called out, saying, “Put a person like this to death because he isn’t fit to live.” And as they called out, and took off their coats, and threw dust into the air, the captain told them to bring him into the prison, and question him by beating; in order to know why the people were calling out against him. And as they tied him up with leather straps, Paul said to the soldier next to him, “Is it right for you to beat someone who is a Roman, and has not been charged with anything?” When the soldier heard that, he went and told the captain, saying, “Be careful what you do because this person is a Roman.” Then the captain came, asking, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And Paul said, “Yes.” And the captain said, “I got this right with a lot of money.” And Paul said, “But I was born with that right.” Then suddenly those who were about to question him left: and the captain was also afraid, after he knew that Paul was a Roman, and because they had tied him up. The next day, because they wanted to know for sure why Paul was being accused by the Jews, he let him out and brought him down, and told the leading priests and all their court to appear, and set Paul before them.
Paul Goes to Court
23 [1-9] And Paul, carefully watching the court, said, “Everyone, I’ve lived in good conscience to God until today.” And the leading priest Ananias told those who were next to him to hit him on the mouth. Then Paul said to them, “God will hit you, you whitewashed wall because you sit and judge me in the Word of God, and order me to be beaten, which is against the Word of God.” And those who stood there said, “Are you accusing God's leading priest?” Then Paul said, “I didn’t know that he was the leading priest, but the Word says, ‘You shouldn’t speak evil of the ruler of your people.’” But when Paul realized that part of them were of one religious sect, and the others were of another religious sect, he called out in the court, “People, I am a religious leader, the child of a religious leader: because of my belief and hope of the coming to life again of the dead I am called into question.” And when Paul had said this, an argument started between the religious leaders and the ministers from the other religious sects: and the crowd was divided, because one religious sect says that there’s no the coming to life again, nor angel, nor spirit: but the religious leaders believe in both. And everyone started calling out: and those who were of the religious leaders' belief stood up, and said, “We find this person not guilty! If a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let’s not fight against God.”
[10-21] And when everyone started arguing again, the captain, fearing that Paul would have been torn apart by them, told the guards to go down, and take him away from them by force, and to bring him back to the prison. And the night after that, Christ came to him, saying, “Be happy, Paul! Just as you’ve told of Me truthfully in Jerusalem, so you must be a truthful witness at Rome, also.” And when it was day, some of the Jews came together, and put themselves under a curse, saying that they wouldn’t eat or drink anything till they had killed Paul. And more than forty of them had made this promise. So they came to the leading priests and elders, saying, “We’ve put ourselves under a great curse, that we won’t eat anything until we’ve killed Paul. So now you, along with the court, tell the captain to bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you want to ask him more questions: and we, when they come close enough, will be ready to kill him.” But when Paul's nephew heard of their plan to kill him, he left, and went to the prison, and told Paul. Then Paul called one of the guards to him, saying, “Bring this young person to the captain because he has something to tell him.” So he took him, and brought him to the captain, saying, “Paul, the prisoner called me, and asked me to bring this young person to you, who has something to say to you.” Then the captain took him by the hand and went with him aside secretly, and asked him, “What do you want to tell me?” And he told him, “The Jews have all agreed to ask you to bring Paul down into the court tomorrow, as though they wanted to ask him some more questions. But don’t give in to them, because more than forty people have planned to kill him, which have promised, that they won’t eat or drink anything till they’ve killed him: and now they’re ready, waiting for a promise from you.”
Paul Sent to Felix
[22-35] So then the captain let the boy leave, and told him, “Don’t tell anyone what you’ve told me.” And he called two guards, saying, “Get two hundred guards ready to go to Caesarea, and seventy riders, and two hundred soldiers, at nine o’clock tonight; And give them a horse for Paul, and bring him safely to Felix, the governor.” Later, he wrote a letter:
Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix sends greeting. This person was taken from the Jews, and would have been killed by them: then I came with an army, and rescued him, knowing that he was a Roman. And when I wanted to know the reason why they accused him, I brought him out into their court: Whom I realized then was being accused of questions about their law, but I don’t have anything to charge him with worthy of death or even of imprisonment. And when it was told me that the Jews planned to kill this person, I sent him quickly to you, and gave word to his accusers also to tell you what they had against him. Goodbye.
Then the guards did as they were told and took Paul, bringing him by night to Antipatris. The next day they left the riders to go on with him, and then went back to the prison. When they came to Caesarea, and had given the letter to the governor, they turned Paul over to him. And when the governor had read the letter, he asked what province Paul was from. And when he found out that he was from Cilicia; he said, “I’ll hear you, when your accusers have come, too.” And he told them to keep Paul in Herod's court.
Paul Defends Himself in Court
24 [1-9] And after five days Ananias the leading priest came down with the elders, and with a certain well spoken person named Tertullus, who told the governor of the accusations against Paul. And when he was called on, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “Seeing that we enjoy great peace with you, and that you have done very worthy things for this nation by your generosity, we accept it always, everywhere, most noble Felix, with great thankfulness. But so that I won’t be too tiring to you, I ask you to hear a few words from us out of your kindness. We’ve found this person to be a troublesome person, who starts rebellions among all the Jews throughout the whole world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Christians: Who also has tried to treat the place of worship with disrespect: whom we took, and would have judged by our law. But the captain Lysias came on us, and with great force took him out of our hands, ordering his accusers to come to you. You will know this for yourself when you question him about the things we’re accusing him of. And the Jews also agreed, saying that it was true.
[10-23] Then Paul, after that the governor had waved to him to speak, said, “As I know that you’ve been a judge to this nation for many years, I’ll more gladly, answer for myself: because I know that you can understand that it has been only twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. And they didn’t find me in the place of worship arguing with anyone, nor stirring up the people, neither in the place of worship, nor in the city. They can’t prove anything they’re accusing me of now. But I tell you this, that I worship in the Way, which they call heresy, the God of my ancestors, believing everything which is written in the Word of God and in the words of the great preachers: And I have hope in God, which they themselves also allow, that there will be a coming to life again of the dead, both of the good and the evil. And in this, I always try to have a good conscience, without doing wrong to God, or anyone else. Now after many years, I came to bring gifts to my nation, and offerings. At which point, certain Jews from Asia found me cleansed in the place of worship, not with a crowd, nor with any disorder. Who should have come here before you, to accuse me, if they had anything against me. Or else, let these that are here say if they’ve found me doing anything wrong, while I stood in the court, except maybe for this one thing, that I called out to them, I am being called into question by you today about my belief in the coming to life again of the dead.” And when Felix heard this, having a better knowledge of that Way, he told them to wait, saying, “When Lysias, the captain, comes down, I’ll make a decision on your case.” And he told a guard to keep Paul, but to let him have freedom, and not to tell anyone that they can’t minister or come to him.
[24-27] And after a few days, when Felix came with his spouse Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and listened to him speak about the faith in Christ. And as he spoke to them about goodness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix shook with fear, saying, “Go for now; but I’ll call for you again when it’s a better time.” He was hoping also that Paul would give him some money to free him, so he sent for Paul more often, and talked with him. But after two years Porcius Festus took the office of Felix: and Felix, wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul in prison.
Paul Appeals to Ceasar
25 [1-12] Now when Festus came into the province, after three days he had gone up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. Then the leading priest and the other leaders of the Jews told him of the accusations against Paul, and begged him for a favor, that he would send Paul to Jerusalem, while people were waiting down the road to kill him. But Festus said, that Paul would be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would leave shortly to go there. So he said, “Let whoever among you that’s able, go down with me, and accuse this person, if there is any wrongdoing in him.” And when he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat, he had Paul brought to him. And when he came, the Jews that came down from Jerusalem stood around, charging Paul with many serious complaints, which they couldn’t prove. While he said for himself, “I haven’t done anything against the law of the Jews, nor against the place of worship, nor even against Caesar.” But Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favor, asked Paul, saying, “Will you go up to Jerusalem, to be judged of this by me?” Then Paul said, “I’m standing at the court of Caesar, where I should be judged: I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you very well know. If I’m an offender, or have done anything worthy of death, I don’t refuse to die: but if I have done none of this that I’m accused of, no one can hand me over to them. I make my appeal to Caesar.” Then when Festus had talked with the court, he said, “You’ve appealed to Caesar, so to Caesar you’ll go.”
Paul Speaks to Agrippa
[13-22] And after a few days the ruler Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus. And when they had been there a long time, Festus told them about Paul's case, saying, “There’s someone left locked up by Felix: About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the leading priests and the elders of the Jews told me, hoping to have a judgment against him. I answered, It isn’t the way of the Romans to deliver anyone to die, before the accused has seen the accusers face to face, and has had a chance to answer for himself about the crime charged against him. So, when they had come here, without any delay, I held court the next day, and told the person to be brought out. When the accusers stood up, they brought none of the accusations I thought they would: But had some questions against him about their own religious beliefs, and of someone named Yeshua, who had died, whom Paul said was alive. And because I didn’t really know how to answer those kinds of questions, I asked him if he would go to Jerusalem, and be judged there about it. But when Paul had appealed to be kept until the hearing of Augustus, I ordered him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this person myself.” So he told him, “Tomorrow, you’ll hear him.”
[23-27] And the next day, when Agrippa came, and Bernice, with great show, and was gone into the court, with the captains, and the leaders of the city, Paul was brought out at Festus' word. And Festus said, “Ruler Agrippa, and people in the court, listen to this person, about whom all the leaders of the Jews have talked with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, saying that he shouldn’t be allowed to live any longer. But when I found that he had done nothing worthy of death, and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I’ve decided to send him. But I have nothing to write to my Ruler. So I’ve brought him out to you, and especially to you, ruler Agrippa, so that, after he’s questioned, I might have something to write. It seems to me to be out of the question to send a prisoner, with nothing to signify the crimes against him.”
26 [1-11] Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You’re may speak for yourself, now.” Then Paul reached out with his hand, saying for himself: “I think myself happy, ruler Agrippa, because I’ll answer for myself today to you about everything in which I am accused of by the Jews: Especially because I know you to be an expert in the Jewish way of life and all the questions which we have: so I beg you to hear me patiently. My way of life from my youth, which was at first among my own nation at Jerusalem, which all the Jews know; Those who knew me from the beginning, if they would tell you, know that I lived the life of a religious leader in the most strict sect of our religion. And now I stand and am judged for the hope I have in the promise made by God to our ancestors: The promise we hope to get, which was made to our twelve families, who sincerely serve God day and night. It’s for this hope's sake, ruler Agrippa, that I am being accused by the Jews. Why would you think it an incredible thing, that God would raise the dead? The truth is, I thought myself, that I should do many things against the Name of Yeshua of Nazareth. Which I did in Jerusalem, putting many of the Christians in prison, having gotten power from the leading priests; and when they were put to death, I spoke against them. And I punished them often in every place of worship, and tried to get them to dishonor God; and being very angry with them, I chased them even to far off cities, to abuse them.
[12-23] At which point as I went to Damascus with power and orders from the leading priests, at noon, I saw on the road a great light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you trying to hurt me? Isn’t it hard for you to fight against my prods? And I said, Who are you, Christ? And the Christ answered, I am Yeshua who you’re trying to hurt. But get up, and stand on your feet because I’ve appeared to you so I can make you a minister and a witness both of what you’ve just seen, and of the things that you’ll see later; I’ll deliver you from your own people, and from the other peoples, to whom I now send you, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they can be saved from their sins, and have an inheritance among those who are set apart by faith in Me.’ At which point, Ruler Agrippa, I wasn’t disobedient to the heavenly vision: But I went first to those of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the other peoples, to tell them to change their ways and turn to God, and to do right to have a changed life. This is why the Jews caught me in the place of worship, and tried to kill me. But having the help of God, I’m still here to this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying nothing other than the faith of the great preachers and Moses said would come: That Christ would suffer, and be the first that would come back alive from the dead, and would give light to our people, and to the other peoples.”
[24-32] And as Paul so spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you’re beside yourself; all your learning has made you crazy.” But he answered, “I am not crazy, most noble Festus; but I speak the words of wisdom and truth. You know of this, and I speak freely to you because I know that none of this is hidden from you, because this thing wasn’t done in secret. Ruler Agrippa, do you believe the great preachers? I know that you do.” Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost prove to me that I should become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I wish to God, that not only you, but also everyone who hears me today, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except for my imprisonment.” And when they had said this, the ruler got up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them: And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, “This person has done nothing worthy of death or of imprisonment.” Then Agrippa said to Festus, “He might have been set free, if he hadn’t appealed to Caesar.”
Paul Sent to Rome
27 [1-8] And when it was time for us to go to Italy, they gave Paul and some other prisoners to someone named Julius, a soldier of Augustus' troop. And going into a ship of Adramyttium, we started, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us. And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul kindly, and gave him freedom to go to friends to refresh himself. And when we had started from there, we sailed behind Cyprus, to protect us from the storm winds. And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. And there the soldier found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and they put us in it. And when we had sailed slowly for a long time, and had almost gotten to Cnidus, the winds not letting us, we sailed behind Crete, next to Salmone; And as we almost passed it, we came to a place which is called Fair Havens; near the city of Lasea.
Paul Warns of Shipwreck
[9-15] Now when a long time had passed, and when the sailing was quite dangerous, because the Holiday had already passed, Paul warned them, saying, “Please, I know that this voyage will be hurt and have a lot of damage, and not only the cargo and ship, but our very lives will be in danger.” But the soldier was more willing to do what the captain and the owner of the ship said, than what Paul had said. And because the haven wasn’t a good place to winter in, most of them wanted to leave there also, if by chance they could get to Phenice, and winter there; which is a haven of Crete, and lies toward the south west and north west. And when the south wind blew softly, thinking that they had gotten their chance, they left there and sailed close to Crete. But not long after a great storm wind blew, called Euroclydon. And when the ship was caught, and couldn’t go into the wind, we let it drive.
[16-24] And sailing in the shelter of a certain island called Clauda, we had to work very hard to save the lifeboat: Which when they had brought it up, they used ropes to help support the ship. And fearing they would get stuck in the sand, they raised the sail, and were driven by the wind. And the boat, being greatly rocked by the storm, the next day, they lightened the ship. And the third day, we threw all the tackling of the ship out with our own hands. And when we couldn’t see the sun, nor the stars for a long time, and we were in a very great storm, we lost all hope of being saved. But after a long time without any food, Paul stood in the middle of them, and said, “People, you should have listened more carefully to me, and not have left Crete, and gotten all this harm and loss. And now I tell you to be calm, because no one’s life will be lost, but only the ship. The angel of God, who I belong to and serve, came to me tonight, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul; you must be brought to Caesar: And God has given you all those who sail with you.’
[25-34] So, please, be calm, because I believe God that it’ll be just as it was told me. But we must be put on a certain island.” But when the fourteenth night came, as we were driven up and down in Adriatic Sea, about midnight the ship’s crew believed that they were coming near to some land. And when they sounded, they found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms. Then fearing we would be driven on to the rocks, they put four anchors out of the stern, and prayed for daylight. And as the crew was about to escape out of the ship, when they had let the lifeboat down into the sea, pretending as though they were putting anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the soldier and to the guards, “You won’t be saved unless they stay in the ship.” Then the guards cut the ropes off of the boat, and let it fall. And just as the sun was rising, Paul begged them all to eat, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you’ve waited and gone without food, having eaten nothing. I ask you to eat something for your health because not one hair will fall from the head of any of you.”
[35-44] And when he had said this, he ate, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and then he began to eat. Then they all felt better, and began to eat, too. And there were two hundred and seventy-six people on board the ship. And when they had all eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and threw the wheat out into the sea. And when it was day, they didn’t know what land they were at: but they found a bay with a beach, in which they were hoping, if at all possible, to drive the ship ashore. And when they had brought the anchors up, they let them fall into the sea, and let loose the rudder ropes, and lifted the mainsail into the wind, and tried to reach the shore. And being driven into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck in the sand, and couldn’t move, but the hinder part was broken by the violence of the waves. And the guards' planned to kill the prisoners, in case any of them swam out, and escaped. But the soldier, wanting to save Paul, wouldn’t let them; and told that those who could swim to jump into the sea first, and get to land, and then the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so they all escaped safely to land.
Paul Heals on the Island of Malta
28 [1-6] And when they had escaped, then they found out that the island was called Malta. And the native people were very kind and kindled a fire, and welcomed us all, because of the falling rain, and the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a snake came out of the heat, and bit his hand. And when the natives saw the venomous snake hanging on his hand they said among themselves, “No doubt this person is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, still justice won’t let him live.” But Paul shook it off into the fire, and wasn’t harmed at all. But when they thought he would have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly, and saw after they had watched a great while, that he wasn’t harmed, they changed their minds, saying that Paul was a god.
[7-10] A leading person of the island whose name was Publius lived in that area; who had kindly taken us all in for three days. And then when Publius’ father was sick with a fever and a bloody diarrhea, Paul came in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him. So when this happened, others in the island, who had diseases came also, and were healed. And we were honored with many honors also; and when we left the island, they gave us whatever we needed.
Paul Arrives at Rome
[11-16] And after three months we went in a ship of Alexandria, whose sign was Castor and Pollux, the Twin Brothers, which had wintered in the island. And landing at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. And from there we got a compass, and headed to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli. We found Christians there, and were asked to stay with them for a week: and then we went toward Rome. And from there, when the Christians heard about us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and Three Inns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God, and took courage. And when we came to Rome, the soldier handed the prisoners over to the captain of the guard: but Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier who guarded him.
[17-31] And then after three days Paul called all the leaders of the Jews together: and when they had come together, he said, “People, though I’ve done nothing against the people, or the way of life of our ancestors, still, I was taken prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Who, when they had questioned me, would have let me go, because I had done nothing to deserve death. But when the Jews spoke against it, I had to appeal to Caesar; not that I had anything to accuse my nation of. Because of this, I have called for you, to see you, and to speak with you. It’s for the hope of Israel that I have been made a prisoner like this.” And they said, “We haven’t gotten any letters from Judea about you, nor have any of those who have come here spoken anything bad about you. But we want to hear from you what you think about this sect, because we know that it’s spoken against everywhere.” And when they had chosen a day, many people came to where Paul was staying. Then Paul explained and carefully told them everything about the realm of God, proving to them about Yeshua, both out of the Word of God by Moses, and out of the great preachers, from morning till evening. And some believed what was said, and some didn’t believe. And when they didn’t agree among themselves, they went, after Paul had said this, “The Holy Spirit spoke well by Isaiah the great preacher to our ancestors, saying, ‘Go to this people, and say, Hearing you’ll hear, and won’t understand; and seeing you’ll see, and not realize: because the heart of this people has become numb, and their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes are closed; or they would see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and would be changed, and I would heal them.’ So let it be known to you, that the New Word of how to be saved by God is being sent to the other peoples, and they’ll listen.” And when Paul had said these words, the Jews left, and had many questions among themselves. And Paul lived there two whole years in his own rented house, and took in all that came to him, and taught them about the realm of God, and all the teachings about Yeshua the Christ, without fear, and no one forbidding him.
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