4 [16:25]But at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sung praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. [16:26]And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and all the doors were immediately opened, and the bands of all were removed. [16:27]And the jailer awaking from sleep and seeing the doors of the prison opened, drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. [16:28]But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do yourself no harm, for we are all here. [16:29]And asking for a light he sprang in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas, [16:30]and bringing them out said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? [16:31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, and your house. [16:32]And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and all those in his house.

5 [16:33]And taking them that hour of the night, he washed them from their stripes, and was baptized, he and all his, immediately, [16:34]and conducting them up into his house he set a table, and rejoiced with all his house, having believed in God. [16:35]And when it was day the prefects sent the lictors, saying, Let those men go. [16:36]And the jailer told these words to Paul; The prefects have sent to let you go; now, therefore, go, and depart in peace.

6 [16:37]But Paul said to him, They have beaten us publicly uncondemned, being Romans, and cast us into prison; and now do they privately cast us out? No, indeed: but let them come themselves and conduct us out. [16:38]And the lictors told these words to the prefects, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans; [16:39]and they came and besought them, and conducting them out desired them to leave the city. [16:40]And going out of the prison they entered into the house of Lydia, and having seen the brothers they exhorted them, and departed.



CHAPTER XV.

PAUL AND HIS COMPANY AT THESSALONICA, BEREA, AND ATHENS.—A.D. 53.

1 [17:1]AND travelling through Amphipolis and Apollonia they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. [17:2]And according to his custom Paul went in to them, and reasoned with them three sabbaths from the Scriptures, [17:3]explaining and asserting that the Christ ought to suffer and to rise from the dead; and that this Jesus whom I preach to you is the Christ. [17:4]And some of them believed and adhered to Paul and Silas; of the pious Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. [17:5]But the unbelieving Jews taking certain base men of those about the markets, and exciting a mob, disturbed the city; and coming to the house of Jason sought to bring them out to the people; [17:6]but not finding them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the rulers of the city, crying, These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, [17:7]and Jason has received them; and they all do things contrary to the ordinances of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus. [17:8]And they excited the multitude and the rulers of the city hearing these things, [17:9]and taking security of Jason and the rest they let them go.

2 [17:10]And the brothers immediately, by night, sent away Paul and Silas to Berea; and when they came they went into the synagogue of the Jews; [17:11]but these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with all readiness, examining the Scriptures daily [to see] if these things were so. [17:12]Many of them therefore believed, both of honorable Grecian women, and of men not a few. [17:13]And when the Jews in Thessalonica knew that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there exciting the multitudes.

3 [17:14]Then the brothers immediately sent Paul away, as if to go by sea; but Silas and Timothy remained there. [17:15]And those conducting Paul brought him to Athens, and receiving a charge to Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

4 [17:16]And while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was moved within him as he saw the city wholly devoted to idolatry. [17:17]Then he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and those that were pious, and in the market every day with those he met. [17:18]And some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers disputed with him, and some said, What does this trifler mean to say? And others, He seems to be a preacher of strange demons; because he preached to them Jesus and the resurrection. [17:19]And laying hold of him they brought him to the Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new teaching is which is taught by you? [17:20]for you bring certain strange things to our ears; we wish therefore to know what these things mean. [17:21]And all the Athenians and the strangers living there spend their leisure in nothing else but telling or hearing something new.

5 [17:22]And Paul standing in the midst of the Areopagus said, Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are extremely devoted to the worship of demons. [17:23]For as I passed through, and observed your objects of worship, I found also an altar on which was inscribed, TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. What therefore you worship as unknown, this I declare to you. [17:24]The God who made the world and all things in it, this [God] being Lord of heaven and earth dwells not in temples made with hands, [17:25]neither is he served by the hands of men as needing any thing, since he gives to all life, and breath, and all things; [17:26]and he made of one blood every nation of men to live on all the face of the earth, determining their appointed times and the bounds of their habitation, [17:27]that they should seek God, if perhaps they might feel after and find him, and indeed he is not far from every one of us. [17:28]For in him we live, and move, and are; as some also of your own poets have said, For we are his offspring. [17:29]Being therefore an offspring of God, we ought not to think the Deity to be like gold or silver or stone, a work of art and human device.

6 [17:30]Overlooking therefore the times of ignorance, God now commands all men everywhere to change their minds, [17:31]because he has appointed a day in which he is about to judge the world in righteousness, by the man whom he has appointed, giving assurance to all by raising him from the dead. [17:32]But when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some scoffed; but others said, We will hear you again of this. [17:33]So Paul went out from the midst of them; [17:34]but certain men adhering to him believed, among whom were Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.



CHAPTER XVI.

PAUL AND HIS COMPANY AT CORINTH, HIS VISIT TO SYRIA AND ASIA MINOR.—A.D. 53-55.

1 [18:1]AND after this Paul left Athens and came to Corinth. [18:2]And finding a certain Jew by the name of Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy, and his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome, he went to them, [18:3]and because he was of the same trade continued and labored with them; for they were tent makers. [18:4]And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

2 [18:5]And when Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul gave himself wholly to preaching the word, testifying to the Jews Christ Jesus. [18:6]But when they disputed and blasphemed, shaking his garments he said to them, Your blood be upon your heads; I, pure, from this time will go to the gentiles.

3 [18:7]And departing thence he came into the house of a man called Justus, who worshipped God, and whose house adjoined the synagogue. [18:8]And Crispus the synagogue ruler believed in the Lord, with all his house; and many of the Corinthians who heard believed and were baptized. [18:9]And the Lord said to Paul, in a vision by night, Fear not, but speak and be not silent, [18:10]for I am with you; and no one shall attack you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city. [18:11]And he remained there a year and six months, teaching among them the word of God.

4 [18:12]And when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose with one consent against Paul and brought him to the tribunal, [18:13]saying, This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law. [18:14]And when Paul was about to open his mouth Gallio said to the Jews, If there was any injustice or evil imposition, O Jews, I would bear with you in a reasonable manner; [18:15] but if it is a question of doctrine, and of names, and of your law, look to it yourselves; for I will not be a judge of these things. [18:16]And he drove them from the tribunal. [18:17]And they all took Sosthenes the synagogue-ruler and beat him before the tribunal; and Gallio cared for none of these things.

5 [18:18]And Paul having remained yet many days took leave of the brothers, and sailed to Syria; and Priscilla was with him, and Aquila, having shaved his head at Cenchrea; for he had a vow. [18:19]And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, and entering himself into the synagogue reasoned with the Jews. [18:20]And they asking him to stay a longer time with them he did not consent, [18:21]but taking leave of them and saying, I will return to you again, if God will, he sailed from, Ephesus, [18:22]and coming down to Caesarea, and going up and saluting the church, he went down to Antioch; [18:23]and having spent some time there he went away, passing in order through the country of Galatia and Phrygia, confirming all the disciples.



CHAPTER XVII.

PAUL AT EPHESUS.—A.D. 55-58.

1 [18:24]AND a certain Jew by the name of Apollos, an Alexandrian by birth, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus, being powerful in the Scriptures. [18:25]This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit spoke and taught correctly the doctrines concerning Jesus, knowing only the baptism of John; [18:26]and this man began to speak boldly in the synagogue, and Priscilla and Aquila hearing him took him and taught him more accurately the way. [18:27] And he wishing to go into Achaia, the brothers sent him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him. And when he came he helped those much who had believed through the grace; [18:28]for he argued powerfully against the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

2 [19:1]And when Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, passing through the higher portions of the country, came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples; [19:2] and he said to them, Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed? And they said to him, We have not heard that there is a Holy Spirit. [19:3]And he said to them, With what then were you baptized? And they said, With John's baptism. [19:4]Paul said, John indeed baptized [administered] the baptism of a change of mind, telling the people to believe on him that was to come after him, that is, on Jesus. [19:5]And hearing this they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus: [19:6]and Paul putting his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. [19:7]And all the men were about twelve.

3 [19:8]And going into the synagogue he spoke boldly, for three months, reasoning and persuading in favor of the kingdom of God. [19:9]But when some were hardened and believed not, speaking evil of the way before the multitude, he left them and separated the disciples from them, and reasoned day by day in the school of one Tyrannus. [19:10]And this was done for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

4 [19:11]And God performed unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, [19:12]so that napkins and aprons were brought from him to the sick, and their diseases left them, and the evil spirits went out of them. [19:13]And some of the travelling Jewish exorcists undertook to call over those that had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. [19:14]And there were some seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, a chief priest, who did this. [19:15]But the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you? [19:16]And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped upon them, and overcome them, and prevailed against them, so that they escaped from his house, naked and wounded. [19:17]And this was known both to all the Jews and Greeks who lived at Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified; [19:18]and many of those who believed came and confessed, and showed their practices. [19:19]And many of those who practised secret arts brought their books, and burnt them before all; and they computed the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand [didrachmas] of silver [$8,333]. [19:20]So the word of the Lord increased powerfully and prevailed.

6 [19:21]And when these things were accomplished, Paul was disposed by the Spirit, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there I must see Rome. [19:22]And sending two that served him into Macedonia, Timothy and Erastus, he continued a time in Asia.

7 [19:23]And there was at that time no small tumult about the way [of the Lord]. [19:24]For a certain Demetrius by name, a silversmith, who made silver temples of Diana, and afforded his artisans no small gain, [19:25]assembling them together and laborers of like employments, said, Men, you know that our prosperity is derived from this employment, [19:26]and you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but in almost all Asia, this Paul has led away a great multitude by persuasion, saying that things which are made by hands are not gods. [19:27]And not only this work of ours is in danger of coming into contempt, but even the temple of the great goddess Diana of being set at nought, and her majesty also which all Asia and the world worships, of being destroyed.

8 [19:28]And hearing this they were full of wrath, and cried, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians! [19:29]And the whole city was full of confusion; and they rushed with one accord to the theatre, taking Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, fellow travellers of Paul. [19:30]And Paul wishing to go in to the people, the disciples did not permit him; [19:31]and some of the rulers of Asia also, who were friendly to him, sending to him, besought him not to expose himself in the theatre. [19:32]Some therefore cried one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not for what reason they had come together. [19:33]And they advanced Alexander from the multitude, the Jews putting him forward; and Alexander motioning with his hand, wished to defend himself before the people. [19:34]But knowing that he was a Jew, there was one voice from all, for about two hours, crying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

9 [19:35]And the clerk having stilled the multitude, said, Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great Diana, and of the Jove descended [image]? [19:36]These things therefore being indisputable, it is best to be quiet, and do nothing rashly. [19:37]For you have brought these men here, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of your goddess. [19:38]If, therefore, Demetrius and the artisans with him have a charge against any, court days are held, and there are pro-consuls; let them accuse one another. [19:39]And if you desire any thing of other matters, let it be determined in a lawful assembly. [19:40]For we are in danger of being called to account for the tumult of to-day, there being no cause by which we can excuse this concourse. [19:41]And having said these words he dismissed the assembly.



CHAPTER XVIII.

PAUL'S VISIT TO GREECE AND MACEDONIA AND HIS RETURN TO MILETUS.—A.D. 58, 59.

1 [20:1]AFTER the tumult was allayed, Paul calling the disciples and embracing them departed to go into Macedonia. [20:2]And going through those parts, and exhorting them with many words, he went into Greece; [20:3]and when he had staid there three months, and a conspiracy was formed against him by the Jews as he was about to sail to Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia. [20:4] And there followed him to Asia, Sopater the son of Pyrrhus of Berea, and of those of Thessalonica, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and those of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus; [20:5]these going before waited for us at Troas. [20:6]And we sailed from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came to those at Troas in five days, where we staid seven days.

2 [20:7]And on the first day of the week, we being assembled to break bread, Paul preached to them, being about to depart on the next day, and continued his discourse till midnight; [20:8]and there were many lamps in the upper room where we were assembled. [20:9]And a young man by the name of Eutychus sitting in a window, falling into a deep sleep while Paul preached long, and being overcome by sleep, fell from the third story down, and was taken up dead. [20:10]But Paul going down fell on him, and embracing him, said, Be not troubled, for his life is in him. [20:11]And going up and breaking bread, and tasting it, and conversing a long time till the break of day, he departed. [20:12]And they brought away the child alive, and were not a little comforted.

3 [20:13]And we going before by ship sailed to Assos, being about to take in Paul at that place; for so had he appointed, being about to go on foot himself. [20:14]And when he met us at Assos, we took him in and came to Mitylene, [20:15]and sailing thence, on the next day we came opposite to Chios, and in another day we touched at Samos, and stopping at Trogylium, on the day following we came to Miletus. [20:16]For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that it might not be necessary for him to spend a long time in Asia; for he hastened, if it was possible for him, to be at Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost.

4 [20:17]And from Miletus sending to Ephesus he called for the elders of the church. [20:18]And when they had come to him, he said to them, You know from the first day that I came into Asia, how I was with you at all times, [20:19] serving the Lord with all humility, and tears and trials that befell me by the conspiracies of the Jews, [20:20]how I kept not back from declaring to you and teaching you publicly and from house to house any thing that was profitable, [20:21]testifying both to Jews and Greeks the change of mind to God, and the faith in our Lord Jesus. [20:22]And behold now, I go constrained by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things which shall befall me there, [20:23]except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city, saying, That bonds and afflictions await me. [20:24]But life precious to myself, I make of no account that I may finish my course and the service which I received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

5 [20:25]And now, behold, I know that you all among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom shall see my face no more. [20:26]Wherefore I call you to witness this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men; [20:27]for I have not kept back from declaring to you all the counsel of God. [20:28]Take heed to yourselves, therefore, and to all the flock in which the Holy Spirit has made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he has purchased with his blood. [20:29]For I know that after my departure grievous wolves will come among you, not sparing the flock, [20:30]and of yourselves men will arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. [20:31]Wherefore watch, remembering that for three years, night and day, I ceased not to admonish every one of you with tears. [20:32]And now I commend you to God, and the word of his grace, who is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance with all the sanctified. [20:33]I have coveted no man's silver or gold or clothing; [20:34]you yourselves know that these hands have served my necessities and those with me. [20:35]I have showed you all things, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

6 [20:36]And having said these words he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. [20:37]And they all wept much, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, [20:38] grieving most of all for the word which he said, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.



CHAPTER XIX.

PAUL AND HIS COMPANY PURSUING THEIR JOURNEY TO CAESAREA AND JERUSALEM, ETC.—A.D. 59.

1 [21:1]AND when we had torn ourselves from them we set sail, and going in a straight course came to Cos, and on the next day to Rhodes, and thence to Patara. [21:2]And finding a ship crossing to Phenicia, going on board we set sail. [21:3]And observing Cyprus, and leaving it on the left, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to discharge her cargo. [21:4] And finding the disciples we continued there seven days; and they told Paul, by the Spirit, not to go on to Jerusalem. [21:5]And when we had completed the days we went out and proceeded on our journey, they all attending us with their wives and children till without the city, and kneeling down on the shore we prayed, [21:6]and having saluted each other we went to the ship, and they returned to their homes.

2 [21:7]Having completed our voyage from Tyre we went to Ptolemais, and having saluted the brothers continued with them one day. [21:8]And departing on the next day we came to Caesarea, and going to the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, we staid with him. [21:9]This man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. [21:10]And having continued there many days, there came down a certain prophet from Judea by the name of Agabus, [21:11]and coming to us, and taking Paul's girdle, and binding his hands and feet, he said, These things, says the Holy Spirit; Thus will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and deliver him into the hands of the gentiles. [21:12]And when we heard these things, we and the people of the place besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. [21:13]But Paul answered, What do you do, to weep and break my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem, for the name of the Lord Jesus. [21:14]And he not being persuaded, we were silent, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

3 [21:15]And after these days, having made preparation, we went up to Jerusalem; [21:16]and some of the disciples from Caesarea went up with us, conducting [us] to Mnason a Cyprian, an early disciple with whom we lodged.

4 [21:17]And when we arrived at Jerusalem the brothers received us gladly. [21:18]And on the following day Paul went with us to James, and all the elders were present. [21:19]And having saluted them, he related particularly what God had done among the gentiles by his ministry; [21:20]and having heard, they glorified God, and said to him, You see, brother, how many ten thousands there are of those who have believed, among the Jews, and all are zealots of the law; [21:21]and they have been informed of you, that you teach all the Jews among the gentiles to apostatize from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children, nor to walk according to the customs. [21:22]What then is [to be done]? They will hear everywhere that you have come. [21:23]Do this, therefore, which we tell you. We have four men having a vow upon them; [21:24]take them and be purified with them, and pay their expenses, that they may shave their heads, and all will know that the information which they have of you is not correct, but that you walk also yourself keeping the law. [21:25]But concerning the gentiles who have believed, we have sent, judging that they should avoid things offered to idols, and blood, and things strangled, and fornication. [21:26]Then Paul taking the men, on the following day being purified with them went into the temple, announcing the completion of the days of purification till an offering should be offered for each one of them.



CHAPTER XX.

PAUL'S APPREHENSION BY THE JEWS, HIS RESCUE BY THE ROMANS, HIS ADDRESS, ETC.—A.D. 59.

1 [21:27]AND when the seven days were nearly completed, the Jews from Asia seeing him in the temple excited all the multitude, and laid hands on him, [21:28]crying, Men of Israel, help; this is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place, and besides he has brought Greeks into the temple, and defiled this holy place. [21:29]For they had before seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, and supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. [21:30]And all the city was moved, and there was a concourse of the people, and taking hold of Paul they dragged him without the temple, and immediately the gates were shut.

2 [21:31]And while they were seeking to kill him, a report went up to the chiliarch of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in commotion; [21:32]who immediately taking soldiers and centurions ran down upon them; and seeing the chiliarch and the soldiers, they ceased beating Paul. [21:33]Then the chiliarch approaching took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done. [21:34]But some cried one thing, and some another, in the multitude, and not being able to learn the truth, on account of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the fortress. [21:35] And when he was on the steps, it happened that he was borne by the soldiers, on account of the violence of the multitude; [21:36]for the multitude of the people followed, crying, Take him away.

3 [21:37]And being about to be carried into the fortress, Paul said to the chiliarch, May I have permission to speak to you? And he said, Do you understand Greek? [21:38]Are you not the Egyptian who before these days excited a sedition, and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men who were murderers? [21:39]And Paul said, I am a Jew, of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of a not undistinguished city, I beg of you, permit me to speak to the people. [21:40]And he giving him permission, Paul stood up on the steps, and motioned with his hand to the people; and when there was great silence, he spoke in the Hebrew language, and said, [22:1]Men, brothers and fathers, hear my present defense before you. [22:2]And hearing that he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they kept the greater silence.

5 [22:3]And he said, I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, instructed at the feet of Gamaliel in the accurate interpretation of the law of our fathers, and am a zealous worshipper of God as you all are to-day; [22:4]and I persecuted this way to death, binding and committing to prison both men and women, [22:5]as the chief priest also bears me witness, and all the eldership, from whom also receiving letters to the brothers I went to Damascus, to bring those who were there bound to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 [22:6]And when I was on the way and had come nigh to Damascus, about noon suddenly a great light from heaven shone around me, [22:7]and I fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to me, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? [22:8]And I answered, Who are you, Lord? And he said to me, I am Jesus the Nazoraean, whom you persecute. [22:9]And those that were with me saw the light, but they heard not the voice of him that spoke to me. [22:10]And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me, Arise, and go to Damascus, and there it shall be told you of all things which are appointed for you to do.

7 [22:11]And when I could not see from the brightness of that light, being led by the hand by those with me, I came to Damascus. [22:12]And a certain Ananias, a man [living] according to the law, approved by all the Jews living [there], [22:13]coming and standing by, said to me, Brother Saul, Receive your sight. And in that hour I looked upon him. [22:14]And he said, The God of our fathers chose you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and hear the voice of his mouth, [22:15]for you shall be a witness for him to all men of what you have seen and heard. [22:16]And now, why do you delay? Arising, baptize and wash away your sins, calling on his name.

8 [22:17]And when I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I was in a trance, [22:18]and saw him [Christ], saying to me, Hasten and depart immediately from Jerusalem, for they will not receive your testimony of me. [22:19]And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in the synagogues those who believed on you; [22:20]and when the blood of your martyr Stephen was poured out, I also stood by and consented, and kept the clothes of those that killed him. [22:21]And he said to me, Go, for I will send you to nations far away.

9 [22:22]And they heard him to this word, and lifted up their voice saying, Take away such a man from the earth; it is not fit that he should live. [22:23] And as they cried and rent their clothes and cast dust in the air, [22:24]the chiliarch commanded him to be brought into the fortress, ordering that he should be examined with scourges, that he might know for what reason they cried so against him. [22:25]But when they extended him with cords, he said to the centurion standing by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man, a Roman, and uncondemned? [22:26]And the centurion hearing this, went and told the chiliarch, saying, What are you about to do? for this man is a Roman. [22:27] And the chiliarch came to him and said, Tell me, are you a Roman? And he said, Yes. [22:28]And the chiliarch answered, I acquired this citizenship for a great price. But Paul said, I am indeed, and was also born [one]. [22:29]Then those about to examine him immediately withdrew from him; and the chiliarch was afraid, knowing that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.



CHAPTER XXI.

PAUL BEFORE THE SANHEDRIM, AND SENT TO CAESAREA FOR SAFE KEEPING.—A.D. 59.

1 [22:30]AND on the next day, wishing to know the truth in respect to what he was accused of by the Jews, [the chiliarch] released him, and commanded the chief priests and all the Sanhedrim to come together; and bringing Paul down he set him before them. [23:1]And Paul looking steadily at the Sanhedrim, said, Men and brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience to this day. [23:2]And the chief priest Ananias commanded those standing by to strike him on the mouth. [23:3]Then Paul said to him, God is about to strike you, whitewashed wall; and do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law? [23:4]And those standing by said, Do you revile God's chief priest? [23:5]And Paul said, I knew not brothers that he was a chief priest; for it is written, You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.

2 [23:6]And Paul knowing that one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, cried in the Sanhedrim, Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of Pharisees; for the hope and resurrection of the dead am I under trial. [23:7] And having said this, there was a dissension between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the multitude were divided. [23:8]For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees confess both. [23:9]And there was a great cry, and the scribes of the party of the Pharisees rising up contended, saying, We find no evil in this man; but [what] if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him? [23:10]And there being a great dissension, the chiliarch, fearing that Paul would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the troops to come down and take him by force from the midst of them, and conduct him to the fortress.

3 [23:11]And on the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good courage, for as you have testified of me at Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome. [23:12]And when it was day, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves by an oath, saying that they would not eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. [23:13]And there were more than forty who took this oath, [23:14] who came to the chief priests and elders and said, We have bound ourselves under a curse to taste nothing till we kill Paul. [23:15]Now, therefore, speak to the chiliarch, with the Sanhedrim, to bring him down to you tomorrow, as if you were about to investigate his case more accurately, and we, before he comes nigh, are ready to kill him.

4 [23:16]But a son of Paul's sister hearing of this lying in wait, went and entering into the fortress told Paul. [23:17]And Paul calling one of the centurions, said, Lead this young man to the chiliarch, for he has something to tell him. [23:18]He therefore took him and led him to the chiliarch, and said, Paul the prisoner called me and asked me to lead this young man to you, who has something to tell you. [23:19]And the chiliarch taking him by the hand and leading him aside, inquired, What is it that you have to tell me? [23:20]And he said, The Jews have entered into a compact to ask you to bring down Paul to the Sanhedrim to-morrow, as if about to learn more accurately of something concerning him. [23:21]But do not therefore be persuaded by them; for more than forty men of them lie in wait, who have taken an oath not to eat nor drink till they have killed him, and now they are ready, awaiting an answer from you. [23:22]Then the chiliarch dismissed the young man, charging him, Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.

5 [23:23]And calling two of the centurions he said, Prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen and two hundred light armed troops, after the third hour of the night. [23:24]And provide animals to put Paul on, and take him safely to Felix the procurator. [23:25]And he wrote a letter having this form; [23:26]Claudius Lysias to the most excellent procurator Felix, greeting. [23:27]I went with the soldiery and rescued this man, when he was seized by the Jews, and about to be killed by them, having learned that he is a Roman; [23:28]and wishing to know the cause for which they accuse him, I took him down to their Sanhedrim, [23:29]and found him criminated in respect to questions of their law, but charged with nothing worthy of death or bonds. [23:30]Being informed that a conspiracy was about to be formed against the man, I immediately sent to you, commanding also his accusers to speak before you.

6 [23:31]The soldiers therefore took Paul as they were commanded and brought him by night to Antipatris, [23:32]and the next day leaving the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the fortress. [23:33]And when they came to Caesarea, and had delivered the letter to the procurator, they also presented Paul to him. [23:34]And having read, he asked of what province he was; and learning that he was of Cilicia, [23:35]I will hear you, he said, when your accusers have come; and he commanded him to be kept in the Praetorium of Herod.



CHAPTER XXII.

PAUL'S TRIAL BEFORE FELIX THE PROCURATOR.—A.D. 59, 60.

1 [24:1]AND after five days the chief priest Ananias, with the elders, and a certain orator, Tertullus, went down and gave information to the procurator against Paul. [24:2]And he being called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Having obtained great peace by you, and things being happily arranged for this nation by your oversight in all things and in all places [24:3]we accept [it] most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. [24:4]But that I may not further weary you, I beg you to hear us briefly, with your clemency. [24:5]For finding this man a pestilence and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a chief of the sect of the Nazoraeans, [24:6]who also endeavored to profane the temple, whom we also took, [24:8]from whom you will be able to learn by examination of all these things of which we accuse him. [24:9]And the Jews also assented, saying, These things are so.

2 [24:10]And the procurator making a sign to him to speak, Paul answered, Knowing that you have been for many years a judge of this nation, I shall defend myself cheerfully, [24:11]you being able to know that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem. [24:12]And they did not find me in the temple disputing with any one, or making a disturbance of the multitude, neither in the synagogues nor in the city; [24:13]neither can they prove the things of which they now accuse me.

3 [24:14]But this I confess to you, that in the way which they call a heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers; believing all things written in the law and the prophets, [24:15]having a hope in God which they also hold, that there will be a resurrection both of the righteous and wicked. [24:16]And in this also I endeavor always to have a conscience without offense towards God and man.

4 [24:17]But after many years I came to bring charities and offerings to my nation, [24:18]in which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a multitude, nor with a tumult, [24:19]who ought to be present and accuse me before you, if they have any thing against me. [24:20]Or let them say whether they found any unrighteousness in me when I stood before the Sanhedrim, [24:21]except in this one statement which I made, as I stood among them, that I am under trial by you to-day concerning the resurrection of the dead.

5 [24:22]But Felix put them off, saying, Having learned more accurately of this way, when Lysias the chiliarch comes down I will decide concerning your matters, [24:23]and he commanded the centurion that Paul should be kept, and be freed from bonds, and that he should forbid none of his friends to serve him.

6 [24:24]And after some days Felix coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. [24:25]And as he discoursed of righteousness, and temperance, and the judgment about to come, Felix being terrified answered, Go for the present; but when I have time I will call you. [24:26]At the same time also he hoped that money would be given him by Paul; and on this account sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him. [24:27]But after two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and wishing to gratify the Jews, Felix left Paul bound.



CHAPTER XXIII.

PAUL'S TRIAL BEFORE FESTUS, HIS APPEAL TO CAESAR, AND HIS SUBSEQUENT DEFENSE BEFORE AGRIPPA.—A.D. 61.

1 [25:1]FESTUS therefore coming into the province, after three days went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. [25:2]And the chief priests and the first men of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, [25:3]asking favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, having provided an ambuscade to kill him on the way. [25:4]Then Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he would go down there shortly; [25:5]and then, he said, the principal men among you may go down with me; if there is any thing against this man they may prosecute him. [25:6]And staying with them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and on the next day, sitting on the tribunal, commanded Paul to be brought.

2 [25:7]And when he had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many and weighty accusations which they could not prove, [25:8]while Paul maintained in his defense, Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I done any wrong.

3 [25:9]But Festus wishing to gratify the Jews, answered Paul and said, Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and there be tried by me for these things? [25:10]And Paul said, I stand at the tribunal of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have not injured the Jews, as you also know very well. [25:11]If indeed I have done wrong or committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if those things of which they accuse me are nothing, no man may give me up to them; I appeal to Caesar. [25:12]Then Festus having conferred with the council answered, You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.

4 [25:13]But after some days king Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to salute Festus. [25:14]And when they had staid there many days, Festus proposed the case of Paul to the king, saying, There is a certain man left a prisoner by Felix, [25:15]concerning whom when I was at Jerusalem the chief priests and elders of the Jews gave me information, asking judgment against him; [25:16]to whom I answered, It is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man before the accused has the accusers face to face, and is allowed an opportunity to defend himself against the accusation.

5 [25:17]When therefore, they came here, making no delay, the next day I sat on the tribunal, and ordered the man to be brought; [25:18]concerning whom his accusers standing up brought no charge of such things as I supposed, [25:19]but had certain questions with him concerning their religion, and concerning one Jesus that was dead, who Paul said was alive. [25:20]Being in doubt on the question concerning these things, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried by me there on these charges. [25:21]But Paul appealing, to be kept for the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Caesar. [25:22]And Agrippa [said] to Festus, I should like to hear the man also myself. And he said, To-morrow you shall hear him.

6 [25:23]On the next day, therefore, Agrippa and Bernice coming with great pomp, and entering into the place of hearing with chiliarchs and men of distinction in the city, at the command of Festus Paul was brought. [25:24]And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all the men present with us, you see this man, of whom all the multitude of the Jews besought me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying out that he ought no longer to live. [25:25]But finding that he had done nothing deserving death, and he having appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him. [25:26]But I have nothing certain to write to the sovereign concerning him, wherefore I have brought him before you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, that on examination I may have something to write; [25:27] for it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not to signify the charges against him.

7 [26:1]And Agrippa said to Paul, You are permitted to speak for yourself. Then Paul stretched out his hand and made his defense. [26:2]I think myself happy, King Agrippa, in being allowed to make my defense before you to-day in respect to all things of which I am accused by the Jews, [26:3]especially as you are acquainted with all the customs and questions of the Jews; wherefore, I beg you to hear me patiently. [26:4]My mode of life from my childhood, the early part of it being with my nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews, [26:5]who knew me from the first, if they would testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. [26:6]And now I stand on trial for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, [26:7]which our twelve tribes, serving God continually, day and night, hope to attain; of this hope, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. [26:8]Why is it judged by you incredible that God raises the dead? [26:9]I indeed thought with myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazoraean, [26:10]which I also did at Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were killed I gave my vote against them. [26:11]And punishing them often in all the synagogues, I compelled them to blaspheme, and being exceedingly mad against them, I pursued them even to cities abroad.

8 [26:12]In which [persecutions] also, going to Damascus with authority, and a commission from the chief priests, [26:13]at midday I saw in the way O king, a light from heaven shining around me and those going with me, exceeding the brightness of the sun; [26:14]and when we had all fallen on the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? it is hard for you to kick against the goads. [26:15]And I said, Who are you, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom you persecute. [26:16]But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and witness both of what you have seen and [of visions ] in which I will appear to you, [26:17]delivering you from the people, and the gentiles, to whom I send you [26:18]to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among the sanctified by faith in me. [26:19]Whence, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, [26:20]but preached first to those at Damascus and Jerusalem, and in all the country of Judea, and to the gentiles, that they should change their minds and turn to God, performing works worthy of a change of mind.

9 [26:21]On this account the Jews seized me in the temple and endeavored to kill me. [26:22]Having obtained therefore help from God, I have continued to this day, testifying to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said should take place; [26:23]that the Christ should suffer, and that he first from the resurrection of the dead should proclaim light both to the people and the nations.

10 [26:24]And when Paul had said these words, Festus said with a loud voice, You are mad, Paul; much learning has driven you to madness. [26:25]But he said, I am not mad, most excellent Festus, but utter words of truth and sobriety. [26:26]For the king knows of these things, before whom I speak freely; for I am persuaded that none of these things have escaped his notice; for this was not done in a corner. [26:27]King Agrippa, believe you the prophets? I know that you believe. [26:28]And Agrippa said to Paul, You almost persuade me to be a Christian. [26:29]And Paul said, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am, except these bonds. [26:30]And the king arose, and the procurator, and Bernice, and those who sat with them, [26:31]and departing they conversed with each other, saying, This man has done nothing deserving death or bonds. [26:32]And Agrippa said to Festus, If he had not appealed to Caesar, this man might be released.



CHAPTER XXIV.

PAUL'S VOYAGE TO ROME.—A.D. 61, 62.

1 [27:1]AND when it was determined that we should sail to Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion by the name of Julius, of the cohort of Augustus. [27:2]And going on board of a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places in Asia, we set sail, Aristarchus a Macedonian of Thessalonica being with us; [27:3]and on the next day we came to Sidon, and Julius treating Paul with humanity allowed him to go to his friends, and receive attention.

2 [27:4]Proceeding thence we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary, [27:5]and sailing through the sea by Cilicia and Pamphylia we came to Myra in Lycia; [27:6]and the centurion finding there an Alexandrian ship sailing to Italy, put us into it. [27:7]And sailing slowly in those days, and scarcely being by Cnidus, the wind not permitting us [to proceed in a direct course] we sailed under Crete, by Salmone, [27:8]and sailing by it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which is the city Lasea.

3 [27:9]But some time being spent and navigation not being safe, because the fast had already passed by, Paul advised, [27:10]saying to them, Men, I see that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives. [27:11]But the centurion believed the master and owner rather than the words spoken by Paul. [27:12]And the harbor being inconvenient to winter in, the greater part advised to depart thence, and, if they were able, to come to Phenice to winter, a harbor of Crete, which opens to the South and Southwest.

4 [27:13]And the South wind blowing gently, supposing that they had attained their purpose, setting sail they proceeded along the coast of Crete. [27:14]But not long after a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon, rushed against it, [27:15] and the ship being caught and not being able to bear up against the wind, we gave up, and were borne along. [27:16]And running a little under the island called Clauda, we with difficulty became masters of the boat, [27:17]and taking it out they used helps, under-girding the ship; and fearing lest they should fall on the shoal, letting down the mast they were driven in that condition. [27:18]And we being exceedingly pressed with the storm, on the next day they cast the cargo overboard, [27:19]and on the third day with our own hands we cast overboard the furniture of the ship. [27:20]And neither sun nor stars appearing for many days, and no slight storm being upon us, at last all hope that we should be saved was taken away.

5 [27:21]Then there having been long abstinence from food, Paul stood up in the midst of them and said, You ought, men, taking my advice, not to have sailed from Crete, and to have saved this injury and loss. [27:22]And now I advise you to be of good courage; for there shall be no loss of a life of you, but only of the ship. [27:23]For an angel of the God whose I am, and whom I serve, came to me this night [27:24]and said, Fear not, Paul; you must stand before Caesar, and behold, God has given you all that sail with you. [27:25]Wherefore, men, be of good courage; for I believe God, that it will be as he has told me; [27:26] but we must be cast on a certain island.

6 [27:27]And on the fourteenth night, when we were borne along in the Adriatic, at about midnight the sailors suspected that some land was approaching them. [27:28]And sounding they found twenty fathoms, and going a little distance and sounding again they found fifteen fathoms; [27:29]and fearing lest we should fall on rough places, casting out four anchors from the stern, they prayed for day. [27:30]And the sailors seeking to escape from the ship, and letting down the boat into the sea, with the pretence that they were about to put out anchors from the fore part of the ship, [27:31]Paul said to the centurion and soldiers, Unless these continue in the ship you cannot be saved. [27:32]Then the soldiers cut the ropes of the boat and let it fall off.

7 [27:33]And when day was about to appear, Paul exhorted all to take food, saying, It is the fourteenth day to-day that you have watched and continued without food, taking nothing. [27:34]Wherefore I exhort you to partake of food; for this is necessary to your safety, for there shall not a hair perish from the head of any one of you. [27:35]And having said these things, and taken bread, he thanked God before all, and having broken began to eat. [27:36]And all being in good spirits they also partook of food; [27:37]and all the souls in the ship were two hundred and seventy-six. [27:38]And being satisfied with food they lightened the ship, casting the wheat into the sea.

8 [27:39]And when it was day they did not know the land, but they perceived a bay having a shore, on which they wished if possible to thrust the ship. [27:40] And taking up the anchors, they committed [the ship] to the sea, loosening at the same time the fastenings of the rudder and raising the top sail to the wind, they bore down towards the shore. [27:41]And falling on a place with a sea on both sides, they run the ship aground. And the bow being firmly fixed, remained immoveable; and the stern was broken by violence.

9 [27:42]And the design of the soldiers was to kill the prisoners, that none might escape by swimming; [27:43]but the centurion wishing to save Paul, prohibited them from this design, and commanded those able to swim to cast themselves into the water first, and go to the land; [27:44]and the rest, some on boards, and some on parts of the ship; and in this way all were brought safely to land.

10 [28:1]And when they were saved, they learned that the island was called Melita. [28:2]And the barbarians showed us no ordinary humanity; for kindling a fire they received us all, on account of the rain which was falling, and the cold. [28:3]And Paul having collected a bundle of sticks and put them on the fire, a viper coming out from the heat fastened on his hand. [28:4]And when the barbarians saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said one to another, This man is undoubtedly a murderer, whom though saved from the sea justice has not permitted to live. [28:5]Then shaking off the creature into the fire he suffered no harm; [28:6]but they expected that he would swell up, or suddenly fall down dead. And waiting a long time, and seeing nothing extraordinary happen to him, they thought differently, and said, He is a god.

11 [28:7]Near that place were the lands of the first man in the island, whose name was Poplius, who received and entertained us kindly three days. [28:8]And the father of Poplius lay sick with a fever and dysentery, and Paul came to him, and prayed, and put his hands on him, and cured him. [28:9]And this being done, the rest also who had sicknesses in the island came and were cured, [28:10]and they bestowed on us many rewards, and when we left supplied us with things that we needed.

12 [28:11]And after three months we sailed away in an Alexandrian vessel, that had wintered in the island, with the sign of Castor and Pollux. [28:12]And coming to Syracuse we remained there three days; [28:13]and proceeding thence we came to Rhegium, and after one day, a south wind blowing, we came the second day to Puteoli, [28:14]where finding brothers we were invited to remain with them seven days; and thus we came to Rome. [28:15]And thence, the brothers hearing of us came out to meet us even to the Forum of Appius, and the Three Taverns [fifty-one miles]; and when Paul saw them, thanking God he took courage.



CHAPTER XXV.

PAUL AT ROME.—A.D. 62, 64.

1 [28:16]AND when we came to Rome the centurion committed the prisoners to the prefect of the camp, and Paul was allowed to remain by himself, with a soldier to guard him. [28:17]And after three days he called the chief men of the Jews together; and when they had convened, said to them, Men and brothers, having done nothing contrary to the people or to the customs of the fathers, I was delivered up from Jerusalem a prisoner into the hands of the Romans, [28:18]who on trial wished to release me, because they found no cause of death in me; [28:19]but the Jews opposing it I was compelled to appeal to Caesar; not that I have any thing of which to accuse my nation. [28:20]For this reason, therefore, I have called you to see and converse with you, because I am loaded with this chain on account of the hope of Israel.

2 [28:21]And they said to him, We have neither received letters concerning you from Judea, nor has any one of the brothers come and reported or told any evil of you. [28:22]But we would like to hear from you what you think, for it is known to us concerning this sect, that it is everywhere spoken against.

3 [28:23]And appointing him a day they came in great numbers to his lodging, to whom he set forth and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening. [28:24]And some believed the things which were spoken, and others believed not; [28:25]and disagreeing among themselves they were dismissed by Paul, saying one word; Well did the Holy Spirit speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, [28:26]saying, Go to this people and say, Hearing you shall hear and not understand, and seeing you shall see and not perceive; [28:27]for the heart of this people has become hard, and they hear imperfectly with their ears, and they have shut their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I should cure them. [28:28]Be it known to you, therefore, that the salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they will hear it.

4 [28:30]But Paul continued two entire years in his hired house, and received all who came to him, [28:31]preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the doctrines concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.



THE EPISTLES OF PAUL.

FIRST EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS.

CORINTH, A.D. 53. (ACTS 16, 3.)



CHAPTER I.

THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GOSPEL TO THE THESSALONIANS, TIMOTHY'S VISIT AND REPORT, ETC.

1 [1:1]PAUL and Sylvanus [Silas] and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be to you and peace.

2 [1:2]We thank God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, [1:3]remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before God even our Father, [1:4] knowing, brothers beloved by God, your election, [1:5]that our gospel came not to you in word only, but with power and with the Holy Spirit and with full assurance, as you know what we were among you for your sakes.

3 [1:6]And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction with the joy of the Holy Spirit, [1:7]so that you became an example to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. [1:8]For from you the word of the Lord was proclaimed not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith with respect to God went into every place, so that we had no need to say any thing; [1:9]for they declare of us what introduction we had to you, and how you turned from idols to God, to serve the living and true God, [1:10]and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

4 [2:1]For you know, brothers, our introduction to you that it was not in vain, [2:2]but having suffered before, and been injuriously treated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention. [2:3]For our exhortation was not of error, nor of impurity, nor with deceit, [2:4]but as we were judged worthy by God to be intrusted with the gospel so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tries our hearts. [2:5]For we used at no time a word of flattery, as you know, nor a pretext for covetousness, God is witness, [2:6]neither did we seek glory of men, either of you or of others, when we might have been burdensome as apostles of Christ; [2:7]but we were gentle among you, as a nurse would cherish her own children; [2:8]so being greatly desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but our own souls, because you were dear to us. [2:9]For you remember, brothers, our labor and weariness; that working night and day not to be burdensome to any one of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. [2:10]You are witnesses, and God, how piously, and righteously, and blamelessly we were with you that believe, [2:11]as you know how we exhorted and comforted you, as a father each one of his own children, [2:12]and charged you to walk worthily of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

5 [2:13]For this cause also we thank God without ceasing, that receiving the word of God heard from us, you received not a word of men, but, as it is in truth, a word of God, who also works in you that believe. [2:14]For you, brothers, became followers of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which were in Judea, for you also suffered the same things from your countrymen, which they did from the Jews [2:15]who also killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and persecuted us, and who please not God and are hostile to all men, [2:16] forbidding us to speak to the gentiles that they may be saved, that they may fill up their sins always; and the wrath has come on them to the utmost.

6 [2:17]But we, brothers, being deprived of you for a short time in presence, not in heart, used greater diligence to see your face, with much desire. [2:18] For which reason we wished to come to you; I Paul indeed once and again, and Satan hindered us. [2:19]For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming? [2:20]For you are our glory and joy.

7 [3:1]When therefore we could no longer refrain, we thought it best to be left alone at Athens, [3:2]and sent Timothy, our brother and God's co-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and to exhort you in behalf of your faith, [3:3]that no one should be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed for this; [3:4]for indeed when we came to you, we told you before that we were about to suffer affliction, as it also happened, and you know. [3:5]For this reason, being no longer able to forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest in some way the tempter should have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

8 [3:6]But now Timothy having come to us from you and told us the good news of your faith and love, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us, as we also you, [3:7]therefore we were comforted, brothers, on your account in all our affliction and distress by your faith, [3:8]for now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. [3:9]For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you for all the joy with which we rejoice on your account before our God, [3:10]desiring exceedingly, night and day, to see your face, and to perfect what is lacking of your faith?

9 [3:11]And may God himself, even our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you; [3:12]and the Lord cause you to be full and abound with love one to another and to all men, as we also to you, [3:13]to confirm your hearts without blame in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.



CHAPTER II.

CHASTITY, BROTHERLY LOVE, THE STATE OF THE DEAD, THE COMING OF CHRIST, ETC.

1 [4:1]FINALLY, therefore, brothers, we beseech and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, as you have received from us how you ought to walk and please God, that you abound still more. [4:2]For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. [4:3]For this is the will of God, your purity, that you should abstain from fornication, [4:4]that each one should know how to have his wife in purity and honor, [4:5]not with inordinate desires like the gentiles who know not God, [4:6]that he should not go beyond and defraud his brother in the matter, because the Lord is a punisher of all these, as we also told you before and fully testified. [4:7]For God has not called us to impurity, but to purity. [4:8]He therefore that despises, despises not man, but God, who also gives us his Holy Spirit.

2 [4:9]But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that I should write to you; for you are taught by God to love one another; [4:10]for you also do the same to all the brothers in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brothers, to abound still more, [4:11]and strive to be quiet and pursue your own business, and work with your hands, as we charged you, [4:12]that you may walk becomingly towards those without and have need of nothing.

3 [4:13]And we wish you not to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those that have fallen asleep, that you may not grieve as others who have no hope. [4:14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, so also will God bring with him those that have fallen asleep on account of Jesus. [4:15]For we tell you this by the word of the Lord, that we who live and remain till the coming of the Lord, shall not anticipate those that have fallen asleep, [4:16]for the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, [4:17] then we the living who remain shall be caught up together with them in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall be always with the Lord. [4:18] Comfort one another, therefore, with these words.

4 [5:1]But concerning the times and season, brothers, you have no need that I should write to you; [5:2]for you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. [5:3]When they say, Peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes, like pain upon a woman with child, and they shall not escape. [5:4]But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that the day should come upon you like a thief; [5:5]for you are all children of light, and children of day; we are not of night nor of darkness.

5 [5:6]Therefore let us not sleep as others, but let us watch and be sober. [5:7]For they that sleep sleep in the night, and they that are drunk drink in the night; [5:8]but let us who are of day be sober, putting on a cuirass of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation, [5:9]for God has not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, [5:10] who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we may live together with him. [5:11]Wherefore exhort one another, and edify one another, as you also do.

6 [5:12]And we beseech you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you, [5:13]and to esteem them very highly in love on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. [5:14] And we exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, comfort the dispirited, assist the sick, be of long suffering towards all men. [5:15]See that no one renders evil for evil, but always pursue the good both one to another and to all.

7 [5:16]Rejoice always; [5:17]pray without ceasing, [5:18]give thanks on every occasion; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus to us. [5:19]Quench not the Spirit, [5:20]despise not prophecies. [5:21]Prove all things, hold fast the good; [5:22]abstain from every form of evil. [5:23]And may the God of peace himself purify you wholly, and your whole spirit, and soul, and body, be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [5:24]Faithful is he that calls you, who will also perform.

8 [5:25]Brothers, pray for us. [5:26]Salute all the brothers with a holy kiss. [5:27]I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brothers. [5:28]The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.



SECOND EPISTLE TO THE THESSALONIANS.

CORINTH, A.D. 53. (ACTS, 16:3.)



CHAPTER I.

PAUL'S LOVE AND PRAYERS FOR THE THESSALONIAN CHRISTIANS, THE COMING OF CHRIST, ETC.

1 [1:1]PAUL and Silvanus [Silas] and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. [1:2]Grace be to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 [1:3]We ought to thank God always for you, brothers, as is fit, because your faith increases greatly, and the love of every one of you all one for another abounds, [1:4]so that we boast of you in the churches of God, of your patience and faith, in all your persecutions and the afflictions which you endure, [1:5] a token of the righteous judgment of God that you should be deemed worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer, [1:6]since it is just with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, [1:7]and to you who are afflicted rest with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his mighty angels [1:8]in a flame of fire, executing judgment on all that know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus; [1:9]who shall suffer the punishment of eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, [1:10]when he shall come to be glorified in his saints and to be admired by all that believe in that day, for our testimony was believed by you. [1:11] For which also we pray always for you, that our God will account you worthy of the calling, and accomplish all the good pleasure of [his] goodness and the work of faith with power; [1:12]that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 [2:1]And we beseech you, brothers, in respect to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our being brought together to him, [2:2]that you be not soon shaken in mind, nor terrified, neither by a spirit, nor by a discourse, nor by an epistle as from us, as though the day of the Lord was at hand. [2:3]Let no one deceive you in any way, for [he shall not come] unless the apostacy comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction, [2:4]who opposes and exalts himself above every thing that is called a god or an object of worship, so that he sits in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. [2:5]Do you not remember that when I was with you I told you of these things? [2:6]And now you know what hinders him from being revealed in his time. [2:7]For the mystery of wickedness already works, [God] only restrains it just now, till it shall be out of the way; [2:8]and then shall the wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy with the brightness of his coming, [2:9]whose coming is according to the power of Satan, with all power and miracles and false prodigies [2:10]and with every unrighteous deceit among those who are destroyed, because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved. [2:11]And therefore, God sends them a power of delusion that they should believe a lie, [2:12]that they all may be condemned who believe not the truth but have pleasure in wickedness.

4 [2:13]But we ought to thank God always for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you to salvation by purification of spirit, and belief of the truth, [2:14]to which he called you by our gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. [2:15]Therefore, brothers, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word or by our epistle; [2:16]and our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us eternal consolation and a good hope by grace, [2:17] comfort and confirm your hearts in every good work and word.

5 [3:1]Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, as also with you, [3:2]and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all have not faith. [3:3]But the Lord is faithful, who will confirm you, and guard you from evil. [3:4]And we trust in the Lord with respect to you, that you both do and will do what we direct. [3:5] And may the Lord direct your hearts in the love of God, and in the patience of Christ.

6 [3:6]And we charge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which you received from us. [3:7]For you know yourselves how you ought to follow us, for we walked not disorderly among you, [3:8]neither did we eat bread of any one for nought, but worked with labor and fatigue, night and day, not to be burdensome to any of you; [3:9]not that we have not a right [to a support], but that we may make ourselves an example for you to follow us. [3:10]For when we were with you, we gave you this charge, that if any one will not work, neither let him eat. [3:11]For we hear that some go about among you in a disorderly manner, not working, but being above work; [3:12]we charge and exhort such, by our Lord Jesus Christ, to work quietly, and eat their own bread. [3:13]But, brothers, be not weary of well doing. [3:14]But if any one obeys not our word by this epistle, mark that one, and have no association with him, that he may be ashamed; [3:15]and account him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. [3:16]And may the Lord of peace give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

7 [3:17]The salutation by my hand, Paul's, which is [the] sign in every epistle; so I write. [3:18]The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.



EPISTLE TO THE GALATIANS.

EPHESUS, A.D. 56. (ACTS, 17:3.)



CHAPTER I.

PAUL'S ACCOUNT OF HIMSELF AND OF THE GOSPEL.

1 [1:1]PAUL an apostle, not from men nor by man but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead, [1:2]and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia. [1:3]Grace be to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, [1:4]who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from the present evil life according to the will of God even our Father, [1:5] to whom be the glory forever and ever; amen.

2 [1:6]I wonder that you have so quickly turned away from him that called you in the grace of Christ to another gospel, [1:7]which is not another; but there are some who disturb you and wish to subvert the gospel of Christ. [1:8]But if we or an angel from heaven preach you another gospel contrary to what we have preached you let him be accursed. [1:9]As we said before I now also say again, If any one preaches you a gospel contrary to what you have received let him be accursed. [1:10]For do I now obey man, or God? or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I could not have been a servant of Christ.

3 [1:11]For I certify you, brothers, of the gospel preached by me, that it is not according to man; [1:12]for I neither received it from man nor was I taught it, but by a revelation of Jesus Christ. [1:13]For you heard of my conduct formerly in Judaism, that I greatly persecuted the church of God and destroyed it; [1:14]and was a proficient in Judaism beyond many of my age among my people, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. [1:15] But when God who gave me being and called me by his grace, [1:16]was pleased to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the gentiles, immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood, [1:17]neither did I go to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went to Arabia and returned again to Damascus.

4 [1:18]Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and staid with him fifteen days; [1:19]and I saw no other of the apostles except James, the Lord's brother. [1:20]And what I write to you, behold, before God, I lie not.

5 [1:21]Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. [1:22]But I was unknown by face to the churches of Christ in Judea, [1:23]only they heard that he who persecuted us formerly, now preached the faith which he formerly destroyed; [1:24]and they glorified God in me.

6 [2:1]Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking also Titus; [2:2]and I went up by a revelation, and proposed to them the gospel which I preach to the gentiles, but privately to persons of distinction, lest I should run or had run in vain. [2:3]But Titus who was with me, and was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised; [2:4]but on account of false brothers brought in secretly to act as spies against our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, to bring us into servitude, [2:5]we did not yield to them by subjection, for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. [2:6]But from those of distinction, whatever they were it makes no difference to me,—God is partial to no man,—for those of distinction added nothing to me, [2:7]but on the contrary seeing that I was intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, as Peter was of the circumcision,— [2:8]for he that operated in Peter for the apostleship of the circumcision, operated also in me for the gentiles,— [2:9]and knowing the grace given me, James and Cephas and John, who were manifest pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship that we should go to the gentiles and they to the circumcision; [2:10]only [they wished] that we should remember the poor, which I was also forward to do.

7 [2:11]But when Peter came to Antioch I opposed him to his face, because he was to blame. [2:12]For before some came from James he eat with the gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself; fearing those of the circumcision; [2:13]and the other Jews also dissembled with him, so that Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. [2:14]But when I saw that they walked not correctly, according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before all, If you being a Jew live after the manner of the gentiles, and not after the manner of the Jews, why do you compel the gentiles to practise Judaism? [2:15]For we Jews by race and not sinners of the gentiles, [2:16] knowing that a man is not justified by works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ, we also have believed in Jesus Christ, that we may be justified by faith and not by works of the law, because by works of the law shall no flesh be justified. [2:17]But if seeking to be justified by Christ we are found to be ourselves also sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? By no means. [2:18] For if I build up again what I have destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. [2:19]For by a law I have died to the law, that I may live to God. [2:20]I am crucified with Christ; and I no longer live myself, but Christ lives in me; and the present life which I live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [2:21]I do not reject the grace of God; for if rightousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing.



CHAPTER II.

RIGHTEOUSNESS EXPLAINED.

1 [3:1]O FOOLISH Galatians, who has fascinated you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been set forth among you crucified? [3:2]This only would I learn of you. Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by a hearing of faith? [3:3]Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit do you now end in the flesh? [3:4]Have you suffered so much in vain? if indeed also it is in vain. [3:5]He then that imparts to you the Spirit, and exercises miraculous powers among you, does he do it by works of the law, or by the doctrine of faith? [3:6] As Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him a righteousness.

2 [3:7]Know, therefore, that those of faith, these are children of Abraham. [3:8]And the Scripture foreseeing that God would justify the nations by faith, promised before to Abraham, In you shall all the nations be blessed. [3:9]Those of faith, therefore, are blessed with believing Abraham. [3:10]For as many as are of works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, Cursed is every one that continues not in all things written in the book of the law to do them. [3:11]And it is evident that no one is justified by the law before God, because the just shall live by faith, [3:12]but the law is not of faith, but he that does these things shall live by them. [3:13]Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangs on a tree, [3:14]that the blessing of Abraham may come on the nations, in Christ Jesus, that we may receive the promise of the Spirit through the faith.

3 [3:15]Brothers, I speak according to man. But no one abolishes a man's covenant when it is established, or makes additions to it. [3:16]The promises were spoken to Abraham and his offspring. He said not, And to offsprings, as of many, but as of one, And to your offspring, which is Christ. [3:17]And this I say; that the law which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot abrogate the covenant previously established by God, to make the promise of no effect. [3:18]For if the inheritance is by the law, it is no longer by the promise. But God gave it to Abraham by the promise. [3:19]What then? The law was added on account of transgressions, till the offspring should come to which the promise was made, being appointed by angels by the hand of a mediator. [3:20]But there is no mediator of one; but God is one.

4 [3:21]Is the law then against the promises of God? By no means. For if a law had been given, able to give life, righteousness would really have been by the law; [3:22]but the Scripture has shut up all under sin, that the promise of the faith of Jesus Christ may be given to them that believe. [3:23]But before the faith came, we were kept shut up under the law for the faith to be revealed. [3:24]So that the law was our schoolmaster to lead to Christ, that we might be justified by faith; [3:25]but the faith having come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. [3:26]For you are all children of God by the faith in Jesus Christ; [3:27]for as many of you as are baptized in Christ, have put on Christ. [3:28]There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither servant nor freeman, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. [3:29] And if you are of Christ, then are you Abraham's children and heirs according to the promise.

5 [4:1]But I say, that as long as the heir is a child, he differs not from a servant, though he is lord of all, [4:2]but is under tutors and stewards till the time appointed by the father. [4:3]So also we, when we were children, were in servitude under the rudiments of the world; [4:4]but when the fullness of time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, [4:5] that he might redeem those under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. [4:6]And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. [4:7]So that you are no longer a servant, but a son; and if a son, also an heir of God.

6 [4:8]But formerly, not knowing God you served beings which are not really Gods; [4:9]but now knowing God, or rather being known by God, how do you turn again to the weak and imperfect rudiments, which you wish again to serve? [4:10] Do you observe days, and months, and times, and years? [4:11]I am afraid of you, lest I have expended labor on you in vain.

7 [4:12]I beseech you, brothers, be as I am, for I am as you [ought to be]. You did not injure me; [4:13]but you knew I preached the gospel to you on my former [visit] in weakness of the flesh, [4:14]and my trial in my flesh you despised not nor rejected, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus. [4:15] What then was your blessedness? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have dug out your eyes and have given them to me. [4:16]Have I therefore become your enemy, by telling you the truth? [4:17]They are zealous for you, but not well, but they wish to exclude you that you may be zealous for them. [4:18]It is good to be zealous for a good object always, and not only when I am present with you. [4:19]My little children, with whom I am again in pain till Christ is formed in you, [4:20]I wish to be present with you now and change my voice with you, for I am in doubt of you.

8 [4:21]Tell me, you that wish to be under the law, do you not hear the law? [4:22]For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by a servant woman, and the other by a free woman. [4:23]But he by the servant woman was born of the flesh, and he by the free woman, by the promise. [4:24]These things are allegorical, for those [women] are two covenants, one from Mount Sinai, bearing children for servitude, which is Hagar; [4:25]for Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; and the present Jerusalem answers to her, for she is in servitude with her children. [4:26]But the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us; [4:27]for it is written, Rejoice, barren woman, that did not bear, break forth and cry, woman that had no pain, for the children of the desolate are more numerous than those of her who had a husband. [4:28]But we, brothers, like Isaac, are children of the promise. [4:29]But as then he that was born of the flesh persecuted him that was born of the Spirit, so also now. [4:30]But what says the Scripture? Cast out the servant-woman and her son; for the son of the servant woman shall not be an heir, with the son of the free. [4:31]Wherefore, brothers, we are not children of the servant woman, but of the free.



CHAPTER III.

MORAL DUTIES.

1 [5:1]STAND firm in the liberty with which Christ has made you free, and be not again subject to a yoke of servitude. [5:2]Behold, I Paul tell you, that if you are circumcised Christ will not profit you. [5:3]For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is bound to perform the whole law. [5:4] You have departed from Christ, whoever of you are justified by the law, you have fallen from the grace. [5:5]For we wait in spirit for the hope of righteousness, by faith. [5:6]For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by love.

2 [5:7]You ran well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? [5:8]This persuasion is not of him that calls you. [5:9]A little leaven leavens the whole mass. [5:10]I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will not be of another mind; but he that troubles you shall bear his sin, whoever he is. [5:11] And I, brothers, if I preach circumcision, why am I yet persecuted? Then has the offense of the cross ceased. [5:12]I would that they were cut off that disturb you. [5:13]For you are called to liberty, brothers, only make not your liberty an occasion for the flesh, but by love serve one another. [5:14]For all the law is fully contained in one precept; you shall love your neighbor as yourself. [5:15]But if you bite and devour one another, see that you be not consumed one by another.

3 [5:16]And I say, walk in the Spirit and perform not the desire of the flesh. [5:17]For the flesh desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are opposed one to another, so that you do not what you wish. [5:18]But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. [5:19]For the works of the flesh are manifest, which are, fornication, impurity, lewdness, [5:20]idolatry, magic, enmities, strife, envy, anger, contentions, dissensions, heresies, [5:21]murders, drunkenness, revellings and the like, of which I tell you before, as I have also previously told you, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. [5:22]But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, [5:23]meekness, temperance; against such there is no law. [5:24]And the [subjects] of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its affections and desires. [5:25]If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. [5:26]Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.

4 [6:1]Brothers, if a man is overtaken with any fault, do you that are spiritual restore such a one with a spirit of meekness, considering yourself; lest you also be tried. [6:2]Bear one another's burdens, and so perform the law of Christ. [6:3]For if any one thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. [6:4]But let each one prove his work, and then shall he have joy in himself alone and not in another, [6:5]for every one shall bear his own burden.

5 [6:6]Let him that is taught the word communicate with him that teaches of all good things. [6:7]Be not deceived, God is not mocked. For what a man sows, that shall he also reap; [6:8]for he that sows for his flesh, shall of the flesh reap destruction; but he that sows for the Spirit, shall of the Spirit reap life eternal. [6:9]Let us not be weary of well doing; for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. [6:10]As we have opportunity, therefore, let us do good to all, but especially to the members of the family of the faith.

6 [6:11]You see with how long a letter I have written to you. [6:12]Those who wish to make a fair appearance in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. [6:13]For the circumcised themselves do not keep the law, but they wish you to be circumcised that they may glory in your flesh. [6:14]But far be it from me to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me and I to the world. [6:15]For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. [6:16]And whoever walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.

7 [6:17]Finally, let no man trouble me; for I bear in my body the marks of Jesus. [6:18]The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers; amen.



FIRST EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS.

EPHESUS, A.D. 57. (ACTS, 19:10.)



CHAPTER I.

SALUTATION, EXHORTATION TO UNITY, THE MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL, ETC.

1 [1:1]PAUL, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Sosthenes the brother, [1:2]to the church of God which is at Corinth, to the sanctified in Jesus Christ, called to be saints, with all that call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours. [1:3]Grace and peace be to you from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 [1:4]I thank my God always for you, for the grace of God given you in Christ Jesus, [1:5]that in every thing you are enriched in him, in all speech and all knowledge, [1:6]as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, [1:7]so that you are behind in no gift, waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ, [1:8]who also will confirm you to the end, without blame, in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1:9]God is faithful by whom you are called into the society of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

3 [1:10]I exhort you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected in the same mind and the same will. [1:11]For I have been informed of you, my brothers, by the family of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [1:12]I mean this; that each one of you says I indeed am of Paul, and I of Apollos, and I of Cephas, and I of Christ. [1:13]Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul? [1:14]I thank God I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius; [1:15]that no one may say that I baptized in my name. [1:16]And I also baptized the family of Stephanus; besides I do not know that I baptized any other. [1:17]For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the good news, not with a wisdom of speech lest the cross of Christ should be without effect. [1:18]For the word of the cross is to the lost foolishness, but to the saved the power of God. [1:19]For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the intelligent. [1:20]Where is the wise? where the scribe? where the disputer of this life? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? [1:21]For since, in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, God was pleased by the foolishness of preaching to save those that believe; [1:22]and since the Jews seek signs, and the Greeks seek wisdom, [1:23]we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews indeed an offense, and to the gentiles foolishness, [1:24]but to the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and wisdom of God; [1:25]for the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. [1:26]For you see your calling, brothers, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble [are called]; [1:27]but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and the weak things of the world has God chosen to put to shame the mighty, [1:28]and the ignoble things of the world and things that are despised has God chosen, and things that are not, to destroy things that are, [1:29]that no flesh may glory in the sight of God. [1:30]But you are of him in Christ Jesus, who has become to us wisdom from God, and righteousness, and sanctification and redemption, [1:31]that as it is written, He that glories, let him glory in the Lord.

4 [2:1]And when I came to you, brothers, I came not with excellency of speech, or wisdom, declaring to you the mystery of God. [2:2]For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. [2:3]And I was with you in weakness, and with fear and with much trembling, [2:4]and my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the spirit and power, [2:5]that your faith might not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.

5 [2:6]But we speak wisdom among the perfect, but not the wisdom of this life, nor of the rulers of this life, who are destroyed; [2:7]but we speak a wisdom of God hid in mystery, which God appointed from eternity for our glory, [2:8] which none of the rulers of this life knew, for if they had known they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; [2:9]but as it is written, An eye has not seen, an ear has not heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those that love him; [2:10]but God has revealed them to us by his Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. [2:11]For who knows the [things] of man, except the spirit of man which is in him? So also no one knows the [things] of God except the Spirit of God. [2:12]And we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we may know the things given us by God, [2:13]which we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. [2:14]But the natural man receives not the [things] of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot know them, for they are spiritually discerned. [2:15]But the spiritual man discerns all things, and is himself perceived by no one. [2:16] For who has known the mind of the Lord, who shall instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

6 [3:1]And I, brothers, was not able to speak to you as spiritual, but as carnal, as babes in Christ. [3:2]I have fed you milk, not solid food; for you were not yet able; but you are not able even now; [3:3]for you are yet carnal. For when there is envy and strife among you are you not carnal and walk as men? [3:4]For when one says, I am of Paul, and another, I, of Apollos, are you not men? [3:5]Who then is Apollos? and who is Paul? but ministers by whom you believed, and to each as the Lord gave. [3:6]I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused [the seed] to grow; [3:7]so neither is he that plants any thing, nor he that waters, but God that causes it to grow. [3:8]He that plants and he that waters are one; and each shall receive his reward according to his labor. [3:9] For we are God's co-laborers; you are God's field, God's building.