(12)And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes; and coming upon him, they seized him, and brought him to the council, (13)and set up false witnesses, Who said: This man ceases not to speak words against this holy place, and the law. (14)For we have heard him say, that this Jesus the Nazarene will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us. (15)And all that sat in the council, looking intently upon him, saw his face as the face of an angel.



VII.

AND the high priest said: Are then these things so? (2)And he said: Brethren, and fathers, hearken. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Haran, (3)and said to him: Go forth from thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall show thee. (4)Then he went forth from the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Haran; and from thence, after his father was dead, he caused him to remove into this land, wherein ye now dwell. (5)And he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot-breadth; and he promised to give it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when he had no child. (6)And God spoke after this manner, that his seed shall be a sojourner in a strange land, and they will bring them into bondage, and afflict them four hundred years. (7)And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage I will judge, said God; and after that they shall come forth, and shall serve me in this place. (8)And he gave him the covenant of circumcision; and thus he begot Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac, Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs. (9)And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt. And God was with him, (10)and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

(11)And there came a famine over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and a great affliction; and our fathers found no sustenance. (12)But Jacob, hearing that there was grain in Egypt, first sent out our fathers. (13)And at the second time, Joseph was recognized by his brothers; and the race of Joseph was made known to Pharaoh. (14)Then Joseph sent, and called for Jacob his father, and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls. (15)And Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers, (16)and were removed to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.

(17)But as the time of the promise drew near, which God declared to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, (18)until another king arose who knew not Joseph. (19)He, dealing subtly with our race, afflicted our fathers, so that they should cast out their infants, that they might not be preserved alive. (20)In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair[7:20], who was nourished three months in his father's house. (21)And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for herself as a son.

(22)And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. (23)And when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the sons of Israel. (24)And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged the one oppressed by smiting the Egyptian. (25)For he supposed his brethren would understand, that God by his hand would deliver them; but they understood not. (26)And on the following day he showed himself to them as they were contending, and urged them to peace, saying: Ye are brethren; why wrong ye one another? (27)But he who was wronging his neighbor thrust him away, saying: Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us? (28)Wilt thou kill me, as thou didst kill the Egyptian yesterday? (29)And Moses fled at this saying, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian, where he begot two sons. (30)And when forty years were completed, there appeared to him in the wilderness of the mount Sinai an angel in a flame of fire, in a bush. (31)And Moses, seeing it, wondered at the sight; and as he drew near to behold it, the voice of the Lord came to him, saving: (32)I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses trembled, and durst not behold. (33)And the Lord said to him: Loose the sandals from thy feet; for the place where thou standest is holy ground. (34)Truly, I saw the affliction of my people in Egypt, and I heard their groaning, and came down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt. (35)This Moses whom they denied, saying: Who made thee a ruler and a judge? him did God send as a ruler and a redeemer by the hand[7:35] of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. (36)He brought them out, working wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

(37)This is the Moses who said to the children of Israel: A Prophet will God raise up to you of your brethren, like unto. (38)This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him in the mount Sinai, and with our fathers; who received the living oracles to give to us; (39)to whom our fathers would not be obedient, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, (40)saying to Aaron: Make us gods who shall go before us; for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

(41)And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. (42)And God turned away, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets:

Did ye offer to me slain beasts and sacrifices, Forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? (43)And ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch, And the star of the god Remphan, The figures which ye made to worship them; And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.

(44)Our fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness, as he who spoke to Moses commanded, that he should make it according to the pattern that he had seen; (45)which also our fathers received, and brought in with Joshua into the possession of the heathen, whom God drove out before our fathers, unto the days of David; (46)who found favor before God, and asked that he might find a habitation for the God of Jacob. (47)But Solomon built a house for him. (48)Yet the Most High dwells not in temples made with hands; as says the prophet:

(49)Heaven is my throne, And the earth is my footstool. What house will ye build for me, saith the Lord; Or what is my place of rest? (50)Did not my hand make all these things?

(51)Stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and ears! Ye always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do ye. (52)Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they slew those who announced beforehand concerning the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have now become the betrayers and murderers; (53)who received the law as the ordinances of angels, and kept it not.

(54)Hearing these things, they were enraged in their hearts, and gnashed their teeth against him. (55)But, being full of the Holy Spirit, he looked intently into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, and said: (56)Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. (57)And crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one accord; (58)and having cast him out of the city, they stoned him. And the witnesses laid off their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul, (59)and stoned Stephen, calling and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. (60)And kneeling down, he cried with a loud voice: Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And saying this, he fell asleep.



VIII.

AND Saul was consenting to his death. And on that day there arose a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and all were scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. (2)And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him. (3)But Saul laid waste the church, entering house after house, and dragging both men and women, committed them to prison.

(4)They, therefore, that were scattered, went abroad, preaching the word. (5)And Philip went down to the city[8:5] of Samaria, and preached to them the Christ. (6)And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to the things said by Philip, when they heard, and saw the signs which he wrought. (7)For out of many who had unclean spirits they went forth, crying with loud voice; and many that were palsied, and that were lame, were healed. (8)And there was great joy in that city.

(9)But a certain man, named Simon, was in the city before, using sorcery, and bewitching the people of Samaria, saying that he was some great one; (10)to whom all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying: This man is the great power of God[8:10]. (11)And to him they gave heed, because for a long time they were bewitched by his sorceries. (12)But when they believed Philip publishing the good news concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were immersed, both men and women. (13)And Simon also himself believed; and having been immersed, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were wrought.

(14)And the apostles in Jerusalem, hearing that Samaria has received the word of God, sent to them Peter and John; (15)who, having come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit; (16)for he had not yet fallen upon any of them; but they had only been immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus. (17)Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

(18)And Simon, seeing that through the laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Spirit was given, offered them money, (19)saying: Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. (20)But Peter said to him: Thy money perish with thee; because thou didst think to obtain the gift of God with money: (21)Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter[8:21]; for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. (22)Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray the Lord, if perhaps the thought of thy heart shall be forgiven thee. (23)For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and the bond of iniquity.

(24)And Simon answering, said: Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of the things which ye have spoken come upon me.

(25)They, therefore, having testified and spoken the word of the Lord, were returning to Jerusalem, and publishing the good news to many villages of the Samaritans. (26)But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying: Arise, and go down to the south, to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is desert.

(27)And he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch, an officer of state of Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who was over all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship, (28)was returning, and sitting in his chariot; and he was reading the prophet Isaiah. (29)And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (30)And Philip ran thither, and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet. And he said: Understandest thou then what thou art reading? (31)And he said: How could I, except some one should guide me? And he entreated Philip to come up, and sit with him.

(32)And the contents of the Scripture which he was reading was this:

He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; And as a lamb dumb before his shearer, So he opens not his mouth. (33)In his humiliation his judgment was taken away; And his generation[8:33] who shall fully declare? For his life is taken away from the earth.

(34)And the eunuch answering said to Philip: I pray thee, of whom does the prophet speak this? Of himself, or of some other man? (35)And Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, made known to him the good news of Jesus. (36)And as they went along the way, they came to a certain water. And the eunuch said: See, here is water; what hinders that I should be immersed? (37)[8:37]And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And answering he said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. (38)And he commanded that the chariot should stop. And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he immersed him. (39)And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, for he went on his way rejoicing. (40)But Philip was found at Azotus; and passing through, he published the good news to all the cities, till he came to Caesarea.



IX.

BUT Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest, (2)and asked of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

(3)And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus. And suddenly there flashed around him a light from heaven; (4)and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (5)And he said: Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said: I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. (6)But arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

(7)And the men who journeyed with him were standing speechless, hearing the voice, but seeing no one. (8)And Saul arose from the earth; and his eyes being opened, he saw nothing; and leading him by the hand, they brought him into Damascus. (9)And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

(10)And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him the Lord said, in a vision, Ananias! And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. (11)And the Lord said to him: Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus. For, behold, he prays; (12)and in a vision he saw a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive sight.

(13)And Ananias answered: Lord, I have heard from many concerning this man, how great evils he did to thy saints at Jerusalem. (14)And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. (15)But the Lord said to him: Go; for he is to me a chosen vessel, to bear my name before Gentiles, and kings, and the sons of Israel; (16)for I will show him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. (17)And Ananias went, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him, he said: Brother Saul, the Lord has sent me, Jesus who appeared to thee in the way thou camest, that thou mayest receive sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. (18)And immediately there fell off from his eyes as it were scales; and he received sight, and arose, and was immersed; (19)and having taken food, he was strengthened.

And Saul was certain days with the disciples at Damascus. (20)And straightway he preached Jesus, in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. (21)And all that heard him were amazed, and said: Is not this he who destroyed in Jerusalem those who call on this name? And he came hither for this purpose, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests.

(22)But Saul was more strengthened, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

(23)And when many days were completed, the Jews took counsel to kill him. (24)But their lying in wait became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates day and night to kill him. (25)But the disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.

(26)And Saul, having come to Jerusalem, attempted to join himself to the disciples; and all were afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. (27)But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and related fully to them how he saw the Lord in the way, and that he spoke to him, and how he preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. (28)And he was with them, going in and out at Jerusalem, (29)and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus; and was speaking and disputing against the Grecian Jews; but they were attempting to slay him. (30)And the brethren, learning it, brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.

(31)The church therefore, throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, had peace, being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the consolation of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.

(32)And it came to pass that Peter, going through them all, came down also to the saints who dwelt at Lydda. (33)And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had lain upon a pallet eight years, who was palsied. (34)And Peter said to him: Aeneas, Jesus the Christ makes thee whole; arise, and make thy bed. And immediately he arose. (35)And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him; and they turned to the Lord.

(36)And there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which interpreted is called Dorcas. This woman was full of good works, and of alms, which she did. (37)And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died. And having washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. (38)And as Lydda was near to Joppa, the disciples, having heard that Peter was there, sent to him two men, entreating that he would not delay to come to them.

(39)And Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. (40)But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning to the body, he said: Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes; and seeing Peter, she sat up. (41)And he gave her his hand, and raised her up; and calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. (42)And it became known throughout all Joppa; and many believed on the Lord.

(43)And it came to pass, that he remained many days in Joppa, with one Simon, a tanner.



X.

THERE was a certain man in Caesarea named Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band; (2)devout, and one that feared God with all his house, giving many alms to the people, and praying to God always. (3)He saw in a vision, distinctly, about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him: Cornelius! (4)And fixing his eyes on him, he was afraid, and said: What is it, Lord? And he said to him: Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God. (5)And now send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter. (6)He lodges with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.

(7)And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius was gone, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him; (8)and having told them all these things, he sent them to Joppa.

(9)On the morrow, as they were journeying, and drawing near to the city, Peter went up upon the house-top to pray, about the sixth hour. (10)And he became very hungry, and desired to eat. While they now were making ready, there fell upon him a trance; (11)and he beholds heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending upon him, as a great sheet, bound by four corners, and let down upon the earth; (12)wherein were all the fourfooted beasts and creeping things of the earth, and birds of the air. (13)And there came a voice to him: Arise, Peter; slay, and eat. (14)But Peter said: Not so, Lord; for I never ate anything common or unclean. (15)And a voice came to him again, the second time: What God cleansed, call not thou common. (16)This was done thrice; and the vessel was taken up again into heaven.

(17)And while Peter was doubting in himself what the vision might be which he saw, behold, the men who were sent from Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simon's house, came and stood before the gate; (18)and calling they asked, whether Simon, who is surnamed Peter, lodges here.

(19)While Peter was earnestly considering the vision, the Spirit said to him: Behold, men are seeking thee. (20)But arise, and go down, and go with them, making no scruple; because I have sent them.

(21)Peter went down to the men, and said: Behold, I am he whom ye seek. What is the cause for which ye are here? (22)And they said: Cornelius, a centurion, a just man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee to his house; and to hear words from thee.

(23)He called them in, therefore, and lodged them. And on the morrow Peter went forth with them, and certain brethren from Joppa went with him. (24)And on the morrow after, they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was expecting them, having called together his kinsmen and near friends. (25)And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and did reverence to him. (26)But Peter raised him, saying: Stand up; I myself also am a man. (27)And while talking with him, he went in, and found many that were come together. (28)And he said to them: Ye know that it is unlawful[10:28] for a Jew to keep company with, or come to, one of another nation; but God showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean. (29)Wherefore I also came without delay, when sent for. I ask therefore for what reason did ye send for me?

(30)And Cornelius said: Four days ago I was fasting unto this hour, and at the ninth hour was praying in my house; and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, (31)and said: Cornelius, thy prayer was heard, and thine alms were remembered before God. (32)Send therefore to Joppa, and call for Simon, who is surnamed Peter; he lodges in the house of Simon a tanner, by the sea-side; who, when he comes will speak to thee. (33)Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou didst well in coming hither. Now therefore we are all present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee from the Lord.

(34)And Peter opened his mouth, and said: Of a truth I perceive that God is not a respecter of persons; (35)but in every nation he that fears him, and works righteousness, is acceptable to him. (36)The word which he sent to the sons of Israel, publishing glad tidings of peace through Jesus Christ (he is Lord of all), (37)ye know; the thing which was done throughout all Judaea, beginning from Galilee, after the immersion which John preached; Jesus of Nazareth, (38)how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the Devil; because God was with him. (39)And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew, hanging him on a tree. (40)Him God raised on the third day, and showed him openly; (41)not to all the people, but to witnesses before appointed by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. (42)And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he who has been appointed by God to be Judge of the living and dead. (43)To him all the prophets bear witness, that through his name every one who believes on him shall receive remission of sins.

(44)While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. (45)And those of the circumcision who believed, as many as came with Peter, were astonished, that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit. (46)For they heard them speaking with tongues, and magnifying God.

Then answered Peter: (47)Can any one forbid the water, that these should not be immersed, who received the Holy Spirit even as we also? (48)And he commanded that they should be immersed in the name of the Lord. Then they entreated him to remain certain days.



XI.

AND the apostles, and the brethren throughout Judaea, heard that the Gentiles also received the word of God. (2)And when Peter went up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, (3)saying: Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.

(4)But Peter rehearsed the matter to them in order, from the beginning, saying: (5)I was in the city of Joppa praying; and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending, as a great sheet, let down out of heaven by four corners; and it came even to me. (6)On which fixing my eyes, I considered, and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and birds of the air. (7)And I heard a voice saying to me: Arise, Peter; slay and eat. (8)But I said: Not so, Lord; for nothing common or unclean ever entered into my mouth. (9)But a voice answered me a second time out of heaven: What God cleansed, regard not thou as common. (10)And this was done three times; and all were drawn up again into heaven.

(11)And, behold, immediately there stood three men at the house where I was, having been sent to me from Caesarea. (12)And the Spirit bade me go with them, making no scruple. And these six brethren also went with me, and we entered into the man's house. (13)And he told us how he saw the angel in his house, standing and saying to him: Send to Joppa, and call for Simon who is surnamed Peter; (14)who will speak to thee words, whereby thou shalt be saved, and all thy house.

(15)And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as also on us at the beginning; (16)and I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said: John indeed immersed in water, but ye shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit. (17)If therefore God gave the like gift to them as to us, having believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who then was I, that I could withstand God?

(18)When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying: So then, to the Gentiles also God gave repentance unto life.

(19)Now they who were scattered abroad by the persecution that arose on account of Stephen, went as far as Phoenicia, and Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to none but Jews. (20)But some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, having come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, publishing the good news of the Lord Jesus. (21)And the hand of the Lord was with them; and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.

(22)But the report concerning them came to the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas, to go as far as Antioch. (23)Who having come, and seen the grace of God, rejoiced; and he exhorted all, that with purpose of heart they should cleave to the Lord. (24)For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great multitude was added to the Lord.

(25)And Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to seek for Saul; (26)and having found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they came together in the church, and taught a great multitude; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

(27)And in these days prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. (28)And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be a great dearth over all the world; which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. (29)And the disciples, according as any one was prospered, determined each of them to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judaea; (30)which also they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.



XII.

AND about that time, Herod the king stretched forth his hands to oppress[12:1] certain of the church. (2)And he slew James the brother of John with the sword. (3)And seeing that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also; (then were the days of unleavened bread;) (4)whom he also seized and put in prison, delivering him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after the passover to bring him forth to the people.

(5)Peter therefore was kept guarded in the prison; but earnest prayer was made by the church to God on his behalf.

(6)And when Herod was about to bring him forth, in that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and keepers before the door were guarding the prison. (7)And, behold, an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him, saying: Rise up quickly. And his chains fell from off his hands. (8)And the angel said to him: Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he said to him: Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. (9)And he went out, and followed him; and knew not that what was done by the angel was true, but thought he saw a vision.

(10)And having passed the first and the second watch, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them of its own accord; and they went out, and passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

(11)And Peter, having come to himself, said: Now I know truly, that the Lord sent forth his angel, and delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews. (12)And becoming fully conscious of it, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, who was surnamed Mark, where many were gathered together, and praying.

(13)And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a maidservant came to hearken, named Rhoda.

(14)And recognizing Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told that Peter was standing before the gate. (15)And they said to her: Thou art mad. But she confidently affirmed that it was even so. And they said: It is his angel.

(16)But Peter continued knocking; and opening the door they saw him, and were amazed. (17)And beckoning to them with the hand to be silent, he related to them how the Lord brought him out of the prison. And he said: Go tell these things to James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went to another place.

(18)And when it was day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers, as to what was become of Peter. (19)And Herod, when he had sought for him, and found him not, after examining the keepers, commanded that they should be led away to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode.

(20)And Herod was highly displeased with the Tyrians and Sidonians. But they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by that of the king.

(21)And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat upon his throne, and made a speech to them. (22)And thereupon the people shouted: The voice of a god, and not of a man! (23)And immediately an angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not glory to God; and he was eaten by worms, and expired.

(24)But the word of God grew and multiplied. (25)And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, having performed the service, taking with them also John, who was surnamed Mark.



XIII.

AND there were at Antioch, in the church that was there, prophets and teachers; Barnabas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen the foster-brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

(2)And while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said: Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul, unto the work to which I have called them. (3)Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

(4)They therefore, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, came down to Seleucia; and from thence they sailed away to Cyprus. (5)And having come to Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had also John as an assistant.

(6)And having gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain Magian, a Jewish false prophet, whose name was Bar-jesus; (7)who was with the proconsul of the country, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. He, having called for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God. (8)But Elymas the Magian (for so his name is interpreted), withstood them, seeking to turn away the proconsul from the faith.

(9)Then Saul (who is also called Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, fixed his eyes on him, (10)and said: O full of all deceit and all wickedness, child of the Devil, enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? (11)And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and darkness; and going about, he sought persons to lead him by the hand.

(12)Then the proconsul, seeing what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.

(13)And Paul and his companions, having put to sea from Paphos, came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem. (14)But they, going on from Perga, came to Antioch in Pisidia; and entering into the synagogue on the sabbath day, they sat down. (15)And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying: Men, brethren, if ye have any word of exhortation for the people, speak.

(16)And Paul arose, and beckoning with the hand, said: Men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken. (17)The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers; and he exalted the people in their sojourn in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm he brought them out of it. (18)And about the time of forty years he nourished them[13:18] in the wilderness. (19)And having destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he gave them their land as a possession, (20)about four hundred and fifty years. And after that, he gave judges, until Samuel the prophet. (21)And afterward they desired a king; and God gave them Saul the Son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. (22)And having removed him, he raised up for them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, saying: I found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will do all my will.

(23)Of the seed of this man, God, according to promise, raised up to Israel a Savior, Jesus; (24)John having first preached, before his entrance, the immersion of repentance to all the people of Israel. (25)Now as John was finishing his course, he said: Whom do ye suppose me to be? I am not he. But, behold, there comes one after me, the sandal of whose feet I am not worthy to loose.

(26)Men, brethren, children of the race of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you the word of this salvation was sent forth. (27)For they who dwell at Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing him, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day, fulfilled them in condemning him. (28)And though they found no cause of death, they demanded of Pilate that he should be slain. (29)And when they had fulfilled all the things written of him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. (30)But God raised him from the dead. (31)And he was seen for many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are now his witnesses unto the people. (32)And we declare to you glad tidings of the promise made to the fathers, (33)that God has fulfilled this to us their children, in raising Jesus; as also it is written in the second psalm[13:33]:

Thou art my Son; I this day have begotten thee.

(34)And that he raised him up from the dead to return no more to corruption, he has thus spoken: I will give to you the holy, the sure promises of David. (35)Wherefore also in another psalm he says: Thou wilt not suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. (36)For David, having served his own generation according to the purpose of God, fell asleep, and was added to his fathers, and saw corruption. (37)But he, whom God raised, saw not corruption.

(38)Be it known to you therefore, men, brethren, that remission of sins through this man is announced to you; (39)and by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye were not able to be justified by the law of Moses.

(40)Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken in the prophets:

(41)Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish; Because I work a work in your days, A work which ye will not believe, Though one should fully declare it to you.

(42)And as they were going out, they besought that these words might be spoken to them on the next sabbath. (43)And when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and of the proselyte worshipers followed Paul and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

(44)And on the next sabbath day, almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. (45)But the Jews, seeing the multitudes, were filled with indignation, and spoke against the things said by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

(46)Then Paul and Barnabas spoke boldly, and said: It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you; but since ye thrust it from you, and judge yourselves not worthy of the eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. (47)For so has the Lord commanded us:

I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, That thou shouldst be for salvation to the end of the earth.

(48)And the Gentiles hearing it rejoiced, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were appointed unto eternal life believed. (49)And the word of the Lord was spread abroad throughout all the region.

(50)But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out from their borders. (51)And they, having shaken off the dust of their feet against them, came to Iconium. (52)And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit.



XIV.

AND it came to pass in Iconium, that they went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke, that a great multitude both of Jews and Greeks believed. (2)But the Jews who disbelieved stirred up and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the brethren. (3)They spent a long time, therefore, speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

(4)But the multitude of the city was divided; and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles. (5)And when a movement was made, both of the Gentiles and Jews with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, (6)they, being aware of it, fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra and Derbe, and the region around; (7)and there they were publishing the good news.

(8)And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being lame from his mother's womb, who never walked. (9)This man was listening to Paul as he spoke; who, fixing his eyes on him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, (10)said with a loud voice: Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up, and walked.

(11)And the multitudes, seeing what Paul did, lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia: The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. (12)And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercury, because he was the chief speaker. (13)And the priest of Jupiter, that was before the city, having brought oxen and garlands to the gates, would have offered sacrifice with the people. (14)But the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, hearing of it, rent their clothes, and rushed forth to the multitude; crying out, (15)and saying: Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like nature with you, bringing you glad tidings, that ye should turn from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein; (16)who, in the ages past, suffered all nations to walk in their own ways; (17)although he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, giving you rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.

(18)And with these sayings they hardly restrained the people from sacrificing to them.

(19)But there came thither Jews from Antioch and Iconium; and having persuaded the people, and stoned Paul, they drew him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. (20)But the disciples having gathered around him, he rose up, and came into the city; and on the morrow he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. (21)And having published the good news to that city, and made many disciples, they turned back to Lystra, and Iconium, and Antioch; (22)confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much affliction enter into the kingdom of God.

(23)And having appointed for them elders in every church, they commended them, with prayer and fasting, to the Lord, on whom they believed. (24)And after passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. (25)And having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia; (26)and thence they sailed away to Antioch, from whence they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they accomplished.

(27)And having come, and gathered the church together, they reported how great things God wrought with them, and that he opened to the Gentiles a door of faith. (28)And they spent no little time with the disciples.



XV.

AND certain men, coming down from Judaea, taught the brethren: Except ye are circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye can not be saved. (2)Paul and Barnabas having therefore had no little dissension and discussion with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders, about this question.

(3)They therefore, having been sent forward by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren. (4)And having come to Jerusalem, they were gladly received by the church, and the apostles and elders; and they reported how great things God wrought with them. (5)But there arose some of those from the sect of the Pharisees who believed, saying: It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

(6)And the apostles and the elders came together to consider this matter. (7)And when there had been much discussion, Peter arose, and said to them: Men, brethren, ye know that a long time ago God made choice among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the glad tidings and believe. (8)And God who knows the heart bore them witness, giving to them the Holy Spirit, as also to us; (9)and made no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

(10)Now therefore why do ye tempt God, by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? (11)But, through the grace of the Lord Jesus, we believe that we shall be saved, in the same manner as they also.

(12)And all the multitude became silent, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, narrating how great signs and wonders God wrought among the Gentiles through them.

(13)And after they were silent, James answered, saying: Men, brethren, hearken to me. (14)Simeon narrated how at first God visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. (15)And with this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written:

(16)After this I will return, And will rebuild the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; And I will rebuild the ruins thereof, and will set it up again; (17)that the rest of men may seek after the Lord, And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name has been called, Saith the Lord, who does these things[15:17].

(18)Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

(19)Wherefore my judgment is, that we trouble not those who from among the Gentiles are turning to God; (20)but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from what is strangled, and from blood. (21)For Moses of old time has in every city those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath.

(22)Then the apostles and the elders, with the whole church, resolved, having chosen men from themselves, to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (23)And they wrote by them thus:

The apostles and the elders and the brethren, to the brethren from the Gentiles throughout Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greeting: (24)Forasmuch as we heard, that some who went out from us troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying that ye must be circumcised and keep the law[15:24], to whom we gave no commandment; (25)it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to choose men and send them to you, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, (26)men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(27)We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who will themselves also by word tell you the same things. (28)For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no further burden except these necessary things; (29)that ye abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye will do well. Farewell.

(30)They therefore, being dismissed, came to Antioch; and assembling the multitude they delivered the letter. (31)And having read it, they rejoiced for the consolation. (32)And Judas and Silas, also themselves being prophets, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them.

(33)And having remained a while, they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to the apostles. (34)But it pleased Silas to abide there still[15:34]. (35)Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and publishing the glad tidings of the word of the Lord, with many others also.

(36)And some days after, Paul said to Barnabas: Let us return now, and visit the brethren in every city where we preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. (37)And Barnabas determined to take with them John, who was surnamed Mark. (38)But Paul thought it proper not to take with them him who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. (39)And there arose a sharp contention, so that they parted one from the other, and Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus. (40)And Paul, having chosen Silas, went forth, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. (41)And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.



XVI.

AND he came down to Derbe and Lystra. And, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman, but whose father was a Greek; (2)who was well reported of by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. (3)Him Paul wished to go forth with him, and took and circumcised him on account of the Jews who were in those places; for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

(4)And as they journeyed through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep, that were ordained by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. (5)The churches, therefore, were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

(6)And having gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, and being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia, (7)they came to Mysia, and attempted to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them. (8)And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

(9)And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man, a Macedonian, beseeching him, and saying: Come over into Macedonia and help us. (10)And when he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to publish the good news to them. (11)Therefore setting sail from Troas, we ran with a straight course to Samothrace, and on the following day to Neapolis; (12)and from thence to Philippi, which is a chief city of that part of Macedonia, a colony. And we continued in that city certain days.

(13)And on the sabbath, we went forth out of the gate by a river side, where was wont to be a place of prayer; and we sat down, and spoke to the women who came together.

(14)And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God, was listening; whose heart the Lord opened to attend to the things spoken by Paul. (15)And when she was immersed and her household, she besought us, saying: If ye have judged me to be a believer in the Lord, come into my house, and abide. And she constrained us.

(16)And it came to pass, as we were going to the place of prayer, a certain bondmaid having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by soothsaying. (17)She, having followed Paul and us, cried, saying: These men are the servants of the most high God, who announce to us the way of salvation.

(18)And this she did many days. But Paul, being indignant[16:18], turned and said to the spirit: I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her. And he came out the same hour.

(19)And her masters, seeing that the hope of their gain departed, laid hold of Paul and Silas, and drew them into the market-place before the rulers. (20)And having brought them to the magistrates, they said: These men, being Jews, greatly disturb our city; (21)and teach customs, which it is not lawful for us to receive, or to observe, being Romans.

(22)And the multitude rose up together against them; and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them with rods. (23)And having laid many stripes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely; (24)who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

(25)And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God; and the prisoners listened to them. (26)And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and the chains of all were loosed. (27)And the jailer, awaking out of sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, drew his sword, and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. (28)But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying: Do thyself no harm; for we are all here. (29)And calling for lights, he sprang in, and trembling fell down before Paul and Silas; (30)and having brought them out, he said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved? (31)And they said: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. (32)And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

(33)And taking them along, the same hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was immersed, himself and all his, immediately. (34)And having brought them up into his house, he set food before them, and rejoiced, with all his house, believing in God.

(35)And when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying: Let those men go. (36)And the keeper of the prison reported these words to Paul: The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore depart, and go in peace.

(37)But Paul said to them: They beat us openly, uncondemned, being Romans, and cast us into prison; and now do they send us forth secretly? Nay verily; but let them come themselves and bring us out.

(38)And the sergeants reported these words to the magistrates; and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans. (39)And they came and besought them, and bringing them out, entreated them to depart out of the city.

(40)And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia; and seeing the brethren they exhorted them, and departed.



XVII.

AND passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was the synagogue of the Jews. (2)And Paul, as his custom was, went in to them, and for three sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, (3)opening them, and setting forth that the Christ must suffer, and rise again from the dead; and that this is the Christ, Jesus whom I preach to you. (4)And some of them believed, and joined themselves to[17:4] Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.

(5)But the Jews, moved with envy[17:5], having taken to them, of the idlers in the market-place, certain vicious men, and having gathered a crowd, set the city in an uproar; and assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them unto the people. (6)And not finding them, they dragged Jason and certain brethren before the rulers of the city, crying: These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. (7)Whom Jason has received; and all these are acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.

(8)And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things. (9)And having taken security of Jason, and of the others, they let them go.

(10)And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Beroea; who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. (11)These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so.

(12)Many of them therefore believed; and of honorable Grecian women and men, not a few. (13)But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that also at Beroea the word of God was preached by Paul, they came, stirring up the people there also. (14)And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to journey as upon the sea; but Silas and Timothy abode there still. (15)And they who conducted Paul brought him to Athens; and having received a command to Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.

(16)Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city full of idols. (17)Therefore he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the market daily with those who met with him. (18)And certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, were disputing with him. And some said: What would this babbler say? and others: He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods; because he made known to them the good news of Jesus and the resurrection. (19)And taking hold of him, they brought him upon Mars' Hill, saying: May we know what this new doctrine is, of which thou speakest? (20)For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears; we would know therefore what these things mean. (21)Now all Athenians, and the strangers residing there, spent their leisure for nothing else, but to tell or to hear something new.

(22)And Paul, standing in the midst of Mars' Hill, said: Men of Athens, in all things I perceive that ye are very devout. (23)For as I passed by, and observed your objects of worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore, not knowing, ye worship, him I announce to you. (24)The God who made the world and all things therein, he being Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands; (25)nor is ministered to by human hands, as if needing anything more, himself giving to all life, and breath, and all things. (26)And he made of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, having fixed the appointed seasons and bounds of their habitation; (27)that they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, although he is not far from every one of us; (28)for in him we live, and move, and have our being; as also some of your own poets have said: For his offspring also are we. (29)Being therefore God's offspring, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like to gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. (30)The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked; but now, commands all men everywhere to repent. (31)Because he fixed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness, by the man whom he appointed, having given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.

(32)And when they heard of a resurrection of the dead, some mocked; and others said: We will hear thee again of this matter. (33)And thus Paul departed from among them.

(34)But certain ones, joining themselves to him, believed; among whom was also Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.



XVIII.

AFTER these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth. (2)And finding a certain Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome), he came to them; (3)and because he was of the same trade, he abode with them, and labored; for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (4)And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded both Jews and Greeks.

(5)And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was engrossed with the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ. (6)But they opposing themselves and blaspheming, he shook out his garments and said to them: Your blood be upon your own head; I am clean; from henceforth I will go to the Gentiles.

(7)And departing thence he entered into a certain man's house, named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was adjoining the synagogue. (8)And Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were immersed.

(9)And the Lord said to Paul, through a vision in the night: Be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace; (10)for I am with thee, and no one shall assail thee to hurt thee; for I have much people in this city. (11)And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

(12)And when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one accord against Paul, and brought him before the judgment-seat, (13)saying: This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.

(14)And as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews: If it were some injustice, or wicked misdeed, O Jews, with reason I would have borne with you. (15)But if it is a question about a word, and names, and your own law look to it yourselves; I will not be a judge of these things (16)And he drove them away from the judgment-seat.

(17)But having all seized upon Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, they beat him before the judgment-seat. And Gallio cared for none of these things.

(18)And Paul having remained yet many days, took leave of the brethren, and sailed thence to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shaven his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. (19)And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there but entering himself into the synagogue, he reasoned with the Jews. (20)And they desiring him to remain a longer time with them, he consented not; (21)but took leave of them, saying: [18:21][I must by all means keep the coming feast at Jerusalem; but] I will return again to you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. (22)And having landed at Caesarea, and gone up and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. (23)And after he had spent some time there, he departed, going through the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

(24)And a certain Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. (25)This man was instructed in the way of the Lord and being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught correctly the things concerning Jesus, knowing only the immersion of John. (26)And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But Aquila and Priscilla, having heard him, took him to them, and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly. (27)And he wishing to pass through into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him; who, when he was come, contributed much to those who had believed through grace. (28)For he powerfully confuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.



XIX.

AND it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper districts came to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples, (2)he said to them: Did ye receive the Holy Spirit when ye believed? And they said to him: Nay, we did not even hear whether there is a Holy Spirit. (3)And he said to them: Unto what then were ye immersed? And they said: Unto John's immersion. (4)Then said Paul: John indeed immersed with the immersion of repentance; saying to the people, that they should believe on him who should come after him, that is, on Jesus. (5)And when they heard this, they were immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus. (6)And Paul having laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied. (7)And all the men were about twelve.

(8)And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them of the things concerning the kingdom of God. (9)But when some were hardened, and believed not, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. (10)And this continued for two years; so that all who dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. (11)And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul; (12)so that also there were carried from his body to the sick, handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out from them.

(13)Then some of the wandering Jewish exorcists took upon them to name, over those who had the evil spirits, the name of the Lord Jesus, saying: I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches. (14)And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this. (15)And the evil spirit answering said: Jesus I know, and Paul I well know; but who are ye? (16)And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against both, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. (17)And this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who dwelt at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. (18)And many of the believers came, confessing, and declaring their deeds. (19)Many of those also who practiced curious arts brought together the books, and burned them before all; and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. (20)So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

(21)When these things were ended, Paul purposed to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia; saying: After I have been there, I must also see Rome. (22)And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

(23)And about that time, there arose no small tumult concerning the Way. (24)For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen; (25)whom he called together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs, ye well know that by this craft we have our wealth. (26)Moreover ye see and hear, that this Paul has persuaded and turned aside much people, not only of Ephesus, but of almost all Asia, saying that they are not gods, which are made with hands. (27)And there is danger to us, not only that this branch of business will come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be accounted nothing, and her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.

(28)And hearing it, they became full of wrath, and continued crying out, saying: Great is Diana of the Ephesians. (29)And the whole city was filled with confusion; and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel. (30)And Paul wishing to enter in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. (31)And some also of the chiefs of Asia, being his friends, sent to him, entreating him not to adventure himself into the theatre.

(32)Some therefore were crying one thing, and some another; for the assembly was confused, and the greater part knew not wherefore they had come together. (33)And they brought forward Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews thrusting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, desiring to make his defense to the people. (34)But when they knew that he was a Jew, one voice arose from all, crying about two hours: Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

(35)And the town-clerk, having quieted the people, said: Men of Ephesus, what human being is there, who knows not that the city of the Ephesians is keeper of the great Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter? (36)These things being therefore undeniable, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly. (37)For ye brought hither these men, who are neither robbers of temples, nor blasphemers of your goddess. (38)If therefore Demetrius, and the craftsmen with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open[19:38], and there are proconsuls; let them implead one another. (39)But if ye make any demand concerning other matters, it shall be determined in the lawful assembly. (40)For we are in danger of being called in question for this day's riot, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse. (41)And having thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.



XX.

AND after the tumult ceased, Paul called to him the disciples, and having embraced them, departed to go into Macedonia. (2)And having gone through those regions, and given them much exhortation, he came into Greece. (3)And after he had stayed three months, a plot being laid for him by the Jews, as he was about sailing to Syria, it was resolved that he should return through Macedonia. (4)And there accompanied him unto Asia, Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, a Beroean; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus. (5)These, having gone forward, were waiting for us at Troas. (6)But we sailed forth from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them to Troas in five days; where we abode seven days.

(7)And on the first day of the week, we having come together to break bread, Paul discoursed to them (being about to depart on the morrow), and continued the discourse until midnight. (8)Now there were many lights in the upper room, where we were assembled. (9)And there sat on the window a certain young man named Eutychus, being fallen into a deep sleep; and as Paul was long discoursing, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and was taken up dead. (10)And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said: Do not lament, for his life is in him. (11)And having come up again, and broken the bread, and eaten, he talked a long while even till break of day, and so departed. (12)And they brought the young man living, and were not a little comforted.

(13)And we, going forward to the ship, embarked for Assos, intending there to take in Paul; for so he had appointed, intending himself to go on foot. (14)And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. (15)And sailing thence, we came the following day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos; and having tarried at Trogyllium, we came the next day to Miletus. (16)For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

(17)And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church. (18)And when they were come to him, he said to them: Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you the whole time; (19)serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and trials which befell me by the plottings of the Jews; (20)how I kept back nothing that was profitable, that I should not announce it to you, and teach you, publicly and from house to house; (21)testifying, to both Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

(22)And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there; (23)save that the Holy Spirit witnesses to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. (24)But none of these things move me, neither do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my course with joy[20:24], and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the good news of the grace of God.

(25)And now, behold, I know that all ye, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. (26)Wherefore I testify to you this day, that I am pure from the blood of all; (27)for I shunned not to declare to you the whole counsel of God.

(28)Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit made you overseers, to feed the church of the Lord[20:28], which he purchased with his own blood. (29)For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock. (30)And from among yourselves will men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (31)Therefore watch, remembering that for the space of three years, night and day, I ceased not to warn every one with tears.

(32)And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all the sanctified. (33)I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or apparel. (34)Ye yourselves know, that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me. (35)In all ways I showed you that, so laboring, ye ought to assist the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said: It is more blessed to give than to receive.

(36)And having thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all. (37)And they all wept sorely, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him; (38)sorrowing most of all for the word which he had spoken, that they should behold his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship.



XXI.

AND it came to pass, that after we had torn ourselves from them, and had put to sea, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from thence to Patara. (2)And finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and put to sea. (3)And bringing Cyprus in sight, and leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden. (4)And having found out the disciples, we remained there seven days; who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

(5)And when we had completed the days, we departed and went our way; they all accompanying us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city; and we kneeled down on the beach, and prayed. (6)And having embraced one another, we went on board the ship; and they returned to their homes.

(7)And we, completing the voyage, came down from Tyre to Ptolemais; and having embraced the brethren, we remained with them one day. (8)And on the morrow we departed, and came to Caesarea; and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, being one of the Seven, we abode with him. (9)And this man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.

(10)And while we were remaining several days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus. (11)And coming to us, he took off Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said: Thus says the Holy Spirit: So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man, whose this girdle is, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles. (12)And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem. (13)Then answered Paul: What mean ye, to weep and to 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. (14)And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying: The will of the Lord be done.

(15)And after those days, having packed up our baggage, we went up to Jerusalem. (16)There went with us also some of the disciples from Caesarea, bringing us to Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

(17)And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. (18)And on the following day, Paul went in with us to James; and all the elders were present. (19)And having embraced them, he recounted particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles through his ministry.

(20)And they, hearing it, glorified the Lord. And they said to him: Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe; and they are all zealots for the law. (21)And they were informed concerning thee, that thou teachest all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they should not circumcise their children, nor walk after the customs. (22)What is it therefore? A multitude must surely come together; for they will hear that thou hast come. (23)Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men who have a vow on them; (24)these take with thee, and purify thyself with them, and bear the charges for them, that they may shave their heads; and all will know that those things, of which they have been informed concerning thee, are nothing, but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, keeping the law. (25)But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote to them, deciding that they should observe no such thing, except that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.

(26)Then Paul took the men, and the next day, having purified himself with them, entered into the temple, announcing the completion of the days of the purification, until the offering was brought for each one of them.

(27)And as the seven days were about to be completed, the Jews from Asia, having observed him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, (28)crying out: Men of Israel, help. This is the man who teaches all, everywhere, against the people, and the law, and this place; and further also, he brought Greeks into the temple, and has polluted this holy place. (29)For they had before seen with him in the city Trophimus the Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul brought into the temple. (30)And all the city was moved, and the people ran together; and laying hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple; and forthwith the doors were shut.

(31)And while they were seeking to kill him, a report came up to the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar; (32)who immediately took with him soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them; and they, seeing the chief captain and the soldiers, left off beating Paul. (33)Then the chief captain came near, and took hold of him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done. (34)And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude; and not being able to know the certainty on account of the tumult, he commanded him to be led into the castle. (35)And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne by the soldiers on account of the violence of the people. (36)For the multitude of the people followed after, crying: Away with him.

(37)And as he was about to be led into the castle, Paul says to the chief captain: May I speak to thee? And he said: Canst thou speak Greek? (38)Art thou not then the Egyptian, who before these days made an uproar, and led out into the wilderness the four thousand men of the assassins? (39)And Paul said: I am a Jew of Tarsus, a citizen of no obscure city of Cilicia; and I beseech thee, suffer me to speak to the people.

(40)And he having given him permission, Paul, standing on the stairs, beckoned with the hand to the people. And a great silence ensuing, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying:



XXII.

BRETHREN, and fathers, hear my defense, which I now make to you. (2)And hearing that he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept the more silence. (3)And he says: I am a Jew, born indeed in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, taught at the feet of Gamaliel, according to the strictness of the law of the fathers, being zealous for God, as ye all are this day. (4)And I persecuted this Way unto death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women. (5)As also the high priest bears me witness, and all the eldership; from whom, moreover, I received letters to the brethren, and was journeying to Damascus, to bring also those who were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished.

(6)And it came to pass, that as I journeyed, and came near to Damascus, about midday, there suddenly flashed around me a great light out of heaven. (7)And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? (8)And I answered: Who art thou, Lord? And he said to me: I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom thou persecutest. (9)And they who were with me beheld indeed the light, and were afraid; but the voice of him who spoke to me they heard not[22:9]. (10)And I said: What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said to me: Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee concerning all things which it is appointed thee to do.

(11)And as I could not see, for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus. (12)And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report from all the Jews who dwelt there, (13)came to me, and standing by me said to me: Brother Saul, receive sight. And I, in that very hour, looked up upon him. (14)And he said: The God of our fathers appointed thee to know his will, and to see the Just One, and to hear a voice out of his mouth. (15)For thou shalt be a witness for him to all men, of what thou hast seen, and didst hear. (16)And now why tarriest thou? Arise, be immersed and wash away thy sins, calling on his name.

(17)And it came to pass, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and as I was praying in the temple, that I was in a trance, (18)and saw him saying to me: Make haste, and go forth quickly out of Jerusalem; for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me. (19)And I said: Lord, they well know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believe on thee; (20)and when the blood of thy witness Stephen was shed, then I myself was standing by, and consenting, and keeping the garments of those who slew him. (21)And he said to me: Depart; for I will send thee far hence to the Gentiles.

(22)And they heard him unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said: Away with such a one from the earth; for it was not fit that he should live. (23)And as they were crying out, and throwing up their garments, and casting dust into the air, (24)the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know for what charge they were thus crying out against him.

(25)And as they stretched him forth with the thongs[22:25], Paul said to the centurion who stood by: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned? (26)The centurion, hearing it, he went and told the chief captain, saying: What art thou about to do? For this man is a Roman. (27)And the chief captain came, and said to him: Tell me, art thou a Roman? He said: Yes. (28)And the chief captain answered: For a great sum I obtained this freedom. And Paul said: But I was born free.

(29)Immediately, therefore, they departed from him who were about to examine him; and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

(30)On the morrow, wishing to know the certainty, wherefore he was accused by the Jews, he released him, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together; and he brought Paul down, and set him before them.



XXIII.

AND Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said: Men, brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God unto this day.

(2)And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to smite him on the mouth.

(3)Then Paul said to him: God will smite thee, thou whited wall. And dost thou sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be smitten contrary to law?

(4)And they that stood by said: Revilest thou God's high priest?

(5)And Paul said: I knew not, brethren, that he is high priest; for it is written: Thou shalt not speak evil of a ruler of thy people.

(6)And Paul, knowing that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, cried out in the council: Men, brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; for the hope of the resurrection of the dead I am now judged.

(7)And when he had said this, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the multitude was divided. (8)For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but Pharisees acknowledge both.

(9)And there arose a great clamor; and the scribes of the party of the Pharisees arose, and contended, saying: We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit spoke to him, or an angel?—

(10)And a great dissension arising, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should be pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiery to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

(11)And the night following, the Lord stood by him, and said: Be of good courage; for as thou didst fully testify the things concerning me at Jerusalem, so must thou testify also at Rome.

(12)And when it was day, the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. (13)And they were more than forty who made this conspiracy. (14)And they came to the chief priests and the elders, and said: We bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have slain Paul.

(15)Now therefore do ye, with the council, signify to the chief captain that he bring him down to you, as though ye would ascertain more exactly the matters concerning him; and we, before he comes near, are ready to kill him.

(16)And the son of Paul's sister, hearing of their lying in wait, went and entered into the castle, and told Paul. (17)Then Paul called one of the centurions to him, and said: Bring this young man to the chief captain; for he has something to tell him. (18)So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said: Paul, the prisoner, called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to thee, as he has something to say to thee.

(19)Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went aside privately, and asked: What is that thou hast to tell me? (20)And he said: The Jews agreed to desire thee, that thou wouldst bring down Paul to-morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat more exactly concerning him. (21)But do not thou yield to them; for of them more than forty men are lying in wait for him, who bound themselves with an oath, neither to eat nor to drink till they have killed him; and now they are ready, looking for the promise from thee. (22)The chief captain therefore dismissed the young man, having charged him to say to no one, that thou didst show these things to me. (23)And calling to him two or three of the centurions, he said: Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night; (24)and let them provide beasts, that they may set Paul thereon, and bring him safe to Felix the governor.

(25)And he wrote a letter after this manner: (26)Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix, sends greeting. (27)This man was taken by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them; but I came upon them with the soldiery, and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman. (28)And wishing to know the crime for which they were accusing him, I brought him down into their council; (29)whom I found to be accused concerning questions of their law, but having nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds. (30)And being informed that a plot was about to be laid against the man, I sent straightway to thee, having also commanded the accusers to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.

(31)The soldiers, therefore, as was commanded them, took up Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris. (32)But on the morrow, leaving the horsemen to go with him, they returned to the castle; (33)who, when they had entered into Caesarea, and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him. (34)And having read it, he asked of what province he was. And learning that he was from Cilicia, (35)he said: I will hear thee fully, when thy accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in the praetorium of Herod.



XXIV.

AND after five days, the high priest Ananias came down with the elders and a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul; (2)and he having been called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying: Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done for this nation through thy providence, in every way and everywhere; (3)we accept it, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

(4)But, not to hinder thee too long, I pray thee that thou wouldst hear us of thy clemency a few words. (5)For we have found this man to be a pest, and exciting disturbance among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes; (6)who also attempted to profane the temple; whom we took, [24:6][and desired to judge according to our law. (7)But Lysias the chief captain came, and with great violence took him away out of our hands, (8)commanding his accusers to come before thee;] from whom thou canst thyself ascertain, by examination, concerning all these things whereof we accuse him.

(9)And the Jews also joined in assailing him, saying that these things were so.

(10)Then Paul, the governor having beckoned to him to speak, answered: Knowing that thou hast been for many years a judge for this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself; (11)inasmuch as thou mayest know, that there are not more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship; (12)and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any one, or causing a tumult of the people, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city; (13)nor can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me.

(14)But this I acknowledge to thee, that according to the way which they call a sect, so I worship the God of our fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and the prophets; (15)having a hope toward God, which these themselves also look for, that there will be a resurrection both of the just and unjust. (16)Therefore do I also myself strive to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and men.

(17)And after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings. (18)Amidst which they found me purified in the temple, not with a crowd, nor with tumult; but certain Jews from Asia [caused it], (19)who ought to be here before thee, and make accusation, if they had aught against me. (20)Or let these themselves say what crime they found in me, while I stood before the council, (21)except for this one voice that I cried, standing among them: Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am judged by you this day.

(22)And Felix put them off, knowing the things concerning the Way more accurately, saying: When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will fully inquire into your matters. (23)And he commanded the centurion that he should be guarded, and should have indulgence; and to forbid none of his acquaintance to minister to him.

(24)And after certain days, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. (25)And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered: Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee. (26)He hoped also that money would be given him by Paul; wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and conversed with him.

(27)But after two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and Felix, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, left Paul bound.



XXV.

FESTUS, therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

(2)And the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and besought him, (3)asking for themselves a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, preparing an ambush to slay him on the way. (4)But Festus answered, that Paul was to be kept a prisoner at Caesarea, and that he himself should soon go thither. (5)Let them therefore, said he, who are powerful among you, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there is any wickedness in him.

(6)And having tarried among them not more than eight or ten days, he went down to Caesarea; and on the morrow, sitting on the judgment-seat, he commanded Paul to be brought. (7)And when he was come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around, bringing many and grievous charges, which they could not prove; (8)while Paul said in defense: Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, did I commit any offense.

(9)But Festus, wishing to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paul, and said: Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged concerning these things, before me? (10)And Paul said; I stand at Caesar's judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged. To Jews I did no wrong, as thou also very well knowest[25:10]. (11)If then I am an offender, and have done anything worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there be none of the things whereof these accuse me, no man can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.

(12)Then Festus, having conferred with the council, answered: Thou hast appealed to Caesar; to Caesar thou shalt go.

(13)And after certain days, Agrippa the king, and Bernice, came to Caesarea to salute Festus. (14)And as they were spending some days there, Festus laid the case of Paul before the king, saying: There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix; (15)about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews made complaint, asking for judgment against him. (16)To whom I answered: It is not a custom for Romans to give up any man, before the accused has the accusers face to face, and has opportunity to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.

(17)When, therefore, they had come together here, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment-seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth; (18)and standing up around him, the accusers brought no accusation of such things as I supposed; (19)but had certain controversies with him concerning their own religion, and concerning a certain Jesus who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. (20)And I, being perplexed in regard to the dispute about these things, asked whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged concerning them. (21)But Paul having appealed, to be kept in custody for the decision of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I shall send him up to Caesar.

(22)And Agrippa said to Festus: I would also hear the man myself. To-morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.

(23)On the morrow, therefore, Agrippa and Bernice having come with great pomp, and entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains and principal men of the city, at Festus' command Paul was brought forth. (24)And Festus said: King Agrippa, and all men who are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews interceded with me, both at Jerusalem and here, Crying out that he ought not to live any longer. (25)But having found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and he himself having appealed to Augustus, I determined to send him. (26)Of whom I have nothing certain to write to my lord. Wherefore I brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, king Agrippa, in order that, the examination having been made, I may have something to write. (27)For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not also signify the charges against him.



XXVI.

AND Agrippa said to Paul: Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:

(2)I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself before thee this day, concerning all things whereof I am accused by Jews; (3)especially since thou art expert in all the customs and questions among Jews. Wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.

(4)My manner of life, therefore, from my youth, which was from the beginning among my own nation at Jerusalem, all Jews know; (5)having known me from the first, if they were willing to testify, that according to the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee. (6)And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to the fathers; (7)unto which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving day and night, hope to attain; concerning which hope, O king, I am accused by Jews.

(8)Why is it judged incredible with you, if God, raises the dead?

(9)I therefore thought to myself, that I ought to do many hostile things against the name of Jesus the Nazarene. (10)Which I also did in Jerusalem; and many of the saints did I myself shut up in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. (11)And punishing them often, throughout all the synagogues, I constrained them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them also unto foreign cities.

(12)Whereupon, as I went to Damascus with authority and a commission from the chief priests, (13)at midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. (14)And we all having fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue: Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for thee to kick against the goads. (15)And I said: Who art thou, Lord? And he said: I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest. (16)But arise, and stand upon thy feet; for I appeared to thee for this purpose, to appoint thee a minister and a witness both of the things which thou sawest, and of the things in which I will appear to thee; (17)delivering thee from the people, and the Gentiles, to whom I send thee, (18)to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may obtain forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among the sanctified, by faith in me.

(19)Wherefore, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision; (20)but to those in Damascus first, and in Jerusalem, and unto all the region of Judaea, and to the Gentiles, I announced that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.