GetPassageurn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:44urn:cts:pbc:bible.parallel.eng.kingjames:44The former treatise have I made , O Theophilus , of all that Jesus began both to do and teach , Until the day in which he was taken up , after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen : To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs , being seen of them forty days , and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God : And , being assembled together with them , commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem , but wait for the promise of the Father , which , saith he , ye have heard of me . For John truly baptized with water ; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence . When they therefore were come together , they asked of him , saying , Lord , wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel ? And he said unto them , It is not for you to know the times or the seasons , which the Father hath put in his own power . But ye shall receive power , after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you : and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem , and in all Judaea , and in Samaria , and unto the uttermost part of the earth . And when he had spoken these things , while they beheld , he was taken up ; and a cloud received him out of their sight . And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up , behold , two men stood by them in white apparel ; Which also said , Ye men of Galilee , why stand ye gazing up into heaven ? this same Jesus , which is taken up from you into heaven , shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven . Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet , which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day's journey . And when they were come in , they went up into an upper room , where abode both Peter , and James , and John , and Andrew , Philip , and Thomas , Bartholomew , and Matthew , James the son of Alphaeus , and Simon Zelotes , and Judas the brother of James . These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication , with the women , and Mary the mother of Jesus , and with his brethren . And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples , and said , ( the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty , ) Men and brethren , this scripture must needs have been fulfilled , which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas , which was guide to them that took Jesus . For he was numbered with us , and had obtained part of this ministry . Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity ; and falling headlong , he burst asunder in the midst , and all his bowels gushed out . And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem ; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue , Aceldama , that is to say , The field of blood . For it is written in the book of Psalms , Let his habitation be desolate , and let no man dwell therein : and his bishoprick let another take . Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us , Beginning from the baptism of John , unto that same day that he was taken up from us , must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection . And they appointed two , Joseph called Barsabas , who was surnamed Justus , and Matthias . And they prayed , and said , Thou , Lord , which knowest the hearts of all men , shew whether of these two thou hast chosen , That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship , from which Judas by transgression fell , that he might go to his own place . And they gave forth their lots ; and the lot fell upon Matthias ; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles . And when the day of Pentecost was fully come , they were all with one accord in one place . And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind , and it filled all the house where they were sitting . And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire , and it sat upon each of them . And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost , and began to speak with other tongues , as the Spirit gave them utterance . And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews , devout men , out of every nation under heaven . Now when this was noised abroad , the multitude came together , and were confounded , because that every man heard them speak in his own language . And they were all amazed and marvelled , saying one to another , Behold , are not all these which speak Galilaeans ? And how hear we every man in our own tongue , wherein we were born ? Parthians , and Medes , and Elamites , and the dwellers in Mesopotamia , and in Judaea , and Cappadocia , in Pontus , and Asia , Phrygia , and Pamphylia , in Egypt , and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene , and strangers of Rome , Jews and proselytes , Cretes and Arabians , we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God . And they were all amazed , and were in doubt , saying one to another , What meaneth this ? Others mocking said , These men are full of new wine . But Peter , standing up with the eleven , lifted up his voice , and said unto them , Ye men of Judaea , and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem , be this known unto you , and hearken to my words : For these are not drunken , as ye suppose , seeing it is but the third hour of the day . But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel ; And it shall come to pass in the last days , saith God , I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh : and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy , and your young men shall see visions , and your old men shall dream dreams : And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit ; and they shall prophesy : And I will shew wonders in heaven above , and signs in the earth beneath ; blood , and fire , and vapour of smoke : The sun shall be turned into darkness , and the moon into blood , before that great and notable day of the Lord come : And it shall come to pass , that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved . Ye men of Israel , hear these words ; Jesus of Nazareth , a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs , which God did by him in the midst of you , as ye yourselves also know : Him , being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God , ye have taken , and by wicked hands have crucified and slain : Whom God hath raised up , having loosed the pains of death : because it was not possible that he should be holden of it . For David speaketh concerning him , I foresaw the Lord always before my face , for he is on my right hand , that I should not be moved : Therefore did my heart rejoice , and my tongue was glad ; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope : Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell , neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption . Thou hast made known to me the ways of life ; thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance . Men and brethren , let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David , that he is both dead and buried , and his sepulchre is with us unto this day . Therefore being a prophet , and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him , that of the fruit of his loins , according to the flesh , he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne ; He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ , that his soul was not left in hell , neither his flesh did see corruption . This Jesus hath God raised up , whereof we all are witnesses . Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted , and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost , he hath shed forth this , which ye now see and hear . For David is not ascended into the heavens : but he saith himself , The LORD said unto my Lord , Sit thou on my right hand , Until I make thy foes thy footstool . Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly , that God hath made that same Jesus , whom ye have crucified , both Lord and Christ . Now when they heard this , they were pricked in their heart , and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles , Men and brethren , what shall we do ? Then Peter said unto them , Repent , and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins , and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost . For the promise is unto you , and to your children , and to all that are afar off , even as many as the Lord our God shall call . And with many other words did he testify and exhort , saying , Save yourselves from this untoward generation . Then they that gladly received his word were baptized : and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls . And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship , and in breaking of bread , and in prayers . And fear came upon every soul : and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles . And all that believed were together , and had all things common ; And sold their possessions and goods , and parted them to all men , as every man had need . And they , continuing daily with one accord in the temple , and breaking bread from house to house , did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart , Praising God , and having favour with all the people . And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved . Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer , being the ninth hour . And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried , whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful , to ask alms of them that entered into the temple ; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms . And Peter , fastening his eyes upon him with John , said , Look on us . And he gave heed unto them , expecting to receive something of them . Then Peter said , Silver and gold have I none ; but such as I have give I thee : In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk . And he took him by the right hand , and lifted him up : and immediately his feet and ancle bones received strength . And he leaping up stood , and walked , and entered with them into the temple , walking , and leaping , and praising God . And all the people saw him walking and praising God : And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple : and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him . And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John , all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's , greatly wondering . And when Peter saw it , he answered unto the people , Ye men of Israel , why marvel ye at this ? or why look ye so earnestly on us , as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk ? The God of Abraham , and of Isaac , and of Jacob , the God of our fathers , hath glorified his Son Jesus ; whom ye delivered up , and denied him in the presence of Pilate , when he was determined to let him go . But ye denied the Holy One and the Just , and desired a murderer to be granted unto you ; And killed the Prince of life , whom God hath raised from the dead ; whereof we are witnesses . And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong , whom ye see and know : yea , the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all . And now , brethren , I wot that through ignorance ye did it , as did also your rulers . But those things , which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets , that Christ should suffer , he hath so fulfilled . Repent ye therefore , and be converted , that your sins may be blotted out , when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord ; And he shall send Jesus Christ , which before was preached unto you : Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things , which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began . For Moses truly said unto the fathers , A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren , like unto me ; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you . And it shall come to pass , that every soul , which will not hear that prophet , shall be destroyed from among the people . Yea , and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after , as many as have spoken , have likewise foretold of these days . Ye are the children of the prophets , and of the covenant which God made with our fathers , saying unto Abraham , And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed . Unto you first God , having raised up his Son Jesus , sent him to bless you , in turning away every one of you from his iniquities . And as they spake unto the people , the priests , and the captain of the temple , and the Sadducees , came upon them , Being grieved that they taught the people , and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead . And they laid hands on them , and put them in hold unto the next day : for it was now eventide . Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed ; and the number of the men was about five thousand . And it came to pass on the morrow , that their rulers , and elders , and scribes , And Annas the high priest , and Caiaphas , and John , and Alexander , and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest , were gathered together at Jerusalem . And when they had set them in the midst , they asked , By what power , or by what name , have ye done this ? Then Peter , filled with the Holy Ghost , said unto them , Ye rulers of the people , and elders of Israel , If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man , by what means he is made whole ; Be it known unto you all , and to all the people of Israel , that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth , whom ye crucified , whom God raised from the dead , even by him doth this man stand here before you whole . This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders , which is become the head of the corner . Neither is there salvation in any other : for there is none other name under heaven given among men , whereby we must be saved . Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John , and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men , they marvelled ; and they took knowledge of them , that they had been with Jesus . And beholding the man which was healed standing with them , they could say nothing against it . But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council , they conferred among themselves , Saying , What shall we do to these men ? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem ; and we cannot deny it . But that it spread no further among the people , let us straitly threaten them , that they speak henceforth to no man in this name . And they called them , and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus . But Peter and John answered and said unto them , Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God , judge ye . For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard . So when they had further threatened them , they let them go , finding nothing how they might punish them , because of the people : for all men glorified God for that which was done . For the man was above forty years old , on whom this miracle of healing was shewed . And being let go , they went to their own company , and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them . And when they heard that , they lifted up their voice to God with one accord , and said , Lord , thou art God , which hast made heaven , and earth , and the sea , and all that in them is : Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said , Why did the heathen rage , and the people imagine vain things ? The kings of the earth stood up , and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord , and against his Christ . For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus , whom thou hast anointed , both Herod , and Pontius Pilate , with the Gentiles , and the people of Israel , were gathered together , For to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done . And now , Lord , behold their threatenings : and grant unto thy servants , that with all boldness they may speak thy word , By stretching forth thine hand to heal ; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus . And when they had prayed , the place was shaken where they were assembled together ; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost , and they spake the word of God with boldness . And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul : neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own ; but they had all things common . And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus : and great grace was upon them all . Neither was there any among them that lacked : for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them , and brought the prices of the things that were sold , And laid them down at the apostles' feet : and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need . And Joses , who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas , ( which is , being interpreted , The son of consolation , ) a Levite , and of the country of Cyprus , Having land , sold it , and brought the money , and laid it at the apostles' feet . But a certain man named Ananias , with Sapphira his wife , sold a possession , And kept back part of the price , his wife also being privy to it , and brought a certain part , and laid it at the apostles' feet . But Peter said , Ananias , why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost , and to keep back part of the price of the land ? Whiles it remained , was it not thine own ? and after it was sold , was it not in thine own power ? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart ? thou hast not lied unto men , but unto God . And Ananias hearing these words fell down , and gave up the ghost : and great fear came on all them that heard these things . And the young men arose , wound him up , and carried him out , and buried him . And it was about the space of three hours after , when his wife , not knowing what was done , came in . And Peter answered unto her , Tell me whether ye sold the land for so much ? And she said , Yea , for so much . Then Peter said unto her , How is it that ye have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord ? behold , the feet of them which have buried thy husband are at the door , and shall carry thee out . Then fell she down straightway at his feet , and yielded up the ghost : and the young men came in , and found her dead , and , carrying her forth , buried her by her husband . And great fear came upon all the church , and upon as many as heard these things . And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people ; ( and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch . And of the rest durst no man join himself to them : but the people magnified them . And believers were the more added to the Lord , multitudes both of men and women . ) Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets , and laid them on beds and couches , that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them . There came also a multitude out of the cities round about unto Jerusalem , bringing sick folks , and them which were vexed with unclean spirits : and they were healed every one . Then the high priest rose up , and all they that were with him , ( which is the sect of the Sadducees , ) and were filled with indignation , And laid their hands on the apostles , and put them in the common prison . But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors , and brought them forth , and said , Go , stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life . And when they heard that , they entered into the temple early in the morning , and taught . But the high priest came , and they that were with him , and called the council together , and all the senate of the children of Israel and sent to the prison to have them brought . But when the officers came , and found them not in the prison , they returned , and told , Saying , The prison truly found we shut with all safety , and the keepers standing without before the doors : but when we had opened , we found no man within . Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things , they doubted of them whereunto this would grow . Then came one and told them , saying , Behold , the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple , and teaching the people . Then went the captain with the officers , and brought them without violence : for they feared the people , lest they should have been stoned . And when they had brought them , they set them before the council : and the high priest asked them , Saying , Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name ? and , behold , ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine , and intend to bring this man's blood upon us . Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said , We ought to obey God rather than men . The God of our fathers raised up Jesus , whom ye slew and hanged on a tree . Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour , for to give repentance to Israel , and forgiveness of sins . And we are his witnesses of these things ; and so is also the Holy Ghost , whom God hath given to them that obey him . When they heard that , they were cut to the heart , and took counsel to slay them . Then stood there up one in the council , a Pharisee , named Gamaliel , a doctor of the law , had in reputation among all the people , and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space ; And said unto them , Ye men of Israel , take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men . For before these days rose up Theudas , boasting himself to be somebody ; to whom a number of men , about four hundred , joined themselves : who was slain ; and all , as many as obeyed him , were scattered , and brought to nought . After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing , and drew away much people after him : he also perished ; and all , even as many as obeyed him , were dispersed . And now I say unto you , Refrain from these men , and let them alone : for if this counsel or this work be of men , it will come to nought : But if it be of God , ye cannot overthrow it ; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God . And to him they agreed : and when they had called the apostles , and beaten them , they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus , and let them go . And they departed from the presence of the council , rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name . And daily in the temple , and in every house , they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ . And in those days , when the number of the disciples was multiplied , there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews , because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration . Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them , and said , It is not reason that we should leave the word of God , and serve tables . Wherefore , brethren , look ye out among you seven men of honest report , full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom , whom we may appoint over this business . But we will give ourselves continually to prayer , and to the ministry of the word . And the saying pleased the whole multitude : and they chose Stephen , a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost , and Philip , and Prochorus , and Nicanor , and Timon , and Parmenas , and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch : Whom they set before the apostles : and when they had prayed , they laid their hands on them . And the word of God increased ; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly ; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith . And Stephen , full of faith and power , did great wonders and miracles among the people . Then there arose certain of the synagogue , which is called the synagogue of the Libertines , and Cyrenians , and Alexandrians , and of them of Cilicia and of Asia , disputing with Stephen . And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake . Then they suborned men , which said , We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses , and against God . And they stirred up the people , and the elders , and the scribes , and came upon him , and caught him , and brought him to the council , And set up false witnesses , which said , This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place , and the law : For we have heard him say , that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place , and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us . And all that sat in the council , looking stedfastly on him , saw his face as it had been the face of an angel . Then said the high priest , Are these things so ? And he said , Men , brethren , and fathers , hearken ; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham , when he was in Mesopotamia , before he dwelt in Charran , And said unto him , Get thee out of thy country , and from thy kindred , and come into the land which I shall shew thee . Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans , and dwelt in Charran : and from thence , when his father was dead , he removed him into this land , wherein ye now dwell . And he gave him none inheritance in it , no , not so much as to set his foot on : yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession , and to his seed after him , when as yet he had no child . And God spake on this wise , That his seed should sojourn in a strange land ; and that they should bring them into bondage , and entreat them evil four hundred years . And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge , said God : and after that shall they come forth , and serve me in this place . And he gave him the covenant of circumcision : and so Abraham begat Isaac , and circumcised him the eighth day ; and Isaac begat Jacob ; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs . And the patriarchs , moved with envy , sold Joseph into Egypt : but God was with him , And delivered him out of all his afflictions , and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt ; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house . Now there came a dearth over all the land of Egypt and Chanaan , and great affliction : and our fathers found no sustenance . But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt , he sent out our fathers first . And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren ; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh . Then sent Joseph , and called his father Jacob to him , and all his kindred , threescore and fifteen souls . So Jacob went down into Egypt , and died , he , and our fathers , And were carried over into Sychem , and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem . But when the time of the promise drew nigh , which God had sworn to Abraham , the people grew and multiplied in Egypt , Till another king arose , which knew not Joseph . The same dealt subtilly with our kindred , and evil entreated our fathers , so that they cast out their young children , to the end they might not live . In which time Moses was born , and was exceeding fair , and nourished up in his father's house three months : And when he was cast out , Pharaoh's daughter took him up , and nourished him for her own son . And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians , and was mighty in words and in deeds . And when he was full forty years old , it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel . And seeing one of them suffer wrong , he defended him , and avenged him that was oppressed , and smote the Egyptian : For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them : but they understood not . And the next day he shewed himself unto them as they strove , and would have set them at one again , saying , Sirs , ye are brethren ; why do ye wrong one to another ? But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away , saying , Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us ? Wilt thou kill me , as thou diddest the Egyptian yesterday ? Then fled Moses at this saying , and was a stranger in the land of Madian , where he begat two sons . And when forty years were expired , there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush . When Moses saw it , he wondered at the sight : and as he drew near to behold it , the voice of the Lord came unto him , Saying , I am the God of thy fathers , the God of Abrham , and the God of Isaac , and the God of Jacob . Then Moses trembled , and durst not behold . Then said the Lord to him , Put off thy shoes from thy feet : for the place where thou standest is holy ground . I have seen , I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt , and I have heard their groaning , and am come down to deliver them . And now come , I will send thee into Egypt . This Moses whom they refused , saying , Who made thee a ruler and a judge ? the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush . He brought them out , after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt , and in the Red sea , and in the wilderness forty years . This is that Moses , which said unto the children of Israel , A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren , like unto me ; him shall ye hear . This is he , that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina , and with our fathers : who received the lively oracles to give unto us : To whom our fathers would not obey , but thrust him from them , and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt , Saying unto Aaron , Make us gods to go before us : for as for this Moses , which brought us out of the land of Egypt , we wot not what is become of him . And they made a calf in those days , and offered sacrifice unto the idol , and rejoiced in the works of their own hands . Then God turned , and gave them up to worship the host of heaven ; as it is written in the book of the prophets , O ye house of Israel , have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness ? Yea , ye took up the tabernacle of Moloch , and the star of your god Remphan , figures which ye made to worship them : and I will carry you away beyond Babylon . Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness , as he had appointed , speaking unto Moses , that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen . Which also our fathers that came after brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles , whom God drave out before the face of our fathers , unto the days of David ; Who found favour before God , and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob . But Solomon built him an house . Howbeit the most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands ; as saith the prophet , Heaven is my throne , and earth is my footstool : what house will ye build me ? saith the Lord : or what is the place of my rest ? Hath not my hand made all these things ? Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears , ye do always resist the Holy Ghost : as your fathers did , so do ye . Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted ? and they have slain them which shewed before of the coming of the Just One ; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers : Who have received the law by the disposition of angels , and have not kept it . When they heard these things , they were cut to the heart , and they gnashed on him with their teeth . But he , being full of the Holy Ghost , looked up stedfastly into heaven , and saw the glory of God , and Jesus standing on the right hand of God , And said , Behold , I see the heavens opened , and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God . Then they cried out with a loud voice , and stopped their ears , and ran upon him with one accord , And cast him out of the city , and stoned him : and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet , whose name was Saul . And they stoned Stephen , calling upon God , and saying , Lord Jesus , receive my spirit . And he kneeled down , and cried with a loud voice , Lord , lay not this sin to their charge . And when he had said this , he fell asleep . And Saul was consenting unto his death . And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem ; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria , except the apostles . And devout men carried Stephen to his burial , and made great lamentation over him . As for Saul , he made havock of the church , entering into every house , and haling men and women committed them to prison . Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word . Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria , and preached Christ unto them . And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake , hearing and seeing the miracles which he did . For unclean spirits , crying with loud voice , came out of many that were possessed with them : and many taken with palsies , and that were lame , were healed . And there was great joy in that city . But there was a certain man , called Simon , which beforetime in the same city used sorcery , and bewitched the people of Samaria , giving out that himself was some great one : To whom they all gave heed , from the least to the greatest , saying , This man is the great power of God . And to him they had regard , because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries . But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God , and the name of Jesus Christ , they were baptized , both men and women . Then Simon himself believed also : and when he was baptized , he continued with Philip , and wondered , beholding the miracles and signs which were done . Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God , they sent unto them Peter and John : Who , when they were come down , prayed for them , that they might receive the Holy Ghost : ( For as yet he was fallen upon none of them : only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus . ) Then laid they their hands on them , and they received the Holy Ghost . And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given , he offered them money , Saying , Give me also this power , that on whomsoever I lay hands , he may receive the Holy Ghost . But Peter said unto him , Thy money perish with thee , because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money . Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter : for thy heart is not right in the sight of God . Repent therefore of this thy wickedness , and pray God , if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee . For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness , and in the bond of iniquity . Then answered Simon , and said , Pray ye to the Lord for me , that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me . And they , when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord , returned to Jerusalem , and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans . And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip , saying , Arise , and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza , which is desert . And he arose and went : and , behold , a man of Ethiopia , an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians , who had the charge of all her treasure , and had come to Jerusalem for to worship , Was returning , and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet . Then the Spirit said unto Philip , Go near , and join thyself to this chariot . And Philip ran thither to him , and heard him read the prophet Esaias , and said , Understandest thou what thou readest ? And he said , How can I , except some man should guide me ? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him . The place of the scripture which he read was this , He was led as a sheep to the slaughter ; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer , so opened he not his mouth : In his humiliation his judgment was taken away : and who shall declare his generation ? for his life is taken from the earth . And the eunuch answered Philip , and said , I pray thee , of whom speaketh the prophet this ? of himself , or of some other man ? Then Philip opened his mouth , and began at the same scripture , and preached unto him Jesus . And as they went on their way , they came unto a certain water : and the eunuch said , See , here is water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said , If thou believest with all thine heart , thou mayest . And he answered and said , I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God . And he commanded the chariot to stand still : and they went down both into the water , both Philip and the eunuch ; and he baptized him . And when they were come up out of the water , the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip , that the eunuch saw him no more : and he went on his way rejoicing . But Philip was found at Azotus : and passing through he preached in all the cities , till he came to Caesarea . And Saul , yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord , went unto the high priest , And desired 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 unto Jerusalem . And as he journeyed , he came near Damascus : and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven : And he fell to the earth , and heard a voice saying unto him , Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? And he said , Who art thou , Lord ? And the Lord said , I am Jesus whom thou persecutest : it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks . And he trembling and astonished said , Lord , what wilt thou have me to do ? And the Lord said unto him , Arise , and go into the city , and it shall be told thee what thou must do . And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless , hearing a voice , but seeing no man . And Saul arose from the earth ; and when his eyes were opened , he saw no man : but they led him by the hand , and brought him into Damascus . And he was three days without sight , and neither did eat nor drink . And there was a certain disciple at Damascus , named Ananias ; and to him said the Lord in a vision , Ananias . And he said , Behold , I am here , Lord . And the Lord said unto 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 prayeth , And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in , and putting his hand on him , that he might receive his sight . Then Ananias answered , Lord , I have heard by many of this man , how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem : And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name . But the Lord said unto him , Go thy way : for he is a chosen vessel unto me , to bear my name before the Gentiles , and kings , and the children of Israel : For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake . And Ananias went his way , and entered into the house ; and putting his hands on him said , Brother Saul , the Lord , even Jesus , that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest , hath sent me , that thou mightest receive thy sight , and be filled with the Holy Ghost . And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales : and he received sight forthwith , and arose , and was baptized . And when he had received meat , he was strengthened . Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus . And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues , that he is the Son of God . But all that heard him were amazed , and said ; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem , and came hither for that intent , that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests ? But Saul increased the more in strength , and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus , proving that this is very Christ . And after that many days were fulfilled , the Jews took counsel to kill him : But their laying await was known of Saul . And they watched the gates day and night to kill him . Then the disciples took him by night , and let him down by the wall in a basket . And when Saul was come to Jerusalem , he assayed to join himself to the disciples : but they were all afraid of him , and believed not that he was a disciple . But Barnabas took him , and brought him to the apostles , and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way , and that he had spoken to him , and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus . And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem . And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus , and disputed against the Grecians : but they went about to slay him . Which when the brethren knew , they brought him down to Caesarea , and sent him forth to Tarsus . Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria , and were edified ; and walking in the fear of the Lord , and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost , were multiplied . And it came to pass , as Peter passed throughout all quarters , he came down also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda . And there he found a certain man named Aeneas , which had kept his bed eight years , and was sick of the palsy . And Peter said unto him , Aeneas , Jesus Christ maketh thee whole : arise , and make thy bed . And he arose immediately . And all that dwelt at Lydda and Saron saw him , and turned to the Lord . Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha , which by interpretation is called Dorcas : this woman was full of good works and almsdeeds which she did . And it came to pass in those days , that she was sick , and died : whom when they had washed , they laid her in an upper chamber . And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa , and the disciples had heard that Peter was there , they sent unto him two men , desiring him that he would not delay to come to them . Then 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 shewing the coats and garments which Dorcas made , while she was with them . But Peter put them all forth , and kneeled down , and prayed ; and turning him to the body said , Tabitha , arise . And she opened her eyes : and when she saw Peter , she sat up . And he gave her his hand , and lifted her up , and when he had called the saints and widows , presented her alive . And it was known throughout all Joppa ; and many believed in the Lord . And it came to pass , that he tarried many days in Joppa with one Simon a tanner . There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius , a centurion of the band called the Italian band , A devout man , and one that feared God with all his house , which gave much alms to the people , and prayed to God alway . He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him , and saying unto him , Cornelius . And when he looked on him , he was afraid , and said , What is it , Lord ? And he said unto him , Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God . And now send men to Joppa , and call for one Simon , whose surname is Peter : He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner , whose house is by the sea side : he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do . And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed , he called two of his household servants , and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually ; And when he had declared all these things unto them , he sent them to Joppa . On the morrow , as they went on their journey , and drew nigh unto the city , Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour : And he became very hungry , and would have eaten : but while they made ready , he fell into a trance , And saw heaven opened , and a certain vessel descending unto him , as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners , and let down to the earth : Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth , and wild beasts , and creeping things , and fowls of the air . And there came a voice to him , Rise , Peter ; kill , and eat . But Peter said , Not so , Lord ; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean . And the voice spake unto him again the second time , What God hath cleansed , that call not thou common . This was done thrice : and the vessel was received up again into heaven . Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean , behold , the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house , and stood before the gate , And called , and asked whether Simon , which was surnamed Peter , were lodged there . While Peter thought on the vision , the Spirit said unto him , Behold , three men seek thee . Arise therefore , and get thee down , and go with them , doubting nothing : for I have sent them . Then Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius ; and said , Behold , I am he whom ye seek : what is the cause wherefore ye are come ? And they said , Cornelius the centurion , a just man , and one that feareth God , and of good report among all the nation of the Jews , was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house , and to hear words of thee . Then called he them in , and lodged them . And on the morrow Peter went away with them , and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him . And the morrow after they entered into Caesarea . And Cornelius waited for them , and had called together his kinsmen and near friends . And as Peter was coming in , Cornelius met him , and fell down at his feet , and worshipped him . But Peter took him up , saying , Stand up ; I myself also am a man . And as he talked with him , he went in , and found many that were come together . And he said unto them , Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company , or come unto one of another nation ; but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean . Therefore came I unto you without gainsaying , as soon as I was sent for : I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me ? And Cornelius said , Four days ago I was fasting until this hour ; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house , and , behold , a man stood before me in bright clothing , And said , Cornelius , thy prayer is heard , and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God . Send therefore to Joppa , and call hither Simon , whose surname is Peter ; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side : who , when he cometh , shall speak unto thee . Immediately therefore I sent to thee ; and thou hast well done that thou art come . Now therefore are we all here present before God , to hear all things that are commanded thee of God . Then Peter opened his mouth , and said , Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons : But in every nation he that feareth him , and worketh righteousness , is accepted with him . The word which God sent unto the children of Israel , preaching peace by Jesus Christ : ( he is Lord of all : ) That word , I say , ye know , which was published throughout all Judaea , and began from Galilee , after the baptism which John preached ; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power : who went about doing good , and healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for God was with him . And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews , and in Jerusalem ; whom they slew and hanged on a tree : Him God raised up the third day , and shewed him openly ; Not to all the people , but unto witnesses chosen before of God , even to us , who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead . And he commanded us to preach unto the people , and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead . To him give all the prophets witness , that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins . While Peter yet spake these words , the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word . And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished , as many as came with Peter , because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost . For they heard them speak with tongues , and magnify God . Then answered Peter , Can any man forbid water , that these should not be baptized , which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we ? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord . Then prayed they him to tarry certain days . And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God . And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem , they that were of the circumcision contended with him , Saying , Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised , and didst eat with them . But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning , and expounded it by order unto them , saying , I was in the city of Joppa praying : and in a trance I saw a vision , A certain vessel descend , as it had been a great sheet , let down from heaven by four corners ; and it came even to me : Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes , I considered , and saw fourfooted beasts of the earth , and wild beasts , and creeping things , and fowls of the air . And I heard a voice saying unto me , Arise , Peter ; slay and eat . But I said , Not so , Lord : for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth . But the voice answered me again from heaven , What God hath cleansed , that call not thou common . And this was done three times : and all were drawn up again into heaven . And , behold , immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was , sent from Caesarea unto me . And the spirit bade me go with them , nothing doubting . Moreover these six brethren accompanied me , and we entered into the man's house : And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house , which stood and said unto him , Send men to Joppa , and call for Simon , whose surname is Peter ; Who shall tell thee words , whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved . And as I began to speak , the Holy Ghost fell on them , as on us at the beginning . Then remembered I the word of the Lord , how that he said , John indeed baptized with water ; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost . Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us , who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ ; what was I , that I could withstand God ? When they heard these things , they held their peace , and glorified God , saying , Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life . Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice , and Cyprus , and Antioch , preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only . And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene , which , when they were come to Antioch , spake unto the Grecians , preaching the Lord Jesus . And the hand of the Lord was with them : and a great number believed , and turned unto the Lord . Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem : and they sent forth Barnabas , that he should go as far as Antioch . Who , when he came , and had seen the grace of God , was glad , and exhorted them all , that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord . For he was a good man , and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith : and much people was added unto the Lord . Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus , for to seek Saul : And when he had found him , he brought him unto Antioch . And it came to pass , that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church , and taught much people . And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch . And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch . And there stood up one of them named Agabus , and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world : which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar . Then the disciples , every man according to his ability , determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea : Which also they did , and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul . Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church . And he killed James the brother of John with the sword . And because he saw it pleased the Jews , he proceeded further to take Peter also . ( Then were the days of unleavened bread . ) And when he had apprehended him , he put him in prison , and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him ; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people . Peter therefore was kept in prison : but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him . And when Herod would have brought him forth , the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers , bound with two chains : and the keepers before the door kept the prison . And , behold , the angel of the Lord came upon him , and a light shined in the prison : and he smote Peter on the side , and raised him up , saying , Arise up quickly . And his chains fell off from his hands . And the angel said unto him , Gird thyself , and bind on thy sandals . And so he did . And he saith unto him , Cast thy garment about thee , and follow me . And he went out , and followed him ; and wist not that it was true which was done by the angel ; but thought he saw a vision . When they were past the first and the second ward , they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city ; which opened to them of his own accord : and they went out , and passed on through one street ; and forthwith the angel departed from him . And when Peter was come to himself , he said , Now I know of a surety , that the Lord hath sent his angel , and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod , and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews . And when he had considered the thing , he came to the house of Mary the mother of John , whose surname was Mark ; where many were gathered together praying . And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate , a damsel came to hearken , named Rhoda . And when she knew Peter's voice , she opened not the gate for gladness , but ran in , and told how Peter stood before the gate . And they said unto her , Thou art mad . But she constantly affirmed that it was even so . Then said they , It is his angel . But Peter continued knocking : and when they had opened the door , and saw him , they were astonished . But he , beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace , declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison . And he said , Go shew these things unto James , and to the brethren . And he departed , and went into another place . Now as soon as it was day , there was no small stir among the soldiers , what was become of Peter . And when Herod had sought for him , and found him not , he examined the keepers , and commanded that they should be put to death . And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea , and there abode . And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon : 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 the king's country . And upon a set day Herod , arrayed in royal apparel , sat upon his throne , and made an oration unto them . And the people gave a shout , saying , It is the voice of a god , and not of a man . And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him , because he gave not God the glory : and he was eaten of worms , and gave up the ghost . But the word of God grew and multiplied . And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem , when they had fulfilled their ministry , and took with them John , whose surname was Mark . Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers ; as Barnabas , and Simeon that was called Niger , and Lucius of Cyrene , and Manaen , which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch , and Saul . As they ministered to the Lord , and fasted , the Holy Ghost said , Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them . And when they had fasted and prayed , and laid their hands on them , they sent them away . So they , being sent forth by the Holy Ghost , departed unto Seleucia ; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus . And when they were at Salamis , they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews : and they had also John to their minister . And when they had gone through the isle unto Paphos , they found a certain sorcerer , a false prophet , a Jew , whose name was Bar-jesus : Which was with the deputy of the country , Sergius Paulus , a prudent man ; who called for Barnabas and Saul , and desired to hear the word of God . But Elymas the sorcerer ( for so is his name by interpretation ) withstood them , seeking to turn away the deputy from the faith . Then Saul , ( who also is called Paul , ) filled with the Holy Ghost , set his eyes on him , And said , O full of all subtilty and all mischief , thou child of the devil , thou enemy of all righteousness , wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord ? 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 a darkness ; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand . Then the deputy , when he saw what was done , believed , being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord . Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos , they came to Perga in Pamphylia : and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem . But when they departed from Perga , they came to Antioch in Pisidia , and went into the synagogue on the sabbath day , and sat down . And after the reading of the law and the prophets the rulers of the synagogue sent unto them , saying , Ye men and brethren , if ye have any word of exhortation for the people , say on . Then Paul stood up , and beckoning with his hand said , Men of Israel , and ye that fear God , give audience . The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers , and exalted the people when they dwelt as strangers in the land of Egypt , and with an high arm brought he them out of it . And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness . And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Chanaan , he divided their land to them by lot . And after that he gave unto them judges about the space of four hundred and fifty years , until Samuel the prophet . And afterward they desired a king : and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis , a man of the tribe of Benjamin , by the space of forty years . And when he had removed him , he raised up unto them David to be their king ; to whom also he gave testimony , and said , I have found David the son of Jesse , a man after mine own heart , which shall fulfil all my will . Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour , Jesus : When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel . And as John fulfilled his course , he said , Whom think ye that I am ? I am not he . But , behold , there cometh one after me , whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose . Men and brethren , children of the stock of Abraham , and whosoever among you feareth God , to you is the word of this salvation sent . For they that dwell at Jerusalem , and their rulers , because they knew him not , nor yet the voices of the prophets which are read every sabbath day , they have fulfilled them in condemning him . And though they found no cause of death in him , yet desired they Pilate that he should be slain . And when they had fulfilled all that was written of him , they took him down from the tree , and laid him in a sepulchre . But God raised him from the dead : And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem , who are his witnesses unto the people . And we declare unto you glad tidings , how that the promise which was made unto the fathers , God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children , in that he hath raised up Jesus again ; as it is also written in the second psalm , Thou art my Son , this day have I begotten thee . And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead , now no more to return to corruption , he said on this wise , I will give you the sure mercies of David . Wherefore he saith also in another psalm , Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see corruption . For David , after he had served his own generation by the will of God , fell on sleep , and was laid unto his fathers , and saw corruption : But he , whom God raised again , saw no corruption . Be it known unto you therefore , men and brethren , that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins : And by him all that believe are justified from all things , from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses . Beware therefore , lest that come upon you , which is spoken of in the prophets ; Behold , ye despisers , and wonder , and perish : for I work a work in your days , a work which ye shall in no wise believe , though a man declare it unto you . And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue , the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath . Now when the congregation was broken up , many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas : who , speaking to them , persuaded them to continue in the grace of God . And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God . But when the Jews saw the multitudes , they were filled with envy , and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul , contradicting and blaspheming . Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold , and said , It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you : but seeing ye put it from you , and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life , lo , we turn to the Gentiles . For so hath the Lord commanded us , saying , I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles , that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth . And when the Gentiles heard this , they were glad , and glorified the word of the Lord : and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed . And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region . But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women , and the chief men of the city , and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas , and expelled them out of their coasts . But they shook off the dust of their feet against them , and came unto Iconium . And the disciples were filled with joy , and with the Holy Ghost . And it came to pass in Iconium , that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews , and so spake , that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed . But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles , and made their minds evil affected against the brethren . Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord , which gave testimony unto the word of his grace , and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands . But the multitude of the city was divided : and part held with the Jews , and part with the apostles . And when there was an assault made both of the Gentiles , and also of the Jews with their rulers , to use them despitefully , and to stone them , They were ware of it , and fled unto Lystra and Derbe , cities of Lycaonia , and unto the region that lieth round about : And there they preached the gospel . And there sat a certain man at Lystra , impotent in his feet , being a cripple from his mother's womb , who never had walked : The same heard Paul speak : who stedfastly beholding him , and perceiving that he had faith to be healed , Said with a loud voice , Stand upright on thy feet . And he leaped and walked . And when the people saw what Paul had done , they lifted up their voices , saying in the speech of Lycaonia , The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men . And they called Barnabas , Jupiter ; and Paul , Mercurius , because he was the chief speaker . Then the priest of Jupiter , which was before their city , brought oxen and garlands unto the gates , and would have done sacrifice with the people . Which when the apostles , Barnabas and Paul , heard of , they rent their clothes , and ran in among the people , crying out , And saying , Sirs , why do ye these things ? We also are men of like passions with you , and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God , which made heaven , and earth , and the sea , and all things that are therein : Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways . Nevertheless he left not himself without witness , in that he did good , and gave us rain from heaven , and fruitful seasons , filling our hearts with food and gladness . And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people , that they had not done sacrifice unto them . And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium , who persuaded the people , and , having stoned Paul , drew him out of the city , supposing he had been dead . Howbeit , as the disciples stood round about him , he rose up , and came into the city : and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe . And when they had preached the gospel to that city , and had taught many , they returned again to Lystra , and to Iconium , and Antioch , Confirming the souls of the disciples , and exhorting them to continue in the faith , and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God . And when they had ordained them elders in every church , and had prayed with fasting , they commended them to the Lord , on whom they believed . And after they had passed throughout Pisidia , they came to Pamphylia . And when they had preached the word in Perga , they went down into Attalia : And thence sailed to Antioch , from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled . And when they were come , and had gathered the church together , they rehearsed all that God had done with them , and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles . And there they abode long time with the disciples . And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren , and said , Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses , ye cannot be saved . When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them , they determined that Paul and Barnabas , and certain other of them , should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question . And being brought on their way by the church , they passed through Phenice and Samaria , declaring the conversion of the Gentiles : and they caused great joy unto all the brethren . And when they were come to Jerusalem , they were received of the church , and of the apostles and elders , and they declared all things that God had done with them . But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed , saying , That it was needful to circumcise them , and to command them to keep the law of Moses . And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter . And when there had been much disputing , Peter rose up , and said unto them , Men and brethren , ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us , that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel , and believe . And God , which knoweth the hearts , bare them witness , giving them the Holy Ghost , even as he did unto us ; And put no difference between us and them , purifying their hearts by faith . Now therefore why tempt ye God , to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples , which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear ? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved , even as they . Then all the multitude kept silence , and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul , declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them . And after they had held their peace , James answered , saying , Men and brethren , hearken unto me : Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles , to take out of them a people for his name . And to this agree the words of the prophets ; as it is written , After this I will return , and will build again the tabernacle of David , which is fallen down ; and I will build again the ruins thereof , and I will set it up : That the residue of men might seek after the Lord , and all the Gentiles , upon whom my name is called , saith the Lord , who doeth all these things . Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world . Wherefore my sentence is , that we trouble not them , which from among the Gentiles are turned to God : But that we write unto them , that they abstain from pollutions of idols , and from fornication , and from things strangled , and from blood . For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him , being read in the synagogues every sabbath day . Then pleased it the apostles and elders , with the whole church , to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas ; namely , Judas surnamed Barsabas , and Silas , chief men among the brethren : And they wrote letters by them after this manner ; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia : Forasmuch as we have heard , that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words , subverting your souls , saying , Ye must be circumcised , and keep the law : to whom we gave no such commandment : It seemed good unto us , being assembled with one accord , to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul , Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ . We have sent therefore Judas and Silas , who shall also tell you the same things by mouth . For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost , and to us , to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things ; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols , and from blood , and from things strangled , and from fornication : from which if ye keep yourselves , ye shall do well . Fare ye well . So when they were dismissed , they came to Antioch : and when they had gathered the multitude together , they delivered the epistle : Which when they had read , they rejoiced for the consolation . And Judas and Silas , being prophets also themselves , exhorted the brethren with many words , and confirmed them . And after they had tarried there a space , they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles . Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still . Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch , teaching and preaching the word of the Lord , with many others also . And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas , Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord , and see how they do . And Barnabas determined to take with them John , whose surname was Mark . But Paul thought not good to take him with them , who departed from them from Pamphylia , and went not with them to the work . And the contention was so sharp between them , that they departed asunder one from the other : and so Barnabas took Mark , and sailed unto Cyprus ; And Paul chose Silas , and departed , being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God . And he went through Syria and Cilicia , confirming the churches . Then came he to Derbe and Lystra : and , behold , a certain disciple was there , named Timotheus , the son of a certain woman , which was a Jewess , and believed ; but his father was a Greek : Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium . Him would Paul have to go forth with him ; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters : for they knew all that his father was a Greek . And as they went through the cities , they delivered them the decrees for to keep , that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem . And so were the churches established in the faith , and increased in number daily . Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia , and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia , After they were come to Mysia , they assayed to go into Bithynia : but the Spirit suffered them not . And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas . And a vision appeared to Paul in the night ; There stood a man of Macedonia , and prayed him , saying , Come over into Macedonia , and help us . And after he had seen the vision , immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia , assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them . Therefore loosing from Troas , we came with a straight course to Samothracia , and the next day to Neapolis ; And from thence to Philippi , which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia , and a colony : and we were in that city abiding certain days . And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side , where prayer was wont to be made ; and we sat down , and spake unto the women which resorted thither . And a certain woman named Lydia , a seller of purple , of the city of Thyatira , which worshipped God , heard us : whose heart the Lord opened , that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul . And when she was baptized , and her household , she besought us , saying , If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord , come into my house , and abide there . And she constrained us . And it came to pass , as we went to prayer , a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us , which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying : The same followed Paul and us , and cried , saying , These men are the servants of the most high God , which shew unto us the way of salvation . And this did she many days . But Paul , being grieved , turned and said to the spirit , I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her . And he came out the same hour . And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone , they caught Paul and Silas , and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers , And brought them to the magistrates , saying , These men , being Jews , do exceedingly trouble our city , And teach customs , which are not lawful for us to receive , neither to observe , being Romans . And the multitude rose up together against them : and the magistrates rent off their clothes , and commanded to beat them . And when they had laid many stripes upon them , they cast them into prison , charging the jailor to keep them safely : Who , having received such a charge , thrust them into the inner prison , and made their feet fast in the stocks . And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed , and sang praises unto God : and the prisoners heard them . And suddenly there was a great earthquake , so that the foundations of the prison were shaken : and immediately all the doors were opened , and every one's bands were loosed . And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep , and seeing the prison doors open , he drew out his sword , and would have killed himself , supposing that the prisoners had been fled . But Paul cried with a loud voice , saying , Do thyself no harm : for we are all here . Then he called for a light , and sprang in , and came trembling , and fell down before Paul and Silas , And brought them out , and said , Sirs , what must I do to be saved ? And they said , Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ , and thou shalt be saved , and thy house . And they spake unto him the word of the Lord , and to all that were in his house . And he took them the same hour of the night , and washed their stripes ; and was baptized , he and all his , straightway . And when he had brought them into his house , he set meat before them , and rejoiced , believing in God with all his house . And when it was day , the magistrates sent the serjeants , saying , Let those men go . And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul , The magistrates have sent to let you go : now therefore depart , and go in peace . But Paul said unto them , They have beaten us openly uncondemned , being Romans , and have cast us into prison ; and now do they thrust us out privily ? nay verily ; but let them come themselves and fetch us out . And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates : and they feared , when they heard that they were Romans . And they came and besought them , and brought them out , and desired them to depart out of the city . And they went out of the prison , and entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren , they comforted them , and departed . Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia , they came to Thessalonica , where was a synagogue of the Jews : And Paul , as his manner was , went in unto them , and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures , Opening and alleging , that Christ must needs have suffered , and risen again from the dead ; and that this Jesus , whom I preach unto you , is Christ . And some of them believed , and consorted with Paul and Silas ; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude , and of the chief women not a few . But the Jews which believed not , moved with envy , took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort , and gathered a company , and set all the city on an uproar , and assaulted the house of Jason , and sought to bring them out to the people . And when they found them not , they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city , crying , These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also ; Whom Jason hath received : and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar , saying that there is another king , one Jesus . And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city , when they heard these things . And when they had taken security of Jason , and of the other , they let them go . And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea : who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews . These were more noble than those in Thessalonica , in that they received the word with all readiness of mind , and searched the scriptures daily , whether those things were so . Therefore many of them believed ; also of honourable women which were Greeks , and of men , not a few . But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea , they came thither also , and stirred up the people . And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea : but Silas and Timotheus abode there still . And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens : and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed , they departed . Now while Paul waited for them at Athens , his spirit was stirred in him , when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry . Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews , and with the devout persons , and in the market daily with them that met with him . Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans , and of the Stoicks , encountered him . And some said , What will this babbler say ? other some , He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods : because he preached unto them Jesus , and the resurrection . And they took him , and brought him unto Areopagus , saying , May we know what this new doctrine , whereof thou speakest , is ? For thou bringest certain strange things to our ears : we would know therefore what these things mean . ( For all the Athenians and strangers which were there spent their time in nothing else , but either to tell , or to hear some new thing . ) Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill , and said , Ye men of Athens , I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious . For as I passed by , and beheld your devotions , I found an altar with this inscription , TO THE UNKNOWN GOD . Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship , him declare I unto you . God that made the world and all things therein , seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth , dwelleth not in temples made with hands ; Neither is worshipped with men's hands , as though he needed any thing , seeing he giveth to all life , and breath , and all things ; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth , and hath determined the times before appointed , and the bounds of their habitation ; That they should seek the Lord , if haply they might feel after him , and find him , though he be not far from every one of us : For in him we live , and move , and have our being ; as certain also of your own poets have said , For we are also his offspring . Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God , we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold , or silver , or stone , graven by art and man's device . And the times of this ignorance God winked at ; but now commandeth all men every where to repent : Because he hath appointed a day , in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained ; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men , in that he hath raised him from the dead . And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead , some mocked : and others said , We will hear thee again of this matter . So Paul departed from among them . Howbeit certain men clave unto him , and believed : among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite , and a woman named Damaris , and others with them . After these things Paul departed from Athens , and came to Corinth ; And found a certain Jew named Aquila , born in Pontus , lately come from Italy , with his wife Priscilla ; ( because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome : ) and came unto them . And because he was of the same craft , he abode with them , and wrought : for by their occupation they were tentmakers . And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath , and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks . And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia , Paul was pressed in the spirit , and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ . And when they opposed themselves , and blasphemed , he shook his raiment , and said unto them , Your blood be upon your own heads ; I am clean : from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles . And he departed thence , and entered into a certain man's house , named Justus , one that worshipped God , whose house joined hard to the synagogue . And Crispus , the chief ruler of the synagogue , believed on the Lord with all his house ; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed , and were baptized . Then spake the Lord to Paul in the night by a vision , Be not afraid , but speak , and hold not thy peace : For I am with thee , and no man shall set on thee to hurt thee : for I have much people in this city . And he continued there a year and six months , teaching the word of God among them . And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia , the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul , and brought him to the judgment seat , Saying , This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law . And when Paul was now about to open his mouth , Gallio said unto the Jews , If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness , O ye Jews , reason would that I should bear with you : But if it be a question of words and names , and of your law , look ye to it ; for I will be no judge of such matters . And he drave them from the judgment seat . Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes , the chief ruler of the synagogue , and beat him before the judgment seat . And Gallio cared for none of those things . And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while , and then took his leave of the brethren , and sailed thence into Syria , and with him Priscilla and Aquila ; having shorn his head in Cenchrea : for he had a vow . And he came to Ephesus , and left them there : but he himself entered into the synagogue , and reasoned with the Jews . When they desired him to tarry longer time with them , he consented not ; But bade them farewell , saying , I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem : but I will return again unto you , if God will . And he sailed from Ephesus . And when he had landed at Caesarea , and gone up , and saluted the church , he went down to Antioch . And after he had spent some time there , he departed , and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order , strengthening all the disciples . And a certain Jew named Apollos , born at Alexandria , an eloquent man , and mighty in the scriptures , came to Ephesus . This man was instructed in the way of the Lord ; and being fervent in the spirit , he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord , knowing only the baptism of John . And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue : whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard , they took him unto them , and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly . And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia , the brethren wrote , exhorting the disciples to receive him : who , when he was come , helped them much which had believed through grace : For he mightily convinced the Jews , and that publickly , shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ . And it came to pass , that , while Apollos was at Corinth , Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus : and finding certain disciples , He said unto them , Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed ? And they said unto him , We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost . And he said unto them , Unto what then were ye baptized ? And they said , Unto John's baptism . Then said Paul , John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance , saying unto the people , that they should believe on him which should come after him , that is , on Christ Jesus . When they heard this , they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus . And when Paul had laid his hands upon them , the Holy Ghost came on them ; and they spake with tongues , and prophesied . And all the men were about twelve . And he went into the synagogue , and spake boldly for the space of three months , disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God . But when divers were hardened , and believed not , but spake evil of that way before the multitude , he departed from them , and separated the disciples , disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus . And this continued by the space of two years ; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus , both Jews and Greeks . And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul : So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons , and the diseases departed from them , and the evil spirits went out of them . Then certain of the vagabond Jews , exorcists , took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus , saying , We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth . And there were seven sons of one Sceva , a Jew , and chief of the priests , which did so . And the evil spirit answered and said , Jesus I know , and Paul I know ; but who are ye ? And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them , and overcame them , and prevailed against them , so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded . And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus ; and fear fell on them all , and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified . And many that believed came , and confessed , and shewed their deeds . Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together , and burned them before all men : and they counted the price of them , and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver . So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed . After these things were ended , Paul purposed in the spirit , when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia , to go to Jerusalem , saying , After I have been there , I must also see Rome . So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him , Timotheus and Erastus ; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season . And the same time there arose no small stir about that way . For a certain man named Demetrius , a silversmith , which made silver shrines for Diana , brought no small gain unto the craftsmen ; Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation , and said , Sirs , ye know that by this craft we have our wealth . Moreover ye see and hear , that not alone at Ephesus , but almost throughout all Asia , this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people , saying that they be no gods , which are made with hands : So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought ; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised , and her magnificence should be destroyed , whom all Asia and the world worshippeth . And when they heard these sayings , they were full of wrath , and cried out , saying , Great is Diana of the Ephesians . And the whole city was filled with confusion : and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus , men of Macedonia , Paul's companions in travel , they rushed with one accord into the theatre . And when Paul would have entered in unto the people , the disciples suffered him not . And certain of the chief of Asia , which were his friends , sent unto him , desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre . Some therefore cried one thing , and some another : for the assembly was confused ; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together . And they drew Alexander out of the multitude , the Jews putting him forward . And Alexander beckoned with the hand , and would have made his defence unto the people . But when they knew that he was a Jew , all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out , Great is Diana of the Ephesians . And when the townclerk had appeased the people , he said , Ye men of Ephesus , what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana , and of the image which fell down from Jupiter ? Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against , ye ought to be quiet , and to do nothing rashly . For ye have brought hither these men , which are neither robbers of churches , nor yet blasphemers of your goddess . Wherefore if Demetrius , and the craftsmen which are with him , have a matter against any man , the law is open , and there are deputies : let them implead one another . But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters , it shall be determined in a lawful assembly . For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar , there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse . And when he had thus spoken , he dismissed the assembly . And after the uproar was ceased , Paul called unto him the disciples , and embraced them , and departed for to go into Macedonia . And when he had gone over those parts , and had given them much exhortation , he came into Greece , And there abode three months . And when the Jews laid wait for him , as he was about to sail into Syria , he purposed to return through Macedonia . And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea ; and of the Thessalonians , Aristarchus and Secundus ; and Gaius of Derbe , and Timotheus ; and of Asia , Tychicus and Trophimus . These going before tarried for us at Troas . And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread , and came unto them to Troas in five days ; where we abode seven days . And upon the first day of the week , when the disciples came together to break bread , Paul preached unto them , ready to depart on the morrow ; and continued his speech until midnight . And there were many lights in the upper chamber , where they were gathered together . And there sat in a window a certain young man named Eutychus , being fallen into a deep sleep : and as Paul was long preaching , he sunk down with sleep , and fell down from the third loft , and was taken up dead . And Paul went down , and fell on him , and embracing him said , Trouble not yourselves ; for his life is in him . When he therefore was come up again , and had broken bread , and eaten , and talked a long while , even till break of day , so he departed . And they brought the young man alive , and were not a little comforted . And we went before to ship , and sailed unto Assos , there intending to take in Paul : for so had he appointed , minding himself to go afoot . And when he met with us at Assos , we took him in , and came to Mitylene . And we sailed thence , and came the next day over against Chios ; and the next day we arrived at Samos , and tarried at Trogyllium ; and the next day we came to Miletus . For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus , because he would not spend the time in Asia : for he hasted , if it were possible for him , to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost . And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus , and called the elders of the church . And when they were come to him , he said unto them , Ye know , from the first day that I came into Asia , after what manner I have been with you at all seasons , Serving the Lord with all humility of mind , and with many tears , and temptations , which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews : And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you , but have shewed you , and have taught you publickly , and from house to house , Testifying both to the Jews , and also to the Greeks , repentance toward God , and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ . And now , behold , I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem , not knowing the things that shall befall me there : Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city , saying that bonds and afflictions abide me . But none of these things move me , neither count I my life dear unto myself , so that I might finish my course with joy , and the ministry , which I have received of the Lord Jesus , to testify the gospel of the grace of God . And now , behold , I know that ye all , among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God , shall see my face no more . Wherefore I take you to record this day , that I am pure from the blood of all men . For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God . Take heed therefore unto yourselves , and to all the flock , over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers , to feed the church of God , which he hath purchased with his own blood . For I know this , that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you , not sparing the flock . Also of your own selves shall men arise , speaking perverse things , to draw away disciples after them . Therefore watch , and remember , that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears . And now , brethren , I commend you to God , and to the word of his grace , which is able to build you up , and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified . I have coveted no man's silver , or gold , or apparel . Yea , ye yourselves know , that these hands have ministered unto my necessities , and to them that were with me . I have shewed you all things , how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak , and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus , how he said , It is more blessed to give than to receive . And when he had thus spoken , he kneeled down , and prayed with them all . And they all wept sore , and fell on Paul's neck , and kissed him , Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake , that they should see his face no more . And they accompanied him unto the ship . And it came to pass , that after we were gotten from them , and had launched , we came with a straight course unto Coos , and the day following unto Rhodes , and from thence unto Patara : And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia , we went aboard , and set forth . Now when we had discovered Cyprus , we left it on the left hand , and sailed into Syria , and landed at Tyre : for there the ship was to unlade her burden . And finding disciples , we tarried there seven days : who said to Paul through the Spirit , that he should not go up to Jerusalem . And when we had accomplished those days , we departed and went our way ; and they all brought us on our way , with wives and children , till we were out of the city : and we kneeled down on the shore , and prayed . And when we had taken our leave one of another , we took ship ; and they returned home again . And when we had finished our course from Tyre , we came to Ptolemais , and saluted the brethren , and abode with them one day . And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed , and came unto Caesarea : and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist , which was one of the seven ; and abode with him . And the same man had four daughters , virgins , which did prophesy . And as we tarried there many days , there came down from Judaea a certain prophet , named Agabus . And when he was come unto us , he took Paul's girdle , and bound his own hands and feet , and said , Thus saith the Holy Ghost , So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle , and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles . And when we heard these things , both we , and they of that place , besought him not to go up to Jerusalem . Then Paul answered , What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart ? for I am ready not to be bound only , but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus . And when he would not be persuaded , we ceased , saying , The will of the Lord be done . And after those days we took up our carriages , and went up to Jerusalem . There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea , and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus , an old disciple , with whom we should lodge . And when we were come to Jerusalem , the brethren received us gladly . And the day following Paul went in with us unto James ; and all the elders were present . And when he had saluted them , he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry . And when they heard it , they glorified the Lord , and said unto him , Thou seest , brother , how many thousands of Jews there are which believe ; and they are all zealous of the law : And they are informed of thee , that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses , saying that they ought not to circumcise their children , neither to walk after the customs . What is it therefore ? the multitude must needs come together : for they will hear that thou art come . Do therefore this that we say to thee : We have four men which have a vow on them ; Them take , and purify thyself with them , and be at charges with them , that they may shave their heads : and all may know that those things , whereof they were informed concerning thee , are nothing ; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly , and keepest the law . As touching the Gentiles which believe , we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing , save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols , and from blood , and from strangled , and from fornication . Then Paul took the men , and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple , to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation , until that an offering should be offered for every one of them . And when the seven days were almost ended , the Jews which were of Asia , when they saw him in the temple , stirred up all the people , and laid hands on him , Crying out , Men of Israel , help : This is the man , that teacheth all men every where against the people , and the law , and this place : and further brought Greeks also into the temple , and hath polluted this holy place . ( For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian , whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple . ) And all the city was moved , and the people ran together : and they took Paul , and drew him out of the temple : and forthwith the doors were shut . And as they went about to kill him , tidings came unto the chief captain of the band , that all Jerusalem was in an uproar . Who immediately took soldiers and centurions , and ran down unto them : and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers , they left beating of Paul . Then the chief captain came near , and took him , and commanded him to be bound with two chains ; and demanded who he was , and what he had done . And some cried one thing , some another , among the multitude : and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult , he commanded him to be carried into the castle . And when he came upon the stairs , so it was , that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people . For the multitude of the people followed after , crying , Away with him . And as Paul was to be led into the castle , he said unto the chief captain , May I speak unto thee ? Who said , Canst thou speak Greek ? Art not thou that Egyptian , which before these days madest an uproar , and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers ? But Paul said , I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus , a city in Cilicia , a citizen of no mean city : and , I beseech thee , suffer me to speak unto the people . And when he had given him licence , Paul stood on the stairs , and beckoned with the hand unto the people . And when there was made a great silence , he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue , saying , Men , brethren , and fathers , hear ye my defence which I make now unto you . ( And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them , they kept the more silence : and he saith , ) I am verily a man which am a Jew , born in Tarsus , a city in Cilicia , yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel , and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers , and was zealous toward God , as ye all are this day . And I persecuted this way unto the death , binding and delivering into prisons both men and women . As also the high priest doth bear me witness , and all the estate of the elders : from whom also I received letters unto the brethren , and went to Damascus , to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem , for to be punished . And it came to pass , that , as I made my journey , and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon , suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me . And I fell unto the ground , and heard a voice saying unto me , Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? And I answered , Who art thou , Lord ? And he said unto me , I am Jesus of Nazareth , whom thou persecutest . And they that were with me saw indeed the light , and were afraid ; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me . And I said , What shall I do , Lord ? And the Lord said unto me , Arise , and go into Damascus ; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do . And when I could not see for the glory of that light , being led by the hand of them that were with me , I came into Damascus . And one Ananias , a devout man according to the law , having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there , Came unto me , and stood , and said unto me , Brother Saul , receive thy sight . And the same hour I looked up upon him . And he said , The God of our fathers hath chosen thee , that thou shouldest know his will , and see that Just One , and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth . For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard . And now why tarriest thou ? arise , and be baptized , and wash away thy sins , calling on the name of the Lord . And it came to pass , that , when I was come again to Jerusalem , even while I prayed in the temple , I was in a trance ; And saw him saying unto me , Make haste , and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem : for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me . And I said , Lord , they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee : And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed , I also was standing by , and consenting unto his death , and kept the raiment of them that slew him . And he said unto me , Depart : for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles . And they gave him audience unto this word , and then lifted up their voices , and said , Away with such a fellow from the earth : for it is not fit that he should live . And as they cried out , and cast off their clothes , and threw dust into the air , The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle , and bade that he should be examined by scourging ; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him . And as they bound him with thongs , Paul said unto the centurion that stood by , Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman , and uncondemned ? When the centurion heard that , he went and told the chief captain , saying , Take heed what thou doest : for this man is a Roman . Then the chief captain came , and said unto him , Tell me , art thou a Roman ? He said , Yea . And the chief captain answered , With a great sum obtained I this freedom . And Paul said , But I was free born . Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him : and the chief captain also was afraid , after he knew that he was a Roman , and because he had bound him . On the morrow , because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews , he loosed him from his bands , and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear , and brought Paul down , and set him before them . And Paul , earnestly beholding the council , said , Men and brethren , I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day . And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth . Then said Paul unto him , God shall smite thee , thou whited wall : for sittest thou to judge me after the law , and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law ? And they that stood by said , Revilest thou God's high priest ? Then said Paul , I wist not , brethren , that he was the high priest : for it is written , Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people . But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees , and the other Pharisees , he cried out in the council , Men and brethren , I am a Pharisee , the son of a Pharisee : of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question . And when he had so said , there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees : and the multitude was divided . For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection , neither angel , nor spirit : but the Pharisees confess both . And there arose a great cry : and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose , and strove , saying , We find no evil in this man : but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him , let us not fight against God . And when there arose a great dissension , the chief captain , fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them , commanded the soldiers to go down , and to take him by force from among them , and to bring him into the castle . And the night following the Lord stood by him , and said , Be of good cheer , Paul : for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem , so must thou bear witness also at Rome . And when it was day , certain of the Jews banded together , and bound themselves under a curse , saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul . And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy . And they came to the chief priests and elders , and said , We have bound ourselves under a great curse , that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul . Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow , as though ye would inquire something more perfectly concerning him : and we , or ever he come near , are ready to kill him . And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait , he went and entered into the castle , and told Paul . Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him , and said , Bring this young man unto the chief captain : for he hath a certain thing to tell him . So he took him , and brought him to the chief captain , and said , Paul the prisoner called me unto him , and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee , who hath something to say unto thee . Then the chief captain took him by the hand , and went with him aside privately , and asked him , What is that thou hast to tell me ? And he said , The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council , as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly . But do not thou yield unto them : for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men , which have bound themselves with an oath , that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him : and now are they ready , looking for a promise from thee . So the chief captain then let the young man depart , and charged him , See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me . And he called unto him two centurions , saying , Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea , and horsemen threescore and ten , and spearmen two hundred , at the third hour of the night ; And provide them beasts , that they may set Paul on , and bring him safe unto Felix the governor . And he wrote a letter after this manner : Claudius Lysias unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting . This man was taken of the Jews , and should have been killed of them : then came I with an army , and rescued him , having understood that he was a Roman . And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused him , I brought him forth into their council : Whom I perceived to be accused of questions of their law , but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of death or of bonds . And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man , I sent straightway to thee , and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him . Farewell . Then the soldiers , as it was commanded them , took Paul , and brought him by night to Antipatris . On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him , and returned to the castle : Who , when they came to Caesarea , and delivered the epistle to the governor , presented Paul also before him . And when the governor had read the letter , he asked of what province he was . And when he understood that he was of Cilicia ; I will hear thee , said he , when thine accusers are also come . And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall . And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders , and with a certain orator named Tertullus , who informed the governor against Paul . And when he was called forth , Tertullus began to accuse him , saying , Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness , and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence , We accept it always , and in all places , most noble Felix , with all thankfulness . Notwithstanding , that I be not further tedious unto thee , I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words . For we have found this man a pestilent fellow , and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world , and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes : Who also hath gone about to profane the temple : whom we took , and would have judged according to our law . But the chief captain Lysias came upon us , and with great violence took him away out of our hands , Commanding his accusers to come unto thee : by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things , whereof we accuse him . And the Jews also assented , saying that these things were so . Then Paul , after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak , answered , Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation , I do the more cheerfully answer for myself : Because that thou mayest understand , that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship . And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man , neither raising up the people , neither in the synagogues , nor in the city : Neither can they prove the things whereof they now accuse me . But this I confess unto thee , that after the way which they call heresy , so worship I the God of my fathers , believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets : And have hope toward God , which they themselves also allow , that there shall be a resurrection of the dead , both of the just and unjust . And herein do I exercise myself , to have always a conscience void of offence toward God , and toward men . Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation , and offerings . Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple , neither with multitude , nor with tumult . Who ought to have been here before thee , and object , if they had ought against me . Or else let these same here say , if they have found any evil doing in me , while I stood before the council , Except it be for this one voice , that I cried standing among them , Touching the resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day . And when Felix heard these things , having more perfect knowledge of that way , he deferred them , and said , When Lysias the chief captain shall come down , I will know the uttermost of your matter . And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul , and to let him have liberty , and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him . And after certain days , when Felix came with his wife Drusilla , which was a Jewess , he sent for Paul , and heard him concerning the faith in Christ . And as he reasoned of righteousness , temperance , and judgment to come Felix trembled , and answered , Go thy way for this time ; when I have a convenient season , I will call for thee . He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul , that he might loose him : wherefore he sent for him the oftener , and communed with him . But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room : and Felix , willing to shew the Jews a pleasure , left Paul bound . Now when Festus was come into the province , after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem . Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul , and besought him , And desired favour against him , that he would send for him to Jerusalem , laying wait in the way to kill him . But Festus answered , that Paul should be kept at Caesarea , and that he himself would depart shortly thither . Let them therefore , said he , which among you are able , go down with me , and accuse this man , if there be any wickedness in him . And when he had tarried among them more than ten days , he went down unto Caesarea ; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought . And when he was come , the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about , and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul , which they could not prove . While he answered for himself , Neither against the law of the Jews , neither against the temple , nor yet against Caesar , have I offended any thing at all . But Festus , willing to do the Jews a pleasure , answered Paul , and said , Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem , and there be judged of these things before me ? Then said Paul , I stand at Caesar's judgment seat , where I ought to be judged : to the Jews have I done no wrong , as thou very well knowest . For if I be an offender , or have committed any thing worthy of death , I refuse not to die : but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me , no man may deliver me unto them . I appeal unto Caesar . Then Festus , when he had conferred with the council , answered , Hast thou appealed unto Caesar ? unto Caesar shalt thou go . And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus . And when they had been there many days , Festus declared Paul's cause unto the king , saying , There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix : About whom , when I was at Jerusalem , the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me , desiring to have judgment against him . To whom I answered , It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die , before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face , and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him . Therefore , when they were come hither , without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat , and commanded the man to be brought forth . Against whom when the accusers stood up , they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed : But had certain questions against him of their own superstition , and of one Jesus , which was dead , whom Paul affirmed to be alive . And because I doubted of such manner of questions , I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem , and there be judged of these matters . But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus , I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar . Then Agrippa said unto Festus , I would also hear the man myself . To morrow , said he , thou shalt hear him . And on the morrow , when Agrippa was come , and Bernice , with great pomp , and was entered into the place of hearing , with the chief captains , and principal men of the city , at Festus' commandment Paul was brought forth . And Festus said , King Agrippa , and all men which are here present with us , ye see this man , about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me , both at Jerusalem , and also here , crying that he ought not to live any longer . But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death , and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus , I have determined to send him . Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord . Wherefore I have brought him forth before you , and specially before thee , O king Agrippa , that , after examination had , I might have somewhat to write . For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner , and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him . Then Agrippa said unto Paul , Thou art permitted to speak for thyself . Then Paul stretched forth the hand , and answered for himself : I think myself happy , king Agrippa , because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews : Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews : wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently . My manner of life from my youth , which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem , know all the Jews ; Which knew me from the beginning , if they would testify , that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee . And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers : Unto which promise our twelve tribes , instantly serving God day and night , hope to come . For which hope's sake , king Agrippa , I am accused of the Jews . Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you , that God should raise the dead ? I verily thought with myself , that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth . Which thing I also did in Jerusalem : and many of the saints did I shut up in prison , having received authority from the chief priests ; and when they were put to death , I gave my voice against them . And I punished them oft in every synagogue , and compelled them to blaspheme ; and being exceedingly mad against them , I persecuted them even unto strange cities . Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests , At midday , O king , I saw in the way a light from heaven , above the brightness of the sun , shining round about me and them which journeyed with me . And when we were all fallen to the earth , I heard a voice speaking unto me , and saying in the Hebrew tongue , Saul , Saul , why persecutest thou me ? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks . And I said , Who art thou , Lord ? And he said , I am Jesus whom thou persecutest . But rise , and stand upon thy feet : for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose , to make thee a minister and a witness both of these things which thou hast seen , and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee ; Delivering thee from the people , and from the Gentiles , unto whom now I send thee , To open their eyes , and to turn them from darkness to light , and from the power of Satan unto God , that they may receive forgiveness of sins , and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me . Whereupon , O king Agrippa , I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision : But shewed first unto them of Damascus , and at Jerusalem , and throughout all the coasts of Judaea , and then to the Gentiles , that they should repent and turn to God , and do works meet for repentance . For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple , and went about to kill me . Having therefore obtained help of God , I continue unto this day , witnessing both to small and great , saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come : That Christ should suffer , and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead , and should shew light unto the people , and to the Gentiles . And as he thus spake for himself , Festus said with a loud voice , Paul , thou art beside thyself ; much learning doth make thee mad . But he said , I am not mad , most noble Festus ; but speak forth the words of truth and soberness . For the king knoweth of these things , before whom also I speak freely : for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him ; for this thing was not done in a corner . King Agrippa , believest thou the prophets ? I know that thou believest . Then Agrippa said unto Paul , Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian . And Paul said , I would to God , that not only thou , but also all that hear me this day , were both almost , and altogether such as I am , except these bonds . And when he had thus spoken , the king rose up , and the governor , and Bernice , and they that sat with them : And when they were gone aside , they talked between themselves , saying , This man doeth nothing worthy of death or of bonds . Then said Agrippa unto Festus , This man might have been set at liberty , if he had not appealed unto Caesar . And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy , they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius , a centurion of Augustus' band . And entering into a ship of Adramyttium , we launched , meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia ; one Aristarchus , a Macedonian of Thessalonica , being with us . And the next day we touched at Sidon . And Julius courteously entreated Paul , and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself . And when we had launched from thence , we sailed under Cyprus , because the winds were contrary . And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia , we came to Myra , a city of Lycia . And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy ; and he put us therein . And when we had sailed slowly many days , and scarce were come over against Cnidus , the wind not suffering us , we sailed under Crete , over against Salmone ; And , hardly passing it , came unto a place which is called The fair havens ; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea . Now when much time was spent , and when sailing was now dangerous , because the fast was now already past , Paul admonished them , And said unto them , Sirs , I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage , not only of the lading and ship , but also of our lives . Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship , more than those things which were spoken by Paul . And because the haven was not commodious to winter in , the more part advised to depart thence also , if by any means they might attain to Phenice , and there to winter ; which is an haven of Crete , and lieth toward the south west and north west . And when the south wind blew softly , supposing that they had obtained their purpose , loosing thence , they sailed close by Crete . But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind , called Euroclydon . And when the ship was caught , and could not bear up into the wind , we let her drive . And running under a certain island which is called Clauda , we had much work to come by the boat : Which when they had taken up , they used helps , undergirding the ship ; and , fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands , strake sail , and so were driven . And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest , the next day they lightened the ship ; And the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship . And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared , and no small tempest lay on us , all hope that we should be saved was then taken away . But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them , and said , Sirs , ye should have hearkened unto me , and not have loosed from Crete , and to have gained this harm and loss . And now I exhort you to be of good cheer : for there shall be no loss of any man's life among you , but of the ship . For there stood by me this night the angel of God , whose I am , and whom I serve , Saying , Fear not , Paul ; thou must be brought before Caesar : and , lo , God hath given thee all them that sail with thee . Wherefore , sirs , be of good cheer : for I believe God , that it shall be even as it was told me . Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island . But when the fourteenth night was come , as we were driven up and down in Adria , about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country ; And sounded , and found it twenty fathoms : and when they had gone a little further , they sounded again , and found it fifteen fathoms . Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks , they cast four anchors out of the stern , and wished for the day . And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship , when they had let down the boat into the sea , under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship , Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers , Except these abide in the ship , ye cannot be saved . Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat , and let her fall off . And while the day was coming on , Paul besought them all to take meat , saying , This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued fasting , having taken nothing . Wherefore I pray you to take some meat : for this is for your health : for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you . And when he had thus spoken , he took bread , and gave thanks to God in presence of them all : and when he had broken it , he began to eat . Then were they all of good cheer , and they also took some meat . And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and sixteen souls . And when they had eaten enough , they lightened the ship , and cast out the wheat into the sea . And when it was day , they knew not the land : but they discovered a certain creek with a shore , into the which they were minded , if it were possible , to thrust in the ship . And when they had taken up the anchors , they committed themselves unto the sea , and loosed the rudder bands , and hoised up the mainsail to the wind , and made toward shore . And falling into a place where two seas met , they ran the ship aground ; and the forepart stuck fast , and remained unmoveable , but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves . And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners , lest any of them should swim out , and escape . But the centurion , willing to save Paul , kept them from their purpose ; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea , and get to land : And the rest , some on boards , and some on broken pieces of the ship . And so it came to pass , that they escaped all safe to land . And when they were escaped , then they knew that the island was called Melita . And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness : for they kindled a fire , and received us every one , because of the present rain , and because of the cold . And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks , and laid them on the fire , there came a viper out of the heat , and fastened on his hand . And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand , they said among themselves , No doubt this man is a murderer , whom , though he hath escaped the sea , yet vengeance suffereth not to live . And he shook off the beast into the fire , and felt no harm . Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen , or fallen down dead suddenly : but after they had looked a great while , and saw no harm come to him , they changed their minds , and said that he was a god . In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island , whose name was Publius ; who received us , and lodged us three days courteously . And it came to pass , that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux : to whom Paul entered in , and prayed , and laid his hands on him , and healed him . So when this was done , others also , which had diseases in the island , came , and were healed : Who also honoured us with many honours ; and when we departed , they laded us with such things as were necessary . And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria , which had wintered in the isle , whose sign was Castor and Pollux . And landing at Syracuse , we tarried there three days . And from thence we fetched a compass , and came to Rhegium : and after one day the south wind blew , and we came the next day to Puteoli : Where we found brethren , and were desired to tarry with them seven days : and so we went toward Rome . And from thence , when the brethren heard of us , they came to meet us as far as Appiiforum , and The three taverns : whom when Paul saw , he thanked God , and took courage . And when we came to Rome , the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard : but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him . And it came to pass , that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together : and when they were come together , he said unto them , Men and brethren , though I have committed nothing against the people , or customs of our fathers , yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans . Who , when they had examined me , would have let me go , because there was no cause of death in me . But when the Jews spake against it , I was constrained to appeal unto Caesar ; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of . For this cause therefore have I called for you , to see you , and to speak with you : because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain . And they said unto him , We neither received letters out of Judaea concerning thee , neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee . But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest : for as concerning this sect , we know that every where it is spoken against . And when they had appointed him a day , there came many to him into his lodging ; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God , persuading them concerning Jesus , both out of the law of Moses , and out of the prophets , from morning till evening . And some believed the things which were spoken , and some believed not . And when they agreed not among themselves , they departed , after that Paul had spoken one word , Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers , Saying , Go unto this people , and say , Hearing ye shall hear , and shall not understand ; and seeing ye shall see , and not perceive : For the heart of this people is waxed gross , and their ears are dull of hearing , and their eyes have they closed ; lest they should see with their eyes , and hear with their ears , and understand with their heart , and should be converted , and I should heal them . Be it known therefore unto you , that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles , and that they will hear it . And when he had said these words , the Jews departed , and had great reasoning among themselves . And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house , and received all that came in unto him , Preaching the kingdom of God , and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ , with all confidence , no man forbidding him .