THE
ACTS
OF
THE APOSTLES.
WRITTEN BY LUKE.
PUBLISHED IN ROME, A. D. 64.
LUKE'S PREFACE,
And Recapitulation of the close of his former Narrative.
I. THE former treatise I composed, O Theophilus, concerning all things which Jesus began both to do and to teach, even to the day in which he was taken up, after he had by the Holy Spirit given charge to the apostles, whom he ahd chosen. to whom also he presented himself alive after his sufferings, with many evident testimonals; being seen by them for forty days, and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. And having assembled them together, he charged them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, Which (said he,) you have heard from me. For John indeed immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit in water within these few days. They therefore being come together, asked him, saying, Lord, wilt thou, at this time, restore the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them, It is not for you to know those times or seasons which the Father hath reserved in his own power. But you shall receive power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you, and shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Juda, and in Samaria, and even to the remotest parts of the earth. And having said these things; while they beheld, he was lifted up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they were stedfastly looking up to heaven, as he ascended, behold two men in white raiment stood near them, who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why do ye stand gazing up to heaven? This Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in the same manner as you have beheld him going into heaven. Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount called Olivet, which is a Sabbath day's journey*[About two miles.] from Jerusalem.
Now when they were entered [into the city,] they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholemew (sic) and Matthew, James [the son] of Alpheus, and Simon the zealot, and Judas [the brother] of James. These all unanimously persevered in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
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Contents:
SECTION I. The Appointment of an Apostle in room of Judas.
SECTION II. The Descent of the Holy Spirit and the Commencement of the Reign of Messiah.
SECTION III. The Cure of a Man lame from his Birth.
SECTION IV. The Death of Ananias and Sapphira his Wife.
SECTION V. The appointment of Seven Persons to attend to the Poor of the Congregation in Jerusalem, and the Martyrdom of Stephen.
SECTION VI. The Conversion of the Samaritans, and the Introduction of the Gospel into Ethiopia.
SECTION VII. Conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
SECTION VIII. The Calling of the Gentiles.
SECTION IX. The Progress of the Gospel in Phoenicia, Cypris, and Antioch, and Persecution of the Apostles.
SECTION X. Travels and Success of Paul and Barnabas in publishing the Glad Tidings in sundry places.
SECTION XI. The Decision of the Question concerning the Reception of the Gentiles into the Kingdom of the Messiah, by the Apostles, Elders, and the whole Congregation of Jewish Brethren in Jerusalem.
SECTION XII. The Introduction of the Gospel into Macedonia and Thessalonica.
SECTION XIII. The Introduction of the Gospel into Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus.
SECTION XIV. Paul returns to Jerusalem. His Conduct and Treatment there.
SECTION XV. Paul a prisoner in Caesarea, appears before Governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa, and defends himself before them.
SECTION XVI. Paul's vogage to Italy. His Shipwreck on Malta, and his arrival as a Prisoner in Rome.
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SECTION I.
The Appointment of an Apostle in room of Judas.
15. And in these days Peter rising up in the midst of the disciples, spake, (now the number of persons assembled, was about an hundred and twenty) Brethren,*[App. No. XXXV.] it was necessary that scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spake before, by the mouth of David, with regard to Judas, who became the guide of those that seized Jesus: for he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry: this man therefore purchased a field with the reward of iniquity,a nd falling down on his face he burst asunder in the middle, and all his bowels were poured out: and it was known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that that field is called in their language, Aceldama, that is, the field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, "Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man inhabit it:" and "Let another take his office." It is necessary therefore, that of the men, who have conversed with us during all the time in which the Lord Jesus was going in, and coming out among us, beginning from the immersion of John, even to the day in which he was taken up from us, one of these should be made a witness with us of his resurrection. And they set up two men, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, saying, Thou, Lord, who knoest the hearts of all, show which of these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas is fallen by [his] transgression, that he might go to his own place. And they gave out their lots, and the lot fell upon Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
SECTION II.
The Descent of the Holy Spirit and the Commencement of the Reign of Messiah.
II. And when the day of Pentecost*[The 50th day from the Passover, and first day of the week.] was completely arrived, they were all with unanimous affection in the same place: and on a sudden there was a sound from heaven, as of a rushing violent wind; and it filled all thehouse where they were sitting. And there appeared to them separated tongues,*[App. No. XXXVI.] as of fire; and it rested upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues,as the Spirit gave them a power of expressing themselves. Now there were sojourning in Jerusalem pious men, Jews from every nation under heaven: and when this report came abroad, the multitude gathered together, and were confounded; for every one heard them speaking in his own dialect. And they were all astonished, and wondered, saying one to another, Behold! are not all these that speak Galileans? And how do we every one hear in his own native language, Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and those that inhabit Mesopotamia, and Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt, and the parts of Africa which are about Cyrene, Roman strangers also both Jews and proselytes, those of Crete, and Arabians we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God? And they were all in amazement and perplexity, and said one to another, What can this mean? But others mocking, said, Surely these men are filled with sweet wine.
But Peter standing up with the eleven, raised his voice, and said to them, O ye men of Judea, and all you that inhabit Jerusalem? let this be known unto you, and listen to my words; for these men are not drunk, as you suppose; since it is but the third hour of the day:*[Nine o'clock in the morning.] but this is that which was spoken of 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. Yea, in those days I will pour out of my Spirit upon my servants, and upon my handmaids; and they shall prophesy: and I will give prodigies in heven above, and signs upon the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and a cloud of smoke; the sun shall be turned into darness, and the moon into blood, before that great and illustrious day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall invoke the name of the Lord shall be saved." Ye men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man recommended to you by God by powerful operations, and wonders, and signs, which God wrought by him in the midst of y ou, as ye yourselves also know; him you have seized, being given up by the declared counsel and predetermination of God, and by the hands of sinners have fastened [to the cross] and slain: whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death, as it was impossible that he should be held under it. For David saith concerning him, "I have regarded the Lord as always before me; because he is at my right hand, that I might not be moved:*[App. XXXVI.] for this reason my heart is glad, and my tongue exulteth; moreover too my flesh shall rest in hope that thou wilt not leave my soul in the unseen world,*[Hades.] neither wilt thou permit thine Holy One to see corruption. Thou hast made me to know the ways of life; thou wilt make me full of joy with thy countenance." Brethren, permit me to speak freely to you concerning the patriarch David; that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is among us unto this day: therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn to him with an oath, that of the fruit of his loins he would, according to the flesh, raise up the Messiah to sit on his throne; he foreseeing this, spake of the resurrection of the Messiah, that his soul should not be left in the unseen world,*[Hades.] nor his flesh see corruption. This Jesus God hath raised up, of which all we are witnesses: being exalted therefore to the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, he hath shed forth this, which you now see and hear. For David is not ascended into heaven, but he saith, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Let therefore all the house of Israel assuredly know, that God hath made this Jesus, whom you crucified, Lord and Messiah.
37. Now when they heard [these things,] they were pierced to the hart, and said to Peter, and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Reform,*[App. No. XXXVII.] and be each of you immersed in the name of Jesus Christ, in order to the forgiveness of [your] sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you, and to your children, and too all that are afar off, as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words he bore his testimony,a nd exhorted, saying, be ye saved from this perverse generation. They therefore, who received his word with readiness, were immersed: and there were added to [the disciples] that very day about three thousand souls.
And they continued stedfast in the apostles' doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear fell upon every soul; and many miracles and signs were wrought by the apostles. And all that believed were in the same place; and they had all things in common: and they sold their possessions, and effects, and divided them to all, as every one had necessity. And they continued unanimously in the temple every day; and breaking bread from house to house, they partook of their refreshment with joy and simplicity of heart; praising God, and having favour among all the people. And the Lord added daily to the congregation those who were saved.
SECTION III.
The Cure of a Man lame from his Birth.
III. Now about that time Peter and John went up to the temple, at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour.*[Three o'clock in the afternoon.] And a certain man, who had been lame from his mother's womb, was carried, whom they daily laid at the gate of the temple, which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of those that entered into the temple; who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, begged to receive an alms. But Peter, with John, looking stedfastly upon him, said, Look upon us. And he fixed his eyes upon them, expecting to receive something from them. But Peter said, Silver and gold I have none; but what I have, I give thee: In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, rise up, and walk. And taking him by the right hand, he raised him up; and immediately his feet and ancle-bones were strengthened. And leaping up, he stood, adn walked about,and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. Adn all the people saw him walking, and praising God; and they knew him, that this was he who had sat at the beautiful gate of the temple for alms; and they were filled with astonishment and ecstacy at that which had befallen him.
11. And while the lame man, who was healed, kept his hold of Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in amazement to the portico called Solomon's. And Peter seeing this, answered the people, Ye men of Israel, why do ye wonder at this? or why do ye fix your eyes on us, as if by our own power, or piety, 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 you delivered up, and renounced him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to release him; but you renounced the Holy and Righteous One, and desired a murdered might be granted unto you, and killed the Prince of Life; who God hath raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses: and [now] by faith in his name, he hath strengthened this man, whom you see, and know: yea, his name, and the faith, which is in him, hath given him this perfect soundness before you all. And now, brethren, I know, that through ignorance you did it, as did also your rulers; but God hath thus fulfilled those things, which he foretold by the mouth of all his prophets, that the Messiah should suffer. reform, therefore, and turn [to God,] that so your sins may be blotted out; that seasons of refreshment may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send unto you Jesus Chjrist, who was beforehand proclaimed: whom indeed heaven must receive till the times of the accomplishment*[App. No. XXXVIII.] of all things, which God hath spoken of by the mouth of all his holy prophets from the beginning of time. For Moses said to the fathers, "Surely 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, who will not hearken to that prophet, shall be cut off from among the people." Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel, and those that follow after, as many as spoke have also foretold these days. You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant, which God constituted with our fathers, saying to Abraham, "And in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed." To you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, hath sent him to bless you; every one of you turning from your iniquities.
IV. And while they were speaking to the people, the priests came upon them, and the captain of the temple-guard, and the Sadducees, being grieved that they taught the people, and preached the resurrection from the dead in [the person of] Jesus. And they laid hands upon them, and committed them into custody unto the next day; for it was now evening. But many of those who had heard the word, believed; and the number of the men became almost five thousand. And the next day their rulers, and elders, and scribes gathered together at Jerusalem: and Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and alexander, and as many as were of the high priest's kindred. And having set them in the mist, they inquired, By what power, or in what name have you done this? Then Peter full of the Holy Spirit, said unto them, O ye rulders of the people, and elders of Israel, if we are this day examined about the benefit conferred upon the impotent man, by what means he is healed; be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, yea, by HIM this man stands before you sound. This is the stone, which was set at nought by you builders, that is become the head of the corner: And there is salvation in no other; neither is there any other name under heaven given among men, in which we can be saved.
13. Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and understood that they were illiterate men, and in private stations of life, they were astonished: and recollected their having been with Jesus. And seeing the man that was cured standing with them, they had nothing to say against it. But having ordered them to withdraw out of the council, they conferred among themselves, saying, What shall we do with these men? for that indeed a signal miracle hath been wrought by them, is manifest to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it. Nevertheless that it may not any farther spread among the people, let us severly threaten them, that they speak no more to any man in this name. And having called them, they charged them that they should not speak any more, or teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answering them, said, Whether it be righteous in the sight of God, to obey you rather than God, judge ye: for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. And having threatended them again, they dismissed them; finding nothing for which they might punish them, on account of the people: because they all glorified God for that whic was done: for the man, on whom this miracle of healing was wrought, was more than forty years old.
And being dismissed, they came to their own company, and related all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. And when they heard it, they lifted up their voice with one accord to God, and said, Lord, thou art the God, who didst make heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them: who didst say by the mouth of thy servant David, "Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth set themselves,*[i. e. in battle array.] and the rulers combined together against the Lord, and against his anointed." For of a truth, against thine holy Son Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the heathen, and the people of Israel, have combined, to do what thine hand and thy counsel had determinately marked out beforehand to be done. And now, O Lord, regard their threatenings; and give unto thy servants to speak thy word with all freedom; whist thou art stretching out thine hand for healing, and signs and wonders are done by the name of thy holy Son Jesus. And while they were praying, the place in which they were assembled was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with freedom.
32. Now the heart and soul of the multitude of believers was one: nor did any one [of them] call any of his possessions his own; but all things were common amongst them. And with great power did the apostles give forth their testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus; and a great gracefulness was upon them all. Neither was ther e any one indigent person among them; for as many as were proprietors of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the price of the things they sold, and laid it down at the feet of the apostles; and distribution was made to every one according as any had need.
SECTION IV.
The Death of Ananias and Sapphira his Wife.
36. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which being interpreted, signifies, a son of consolation) a Levite, and by birth a Cyprian, having an estate, sold it, and brought the money and laid it down at the feet of the apostles. But a certain man, named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold an estate, and secreted part of the price, his wife also being privy to it; and bringing a certain part, he laid it down at the feet of the apostles. But Peter said, O Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart, that thou shouldest attempt to impose on the Holy Spirit, and to secrete part of the price of the land? While it reamined, did it not continue thine? and when it was sold, was it not in thine own power? Why hast thou admitted this thing into thine heart? Thou hast not lied to men, but to God. And Ananias hearing these words, fell down and expired: and great fear came on all that heard these things. Then the young men arose, and bound him up, and carrying him out, they buried him. And after the interval of about three hours, his wife also not knowing what was done, came in. And Peter said to her, Tell me whether you sold the land for so much. and she said, Yes, for so much. Then Peter said unto her, How is it, that you have conspired together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord. Behold the feet of those who have been burying thy husband are at the door, and they shall carry thee out. And immediately she fell down at his feet and expired: and the young men coming in, found her dead, and carried her out, and buried her by her husband. And great fear came upon all the assembly, and upon all that heard these things.
V. 12.--And many signs and wonders were done among the people by the hands of the apostles, (and they were all unanimously in Solomon's portico, and none of the rest presumed to join himself to them; but the people magnified them: and multitudes both of men and women believing, were the more [willingly] added to the Lord:) insomuch that along the streets they brought out the sick, and laid them on beds, and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter, coming by, might overshadow some of them. And multitudes also out of the cities round about, came together to Jerusalem, bringing the sick, and those that were troubled with unclean spirits, who were all healed.
But the high priest arising, and all they that were with him, which was the sect of the Sadducees, were filled with zeal, and laid their hands on the apotles, and put them into the common prison. But a messenger of the Lord by night opened the doors of the prison, and bringing them out, said, Go, and, presenting yourselves in the temple, speak to the people all the words of this life. And hearing this, they went very early into the temple, and taught. But the high priest being come, and they that were with him, they called together the Sanhedrin,*[The supreme council of the Jews, consisting of 70 elders or senators.] even the whole senate of the children of Israell, and sent to the prison to have them brought. But when the officers came, they found them not in the prison. Returning therefore, they made their report, saying, We found indeed the prison shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors; but having opened them, we found no one within. Now when the high priest, and the captain of the temple [guard,] and the chief priests heard these words, they doubted concerning them, what this could be. But one came, and told them, saying, Behold the men, whom ye put in prison, are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. Then the captain [of the temple-guard] went with the officres, and brought them (not by violence; for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned:) and when they had brought them, they set them before the Sanhedrim. And the high priest asked them, saying, Did we not srictly charge you, that you should not teach in his name? and, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and would bring this man's blood upon us. But Peter and [the rest of] the apostles answered, and said, It is necesary to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers hath raised up Jesus, whom ye slew, hanging him on a tree: now hath God exalted at his right hand [to be] a Prince and Saviour, to give reformation unto Israel, and remission of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things,a nd the Holy Spirit also, whom God hath given to them who submit to his government.
33. And when they heard this they grinded their teeth at them, and consulted how they might put them all to death. But a certain Pharisee in the Sanhedrin, whose name was Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, in great esteem among all the people, rose up, and commanded the apostles to be taken out for a little while: and he said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you are about to do to these men; some time Ago Theudas arose, pretending himself to be some extraordinary person; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, adhered: who was slain; and all who hearkened to him were scattered, and came to nothing. After him Judas the Galilean arose in the days of the enrolment, and drew a multitude of people after him, and he was destroyed; and all, who had hearkened to him, were dispersed. And with regard to the present affais, I say unto you, refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will mulder away: but if it be of God, you cannot dissolve it. [And take heed] lest ye be found even fighters against God. And they yielded to him; and having called in the apostles, and scourged them, they charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and dismissed them. And they departed from the presence of the Sanhedrim, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be exposed to infamy for the sake of his name. And every day they ceased not in the temple, and from house to house, to teach and to declare the good news, that Jesus is the Messiah.
SECTION V.
The appointment of Seven Persons to attend to the Poor of the Congregation in Jerusalem, and the Martyrdom of Stephen.
VI. Now in these days, the number of the disciples being multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Hellenists*[i. e. Jews, who used the Greek language.] against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. And the twelve having called the multitude of the disciples together, said, It is by no means agreeable, that we should leave the word of God to attend tables; therefore, brethren, look out from among yourselves seven men of an attested character, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may set over this affair; and we will constantly attend to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. And the speech was pleasing to all the multitude, and they elected Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicholas a proselyte of Antioch; whom they presented before the apostles; and they having prayed, laid [their] hands upon them. And the word of God grew; and the number of disciples in Jerusalem was greatly multiplied; and a great multitude of priests became obedient to the faith.
8. And Stephen being full of grace and of power, wrought many miracles, and great signs among the people. But there arose some of the synagogue, which is called that of the Libertines, and some of the Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to stand against the wisdom and spirit with which he spake. Then they suborned men to say, 'We heard him speak reproachful words*[App. No. XXXIX.] against Moses, and against God.' And they stirred up the people and the elders and the Scribes, and setting upon him, they dragged him away with them, and brought him to the Sanhedrin. And they set up false witnesses, who said, 'This man is incessantly speaking reproachful 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 its customs, which Moses delivered to us.' And all that sat in the Sanhedrin, fixing their eyes upon him, saw his countenance like the countenance of a heavenly messenger.
VII. The the high priest said, Are these things indeed thus? And he said, Brethren and Fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said to him, "Depart from thy country, and from thy kindred; and come into a land which I will show thee." Then departing from the land of the Chaldeans, he dwelt in Charran: and from thence, after his father died, he caused him to remove his habitation into this land, in which you now dwell. And he gave him no inheritance in it, not so much as the dimensions of his foot: nevertheless he promised to give it for a possession to him, even to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child. And God sapke [to him] thus,--that his seed should "sojourn in a foreign land, and they shall enslave and abuse them four hundred years. And the nation to which they shall be enslaved," said God, "I will judge; and afterwards they shall come out, and serve me in this place." And he gave him the covenant of circumcision; and so he begat Isaace, and circumcised him on the eighth day: And Isaac begat Jacob; and Jacob begat the twelve patriarchs. And the partriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: nevertheless God was with him, and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him gracefulness and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he constituted him ruler over Egypt and all his house. And a famine came upon all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great afflection; and our fathers did not find sustenance. But Jacob hearing that there was corn in Egypt, sent our fathers first; and the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and the family of Joseph was discovered by Pharaoh. And Joseph sent, and invited his father Jacob, and all his kindred to him, amounting to seventy-five souls.
15. So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he and our fathers; and they were carried over to Sychem, and were laid in the sepulchre, which Abraham purchased for a sum of money of the sons of Emmor [the father] of Sychem. And as the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew, and multiplied in Egypt; till another king arose, who knew not Joseph. He forming crafty designs against our kindred, treated our fathers injuriously, by causing their infants to be exposed, that their race might perish. In which time Moses was born; and was exceeeding beautiful; and he was bred up for three months in his father's house: and being exposed, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up, and nourished him for her own son: and Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians; and he was mighty in discourses, and in actions. But when he was arrived at the full age of forty years, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. And beholding [one of them] injured, he defended him; and smiting the Egyptian, he avenged him that was oppressed. And he suposed that his brethren would have understood, that God would give them salvation*[Deliverance.] by his hand: but they did not understand. And the next day he showed himself to them, as they were quarrelling, and would have persuaded them to peace, saying, Men, you are brethren, why do ye injure one another? But he, that injured his neighbour, thrust him away, saying, Who hath made thee a ruler, and a judge over us? wilt thou kill me, as thou dist yesterday slay the Eghptian? Then Moes fled at this saying, and became a sojourner in the land of Midian; where he begat two sons. And when forty years were fulfilled, the messenger of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai. And Moses seeing it, admired the vision: 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 Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." And Moses trembled, and did not dare to behold it. And the Lord said unto him, "Loose thy shoes from thy feet; for the place in which thou standest is holy ground. I have surely seen the evil treatment of my people, which are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and I am come down to deliver them: and now come, I will send thee into Egypt." This Moses whom they renounced, saying, 'Who hath constituted thee a ruler, and a judge?' this very person did God by the hand of the messenger, who appeared to him in the bush, send [to be] a ruler and a redeemer. He led them forth, doing wonders and signs int he land of Egypt, and in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.
37. This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you from amongst your brethren, like unto me; him shall you hear." This is he who was in the assembly in the wilderness, with the messenger that spake to him on Munt Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles, to give unto us. To whom our fathers would not be obeident, but thrust him from them, and returned back again to Egypt in their hearts, saying to Aaron, Make us gods, who may march before us; for [as for] this Moses, who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. So 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, did ye offer victims and sacrifices to me for forty years in the wilderness? And you have since taken up the tabernacle of Moloch,and the star of your god Remphan, [even] the figures which you have made to worship them: and therefore I will carry you away beyond Babylon." The tabernacle of witness was with our fathers in the wilderness, as he had appointed, who spake unto Moses to make it according to the model which he had seen: which also our fathers receiving, brought in with Joshua into the possession of the heathen, whom God drove out from before the face of our fathers, until the days of David, who found favour before God, and made it his petition to find a dwelling for the God of Jacob. But Solomon built him a house. Yet the Most High dwelleth not in temples made with hands: as saith the prophet, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my foot-stool; what house will you build for me, saith the Lord? or what is the place of my rest? Hath not my hand made all these things?"
Oh ye stiff-necked, and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye always do resist the Holy Spirit: As your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? yea, they slew those who spake before of the coming of the Righteous One; of whom you now have become the betrayers and murderers. Who have received the law through ranks of messengers*[Or, admist orders of messengers.] and have not kept it. And hearing these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed their teeth upon him. But he being full of the Holy Spirit, looking up stedfastly towards heaven, saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God. But crying out with a loud voice, they stopped their ears, and rushed upon him with one acord. And casting him out of the city, they stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen invoking and saying, Lord Jesus receive my spirit. And bending his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, O Lord, charge not this sin to their account. And when he had said this, he fell asleep. And Saul was pleased with his slaughter.
VIII. And in that very day there was a great persecution against the congregation in Jerusalem; and they were all dispersed through the regions of Judea, and Samaria, except the apostles. And evout men carried Stephen forth [to his burial,] and made great lamentation for him. But Saul made havoc of the congregation, entering into houses, and dragging men and women, whom he committed to prison. Nevertheless, they who were dispersed went about declaring the glad tidings of the word.
SECTION VI.
The Conversion of the Samaritans, and the Introduction of the Gospel into Ethiopia.
5. Then came Philip to the city of Samaria, and announced the Messiah unto them. And the people unanimously attended to the things that were spoken by Philip, as they heard them, and saw the miracles which he performed. For unclean spirits, which had possessed many, crying with a loud voice, came out of them; and many, who were paralytic and lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man, named Simon, who had before in the same city used magic, and astonished the nation of Samaria; pretending himself to be some extraordinary person: to whom they all paid regard, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. And they paid regard to him, because he had for a long time astonished them with his enchantments. But when they gave credit to Philip, declaring the glad tidings concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were immersed, both men and women. And Simon himself also believed; and being immersed, he kept near to Philip, beholding with amazement the great and powerful miracles which were wrought.
14. Now when the apostles, who were at Jerusalem, heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John; who going down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit: (for he was not yet fallen on any of them; only they were immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit. Now when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given by the imposition of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, Give ME also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him, Let thy money go with thee to destruction, since thou hast thought that the free gift of God might be purchased with money. Thou hast no part nor lot in this matter; for thine heart is not upright in the sight of God. Reform*[App. No. XI.?] therefore from this thy wickedness; and beg of God, if perhaps the thought of thy heart may be forgiven thee: for I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and bond of iniquity. And Simon answered, and said, Make your supplications to the Lord on my behalf, that none of these things, which ye have spoken, may come upon me.
When therefore they had borne their testimony, and had spoken the word of the Lord, they turned back from Jerusalem; and declared the glad tidings in many villages of the Samaritans.
And a messenger of the Lord spake to Philip, saying, Arise, and go towards the south by the way that goeth down from Jerusalem, to Gaza, which is desert. And he arose, and took his journey: and behold a certain Ethiopian eunuch, a grandee of Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians, that was over all her treasure, who had come to worship at Jerusalem, was returning, and sat in his chariot reading the prophet Isaiah. And the Spirit said to Philip, Approach, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip running up, heard him read in the prophet Isaiah, and said, Dost thou understand those things which thou art reading? And he said, How can I, unless some one should guide me? And he requested Philip, that he would come up, and sit with him. Now the period of scripture, which he was reading, was this; "He was brought to the slaughter, as a sheep; and as a lamb before its shearers is dumb, so he opened not his mouth. In his humiliation his condemnation was extorted ; and who shall declare the [wickedness of] his generation? for his life is cut off from the earth." And the eunuch answering Philip, said, I beseech thee, of whom doth the prophet say this? of himself, or some other person? Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this scripture, told him the glad tidings of Jesus. And, as they went along the way, they came to a certain water, and the eunuch said, Behold [here is] water; what should hinder my being immersed? And Philip said, If thou believeth with all thy heart, it may lawfully be done. And he answering, said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he ordered the chariot to stop, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he immersed him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched away Philip, and the eunuch saw him no more: for he went on his way rejoicing. But Philip was found at Azotus;*[Or Ashdod, 30 miles from Gaza.] and going on from thence, he proclaimed the glad tidings in all the cities, till he came to Cesarea.
SECTION VII.
Conversion of Saul of Tarsus.
IX. But Saul still breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, came to the high priest, and petitioned for letters from him to the synagogues at Damascus, that if he found any of that way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he was proceeding on his jouney, and was come near to Damascus, on a sudden a light from heaven shone around him, and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice sayhing unto him; Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute 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 goads. And trembling, and amazed, he 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 who traveleled with him, stood astonished, hearing indeed the voice, but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the earth; and though his eyes were open, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him to Damascus. And he was ther three days without sight, and neither ate, nor drank. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, whose name was Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, Ananias. And he said. Behold I am here, Lord. And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go to that which is called the Straight Street, and inquire in the house of Judas, for a man of Tarsus, whose name is Saul; for behold he is praying [to me;] and he hath seen in a vision, a man whose name is Ananias coming in, and laying his hand upon him, that he might recover his sight. And Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many concerning this man, how much evil jhe hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem; and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that invoke thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way; for this man is to me a chosen vessel, to bear my name before nations, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how many things he must suffer for my name.
17. Then went Ananias, and entered into the house; and laying his hands upon him, he said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to thee on the way, as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest recevie thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit. And immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales; and he presently recovered his sight, and arose, and was immersed; and having received food, he was strengthened. And Saul was for severqal days with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he preached Jesus in the synagogies, that he is the Son of God. And all that heard him were astonished, and said, Is not this he who in Jerusalem spread desolation among them who called on this name; and came hither to this end, that he might carry them bound to the chief priests? But Saul was strengthened so much the more; and confounded the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, evincing that this is the Messiah. And when many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired to kill him: but their design was made known to Saul; and they watched the gates day and night to murder him. But the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket. And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he attempted to associate with the disciples; but they all feared him, not believing that he was a disciple. But Barnabas taking him, brought him to the apostles, and related to 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 speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. And he spake, and disputed with the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him; and the brethren being informed of it, conducted him to Caesarea, and sent him away to Tarsus. Then the congregations through all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, being edified, had rest; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the admonition of the Holy Spirit, were multiplied.
32. Now it came to pass, that Peter making a progress through all parts,*[Of the neighboring country.] came also to the saints that dwelt at Lydda. And he found there a certain man whose name was AEneas, who had a palsy, and had kept his bed eight years. And Peter said to him, AEneas, Jesus the Messiah healeth thee; arise, and make thy bed. And he arose immediately. And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Saron* [Or Sharon.] saw him, and turned to the Lord.
36. And there was at Joppa ma certain female disciple, named Tabitha, who by interpretation is called Dorcas, and she was full of good works, and alms-deeds, which she did. And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died. And when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. And as Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, entreating him that he would not dealy to come to them. And Peter arose; and went with them. And when he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber; and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and mantles which Dorcas made while she was with them. And Peter putting them all out, kneeled down and prayed; and turning to the body, he said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, sat up. And giving her his hand, he raised her up; and having called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. And this was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord. And he continued many days at Joppa, in the house of one Simon, a tanner.
SECTION VIII.
The Calling of the Gentiles.
X. Now there was a certain man in Caesarea, named Cornelius, a centurion, of that [which is] called the Italian band,*[Or cohort (about 1000 men.) a man of piety, and one that feared God, with all his house; giving also much alms to the people, and praying to God continually. He evidently saw in a vision about the ninth hour*[Three in the afternoon.] of the day, a messenger of God coming in to him, and saying to him, Cornelius. And having fixed his eyes upon him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said to him, Thy prayers and thine almos are come up as a memorial before God. And now send men to Joppa, and fetch hither Simn, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea side: he shall tell thee what thou must do. As soon then as the messenger, who spake to Cornelius, was gone, he called two of his domestics, and a pious soldier of them that waited upon him; and having related to them all [these things,] he sent them to Joppa. On the next day, while they were on their journey, and drew near the city, Peter went up to the top of the house to pray about the sixth hour.*[About noon.] And he was very hungry,and would have taken a little refreshment; but while they were preparing, he fell into an ecstacy;*[Or trance.] and he saw heaven opened, and something descending to him, like a great sheet, fastened at the four corners, and let down to the earth: in which there were all [sorts of] things, even four-footed animals of the earth,a nd wild beasts and reptiles, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter, kill, and eat. But Peter said, By no means, Lord, for I have never aten any thing which is common or unclean. And the voice said to him again the second time, Those things which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common. And this was done three times, and the sheet*[Gr. piece of furniture.] was taken up into heaven again.
17. While Peter was pondering in himself what the vision which he had seen might import, behold the men who were sent from Cornelius, having inquired out the house of Simon, stood at the door; and calling, they asked, if Simon, whose surname was Peter, lodged there. Now, as Peter was reflecting on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men are inquiring for thee: arise, therefore, and go down, and take the journey with them without any scruple: for I have sent them. Then Peter went down to the mean who were sent to him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am the man whom you inquire for: what is the cause for which you are come hither? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a righteous man, who feareth God, and hath a character attested by all the Jewish people, hath been instructed*[App. No. XLI.] by a holy messenger to send for thee to his house, and to hear words from thee. Having therefore called them in, he entertained them, and the next day Peter set out with them: and some of the brethren, who were of Joppa, went with him. And the next day they entered into Caesarea; and Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relations and intimate friends.
And as Peter was entering, Cornelius met him, and prostrating himself at his feet, made obeisance. But Peter raised him up, sauing, Arise, I also am a man. And discoursing with him, he went in, and found many gathered together. And he said to them, You know that it is unlawful for a man that is a Jew, to join with, or to come into the house of one of another nation: nevertheless, God hath shown me that I am to call no man common or unclean. Wherefore, when I was sent for, I came without debate: I ask, therefore, on what account you have sent for me? And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting till this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and behold, a man stood before me in bright raiment, and said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are remembered before God: send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he lodgeth in the house of one Simon, a tanner, by the sea side; who when he is come, shall speak unto thee. Immediately therefore I sent to thee, and thou hast done well in coming. Now, therefore, we are all here present before God, to hear all things which God hath given thee in charge.
34. Then Peter opening his mouth, 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 acceptable to him. [This is] that message which he sent to the children of Israel, proclaiming the glad tidings of peace by Jesus Christ, who is Lrod of all. You know the report, there was through all Judea, which began from Galilee, after the immersion which John preached [concerning] Jesus of Nazareth; how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit, and with power; who went aobut doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did, both in the region of the Jews, and in Jerusalem: whom they slew, hanging him upon a tree. This very person hath God raised up on the third day, and granted him to become manifest, not to all the people, but to witnesses before appointed by God, even to us, who have eaten and drunk with him after he rose from the dead. And he hath given in charge to us to proclaim to the people, and to testify, that it is he who is appointed by God [to be] the judge of the living and the dead. To him bear all the prophets witness, that every one who believeth on him shall receive the forgiveness of sins by his name. While Peter was yet speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all that were hearing the word: and they of the circumcision, who believed, as many as came with Peter, were astonished, that the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the Gentiles also: for they heard them speaking in diverse languages, and glorifying God. Then Peter answered, Can any one forbid water, that these persons should not be immersed, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
And he ordered them to be immersed in the name of the Lord. And they entreated him to continue with them several days.
XI. Now the apostles and brethren who were in Judea, heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they who were of the circumcision contended with him, saying, Thou didst go in to men who were uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. And Peter beginning, opened to them [the matter] in order, saying, I was praying in the city of Joppa, and, in a trance, I saw a vision, something like a great sheet descending from heaven, let down by the four corners, and it came close to me: and looking attentively upon it, I observd and saw four-footed creatures of the earth, and wild beasts, and reptiles, and fowls of the air: and I heard a voice saying to me, Arise, Peter, kill and eat: But I said, By no means, Lord, for nothing common or unclean hath ever entered into my mouth. And the voice answered me the second time from heaven, Those things which God hath cleansed, do not thou call common. And this was done three times. And all the things were drawn up again into heaven. And behold at that instant three men were come to the house in which I was, sent from Caesarea to me. And the Spirit commanded me to go with them without any scruple: and these six brethren also went along with me. And we enteed into the man's house: and he told us,how he had seen a messenger standing in his house, and saying to him, Send men to Joppa and fetch hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; who shall speak words to thee, by which thou and all thy family shall be saved. And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, even as upon us at the beginning [on Pentecost.] And I remembered the word ofthe Lord, how he said, John indeed immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Holy Spirit. Since therefore God gave to them the same gift as he did to us who had believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, what was I, that I should be able to obstruct God? And when they had heard these things, they acquiesced, and glorified God, saying, God hath then given to the Gentiles also reformation unto life.
SECTION IX.
The Progress of the Gospel in Phoenicia, Cypris, and Antioch, and Persecution of the Apostles.
19. Now therefore they who were dispersed by the distress which arose about Stephen, travelled as far as Phoenicia, and Cypris, and Antioch, speaking*[App. No. XLII.] the word to none but the Jews only. But some of them were men of Cyprus, and Cyrene, who having entered into Antioch, spake to the Hellenists, proclaiming the glad tidings of the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. And the report concerning them came to the ears of the congregation that was at Jerusalem; and they sent forth Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. Who when he was come, and beheld the grace of God, rejoiced, and exhorted them all to adhere to the Lord with full determination of heart; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit, and of faith: and a considerable number were added unto the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to seek Saul; and finding him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass that they assembled with the congregation for a whole year, and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first named Christians at Antioch. And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them, whose name was Agabus, stood up, and signified by the Spirit, that there should shortly be a great famine over all the land: which came to pass in the days of Clauidus Cesar. And the disciples determined, that according to the respective abilities of each, they should send to the assistance of the brethren who dwelt in Judea. And this they did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.
XII. Now about this time Herod the king laid hands on some of the congregation, to afflict them. And he slew James the brother of John with the sword. And as he saw that this was acceptable to the Jews, he went on to seize Peter also: and it was in the days of unleavened bread, and having seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him to the custody of four quaternions*[Sixteen soldiers, who were to guard him by turns, four at a time.] of soldiers, intending after the passover to bring him out to the people. In the mean time, therefore, Peter was kept in the prison; but earnest and continued prayer was made to God on his account by the congregation.
6. And when Herod was ready to have brought him out, even that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains; and the guards before the door were keeping the prison. And behold a messenger of the Lord presented himself, and a light shone in the house; and giving Peter a blow on the side, he awoke him, saying, Arise quickly: and his chains fell off from his hands. And the messenger said to him, Gird thyself, and bind on thy sandals; and he did so. And he saith to him, Throw thy mantle round thee, and follow me. And going out, he followed him, and he did not know that what was done by the messenger was real, but supposed that he had seen a vision. And passing through the first and second watch, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city; which opened to them of its own accord. And going out, they went through one street, and immediately the messenger departed from him. And Peter being come to himself, said, Now I know truly tht the Lord hath sent his messenger, and hath delivered me from the hand of Herod, and from all the expectations of the Jewish people. And recollecting, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John who was surnamed Mark; where many were gathered together, praying.
And as Peter knocked at the door of the outer gate, a maiden, whose name was Rose,*[Rhoda, in Greek.] went to inquire who was there. And knowing Peter's voice, transported with joy, she did not open the gate, but running in, told them that Peter was standing at the Gate. And they said to her, Thou art distracted: but she confidently affirmed that it was so. Then they said, It is his messenger. But Peter continued knocking; and when they had opened [the door,] they saw him, and were astonished. And he beckoned to them with his hand to be silent, and related to them how they Lord had conducted him out of prison. Adn he said, Inform James and the brethren of these things: and departing, he went to another place. And as soon as it was day, there was no small tumult among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. And Herod searching for him, and not finding hm, examined the keepers, and ordered them to be led away to execution. And passing from Judea to Caesarea, he abode there. And Herod was highly incensed against the Tyrians and Sidonians; but they unanimously came before him; and gaining Blastus the king's chamberlain, to their interest, they begged for peace, because their country was nourished by that of the king.
21. And upon a set day, Herod, being arrayed in a royal habit and seated upon the throne, made an oration to them. And the people cried out, It is the voice of a god, and not of a man. But immediately a messenger of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and being eaten with worms, he expired. And the word of God grew, and was multiplied. And Barnabas and Saul having fulfilled their ministry, returned from Jerusalem, bringing along with them John, whose surname was Mark.
SECTION X.
Travels and Success of Paul and Barnabas in publishing the Glad Tidings in sundry places.
XIII. Now there were in the congregation that was at Antioch, certain prophets and teachers; particularly Barnabas, and Simeon, who was called Niger, and Lucius the Cyrenean, and Manaen who was educated with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. And as they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate to me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them. And having fasted and prayed, and laid their hands upon them, they dismissed them. They therefore being sent out by the Holy Spirit, departed to Seleucia, and from thence they sailed to Cyprus, and being arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogue of the Jews; and they had also John for their attendant. And having traversed the island, as far as Paphos, they found a certain Jew, a magician and false prophet, whose name was Bar-jesus, that was with the proconsul Sergius Paulus, a prudent man; who calling for Barnabas and Saul, desired to hear the word of God. But Elymas the magician (for that was his name when translated) withstood them, endeavouring to turn away the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul (who is also called Paul) being filled with the Holy Spirit, and looking stedfastly upon him, said, O thou, [who art] full of all deceit and of all wickedness, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness! wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord? and behold now the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind and not see the sun for a time. And immediately a mist and darkness fell upon him; and going about, he sought some to lead him by the hand. Then the proconsul, seeing what was done, believed, being struck with the doctrine of the Lord.
13. And loosing from Paphos, they who were with Paul, came to Perga in Pamphylia; but John*[Surnamed Mark.] withdrew himself from them, and returned to Jerusalem. Nevertheless they going on from Perga, came to Antioch in Pisidia, and entering into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, they sat down. And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation to the people, speak it. Then Paul stood up, and waving his hand, said, Ye men of Israel, and ye that fear God, hearken. The God of this people of Israel chose our fathers, and raised*[From their prostrate condition.] the people while sojourning in the land of Egypte, and led them out of it with an uplifted arm. And for the space of about forty years he endured their behaviour in the wilderness. And having cast out seven nations in the land of Canaan, he distributed their country to them for an inheritance. And after these transactions, which lasted about four hundred and fifty years, he gave them judges, till Samuel the prophet. And from that time they desired a king: and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for the term of forty years. And having removed hm, he raised up to them David for a king; whom also he extolled, and said, "I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to mine own heart, who shall do all my will." Of this man's seed, according to the promise, God hath raised up unto Israel Jesus the Saviour; John having, to introduce his appearance, before preached the immersion of reformation unto all the people of Israel. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said, 'Whom do you imagine me to be? I am not he; but behold there cometh one after me, the shoes of whose feet I am not worthy to unloose.' Brethren, children of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, unto you is the word of this salvation sent: For the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and their rulers, not knowing him, nor the sayings of the prophets, which are read every Sabbath day, have fulfilled them in condemning him. And though they could find no cause of death in him, yet they requested Pilate, that he might be executed. And when they had accomplished all things that were written concerning hm, taking him down from the cross, they laid him in a tomb. But God raised him up from the dead: and he appeared for several days to those that came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people. And we bring you good tidings, that the very promise, which was made to the fathers, God hath accomplished to us thier children, in raising up Jesus; as it is also written in the second Psalm, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." And because he hath raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he hath said thus, "I will give you the sure mercies of David." Wherefore also in another place he saith, "Thou wilt not permit thine Holy One to see corruption." Now David having served his own generation according to the will of God, fell asleep, and was gathered to his fathers, and saw corruption. Be it known therefore unto you, brethren, that by him the remission of sins is proclaimed unto you: and by him every one that believeth is justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. See to it therefore, that what is spken in the prophets may not come upon you; "Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and disappear; for I perform a work in your days, a work which ye shall not believe, if any one tell it you."
But while the Jews were going out of the synagogue, the Gentiles desired that these words might be spoken to them the following Sabbath. And when the synagogue was broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas; who speaking to them, persuaded them to persevere in the grace of God.
44. And on the following Sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God. But the Jews seeing the multitudes, were filled with zeal, and opposed the things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and reviling. Then Paul and Barnabas, with great freedom of speech, said, It was necessary that the word of God should first be spoken to you; but since you thrust it away from you, and adjudge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord hath charged us, saying, I have set thee for a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation to the ends of the earth." And the Gentiles hearing [these things,] rejoiced, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were determined for eternal life believed.*[App. No. XLIV.] And the word of the Lord was borne on [As it were with a torrent.] throughout all that region. But the Jews stirred up some devout women of considerable rank, and the magistrates of the city, and raised a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their territories. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium. But the disciples*[Who were left at Antioch.] were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
XIV. And it came to pass at Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spake in such a manner, that a great multitude of both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed; (but the unbelieving Jews stirred up the minds of the Gentiles*[The heathen inhabitants.] and filled them with malignity against the brethren:) for a considerable time therefore they continued speaking freely [in the cause] of the Lord, who bare witness to the word of his grace, and gave signs and wonders to be done by their hands. But the multitude of the city was divided; and some were with the Jews, and others with the apostles. But as a violent attempt was made both of the Gentiles and of the Jews, with their rulers, to injure and to stone them; they having received intelligence of it, fled to Lystra, and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the adjacent country: and there they declared the glad tidings.
And there sat a certain man at Lystra, disabled in his feet, being so lame from his mother's womb, that he never had walked. This man heard Paul speaking; who fixing his eyes upon him, and seeing that he had faith to be healed, said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped up, and walked. And the multitude seeing what Paul had done, lifted up their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, The gods are descended to us in the likeness of men. And Barnabas they called Jupiter, and Paul Mercury, because he was the leader of the discourse. And the priest of Jupiter, [whose image] was before their city,*[As being their tutelar deity.] brought oxen with garlands to the gates, and would, with the multitude, have offered sacrifice [to them.] But the apostles Barnabas and Paul hearing of it, rent their mantles, and ran in among the multitude, crying out, and saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? we are your fellow-mortals, and are declaring the gospel to ou, that you may turn from these vanities to the living God, who made the heaven, and the earth, and the sea, and all things which are in them: who in former generations permitted all the nations to walk in their own ways: though he did not leave himself without witness, doing good, and giving us showers of rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food, and gladness. And saying these things, they hardly restrained the people from sacrificing to them.
19. But Jews came thither from Antioch and Iconium, and persuaded the multitude: and having stoned Paul, they dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. But, as the disciples were gathered bout him, he rose up, and entered into the city; and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. And having declared the gospel to that city, and made a considerable number of disciples, they returned to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and testifying that it is necessary we should enter into the kingdom of God through many tribulations. And when they had constituted elders for them in every congregation, having prayed to God with fasting, they committed them to the Lord, in whom they had believed. And passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. And having spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. And they sailed from thence to Antioch; from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God, for tht work which they had accomplished. And when they were come thither, and had gathered the congregations together, they related what God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they resided there a considerable time with the disciples.
SECTION XI.
The Decision of the Question concerning the Reception of the Gentiles into the Kingdom of the Messiah, by the Apostles, Elders, and the whole Congregation of Jewish Brethren in Jerusalem.
XV. And some, who came from Judea, taught the brethren, 'Except ye be circumcised according to the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.' There being therefore a contention, and no small debate [on the part] of Paul and Barnabas against them, they resolved that Paul and Barnabas, and some others of their number, should go up to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem about this question. They therefore being brought forward on their journey by the congregation, went through Phoenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles; and they occasioned great joy to all the brethren. And being arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the congregation, and by the apostles, and elders; and they related what things God had done with them. But some of the sect of the Pharisees that believed, rose up, and said, 'that it was necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses.'
6. And the apostles and elders were gathered together to consult upon this affair. And after much debate, Peter rose up, and said to them, Brethren, you know, that, some considerable time since, God among us chose that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word ofthe gospel, and believe. And God, who knoweth the heart, bare witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as he did to us: and made no distinction between us and them, having purified their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you tempt God, by imposing on the neck of the disciples a yoke, which neither our fathers, nor we have been able to bear? But we believe, that we are saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same manner as they. And the whole multitude kept silence, and attended to Barnabas and Paul, relating what signs and wonders God had done among the heathen by them. Then after they had done speaking, James answered, saying, Brethren, hearken unto me. Simeon hath been relating how God first looked down on the Gentiles to take from among them a people for his name. And the words of the prophets harmonize with this; as it is written, "After this I will return, and will rebuild*[App. No. XLV.] the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; yea, I will rebuild its ruins, and set it upright again: that the remainder of men may seek the Lord, even all the heathen upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord," who doth all these things known [to him] from the beginning. Wherefore my judgment is not to disquiet those who from among the Gentiles are converted to God: but to write to them, that they abstain from the pollutions of idols, and fornication, and from that which is strangled, and from blood. For Moses hath from ancient generations those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.
22. Now then it seemed good to the apostles and elders, and all the congregation, to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas chosen men from among themselves, namely Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, men of principal account among the brethren; writing by their hand these things:
'The apostles, and elders, and brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles in Antioch, and Syria, and Cilicia, send greeting:
Forasmuch as we have been informed, that some going out from among us, to whom we gave no commission, have troubled you with discourses, unsettling your minds, saying, that you must be circumcied, and keep the law: we, being unanimously assembled, ahve thought proper to send you chosen men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul; men that have exposed their lives for the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you by word of mouth the same things. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, toi impose no further burden upon you besides these necessary things; that you abstain from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from any thing strangled, and from fornication: From which you will do well to keep yourselves. Farewel (sic).'
30. They therefore being dismissed, came to Antioch; and assembling the multitude, delivered the epistle. And when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation [it brought.] And Judas and Silas being prophets*[i. e. persons of great ability in the knowledte of the scriptures.] also themselves, in a copious discourse exhorted and strengthened the brethren. And having made some stay,they were dismissed with peace from the brethren to the apostles. But Silas through proper to continue there. Paul also and Barnabas continued at Antioch, teaching and declaring the good word of the Lord; with many others also.
And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, Let us return and visit our brethren in all the cities, to which we have published the word of the Lord, [that we may inquire] how they do. And Barnabas determined to take along with them John surnamed Mark. But Paul did not think proper to take with them that person, who had withdrawn himself from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. There was therefore a sharp fit of anger, so that they separated from each other; and Barnabas, taking Mark along with him, sailed to cyprus. But Paul made choice of Silas, and departed; being commended to the grace of God by the brethren. And he went through Syria, and Cilicia, confirming the congregations; and came to Derbe, and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, whose name was Timothy, the son of a believing Jewess, but of a Grecian father; who had an honourable character given by the brethren in Lystra and Iconium. Him Paul would have to go forth with him; and took, and circumcised him, on account of the Jews who were in those places: for they all knew his father, that he was a Greek. And as they passed through the cities, they delivered to their custody the decrees, which were determined by the apostles and elders, that were at Jerusalem. The congregations therefore were confirmed in the faith, and increased in number daily.
And they went through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,*[i. e. the Proconsular Asia; the places just mentioned being in Asia Minor.] when they were come to Mysia, they attempted to go to Bithynia; but the Spirit of Jesus*[App. No. XLVI.] did not permit them. And passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.
SECTION XII.
The Introduction of the Gospel into Macedonia and Thessalonica.
XVI. 9.--And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There stood a certain Macedonian, entreating him, and saying, Come over to Macedonia, and help us. And as soon as he had seen this vision, we*[Here Luke, who attended on these apostles, speaks in his own person.] immediately endeavored to go to Macedonia, assuredly inferring, that the Lord called us to declare the gospel to them. Setting sail therefore from Troas, we ran directly to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis and came from thence to Philippi, which is a city of the first part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we continued in this city for some days.
And on the Sabbath day we went out of the city to the side of the river, where, according to [the Jewish] custom, there was an oratory;*[Or place of public prayer.] and sitting down, we spoke to the women that were assembled there. And a certain woman, named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, a worshipper of God, heard the discourse: whose heart the Lord had opened to attend to the things which were spoken by Paul. And when she was immersed with her family, she entreated us, saying, jIf you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, enter into my house, and continue there. And she compelled us. Now it came to pass, that as we were going to the oratory, we were met by a certain girl that had a Pythonic spirit;*[Or spirit of divination. She was also a slave.] who brought her owners much gain by her prophesying: the same following after Paul and us, cried out, These men are the servants of the Most High God, who declare unto you the way of salvation. And this she did for several days. But Paul being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I charge thee in the name of Jesus Christ, to go out of her. And it went out that very hour. But when her owners saw that the hope of their gain was gone, laying hold of Paul and Silas, they dragged them to the market-place to the magistrates; and having brought them to the generals of the army, they said, These men, being Jews, disturb our city [in an unsufferable manner,] and teach customs, which it is not lawful for us, as we are Romans, to receive, and observe. And the populace rose up together against them; and the generals tearing off their garments, commanded them to be beaten with rods. 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 strict charge, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet fast in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas having prayed, sung a hymn to God: and the prisoners heard them. And on a sudden there was a great earth-quake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and the bonds of all [the prisoners] were loosed. And the jailor awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the doors of the prison opened, drew his sword, and was going to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners were fled. But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm, for we are all here. And he called for lights, and sprang in; and being in a tremor, fell down before Paul and Silas; and bringing them ou;t he said, O sirs, what must I do that I may be safe? And they said, Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be safe, and thine house. And they spake to him, and to all that were in his house, the word of the Lord. And taking them that very hour of the night, he washed their stripes; and was immediately immersed, himself and all his. And having brought them into his house, he spread the table before them; and believing in God with all his house, he was transported with joy.
35. And when it was day, the magistrates sent the beadles,*[Or, lictors.] saying, Dismiss those men. And the keeper of the prison told these things to Paul, 'The generals have sent that you may be dismissed; now therefore go out and pursue your journey in peace.' But Paul said to them, They have beaten us, who are Romans, publicly and uncondemned, and have cast us into prison: and do they now thrust us out privately? By no means: but let them come themselves and conduct us out. And the beadles reported these words to the generals. And when they had heard that they were Romans, they were afraid: and they came, and comforted them, and conducting them out, requested that they would depart from the city. And coming out of the prison, they entered into the house of Lydia: and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed.
XVII. And taking their journey through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul's custom, he entered in among them, and discoursed to them for three Sabbaths, from the scriptures; opening them and evidently showing, that the Messiah ought to suffer, and to rise from the dead; and 'That this is the Messiah, even Jesus, whom I declare unto you.' And some of them believed, and adhered to Paul and Silas; and a considerable number of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the principal women. But the unbelieving Jews, filled with zeal, gathered together some mean and profligate fellows, and making a mob, threw the city into a tumult; and assaulting the house of Jason, endeavoured to bring them out to the people. But not finding them, they dragged Jason, and some of the brethren to the magistrates of the city, crying out, These men, that have turned the world upside down, are come hither also: and Jason has privately received them. And all these men act contrary to the decrees of Cesar, saying, that there is another king, one Jesus. And they alarmed the multitude, and the magistrates of the city, when they heard these things. And having taken security of Jason, and the rest, they dismissed them. But the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea: and when they came thither they went into the synagoue of the Jews. And these were of a more generous disposition than those of Thessalonica: for they received the word with all readiness of mind, daily examining the scriptures whether those things were so. Many of them therefore believed; and of the Grecian women of considerable rank, and of the men not a few. But as soon as some of the Jews of Thessalonica understood that the word of God was announced by Paul at Berea, they came thither also; raising [a storm among] the populace. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul, as if he were to go by sea. But Silas and Timothy continued there. And they that conducted Paul, brought him as far as Athens: and having received an order [from him] to Silas and Timothy, that they should come to him as soon as might be, they went away.
SECTION XIII.
The Introduction of the Gospel into Athens, Corinth, and Ephesus.
16. Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit within him was strongly moved when he beheld the city enslaved to idolatry. He therefore discoursed in the synagogue to the Jews, and to the pious persons [that worshipped with them:] and every day in the market-place to those whom he met with. But some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers opposed themselves to him: and some said, 'What will this retailer of scraps say?' And others, 'He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign deities:' because he declared the good news to them, Jesus and the resurrection. And they took him, and conducted hm to the Areopagus,*[Or, the supreme court of Athens.] saying, May we know what this new doctrine is, which is spoken by thee? For thou bringest some strange things to our ears: we would therefore know what these things mean? For all the Athenians, and the strangers that sojourn among them, delight to spend their leisure time in nothing else but telling or hearing news.*[App. No. XLVII.]
Paul therefore standing up in the middle of the Areopagus, said, Athenians, I perceive you are exceedingly addicted to the worship of demons. For as I passed along, and beheld the objects of your worship, I found an altar on which there was this inscription, 'To the unknown God:' him therefore, whom ye worship without knowing him, do I announce unto you. The God who made the world, and all things that are therein, being the Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands: neither is he served by human hands, as if he stood in need of any thing; he himself giving to all life, and breath, and all things. And he hath made of one blood the whole nation of men to inhabit all the face of the earth, having marked out the times previously arranged in order, and the boundaries of their habitations: that they might seek after the Lord, if possibly they might feel after him, and find him; though he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, and are moved, and do exist; as some of your own poets have said,--'For we his offspring*[Aratus and Cleanthes.] are.' We therefore being the offspring of God, ought not to imagine the Deity to be like gold, or silver, or stone wrought by the art and contrivance of man. For though God overlooked the times of ignorance, he now maketh proclamation to all men every where to reform, because he hath appointed a day, in which he will judge the world righteously by that man whom he hath ordained; of which he hath given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead. And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some made a jest of it, and others said, 'We will hear thee again upon this subject.' And thus Paul went out of the midst of them. Nevertheless some men adhered to him, and believed: among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite,*[A member of the supreme court of Athens.] and a woman whose name was Damaris, and others with them.
XVIII. After these things, Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; and finding a certain Jew, named Aquila, a native of Pontus, lately come from Italy, with Priscilla his wife (because Claudius Cesar had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome) he went to them. And as he was of the same trade, he continued with them, and wrought at it; for they were tent-makers by trade. But he disputed in the synagogue every Sabbath day, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. And as soon as Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul was enrapt in his spirit, and testified to the Jews, that Jesus was the Messiah. But when they set themselves in opposition, and reviled, he shook his garment, and said to them, Let your blood be upon your own head! I am pure. From henceforth I will go to the Gentiles. And going out from thence, he went into the house of one called Justus, a worshipper of God, whose house was adjoining to the synagogue. But Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house: and many of the Corinthians hearing, believed, and were immersed. But the Lord said to Paul by a vision in the night, Fear not, but speak, and do not keep silence; for I am with thee, and no man shall fall upon thee to injure thee; for I have much people in this city. And he continued there a yar and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made an assault upon Paul with one consent, and brought him before the tribunal, saying, 'This fellow persuadeth men to worship God contrary to the law.' And when Paul would have opened his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, If it were an act of injustice, or mischievous licentiousness, O ye Jews, it were reasonable I should bear with you. But if it be a question concerning words, and names, and the law, which is among you, see to it yourselves; for I will be no judge of these matters. And he drove them away from the tribunal. And all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the tribunal; but Gallio did not concern himself at all about the matter.
18. And Paul still continued there for a considerable time, and then taking leave of the brethren, sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shaved his head at Cenchrea, for he had a vow. And he arrived at Ephesus, and there he left them; but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. And though they entreated him to have staid longer with them, he did not consent: but took his leave of them, saying, It is necessary for me by all means to celebrate the approaching feast at Jerusalem; but I will turn my course to you again, God willing. And he set sail from Ephesus. And landing at Caesarea, he went up;*[To Jerusalem to the feast.] and having saluted the congregation, he went down to Antioch. And having spent some time there, he departed, going through the country of Galatia and Phrygia in a regular manner, confirming all the disciples.
Now a certain Jew, whose name was Apollos, a native of Alexandria, an eloquent man, and powerful in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. This person was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in spirit, he spake and taught the things of the Lord with great accuracy, being only acquainted with the immersion of John. And he began to speak boldly int he synagogue. And Aquila and Priscilla hearing him, took him aside, and explained to him the way of God in a more perfect manner. And when he intended to go over to Achaia, the brethren*[Of Ephesus.] wrote to the disciples, exhorting them to receive him. And being arrived there, by his gift he greatly helped those who had believed. For he strenuously debated with the Jews in public, showing by the scriptures, that Jesus is the Messiah.
XIX. Now it came to pass, that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper parts,* [Of Lesser Phrygia.] came to Ephesus: and finding there some disciples, he said unto them, Have ye on your believing, received the Holy Spirit? And they replied to him, Nay, we have not so much as heard whether the Holy Spirit is [received.] And he said to them, Into what then were you immersed? And they said, Into John's immersion. And Paul said, John indeed administered the immersion of reformation, telling the people, that they should believe in him that was to come after him, that is, in Jesus Christ. And hearing this, they were immersed in the name of the Lord Jesus. And Paul laying his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And they were in all about twelve men. And he went into the synagogue, and discoursed with boldness, disputing for the space of three months, and evincing the things, which related to the kingdom of God. But as some were hardened, and would not believe, speaking reproachfully of the way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus. And this was done for the space of two years, so that all the inhabitants of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord Jesus. And God wrought extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul; so that handkerchiefs or aprons were carried from his body to those that were sick, and the diseases removed from them; and the evil spirits came out of them. And some of the strolling Jews, who were exorcists,*[Pretenders to a power of expelling demons.] undertook to name the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, 'We adjure you Jesus, whom Paul preacheth.' And there were seven sons of one Sceva a Jewish chief priest, who did this. But the evil spirit answering, said, 'Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are ye?' And the man in whom the evil spirit was, sprang upon them, so that they fled out of the house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the Jews, and Greeks also, dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell upon them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. And many of them, who believed, came and confessed, and made a declaration of their deeds. And a considerable number of those, who had practised curious arts, bringing their books together, burnt them before all: and they computed the value of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver:*[About 7500 dollars.] so powerfully did the word of the Lord grow, and prevail.
21. Now when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in spirit, that passing through Macedonia and Achaia, he would go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, it is necessary for me also to see Rome. And sending two of those that ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, he himself staid some time in Asia. And there happened about that time no small tumult concerning that way. For a man, whose name was Demetrius, a working silversmith, by making silver shrines of Diana, procured no small gain to the artificers: whom he gathered together, with the workmen employed about the business, and said, Men, you know that our maintenance arises from this manufacture; and you see and hear that this Paul hath persuaded great numbers of people, not only of Ephesus, but almost of all Asia, and hath turned them aside, saying, that they are not deities which are made with hands; so that there is danger not only that this occupation of ours should be depreciated, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her grandeur destroyed; whom all Asia, and the world worshippeth. And hearing this, they were filled with rage; and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians! And the whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theatre, dragging thither Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, Paul's fellow-travellers. And when Paul would have gone in to the people, the disciples would not permit him. And some too, the principal officers of Asia, as they had a fellowship for him, sent to him, and desired that he would not venture himself into the theatre. Soem therefore were crying one thing, and some another; for the congregation was confused, andt he greater part did not know for what they were come together. And they thrust forward Alexander from amongst the multitude, the Jews urging him on. And Alexander beckoning with his hand, would have made a defence to the people. But when they knew that he was a Jew, one voice arose from them all, crying out for about the space of two hours, Great is Diana of the Ephesians! But the chancellor*[Or, town clerk: Gr. scribe or secretary.] having pacified the people, said, Ephesians, what man is there that doth not know that the city of the Ephesians is devoted to the great goddess Diana, and to the image that fell down from Jupiter? Since then these things are incontestable, it is necessary for you to be quiet, and to do nothing in a precipitate manner; for you have brought these men, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess. If therefore Demetrius, and the artificers that are with him, have a charge against any one, courts are held, and there are the proconsuls; let them implead one another. But if you are inquiring any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a legal congregation. And indeed we are in danger of being called in question for the insurrection which hath happened this day, as there is no cause by which we can account for this concourse. And when he had said these things, he dismissed the congregation.
XX. Now after the tumult was ceased, Paul calling the disciples to him, and embracing them, departed to go into Macedonia. And going through those parts, and having exhorted them with much discourse, he came into Greece. And when he had continued there three months, as an ambush was laid for him by the Jews when he was about to embark for Syria, he thought it advisable to return by Macedonia. And Sopater the Berean accompoanied him as far as Asia;*[Asia Proper.] and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy: and of the Asiatics, Tychicus and Trophimus. These going before, staid for us at Troas. And we set sail from Philippi, after the days of unleavened bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we continued seven days. And on the first day of the week, when the disciples met together to break bread, Paul being about to depart on the morrow, discoursed to them and continued his speech until midnight. And there were many lamps in the upper room in which they were assembled; and a certain young man, whose name was Eutychus, sitting in an open window, fell into a profound sleep: and as Paul continued his discourse a long time, he was so overpowered with sleep, that he fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead. And Paul went down, and fell upon him, and taking him in his arms, said, Do not m ake any disturbance, for his life is in him. And going up again, and having broken bread, and eaten, he conversed a considerable time, even till break of day,and so departed. And they brought the youth alive, and were not a little comforted. But we went before into the ship, and sailed to Assos, where we were to take up Paul: for so he had appinted, choosing himself to go a-foot. And as soon as he joined us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene. And sailing from thence, we came the next day over against Chios; and the day following we touched at Samos, and having staid at Trogyllium, we came the day after to Miletus. For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that he might not spend any time in Asia; for he earnestly endeavoured, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
17. But sending to Ephesus from Miletus, he called thither the elders of the congregation. And when they were come to him, he said to them, You know how I have been conversant among you all the time, from the first day in which I entered into Asia, serving the Lord with all humility,and with many tears, and trials, which befel me by the ambushes fo the Jews: and how I have suppressed nothing that was advantageous,not neglecting to announce to you,and to teach you publicly, and from house to hosue, testifying both to the Jews and Greeks, reformation towards God,and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. And now, behold, I am going bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befal (sic) me in it: excepting that the Holy Spirit testifieth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. But I make no account of any of these things, nor do I esteem my life precious to myself, so that I may but joyfully finish my course, and the ministry which I have received of the Lord Jesus, even to testify the good news of the favour of God. And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have conversed, proclaiming the kingdom of God, shall not see my face any more. Wherefore I testify to you this day, that I am clear from the blood of all men. For I have not declined to declare to you all the counsel of God. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and to the whole flock, over which the Holy Spirit hath constituted you bishops,*[Or, overseers.] to feed the congregation of the Lord, which he hath redeemed with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves will enter in among you, having no mercy on the flock. Yea, from among your own selves men shall arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Watch therefore, remembering that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one by night and by day with tears. And now, brethren, I recommend you to God, and to the word of his grace, even to him that is able to edify you, and to give you an inheritance among all that are sanctified. I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or raiment. Yea, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that thus labouring you ought to assist the infirm, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, 'It is much happier to give than to receive.' And having said these things, he kneeled down and prayed with them all. And there was great lamentation among them all: and falling upon Paul's neck, they kissed him; especially grieving for that word which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they conducted him to the ship.
SECTION XIV.
Paul returns to Jerusalem. His Conduct and Treatment there.
XXI. And as soon as we had withdrawn from them, and had set sail, we came with a direct course to Coos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from thence ot Patara. And finding a ship passing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail. And coming within sight of Cyprus, and leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unload its freight. And we continued there seven days, finding disciples, who told Paul by the Spirit, not to go up to Jerusalem. But when we had finished those seven days, we departed, and went our way: and they all attended us out of the city, with their wives and children; and, kneeling down on the sea shore, we prayed. And having embraced each other, we went on board the ship; and they returned back to their own houses. And finishing our course, we came from Tyre to Ptolemais, and embracing the brethren, we continued with them one day. And on the morrow, they departed, and came to Caesarea; and entering into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven,*[Mentioned in chapter vi. 5.] we lodged with him. Now he had four virgin daughers, who were prophetesses. And as we continued there many days, a certain prophet, whose name was Agabus, came down from Judea: and coming to us, he took up Paul's girdle, and binding his own hands and feet, he said, 'Thus saith the Holy Spirit, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man whose girdle this is, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.' And when we heard these things, both we and the inhabitants of that place entreated him, that he would not go up to Jerusalem. But Paul answered, What mean ye, thus weeping and breaking my heart? for I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus. And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, Let the will of the Lord be done.
15. And after these days, making up our baggage, we went up to Jerusalem. And some of the disciples also from Caesarea went along with us, and brought us to one Mnason a Cyprian, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
And when we were arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us with pleasure. And the next day Paul entered in with us to James; and all the elders were present. And having embraced them, he gave them a particular account of those things, which God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it they glorified the Lord, and said to him, Brother, thou seest how many myriads of believing Jews there are; and they are all zealous for the law. Now they have been informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles, to apostatize from Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor to walk according to the customs. What is it then? The multitude must by all means come together, for they will hear that thou art come. Therefore do this that we say to thee: there are with us four men, who have a vow upon them; take them, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges for them, that they may shave their heads: and all lwill know, that there is nothing in those things, which they have heard of thee; but that thou thyself walkest regularly, keeping the law. And as for the believing Gentiles we have written, determining that they should observe none of these things, except it be to keep themselves form what is offered to idols, and from blood, and from that which is strangled, and from fornication. Then Paul took the men, and the next day being purified with them, entered into the temple, declaring the accomplishment of the days of purification, till an offering should be offered for every one of them. But as the seven days were about to be accomplished, the Jews that were from Asia,*]Come to celebrate the feast of Pentecost.] seeing him in the temple, threw all the populace into confusion, and laid hands upon him, crying out, Israelites, help! this is the man, that every where teacheth all men contrary to the people, and the law, and to this place; and hath even brought Greeks into the temple, and polluted this holy place. (For they had before seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they imagined that Paul had brought into the temple.) And the whole city was moved, and there was a concourse of the people; and laying hold of Paul, they dragged him out of the temple: and immediately the gates were shut. And when they went about to kill him, word was brought to the commander of the cohort, that all Jerusalem was in confusion: Who immediately took soldiers, and centurions, and ran in among them. And when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they ceased from beating Paul. Then the commander drew near, and took him, and ordered him to be bound with two chains; and inquired who he was, and what he had done. And some among the multitude cried out one thing, and some another. And as he could not know the certainty by reason of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. But when he was upon the stairs, it came to pass that he was borne by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd. For the multitude of the people followed, crying out, 'Away with him!'
But as Paul was going to be brought into the castle, he said to the commander, May I be allowed to speak to thee? And*[Hearing him speak in the Greek language] he said, Canst thou speak Greek? art thou not that Egyptian, who didst before these days stir up a sedition, and lead out into the wilderness four thousand murderers? But Paul said, I am indeed a Jew of Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no inconsiderable city; and I entreat thee, permit me to speak to the people.
40. And on his giving him permission, Paul standing on the stairs, beckoned with his hand to the people; and when there was a great silence, he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, saying,
Brethren, and fathers, hear my apology, which I make now to you. And when they heard that he addressed them in the Hebrew dialect, they the rather kept silence; and he said, 'I am indeed a Jew, born at Tarsus in Cilicia, but educated in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, accurately instructed in the law of our fathers; being zealous for God, as you all are at this day: who persecuted this way to the death; binding both men and women, and delivering them into prisons: as also the high priest is my witness and all the national senate: from whom also having received letters to the brethren, I went to Damascus to bring those that were there bound to Jerusalem, that they might be punished. And it came to pass that as I was on my journey, and was come nigh to Damascus, about noon, on a sudden a great light shone about me from heaven; and I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me?' But I answered, 'Who art thou, Lord?' And he said unto me, 'I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom thou persecutest.' And they that were with me, saw the light indeed, and were terrified; but they did not hear*[i. e. distinctly. See Acts ix. 8, &c.] the voice of him, that spake to me. And I said, 'Lord, what shall I do?' And the Lord said unto me, 'Arise, and go to Damascus, and there it shall be told thee of all things, which are appointed for thee to do.' And as I could not see by reason of the glory of that light; being led by the hand of those that were with me, I came to Damascus. And one Ananias, a pious man according to the law, who had an honourable character among the Jews that dwelt at Damascus, coming to me, and standing by me, said to me, 'Brother Saul, look up.' And in that ver hour I looked up upon him. And he said, 'The God of our fathers hath chosen thee to know his will, and to see that righteous person, and to har a voice from his mouth; because thou hast seen and heard. And now why dost thou delay? Arise and be immersed and wash away thy sins, invoking the name of the Lord.' And it came to pass, that when I was returned to Jerusalem, and was praying in the temple, I was in a trance; and I saw him saying unto me, 'Make haste, and depart quickly from Jerusalem, for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.' And I said, 'Lord, they know I was imprisoning, and scourging in the synagogues them that believed in thee; and when the blood of Stephen thy martyr was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting to his slaughter, and kept the garments of those that slew him.' And he said to me, 'Go thy way, for I will send thee far off to the Gentiles--'
XXII. 22.--And they heard him to this word, and then lifted up their voice, saying, 'Away with this fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live.' And as they were crying out, and were rending their garments, and casting dust into the air, the commander ordered that he should be brought into the castle, saying, that he should be put to the question*[i. e. examined by, & c.] by scourging, that he might know for what cause they raised such an outcry against him. And as they were binding him with thongs, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, 'Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman, and uncondemned?' And the centurion hearing this, went and addressed the commander, saying, 'What are you about to do? for this man is a Roman.' And the commander came, and said to him, 'Tell me, art thou a Roman?' And he said, 'Yes." And the commander answered, 'I obtained this freedom with a considerable sum of money.' And Paul replied, 'But I was free born.' They therefore, who were about to have put him to the question, immediately departed from him: and the commander was afraid, when he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
30. And on the morrow desiring to know certainly of what he was accused by the Jews, he loosed him from his bonds, and commanded the chief priests, and all the Sanhedrim to come together; and bringing Paul down, he set him before them.
And Paul looking attentively on the Sanhedrim, said, 'Brethren, I have even to this day lived towards God in all good conscience--' And Ananias the high priest commanded those that stood by him to smite him on the mouth. The Paul said to him, 'God is about to smite thee, O thou whited wall! For sittest thou to judge me according to the law, and yet in violation of the law commandest me to be smitten?' But they that stood by said, 'Dost thou revile the high priest of God?' And Paul said, 'Brethren, I was not aware that it was the high priest; for it is writen, "Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people." Then Paul perceiving that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, cried out in the Sanhedrim, 'Brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee; for the hope and resurrection of the dead I am brought into judgment.' And on his speaking this, there was a contention between the Pharisees and theSadducees; and the multitude was divided. For the Sadducees say, there is no resurrection, neither [good nor evil] messenger, nor [departed] spirit; but the Pharisees confess both. And there was a great clamour; and the Scribes who were on the side of the Pharisees, arose and contended, saying, 'We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit, or a heavenly messenger hath spoken to him,--let us not fight against God.' And as a great disturbance arose, the commander fearing lest Paul should be torn in pieces by them, ordered the soldiers to go down, and take him by force from the midst of them, and to bring him into the castle.
XXIII. 11.--And in the following night the Lord standing by him, said, 'Be of good courage, Paul: for as thou hast testified the things concerning me at Jerusalem, so thou must also bear testimony at Rome.' And when it was day, some of the Jews, entering into a conspiracy, bound themselves with a curse, saying, that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul. And they were more than forty who had made this agreement. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, 'We have bound ourselves by a solemn anathema,*[Or, great curse.] not to taste any thing till we have slain Paul: now therefore do you with the Sanhedrim signify to the commander, that he bring him down to you to-morrow, as if you would more accurately discuss what relates to him; and we are aredy to kill him before he can come near you. But Paul's sister's son hearing of the ambush, came, and entering into the castle, told Paul. And Paul calling one of the centurions to him, said, 'Conduct this young man to the commander, for he hath something to tell him. He therefore took, and led him to the commander, and said, 'Paul the prisoner calling me to him, desired that I would bring unto thee this young man, who hath something to tell thee.' And the commander taking him by the hand, and leading him into a retired place, inquired of him, 'What is that thou hast to tell me?' And he said, 'The Jews have agreed together to ask thee, that thou wouldest bring down Paul to-morrow to the Sanhedrim, as if they would inquire something more accurately concerning him. But do not be prevailed upon by them; for there are more than forty of them that lie in ambush for him, who have obliged themselves by an anathema neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him; and they are now ready, waiting an order from thee.' The commander therefore dismissed the young man with a charge, 'Be sure thou tell no man, that thou hast discovered these things to me.' And he called to him two of the centurions, and said, 'Prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea; and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen by the third hour of the night;*[Nine o'clock in the evening.] and provide beasts to set Paul upon, and conduct him in safety to Felix the governor.'[Of the province.] And he wrote an epistle, the contents of which are in this copy:--
'Claudius Lysias to his excellency Felix the governor, sendeth greeting:
This man was seized by the Jews, and had like to have been slain by them, when I came with a party of soldiers, and rescued him: and I have learnt since that he is a Roman. And desiring to know the crime of which they accused him, I brought him before the Sanhedrim: whom I found to be accused concerning questions of their law, but to have nothing charged upon him worthy of death, or of bonds. But when it was signified to me that an ambush would be laid for the man by the Jews, I immediately sent him to thee, commanding his accusers also to declare before thee what they have against him. Farewel.' (sic)
31. The soldiers therefore as it was commanded them, taking up Paul, brought him by night to Antipatris. And the next day they returned to the castle, leaving the horsemen to go with him: who entering into Caesarea, and delivering 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 being informed 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 pretorium.*[This was a palace and court built by Herod the Great.]
SECTION XV.
Paul a prisoner in Caesarea, appears before Governors Felix and Festus, and King Agrippa, and defends himself before them.
XXIV. And after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with the elders, and a certain orator named Tertullus: and they made their appearance before the governor against Paul. And he being called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, 'As we enjoy great peace by your means, and as illustrious deeds are happily done to this nation by your prudent administration; we accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. Nevertheless that I may not trouble you farther, I beseech you to hear us in a few words, with your usual candor: 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 hath attempted also to profane the temple, and whom we apprehended, and would have judged according to our law; but Lysias the commander of the cohort coming upon us with a great force, took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come to you; by which means, you may yourself on examination take cognizance of all these things, of which we accuse him.' And the Jews also gave their assent, saying, that these things were so.
Then Paul, after the governor had made a signal to him to speak, answered, 'Knowing that thou, O Felix, hast been for several years a judge to this nation, I answer for myself with the more cheerfulness: since thou mayest know, that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem; and they neither found me disputing with any man in the temple, nor making any insurrection among the people, either in the synagogues, or in the city: nor can they produce any proof of the things, concerning which they now accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way, which they call a sect,*[App. No. XLVIII.] so worship I the God of our fathers; believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets; having hope towards God of that, which they themselves also expect, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and of the unjust. And upon this account, I exercise myself to have always a conscience without offence towards God, and towards men. Now after several years, I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: upon which some Asiatic Jews found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude,nor with tumult: who ought to have been prsent before thee, and to accuse me if they had any thing against me: or let these themselves say, if when I stood before the Sanhedrim, they found any crime in me; unless it be with relation to this one word, which I cried out when I stood among them, 'That for the resurrection of the dead I am judged by you this day.'
22. And when Felix heard these things, he put them off, saying, 'After I have been more accurately informed concerning this way, when Lysias the commander cometh down, I will take cognizance of the affair between you.' And he commanded the centurion to keep Paul, and let him have liberty, and to hinder none of his friends from assisting him, or coming to him.
And after some days Felix coming with Drusilla his wife, who was a Jewess, sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. And as he reasoned concerning righteousness, and temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembling, answered, Go thy way for this time, and I will take some future opportunity to call for thee.' And he hoped also that money would be given him by Paul, that he might set him at liberty; and therefore he sent the more frequently for him, and discoursed with him. Now after two years were ended, Felix was succeeded by Portius Festus; and Felix willing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, left Paul a prisoner.
XXV. When Festus therefore was come into the province, after three days he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, and the high priest, and the chief among the Jews appeared before him against Paul, and entreated him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem; laying an ambush to kill him by the way. But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would shortly set out for that place: 'therefore, said he, let those of you, who are able, go down with me, and if there be any thing criminal in this man, let them accuse him.' And having continued among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day sitting down on the tribunal, he commanded Paul to be brought. And when he appeared, the Jews, who came down from Jerusalem, stood round about, bringing many heavy accusations against Paul, which they were not able to prove; while he answered for himself, 'Neither against the laws of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Cesar, have I committed any offence at all.' But Festus willing to ingratiate himself with the Jews, answered Paul, and said, 'Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged before me concerning these things?' But Paul said, 'I am standing at Cesar's tribunal, where I ought to be judged: I have done no wrong to the Jews, as thou knowest perfectly well. For if indeed I have done wrong, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die; but if there is nothing [in those things] of which these accuse me, no man can give me up to gratify them! I appeal unto Cesar.' Then Festus having spoken with the council answered; 'Hst thou appealed unto Cesar? Unto Cesar thou shalt go.'
13. And when some days were passed, king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. And as they continued there many days, Festus laid before the king the case of Paul, saying, 'There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix: concerning whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests, and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring judgment against him. To whom I answered, that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any man to destruction, till he that is accused have the accusers face to face, and be allowed an opportunity of making his defence as to the crime laid to his charge. When therefore they were come hither, I, without any delay, sat down upon the tribunal next day, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed; but had certain questions against him relating to their own religion, and about one Jesus, that was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. But as I was dubious of the question relating to him, I said, that if he were willing he should go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things. But Paul appealing to be kept to the hearing of our august emperor, I commanded him to be kept till I could send him to Cesar.' The Agrippa said unto Festus, 'I also would willingly hear the man myself.' And he said, 'To-morrow thou shalt hear him.'
23. The next day therefore, Agrippa and Bernice coming with great pomp, and entering into the place of audience, with the commanders and principal men of the city; at the command of Festus, Paul was brought forth. And Festus said, 'O king Agrippa, and allye who are present with us, ye see this man concerning whom all the multitude of the Jews have pleaded with me, both at Jerusalem, and here, crying out, that he ought not to live any longer. But I could not apprehend him to have done any thing worthy of death; yet as he himself hath appealed to our august emperor, I have determined to send him. Concerning whom I have nothing certain to write to his majesty: wherefore I have brought him out before you all, and especially before thee, O king Agrippa, that after examination taken, I may have something to write: for it seems to me absurd to send a prisoner, and not to signify also the crimes alleged against him.
XXVI. Then Agrippa said to Paul, 'It is permitted unto thee to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretching forth his hand, made his defence.
'I esteem myself happy, O king Agrippa, that I am this day to make my defence before thee, concerning all those things of which I am accused by the Jews; especially as thou art acquainted with all the customes and the questions among the Jews: wherefore I entreat thee that thou wilt hear me with patience. The manner of my life from my youth, which fromthe beginning was spent among my own nation at Jerusalem, is known to all the Jews; who knew me fromthe first (if they would testify) that according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And now I stand in judgment for the hope of tht promise which was made by God unto our fathers: to which promise our twelve tribes hope to attain, worshipping continually night and day: concerning which hope, O king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. Why should it be judged an incredible thing by you, that God should raise the dead? I indeed thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus the Nazarene. Which accordingly I did in Jerusalem; and I shut up many of the saints in prison, having received authority from the chief priest. And when some of them were killed, I gave my vote against them: and frequently punishing them in all the synagogues, I compelled them to blaspheme: and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. With this view, as I was going to Damascus, with authority and commission from the chief priests, at mid-day, on the road, O king Agrippa, I saw a light from heaven, exceeding the splendor of the sun, shining about me, and those who travelled with me. And when we were all fallen down to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why dost thou persecute me? it is hard for thee to kick against the goads.' And I said, 'Who art thou, Lord?' And he said, 'I am Jesus, whom thou persecuteth. But arise, and stand upon thy feet, for to this purpose I have appeared unto thee, to ordain thee a minister, and a witness both of the things which thou hast seen, and of those in which I will appear unto thee: delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send thee, to open their eyes, to bring them, by the faith that is in me, from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God; that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and an inheritance among them that are sanctified.' From that time, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision: but declared first to them at Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and through all the country of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should reform, and return to God, performing deeds worthy of reformation. On account of these things, the Jews seizing me in the temple, attempted to have killed me with their own hands. Having therefore obtained help from God, I continue until this day, testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses, have declared should be; that the Messiah having suffered, and being the first who rose from the dead, should discover light to the people, and to the Gentiles.--'
24. And as he was thus making his defence, Festus said with a loud voice, 'Paul thou art distracted: much learning driveth thee to madness.' But he replied, 'I am not mad, most noble Festus, but utter the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, to whom I also speak with freedom: for I am persuaded none of these things are hidden from him, since this is not an affair transacted in a corner. O king Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest.' Then Agrippa said unto Paul, 'Thou almost persuadest me to become 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 chains.' And as he said this, the king arose, and the governor,a nd Bernice, and those who sat with them. And when they had retired, they spake one with another, saying, 'This man hath done nothing worthy of death, or of bonds.' And Agrippa said to Festus, 'This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto Cesar.'
SECTION XVI.
Paul's vogage to Italy. His Shipwreck on Malta, and his arrival as a Prisoner in Rome.
XXVII. And as it was determined that we*[Luke now speaks in his own person.] should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul, and some other prisoners, to a centurion of the Augustan cohort, whose name was Julius. And going on board a ship of Adramyttis,*[A city of Mysia, not far from Pergamos.] we weighed anchor, intending to sail by the coasts of Asia;*[The Lesser.] Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And the next day we reached Sidon: and Julius treating Paul with great humanity, permitted him to go to his friends, and to enjoy the beenfit of their care. And weighing anchor from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary. And sailing through the sea over against Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, [a city] of Lycia. And there the centurion finding a ship of Alexandria bound for Italy, put us on board it. And when we had sailed slowly for several days, and were hardly got over against Cnidus, the wind not permitting us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone:*[A promontory on the eastern coast of that island.] and passing with difficulty, we came to a certain place called The Fair Havens, in the neighbourhood of which was the city of Lasea. And, as much time was spent, and sailing was not hazardous because the fast*[Of expiation, kept on the 25th of our September; at which time sailing in the Meditteranean is unsafe on account of the Michaelmas flows.--Donn(?).] was already over, Paul exhorted them, saying unto them, 'Sirs, I perceive this voyage will be attended with injury,and great damage, not only to the lading, and the ship, but also to our lives.' But the centurion paid greater regard to the pilot,and the master of the vessel, than to those things which were spoken by Paul. And as the haven was not commodious to winter in, the greater part advised to set sail from thence, if they might possibly reach to Phenice to winter there; wich is a haven of Crete, looking to the south-west and north-west. And as the south wind blew gently, supposing they were secure of their purpose, they weighed anchor, and sailed on close to Crete. But not long after, there arose against her a tempestuous wind, which is called Euroclydon.*[Or, in modern phrase, a Levanter. See Shaw's Trav. p. 358-361.] And as the ship was violently hurried away, and was not able to bear up against the wind, we gave her up, and were driven. And running under a certain island called Clauda, we were hardly able to get masters of the boat: which when they had hoisted up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and fearing lest they should fall upon the quicksands, they struck sail, and so were driven. And as we were exceedingly tossed by the storm, the next day they lightened the ship: and the third day we cast out with our own hands the tackling of the ship. Now as neither sun nor stars appeared for several days, and no small tempest pressed upon us, all remainder of hope that we might be delivered, was taken away. And when there was great want of food, then Paul standing in the midst of them, said, 'Sirs, you ought to have hearkened to me, and not to have loosed from Crete, and incurred this injury and loss. Nevertheless even now I exhort you to be of good courage; for there shall be no loss of any life among you; but only of the ship. For there appeared to me this night a messenger of the God whose I am, and whom I worship, saying, 'Fear not, Paul; thou must be presented before Cesar; and behold, God hath given thee all of them that sail with thee.' Wherefore take courage, Sirs, for I trust in God, that it shall be so according to the manner in which it hath been spoken to me. But we must be cast upon a certain island.
27. And when the fourteenth night was come, as we were tossed up and down in the Adriatic sea, the mariners suspected about midnight, that they drew near to some land: and sounding they found it twenty fathoms; and having gone a little way from thence, and sounding again, they found it fifteen fathoms. And fearing lest they should fall upon some rocky shore, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished that the day would break. But when the mariners endeavoured to flee out of the ship, and had let down the boat into the sea, under pretence that they were bout to carry out anchors from the ship-head, Paul said to the centurion,and the soldiers, 'Unless these*[Without whose help we cannot manager her.] continue in the ship0, ye cannot be saved.' Then the soldiers cut off the cords of the boat, and let it fall off. And while the day was coming on, Paul exhorted them all to take some food, saying, 'To-day you are longing for this fourteenth day,*[Since you have been in this distress.] and continue fasting, having taken nothing.*[Of a regular meal.--Pope's Odyss, xii. 352. Note.] Therefore I exhort you to take a refreshment, since this is conducive to your safety: for not a hair shall fall from the head of any of you. And when he had spoken thus, and had taken bread, he gave thanks to God before them all, and having broken it, he began to eat. And being all encouraged, they also tood some food. And we were in the ship two hundred and seventy-six souls in all. And being satisifed with food, they lightened the ship; and cast out the corn into the sea. And when it was day, they did not know the land; but they perceived a certain creek, having a shore,*[Convenient for landing.] into which they were minded, if they were able, to have thrust the ship. And when they had weighed their anchors, they committed the ship to the sea, at the same time loosing the rudder-bands,*[Which had been fastened before, when they let the vessel drive: but were now loosened, in order to steer her into the creek.] and hositing up the mainsail to the wind, they made for the shore. But falling on a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground, and the fore part stuck fast, and remained immoveable, while the hinder part was broken by the force of the waves. And the counsel of the soldiers was, that they should kill the prisoners, lest any one should swim away, and escape. But the centurion being desirous to save Paul, hindered them from their purpose, and commanded those that could swim, to throw themselves out first into the sea, and get away to land: and the remainder some upon planks, and others upon some of the things of the ship. And so it came to pass that they all got safe to land.
XXVIII. And being got safe to land, they then knew that the island was called Melita.*[At present Malta.] And the barbarians treated us with uncommon humanity; for having kindled a fire, they brought us all to it, because of the present rain, and because of the cold. Now as Paul was gathering up a bundle of sticks, and laying them upon the fire, a viper coming out of the heat, fastened upon his hand. And as soon as the barbarians saw the fierce animal hanging on his hand, they said one to another, 'This man is certainly a murderer, whom vengeance hath not permitted to live, though he be saved from the sea.' But he shaking off the fierce animal into the fire, suffered no evil. However they expected that he should have swollen, or suddenly have fallen down dead: and having waited a considerable time, and seeing no mischief befal (sic) him, changing their minds, they said, he was a God. And in the neighbourhood of that place, there was the estate of the Chief*[The governor of this island was called simply, The Chief, þrwtoV--Vid. Grot.] of the island, whose name was Publius; who having received us into his house, entertained us in a courteous manner for three days. And so it was, that the father of Publius being seized with a fever and bloody flux, was confined to his bed: to whom Paul going in, and having prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. Now therefore when this miracle was wrought, the rest also, who had disorders in the island, came and were healed. Who also honoured us with great honours, and when we departed put on baord such things as were necessary. And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.*[The ancients had images both at the head and stern; from the first, called "The Sign," the ship was named: the other was that of the tutelar deity.] And being arrived at Syracuse, we continued there three days. From thence we coasted round, and came over against Rhegium. And after one day the south wind arising, we came in two days to Puteoli: where we found brethren, and were entreated to stay with them seven days: and so we went for Rome. And from thence the brethren having heard of our affairs, came out to meet us, some as far as Appii Forum; and others to the Three Taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
16. And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain*[Or, Prefect of the Pretorian Band.] of the band: but Paul was permitted to dwell apart in a house of his own, with a soldier that guarded him. and it came to pass that, after three days, Paul called together those that were the chief of the Jews. And when they were come together, he said unto them, Brethren, though I have done nothing contrary to the people, or to our paternal customs, yet was I delivered a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans; who having examined me, were willing to have set me at liberty, as there was no cause of death in me. But when the Jews opposed, I was obliged ot appeal to Cesar; not as having any thing of which to accuse my own nation. For this reason, therefore, I entreated that I might see and speak with you: for on account of the hope of Israel, I am bound with this chain. And they said to him, We have neither received letters from Judea concerning thee; nor hath any of the brethren that hath come hither, related, or said any evil concerning thee. But we desire to hear from thee what thou thinkest; for as concerning this sect, it is known to us, that it is every where spoken against. And having appointed him a day, many came to him at his lodging; to whom he expounded,*[Various passages of the Scriptures.] testifying the kingdom of God, and persuading them of the things that relate to Jesus, both from the law of Moses and the prophets, from morning till evening. And some were persuaded by the things which were spoken; and some believed not. And disagreeing with each other, they brake up the assembly; Paul saying this one word, Surely well did the Holy Spirit speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, when he saith, "Go to this people and say, Haring ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: for the heart of this people is become gross; and with their ears they hear heavily; and they have drawn their eyes together; 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." Therefore be it known unto you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and they will hear it. And when he had said these things, the Jews departed, having great debates among themselves.
But Paul continued two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came to him; announcing the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which relate to the Lord Jesus Christ, with all freedom of Speech, and without any restraint.*[From the Roman magistrates.]
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