Prologue

(Luke 1:1–4)

In my first book, O Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach, 2 until the day He was taken up [to heaven], after giving instructions through [the] Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen. 3 After His suffering, He presented Himself to [them] with many convincing proofs [that] He was alive. He appeared to them over [a span ] of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God.

And while they were gathered together,[fn] He commanded them: vvv“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the [gift] the Father promised, which you have heard Me [ discuss ]. 5 For John baptized with water, but vvv in a few days you will be baptized with [the] Holy Spirit.[fn]”

The Ascension

(Mark 16:19–20, Luke 24:50–53)

So [when] they came together, they asked Him“Lord, {will You} at this time vvv restore the kingdom to Israel?”

[Jesus] replied“It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority. 8 But you will receive power [when] the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses to Me[fn] in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to [the] ends of the earth.”

[After] He had said this, they watched as He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. 10 They were looking intently into the sky as He was going, [when] suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said,“why do you stand [here] looking[fn] into the sky? This [same] Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Matthias Replaces Judas

Then they returned to Jerusalem from [the] Mount of Olives, which is near [the city], a Sabbath day’s journey away.[fn] 13 When they arrived, they went to the upper room where they were staying: Peter and James, John and Andrew,[fn] Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James [son] of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas [son] of James. 14 With one accord they all continued in prayer and petition,[fn] along with [the] women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

In those days Peter stood up vvv among the disciples[fn] ( a gathering of about a hundred [and] twenty ) [and] said, 16 “vvv Brothers, this[fn] Scripture had to be fulfilled that the Holy Spirit foretold through [the] mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus. 17 He was one of our number and shared in this ministry.”

( Now with [the] reward for [his] wickedness [Judas] bought a field; [there] he fell headlong and burst open in [the] middle, and all his intestines spilled out. 19 [This] became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.)

“For it is written in [the] book of Psalms:

‘{May} his place be deserted;

let there be no [one] to dwell in it,’[fn]

and,

‘{May} another take his position.’[fn]

Therefore it is necessary [to choose] one of the men who have accompanied us vvv [the] whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism until the day [Jesus] was taken up from us. [For] one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

[So] they proposed two [men]: Joseph called Barsabas[fn] ( - [also] known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 And they prayed“Lord, You know everyone’s heart Show [us] which of these two You have chosen 25 to receive a portion in this[fn] ministry and apostleship that Judas abandoned to go to his [rightful] place.”

Then they cast lots and the lot fell to Matthias. [So] he was added to the eleven apostles. 2 

The Holy Spirit at Pentecost

(Genesis 11:1–9, Leviticus 23:15–22)

[When] the day of Pentecost[fn] came, they were all with one accord[fn] in one [place]. 2 Suddenly a sound like a mighty rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 And they {were} all filled with [the] Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Now there were dwelling[fn] in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 6 And [when] this sound rang out, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking [his] own language.

Astounded and amazed, they asked one another,[fn] Are not all[fn] these who are speaking Galileans? 8 vvv How is it then that each of us hears [them] in his own native language? 9 Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; vvv residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,[fn] 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome, 11 both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs— we hear them declaring the wonders of God [in] our own tongues!”

Astounded and perplexed, they asked one another“What does[fn] this mean?”

But others mocked [them] [and] said,“They are drunk on new wine!”

Peter Addresses the Crowd

(Psalm 16:1–11, Joel 2:28–32)

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, lifted up his voice, and addressed [the crowd]:“Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, vvv let this be known to you, and listen carefully to my words. 15 These [men] vvv are not drunk, as you suppose. It is [only the] third hour of the day![fn] 16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:

In the last days God says,

I will pour out My Spirit on all people.

Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

your young men will see visions,

your old men will dream dreams.

Even on My menservants and maidservants

I will pour out My Spirit in those days,

and they will prophesy.

I will show wonders in the heavens above

and signs on the earth below,

blood and fire and billows of smoke.

The sun will be turned to darkness,

and the moon to blood,

before the coming [of the] great and glorious Day of [the] Lord.

And everyone who vvv calls on the name of [the] Lord

will be saved.’[fn]

Men of Israel, listen to this message: Jesus of Nazareth [was] a man certified by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did vvv vvv among you through Him, as you yourselves know. 23 He was delivered up by vvv God’s set plan and foreknowledge, {and you}, by the hands of the lawless, took [and][fn] put [Him] to death by nailing [Him] to the cross. 24 [But] God vvv raised Him from the dead, releasing [Him] from the agony of death, because it was vvv impossible [for death] to keep Him in its {grip}.

David says about Him:

‘I saw[fn] the Lord always before me;

because He is at my right hand, vvv vvv I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

my body also will dwell in hope,

because vvv You will not abandon my soul to Hades,

nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me [the] paths of life;

You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’[fn]

vvv Brothers, I can tell vvv you vvv with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 [But] he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath [that] from vvv vvv vvv [his descendants][fn] according to the flesh He would raise up the Christ to seat [Him] on his throne.[fn] 31 Foreseeing this, [David] spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul vvv was not abandoned[fn] to Hades, nor [did] His body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus {to life}, to which we are all witnesses.

Exalted, then, to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit [and] has poured out what you now see and hear. 34 For David {did} not ascend into heaven, but he himself says:

‘The Lord said to my Lord,

“Sit at My right hand

until I make Your enemies

a footstool for Your feet.” ’[fn]

Therefore {let} all vvv Israel know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”

Three Thousand Believe

[When] [the people] heard [this], they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the other apostles,“vvv Brothers, what shall we do?”

Peter replied“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins,[fn] and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 [This] promise belongs to you and your children and to all who [are] far off — to all whom [the] Lord our God will call to Himself.”

With many other words he testified, and he urged [them]“Be saved from this corrupt generation.” 41 Those who gladly[fn] embraced his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added [ to the believers ] that day.[fn]

The Fellowship of Believers

(Acts 4:32–37)

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 A sense of awe[fn] came over everyone and the apostles performed many wonders and signs.

All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling [their] possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.

With one accord they continued [to meet] vvv daily in the temple [courts][fn] and to break bread from house [to house], sharing [their] meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, 47 praising God and enjoying [the] favor of all the people. And the Lord added to the church[fn] vvv daily those who were being saved. 3 

A Lame Man Walks

[ One afternoon ] Peter and John were going up vvv vvv together[fn] to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth [hour].[fn] 2 And a man who was lame from vvv vvv birth was being carried [to] the temple gate called Beautiful, [where] he was put every day to beg from those entering the temple [courts].[fn] 3 [When] he saw Peter and John about to enter he asked [them] for money.

Peter looked directly at him, as [did] John.“Look at us!” said [Peter]. 5 [So] [the man] gave them his attention expecting to receive something from them. 6 But Peter said,“Silver [or] gold I do not have but what I have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk![fn]”

Taking him by the right hand, [Peter] helped him up, and at once [the man’s] feet and ankles were made strong. 8 He sprang to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple [courts], walking and leaping and praising God.

[When] all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him [as] the [man] who used to sit vvv vvv [begging] at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Peter Speaks in Solomon’s Colonnade

(Deuteronomy 18:15–22)

[While] vvv the lame man who had been healed clung to[fn] Peter and John, all the people were astonished [and] ran to them in the [walkway] called Solomon’s Colonnade.[fn] 12 And [when] Peter saw [this], he addressed the people:“Men of Israel, why are you surprised by this? Why do you stare at us as if by [our] own power or godliness [we] had made [this man] walk?

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, [the God] of our fathers, has glorified His servant[fn] Jesus. You handed [Him over] and rejected Him vvv before Pilate, [even though] he had decided to release [Him]. 14 You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked that vvv a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the Author of life, [but] God raised [Him] from [the] dead, [and] we are witnesses of this [fact].

By faith in [the] name of Jesus, this [man] whom you see and know has been made strong. [It is Jesus’] name and the faith that [comes] through Him [that] has given him this complete healing in your presence

And now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as [did] your leaders 18 But in this way [God] has fulfilled what [He] foretold through all His prophets, [saying that] the[fn] Christ would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, 20 that times of refreshing may come from [the] presence of the Lord, and [that] He may send Jesus, [the] Christ, who has been appointed for you.

Heaven must take Him in until [the] time [comes] for [the] restoration of all things, which God announced vvv long ago through all[fn] His holy prophets. 22 For Moses said to the fathers,[fn]‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.[fn] 23 Everyone who vvv vvv does not listen vvv vvv [ to Him ] will be completely cut off from among [his] people.[fn]’

Indeed all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as vvv have spoken, have proclaimed[fn] these days. 25 [And] you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with our fathers[fn] [when] He said to Abraham, Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’[fn] 26 [When] God raised up His servant Jesus,[fn] He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each [of you] from your wicked ways.” 4 

Peter and John before the Sanhedrin

While [Peter and John] were speaking to the people, the priests[fn] and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them, 2 greatly disturbed that they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized [Peter and John], and because it was vvv evening, they put [them] in custody until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed, and the number of men grew to about five thousand.

The next day [the] rulers, elders, and scribes assembled in Jerusalem, 6 along with Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and many others from the high priest’s family. 7 They had [Peter and John] vvv {brought} in [and] began to question them:“By what power or what name {did} you do this?”

Then Peter, filled with [the] Holy Spirit, said to them,“Rulers and elders of the people of Israel![fn] 9 If we are being examined today about a kind service [to a] man [who was] lame, [to determine] how he was healed, 10 [then] let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: [It is] by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified [but] whom God raised from [the] dead, [that] this [man] stands before you healed. 11 This [Jesus] is

‘the stone you builders rejected,

which has become [the] cornerstone

Salvation exists in vvv no one else, for there is no other name[fn] given to men by which we must be saved.”

The Name Forbidden

[When] they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that [these men] had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who had been healed standing [there] with them, they had nothing to say in response. 15 So they ordered them to leave the Sanhedrin[fn] [and] then conferred vvv together.

“What shall we do with these men?” they asked. [It] is clear to everyone living [in] Jerusalem that vvv a remarkable miracle has occurred through them, and vvv we cannot deny [it]. 17 But to vvv keep [this message] from spreading any further vvv among the people, {we must} strictly[fn] warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.”

Then they called them in [again] and commanded them not to speak [or] teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. 20 For we vvv cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

[After] further threats they let them go They could not find a way to punish them, because {all} the people vvv were glorifying God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years [old].

The Believers’ Prayer

(Psalm 2:1–12)

On their release, [Peter and John] returned to [their] own people and reported everything that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 [When] [the believers] heard this, they lifted up [their] voices to God with one accord.“Sovereign Lord,” they said,“You [are] God, who made[fn] the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them. 25 [You] spoke[fn] through [the] mouth of Your servant[fn] David:[fn]

‘Why {do} the nations rage

and [the] peoples plot in vain?

The kings of the earth take [their] stand

and the rulers gather together

against the Lord

and against His Anointed One.’[fn]

In fact,[fn] Herod vvv and Pontius Pilate conspired with [the] Gentiles and [the] people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. 28 They carried out what Your hand and will had decided beforehand would happen. 29 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, 30 as You stretch out Your hand to heal and [perform] signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

[After] they had prayed, [their] meeting place was shaken, and vvv they were all filled with [the] Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God vvv boldly.

Sharing among Believers

(Acts 2:42–47)

The multitude of believers was one [in] heart and soul. No one claimed that any of their[fn] possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned. 33 [With] great power the apostles continued to give [their] testimony about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And abundant grace was upon them all.

There were no needy ones among them, because those who vvv owned lands or houses would sell [ their property ], bring the proceeds from [the] sales, 35 and lay [them] at the vvv apostles’ feet for distribution [to] anyone as he had need.

Joses,[fn] a Levite from Cyprus whom the apostles called Barnabas (vvv vvv meaning Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid [it] at the vvv apostles’ feet. 5 

Ananias and Sapphira

Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, [also] sold a piece of property. 2 [With] his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back [some] of the proceeds [for himself], [but] brought a portion [and] laid [it] at the vvv apostles’ feet.

Then Peter said,“Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart vvv to lie to the Holy Spirit and withhold [some] of the proceeds from the land? 4 vvv Did it not belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, was it [not] at [your] disposal? How could you conceive such a deed in your heart? vvv You have not lied to men, but to God!”

On hearing these words, Ananias fell down [and] died. And great fear came over all who heard [what had happened]. 6 Then the young [men] stepped forward, wrapped up his [body], and carried [him] out [and] buried [him].

About three hours later his wife also came in, vvv unaware of what had happened. 8 “Tell me,” said Peter“[is this] the price you [and your husband ] got for the land?”

“Yes,” she answered,“that is the price.”

“How could you agree to test the Spirit of [the] Lord?” Peter [replied]“Look, the feet of the [men who] buried your husband [are] at the door, and they will carry you out [also]

At that instant she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young [men] came in [and], finding her dead, carried [her] out [and] buried [her] beside her husband. 11 And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these [events].

The Apostles Heal Many

The apostles vvv vvv vvv performed many signs and wonders among the people, and with one accord [the believers gathered together] in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 Although the people regarded them highly no one else dared to join them. 14 Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord — large numbers of both men and women.

As a result [people] brought the sick into the streets and laid [them] on cots and mats, so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. 16 Crowds also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing [the] sick and [those] tormented by unclean spirits, [and] all [of them] were healed.

The Apostles Arrested and Freed

Then the high priest and all his associates who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out 18 and arrested the apostles and put them in [the] public jail. 19 But during the night an angel of [the] Lord opened the doors of the jail vvv [and] brought them out, saying, 20 “Go, stand in the temple [courts][fn] [and] tell the people the full message of this [new] life.”

At daybreak [the apostles] entered the temple [courts] as they had been told and began to teach [the people].

[When] the high priest and his associates arrived, they convened the Sanhedrin[fn]— the full assembly of the vvv elders of Israel— and sent to the jail [for] [the apostles]. 22 But on arriving at the jail, the officers vvv did not find them [there]. [So] they returned with the report: 23 “{We} indeed[fn] found the jail vvv vvv securely locked, [with] the guards posted before[fn] the doors; but when we opened [them], we found no one inside.”

The Apostles before the Sanhedrin

When the high priest and[fn] the captain of the temple [guard] and the chief priests heard this account, they were perplexed as to what was happening.[fn] 25 Then someone came in [and] announced“Look, the men you put in jail are standing in the temple [courts] teaching the people!”

At that point, the captain went with the officers [and] brought [the apostles] — [but] not by force, for fear the people would stone [them]. 27 They brought them in [and] made [them] stand before the Sanhedrin, [where] the high priest interrogated them. 28 “Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in this name?” he asked.[fn]“Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.”

But Peter and the other apostles replied vvv“We must obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had killed by hanging [Him] on a tree. 31 God exalted Him to His right hand [as] Prince and Savior, [ in order ] to grant repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. 32 We are His[fn] witnesses of these things, and so [is] the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

Gamaliel’s Advice

When [the Council members] heard this, they were enraged, and they resolved[fn] to put [the apostles] to death 34 But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin [and] ordered that the apostles[fn] be put outside for a short time

“Men of Israel,” he said“consider carefully what you are about to do to these men. 36 Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, [and] about four hundred men rallied to him.[fn] [He] was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. 37 After [him], Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away many[fn] people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.

So in the present [case] I advise you: Leave these men {alone}. Let them go For if [their] purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, vvv you cannot stop[fn] them. vvv vvv You may even find yourselves fighting against God.”

At this, they yielded to [Gamaliel]. They called the apostles [in] and had them flogged. Then they ordered [them] not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them.

[The apostles] left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus.[fn] 42 Every day, in the temple [courts] and from house [to house], vvv they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus [is] the Christ. 6 

The Choosing of the Seven

(1 Timothy 3:8–13)

In those days [when] the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian [Jews among them] began to grumble against the Hebraic [Jews][fn] because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution [ of food ].

So the Twelve summoned all the disciples [and] said,“It is vvv unacceptable [for] us to neglect the word of God [in order] to wait on tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Holy[fn] Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility [to them] 4 and will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”

[This] proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and [of the] Holy Spirit, as well as Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert [to Judaism].[fn] 6 They presented [these seven] to the apostles,[fn] [who] prayed [and] laid [their] hands on them.

[So] the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests[fn] became obedient to the faith.

The Arrest of Stephen

Now Stephen, [who was] full of faith[fn] and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. 9 But resistance arose from what was called [the] Synagogue of the Freedmen, including Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from [the provinces of] Cilicia and Asia.[fn] They disputed with Stephen, 10 [but] vvv they could not stand up to [his] wisdom [or] the Spirit by whom he spoke.

Then they prompted [some] men to say“We heard [Stephen] speak words of blasphemy against Moses and [against] God.”

[So] they stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and confronted [Stephen]. They seized him and brought [him] before the Sanhedrin,[fn] 13 [where] they presented false witnesses [who] said,“This man vvv never stops speaking blasphemies[fn] against [this] holy place and [against] the law. 14 For we have heard him say that Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs that Moses handed down to us.”

All who were sitting in the Sanhedrin looked intently at [Stephen], [and] they saw that his face [was] like [the] face of an angel. 7 

Stephen’s Address: The Call of Abraham

(Genesis 12:1–9)

Then the high priest asked [Stephen], vvv“Are these [charges] true?”

And [Stephen] declared: vvv“Brothers and fathers, listen [to me]! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was [still] in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3 and told him,‘Leave your country and your kindred and go to [the] land I will show you.’[fn] 4 [So] [Abraham] left [the] land of the Chaldeans [and] settled in Haran. After his father died, [God] brought him out of that place [and] into this land vvv where you {are} now living.

He gave him no inheritance vvv [here], not even a foot of ground [But] [God] promised to give possession of [the land] to [Abraham] and his descendants [even though] he did not yet have a child. 6 God told [him] that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and [that] they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. 7 ‘[But] I will punish the nation [that] vvv enslaves them,’ God said,‘and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.’[fn]

Then [God] gave [Abraham] [the] covenant of circumcision, and [Abraham] became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. And Isaac [became the father of] Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.

Joseph Sold into Egypt

(Genesis 37:12–30)

[Because] the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and rescued him from all his troubles. [He] granted [Joseph] favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, [who] appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Then famine and great suffering swept vvv across the land of[fn] Egypt and Canaan, and our fathers vvv could not find food. 12 [When] Jacob heard that [there] was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers [on their] first [visit]. 13 On [their] second [visit], Joseph revealed his identity to[fn] his brothers, and [his] family became known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent for his father Jacob and all [his] relatives, seventy-five in all.

Israel Oppressed in Egypt

(Exodus 1:8–22)

[So] Jacob went down to Egypt, [where] he and our fathers died. 16 [Their bones] were carried back[fn] to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor of Shechem[fn] for a price he paid in silver.

As the time drew near for God [to fulfill] His promise to Abraham, [our] people in Egypt increased greatly in number. 18 Then another king, who knew nothing of Joseph, arose.[fn] 19 He exploited our people [and] oppressed our fathers forcing [them] to abandon their infants so vvv they would die.

The Birth and Adoption of Moses

(Exodus 2:1–10, Hebrews 11:23–29)

At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God.[fn] [For] three months [he] was nurtured in [his] father’s house. 21 [When] he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22 So Moses was educated in all [the] wisdom of [the] Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

The Rejection and Flight of Moses

(Exodus 2:11–22)

When [Moses] [was] forty years [old], he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And when he saw one [of them] being mistreated, [Moses] went to his defense and vvv avenged [him] by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing [him]. 25 He assumed his brothers would understand that God vvv vvv was using him vvv vvv to deliver them, but vvv [they did not].

The next day he came upon [two Israelites who] were fighting, and he urged them to make peace,[fn] saying,‘Men, you are brothers. vvv Why are you mistreating each other?’

But the [man who] was abusing [his] neighbor pushed [Moses] aside [and] said,‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28 {Do} you vvv want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’[fn] 29 At this remark, Moses fled to [the] land of Midian, where he lived as a foreigner [and] had two sons.

The Call of Moses

(Exodus 3:1–22)

[After] forty years had passed, an angel of the Lord[fn] appeared to [Moses] in [the] flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31 [When] Moses saw [it], he marveled at the sight. [As] he approached to look [more closely], [the] voice of [the] Lord came to him:[fn] 32 ‘I [am] the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’[fn] Moses vvv trembled with fear vvv [and] did not dare to look.

Then the Lord said to him,‘Take off [your] sandals, for the place vvv where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have indeed seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’[fn]

This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words,‘Who made you ruler and judge?’[fn] [is] the one whom God sent to be [their] ruler and redeemer through [the] angel[fn] who appeared to him in the bush. 36 [He] led them out [and] performed wonders and signs in [the] land of[fn] Egypt, at [the] Red Sea, and [for] forty years in the wilderness.

This is the [same] Moses who told the vvv Israelites,‘The Lord our God will raise up[fn] for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’[fn] 38 [He] was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and [with] our fathers. [And] he received a living word[fn] to pass on to us.[fn]

The Rebellion of Israel

(Exodus 32:1–35, Deuteronomy 9:7–29, Amos 5:16–27)

[But] our fathers refused to obey [him]. Instead, they rejected [him] and in their heart[fn] turned back to Egypt. 40 They said to Aaron,‘Make us gods who will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of [the] land of Egypt, vvv we do not know what has happened to him.’[fn]

At that time they made a calf and offered a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42 But God turned away [from them] and gave them over to the worship of the host of heaven, as it is written in [the] book of the prophets: vvv

‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings

forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

You have taken along the tabernacle of Molech

and the star of your god Remphan,[fn]

the idols you made to worship

[Therefore] I will send you into exile

beyond Babylon.’[fn]

The Tabernacle of the Testimony

(Exodus 40:1–33, Hebrews 9:1–10)

Our fathers [had] the tabernacle of the Testimony with [them] in the wilderness. [It was] constructed exactly as [God] had directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45 And our fathers who received it brought [it in] with Joshua [when] they dispossessed the nations God drove out before vvv [them]. [It remained] until the time of David, 46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.[fn] 47 But [it was] Solomon [who] built [the] house for Him.

However, the Most High {does} not dwell in temples made by human hands.[fn] As the prophet says:

Heaven [is] My throne

and the earth vvv vvv [is] My footstool.

What kind of house will you build for Me, says [the] Lord,

or where [will] My place of repose [be]?

{Has} not My hand made all these things?’[fn]

[You] stiff-necked [people] [with] uncircumcised heart[fn] and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers [did]. 52 Which of the prophets {did} your fathers fail to persecute? vvv They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you are [His] betrayers and murderers — 53 [you] who received the law ordained by angels, yet vvv have not kept [it].”

The Stoning of Stephen

On hearing this, [the members of the Sanhedrin] were enraged and they gnashed [their] teeth at him. 55 But [Stephen], full vvv of [the] Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven [and] saw [the] glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 “Look,” he said,“I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right [hand] of God.”

At this they covered their ears, cried out vvv in a loud voice, and rushed together at him. 58 They dragged [him] out of the city [and] began to stone [him]. Meanwhile the witnesses laid [their] garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.

[While] they were stoning [him] Stephen appealed“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 Falling on [his] knees, he cried out in a loud voice,“Lord, {do} not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. 8 

Saul Persecutes the Church

And Saul was there, giving approval to [Stephen’s] death.

On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 God-fearing men buried Stephen and vvv vvv mourned deeply over him. 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house he dragged off men and women [and] put [them] in prison.

Philip in Samaria

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5 Philip went down to [a] city [in] Samaria[fn] [and] proclaimed the Christ to them. 6 The crowds all paid close attention vvv vvv vvv to Philip’s message and to the signs they saw him perform. 7 vvv vvv With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, and many [of the] paralyzed and lame were healed. 8 So there was great joy in that city.

Simon the Sorcerer

(Deuteronomy 18:9–14)

Prior to that time, a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and astounded the people of Samaria. He claimed to be someone great, 10 [and] from the least to the greatest they heeded [ his words ][fn] [and] said,“This [man] is the great power of God.[fn]” 11 They paid close attention to him because he had astounded them for a long time with [his] sorcery.

But when they believed Philip as he preached the gospel of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed and was baptized. vvv He followed Philip {closely} and was astounded [by the] miracles and signs[fn] he observed

[When] the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 vvv On their arrival, they prayed for them to receive [the] Holy Spirit. 16 For [the Holy Spirit] had not yet fallen upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of Jesus Christ.[fn] 17 Then [Peter and John] laid [their] hands on them, and they received [the] Holy Spirit.

[When] Simon saw that the Holy[fn] Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money. 19 “Give {me} this power as well,” he said,“so that everyone on whom I lay [my] hands may receive [the] Holy Spirit.”

But Peter replied“{May} your silver perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21 You have no part [or] share in [our] ministry, because your heart is not right in the sight of God.[fn] 22 Repent, therefore, of your wickedness, and pray to God.[fn] vvv Perhaps He will forgive you for the intent of your heart. 23 For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and captive to iniquity.”

Then Simon answered Pray to the Lord[fn] for me, so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

And after [Peter and John] had testified and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many of the Samaritan villages.

Philip and the Ethiopian

(Isaiah 53:1–8)

Now an angel of [the] Lord said to Philip“Get up and go south to the desert road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 [So] he started out, and on his way [he met] vvv an Ethiopian eunuch, a court official in charge of the entire treasury of Candace,[fn] the queen[fn] of [the] Ethiopians. [He] had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 and on his return was sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet.

The Spirit said to Philip,“Go over to [that] chariot and stay by [it].”

[So] Philip ran up [and] heard [the man] reading Isaiah the prophet.“Do you understand what you are reading?” [Philip] asked.

“How vvv can I,” he said,“unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up [and] sit with him.

[The eunuch] was reading this passage of Scripture

“He was led like a sheep to [the] slaughter,

and as a lamb before the shearer [is] silent,

so vvv He did not open His mouth.

In His humiliation He was deprived of justice.

Who can recount His descendants?

For His life was removed from the earth.”[fn]

“Tell me said the eunuch,“who {is} the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?”

Then Philip vvv began with this very Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road [and] came to some water, the eunuch said,“Look, [here is] water! What is [there] to prevent me [from] being baptized?”[fn] 37 

And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and [Philip] baptized him.

When they came up out of the water, [the] Spirit of [the] Lord carried Philip {away}, and the eunuch saw him vvv no more, [but] went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip appeared at Azotus and traveled through [that region], preaching the gospel in all the towns until he came to Caesarea. 9 

The Road to Damascus

(Acts 22:1–21, Acts 26:1–23)

Meanwhile, Saul {was} still breathing out murderous threats against the disciples of the Lord. He approached the high priest 2 and requested letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any men [or] women belonging to the Way, he could bring them as prisoners to Jerusalem.

[As] [Saul] drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground [and] heard a voice say to him,“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

“Who are You, Lord?” [Saul] asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” replied the Lord.[fn] 6 “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The men traveling with [Saul] stood [there] speechless. They heard the voice but did not see [anyone]. 8 Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could not see [a thing].[fn] [So] they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9 [For] three days he was without sight, and vvv he did not eat [or] drink [anything].

Ananias Baptizes Saul

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord spoke to him in a vision,“Ananias!”

“Here I [am], Lord,” he answered.

“Get up!” the Lord [told] him.“Go to [the] house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for [a man from] Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12 In a vision[fn] he has seen [a man] named Ananias come and place a hand[fn] on him to restore his sight.”

But Ananias answered,“Lord, vvv many [people] have told me about this man [and] all [the] harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And now [he is] here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”

“Go!” said the Lord This [man] is My chosen instrument to carry My name before [the] Gentiles and [their] kings, and [before the] people of Israel. 16 I will show him how much he must suffer for My name.”

[So] Ananias went to the house, and [when] he arrived he placed [his] hands on [Saul].“Brother Saul,” he said,“the Lord,[fn] who appeared to you on the road [as] you were coming [here], has sent me so that you may see again and be filled [with the] Holy Spirit.”

At that instant, [something] like scales fell from [Saul’s] eyes, and his sight was restored.[fn] He got up [and] was baptized, 19 and after taking [some] food, he regained his strength. And Saul[fn] spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Saul Preaches at Damascus

vvv [Saul] promptly began to proclaim Christ[fn] in the synagogues, [ declaring ],“He is the Son of God.”

All who heard [him] were astounded and asked,“Isn’t this the [man who] wreaked havoc in Jerusalem on those [who] call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

But Saul was empowered all the more, and he confounded the Jews living in Damascus by proving that [Jesus] is the Christ.

The Escape from Damascus

After many days had passed, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24 but Saul learned of their plot. Day and night vvv they watched the [city] gates in order to kill him. 25 One night, however, the disciples[fn] took [him] [and] lowered [him] in a basket through [ a window ] in the wall.[fn]

Saul in Jerusalem

[When] Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, [but] vvv they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 Then Barnabas vvv vvv brought [him] to the apostles and described how [Saul] had seen the Lord, [who] had spoken to him on the road [to Damascus], and how [Saul] had spoken boldly in [that city] in the name of Jesus.[fn]

[So] [Saul] stayed with them, moving about freely in Jerusalem [and] speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus.[fn] 29 He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews,[fn] but they tried to kill him. 30 [When] the brothers learned of [this], they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

The Healing of Aeneas

Then the churches[fn] throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria experienced [a time of] peace. They grew in strength[fn] and numbers, living in the fear of the Lord and the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.

As Peter traveled throughout [the area], vvv he went to [visit] the saints [in] Lydda. 33 There he found a man named Aeneas who had been paralyzed [and] bedridden for eight years. 34 “Aeneas,” Peter said to him,“Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and put away your mat Immediately [Aeneas] got up, 35 and all who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him [and] turned to the Lord.

The Raising of Tabitha

(John 11:38–44)

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated as Dorcas),[fn] who was always occupied with works of kindness and charity. 37 At that time, however, vvv she became sick [and] died, and her body was washed [and] placed in an upper room.[fn] 38 [Since] Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was vvv [there], sent[fn] to urge him,“Come to them[fn] without delay.”

[So] Peter got up [and] went with them. vvv On his arrival, they took [him] to the upper room. All the widows stood around him, weeping and showing [him] [the] tunics and [other] clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Then Peter sent them all out of the room. He knelt down [and] prayed, and turning toward [her] body, he said,“Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter, she sat up. 41 [Peter] took her by the hand [and] helped her up Then he called the saints and widows [and] presented her [to them] alive.

[This] became known all over Joppa, and many [people] believed in the Lord. 43 And [Peter] stayed for several days in Joppa with a tanner [named] Simon. 10 

Cornelius Sends for Peter

At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was called [the] Italian Regiment. 2 [He and] all his household [were] devout and God-fearing He gave generously to the people and prayed to God regularly 3 [One] day at about the ninth hour,[fn] he had a clear vision of an angel of God who came to him and said“Cornelius!”

[Cornelius] stared at him vvv in fear and asked,“What is it, Lord?”

[The angel] answered“Your prayers and gifts to the poor have ascended as a memorial [ offering ] before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to call for Simon[fn] who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon [the] tanner, whose house is by [the] sea.[fn]”

When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants 8 He explained what had happened [and] sent them to Joppa.

Peter’s Vision

(Leviticus 11:1–47, Deuteronomy 14:1–21)

The next day at about the sixth hour,[fn] as [the men] were approaching the city on their journey, Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted [something] to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

He saw heaven open and something like a large sheet vvv being let down to earth to him, bound at its four corners.[fn] 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, and reptiles as well as birds of the air. 13 Then a voice said to him:“Get up, Peter, kill and eat!”

“No, Lord!” Peter answered. vvv I have never eaten anything impure[fn] or unclean.”

[The] voice [spoke] to him a second time:“vvv Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

This happened three times, and again[fn] the [sheet] was taken back up into heaven.

Peter Called to Caesarea

While Peter was puzzling over vvv the meaning of the vision the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house [and] approached the gate. 18 They called out to ask if Simon called Peter was staying [there].

As Peter continued to reflect on the vision, the Spirit said to him,“Behold, men[fn] are looking for you. 20 So get up! Go downstairs and accompany them without hesitation, because I have sent them.”

[So] Peter went down to the men[fn] [and] said,“Here am I, the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”

“Cornelius [the] centurion [ has sent us ],” they said.“[He is] a righteous and God-fearing man [with] a good reputation among the whole vvv Jewish nation. A holy angel[fn] instructed [him] to request your presence in his home [so he could] hear a message from you.”

So Peter invited them in as his guests. And the next day he went[fn] with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from Joppa.

Peter Visits Cornelius

The following day they arrived[fn] in Caesarea, [where] Cornelius was expecting them [and] had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter was about to enter, Cornelius met him [and] fell at [his] feet to worship [him]. 26 But Peter helped him up“Stand up,” he said,“I am [only] a man myself.”

[As] [Peter] talked with him, he went inside and found many [people] gathered together. 28 He said to them,“You know how unlawful it is vvv for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit [him]. But God has shown me [that] vvv I should not call [any] man impure or unclean. 29 So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”

Cornelius answered:“Four days ago I was in my house fasting and[fn] praying at this, the ninth hour. Suddenly a man in radiant clothing stood before me 31 and said,‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God. 32 Therefore send to Joppa for Simon, who is called Peter. He is a guest in [the] home of Simon [the] tanner, by [the] sea. He will speak to you when he arrives.[fn]’

So I sent for you immediately, and you were kind enough to come. Now then, we {are} all here in the presence of God to listen to everything God[fn] has instructed you [to tell us].”

Good News for the Gentiles

Then Peter began to speak“I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, 35 but vvv welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right. 36 He has sent [this] message to the people of Israel, proclaiming the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ, [who] is Lord of all.

You yourselves know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee with the baptism that John proclaimed: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with [the] Holy Spirit and with power, [and] how [Jesus] went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him.

We are witnesses of all that He did, both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And although vvv they put [Him] to death by hanging [Him] on a tree, 40 God raised [Him] up on the third day and caused Him to be seen — 41 not by all the people, but by the witnesses God had chosen beforehand, by us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from [the] dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He is the [One] appointed by God to judge [the] living and [the] dead. 43 All the prophets testify about Him [that] everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

The Gentiles Receive the Holy Spirit

(Acts 19:1–7)

[While] Peter vvv was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard [his] message. 45 All[fn] the circumcised believers [who] had accompanied Peter were astounded that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and exalting God.

Then Peter said, 47 “Can anyone withhold the water vvv to baptize these [people]? [They] have received the Holy Spirit just as we [have]!” 48 So he ordered that vvv they be baptized in the name of the Lord.[fn] Then they asked him to stay [for a few] days. 11 

Peter’s Report at Jerusalem

The apostles and brothers vvv throughout Judea soon heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 [So] when Peter went up to Jerusalem, vvv vvv [the] circumcised [believers][fn] took issue with him 3 [and] said“You visited vvv uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

But Peter began [and] explained to them the whole sequence of events 5 “I was in [the] city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision [of] something like a large sheet vvv being let down from heaven by [its] four corners, and it came right down to me. 6 I looked at it {closely} [and] saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air. 7 Then I heard a voice saying to me,‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat.’

‘No, Lord,’ I said,‘for nothing impure[fn] or unclean has {ever} entered my mouth.’

But the voice spoke to me[fn] from heaven a second [time],‘vvv Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’

This happened three times, and everything was drawn back up into heaven.

Just then three men sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house vvv [where] I was [staying]. 12 The Spirit told me to accompany them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s home. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying,‘Send men[fn] to Joppa [for] Simon who is called Peter. 14 [He] will convey to you a message by which you and all your household will be saved.’

[As] I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, just as [He had fallen] upon us at [the] beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said,‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with [the] Holy Spirit.’[fn] 17 So if God gave them the same gift [He gave] us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ,[fn] who was I to hinder [the work of] God?”

[When] they heard [this], they had no further [objections], and they glorified God, saying,“So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life.”

The Church at Antioch

Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews 20 But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks,[fn] proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 [The] hand of [the] Lord was with them, and [a] great number [of people] believed [and][fn] turned to the Lord.

[When] news of this [reached] the ears of the church in Jerusalem, they sent out Barnabas, that he should go to Antioch.[fn] 23 [When] he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to abide in the Lord with all their hearts. 24 [Barnabas] was a good man, full of [the] Holy Spirit and faith, and a great [number of people] were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and [when] he found [him], he brought him back to Antioch. [So] [for] a full year they met together with the church and taught large [numbers of people]. The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.

In those days [some] prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up [and] predicted through the Spirit [that] a great famine would sweep across the whole world.[fn] ( [This] happened under Claudius Caesar[fn].) 29 [So] the disciples, each according to his ability, decided to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending [their gifts] to the elders with Barnabas and Saul. 12 

James Killed, Peter Imprisoned

About that time, King Herod[fn] reached out to harm[fn] some who belonged to the church. 2 {He had} James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword.

And seeing that [this] pleased the Jews, [Herod] proceeded to seize Peter vvv during the Feast of Unleavened [Bread].[fn] 4 He arrested [him] and put [him] in prison, handing [him] over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers [each]. [Herod] intended to bring him out to the people after the Passover.

The Rescue of Peter

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly[fn] praying to God for him.

On [the] night [before] Herod was to bring him [to trial] Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, with sentries standing guard at the entrance to the prison. 7 Suddenly an angel of [the] Lord appeared and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side [and] woke him up saying,“Get up vvv quickly.” And the chains fell off [his] wrists. 8 “Get dressed and put on your sandals,” said the angel Peter did so, and [the angel] told him,“Wrap your cloak {around you} and follow me.”

[So] [Peter] followed him out, [but] vvv he was unaware that what the angel was doing was real. He thought vvv he was only seeing a vision. 10 They passed [the] first and second guards [and] came to the iron gate leading to the city, which opened for them by itself. [When] they had gone outside [and] walked the length of one block, the angel suddenly left him.

Then Peter came to himself [and] said,“Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and [from] everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”

And [when] he had realized [this], he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, [also] called Mark, where many [people] vvv had gathered together and were praying. 13 Peter[fn] knocked [at] the vvv vvv outer gate, [and] a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer [it]. 14 When she recognized Peter’s voice, vvv vvv she was so overjoyed [that] vvv she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside [and] announced“Peter is standing at the gate!”

“You are out of your mind,” they told her. But [when] she kept insisting [it] was so, they said,“It must be his angel.”

But Peter kept on knocking, and [when] they opened [the door] [and] saw him, they were astounded. 17 [Peter] motioned with [his] hand for silence, [and] he described how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.“Send word to James and to the brothers,” he said, and he left for another place.

At daybreak there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become [of] Peter. 19 [After] Herod had searched for him vvv vvv [unsuccessfully], he examined the guards [and] ordered that they be executed. Then he went down from Judea to Caesarea [and] spent some time [there].

The Death of Herod

Now Herod was in a furious dispute[fn] [with the] people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s vvv vvv chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s [country] for food. 21 On the appointed day, Herod donned [his] royal [robes], sat on [his] throne, [and] addressed [the people]. 22 And [they] began to shout,“[This is the] voice of a god, not a man!”

Immediately because vvv [Herod] did not give glory to God, an angel of [the] Lord struck him {down}, and he was eaten by worms [and] died.

But the word of God[fn] continued to spread and multiply.

[When] Barnabas and Saul had fulfilled [their] mission to Jerusalem, they returned,[fn] bringing with [them] John, [also] called Mark. 13 

Paul’s First Missionary Journey Begins

(Acts 15:36–41, Acts 18:23–28)

Now in the church at Antioch there were certain[fn] prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen ( who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch ), and Saul. 2 [While] they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,“Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid [their] hands on them [and] sent [them] off.

On Cyprus

So [Barnabas and Saul], sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. 5 [When] they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the vvv Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper.

They traveled through the island[fn] as far as Paphos, [where] they found a Jewish sorcerer [and] false prophet vvv named Bar-Jesus, 7 vvv an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. [The proconsul], a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them [and] tried to turn the proconsul from the faith.

Then Saul, who [was] also [called] Paul, filled with [the] Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas 10 and said,“O child of [the] devil [and] enemy of all righteousness, [you are] full of all kinds of deceit and trickery! vvv Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? 11 vvv Now look, [the] hand of the Lord [is] against you, and for a time you will be blind [and] vvv unable to see the light of the sun.” Immediately mist and darkness fell[fn] over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead [him] by the hand.

[When] the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was astonished at the teaching about the Lord.

In Pisidian Antioch

After setting sail from Paphos, Paul [and] his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, [where] John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14 And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath [and] sat down. 15 After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them vvv“Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”

Paul stood up, motioned with [his] hand, [and] began to speak:“Men [of] Israel and [you Gentiles] who fear God, listen [to me]! 17 The God of the people[fn] chose our fathers. He made them into a great people during [their] stay in Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out of [that land]. 18 He endured their conduct for about forty years in the wilderness. 19 And having vanquished seven nations in Canaan, {He gave} their land [to His people] as their inheritance 20 [All this took about] 450 {} years.

After this, [God] gave [them] judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. 21 Then [the people] asked for a king, and God gave them Saul son of Kish, from [the] tribe of Benjamin, [who ruled] forty years. 22 [After] removing [Saul], He raised up David as their king and vvv testified [about him]:‘I have found David [son] of Jesse a man after My [own] heart; [he] will carry out My will in its entirety.’[fn]

From the descendants of this [man], God has brought to Israel salvation,[fn] as He promised. 24 Before the arrival of [Jesus], John preached a baptism of repentance to Israel.[fn] 25 As John was completing [his] course, he said,‘Who do you suppose I am? I am not [that One]. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’[fn]

vvv Brothers, children of Abraham and you [ Gentiles ] who fear God, [it is] to you[fn] [that] this message of salvation has been sent. 27 The [people] of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize [Jesus], yet in condemning [Him] they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. 28 And though they found no ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed

When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took [Him] down from the tree [and] laid [Him] in a tomb. 30 But God raised Him from [the] dead, 31 [and] for many days [He] was seen by those who had accompanied Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. [They] are[fn] His witnesses to [our] people.

And now we proclaim to you the good news [What God] promised [our] fathers 33 [He] has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus vvv As it is written in the second Psalm:

‘You are My Son;

today I have become Your Father

In fact, [God] raised Him from [the] dead, never to see decay. As He has said

‘I will give you the holy [and] sure [blessings] [promised to] David.’[fn]

So also, He says in another [Psalm]: vvv

‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’[fn]

For [when] David had served vvv God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. [His body] was buried with his fathers and saw decay. 37 But the [One] whom God raised from the dead vvv did not see decay.

Therefore let it be known to you, vvv brothers, that through [Jesus] [the] forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. 39 Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything from which vvv you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Watch out, then, that vvv what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you:[fn]

‘Look, [you] scoffers,

wonder and perish!

For I am doing a work in your days

[that] vvv vvv you would never believe,

even if someone told you.’[fn]”

A Light for the Gentiles

(Isaiah 49:1–6)

[As] the Jews were leaving the synagogue, the Gentiles urged[fn] [Paul and Barnabas] to continue [this] message on the next Sabbath. 43 [After] the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them [and] urged them to continue in the grace of God.

On the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of God.[fn] 45 But [when] the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and {they} blasphemously opposed and contradicted[fn] what vvv Paul was saying.

Then Paul and Barnabas answered [them] boldly“It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and vvv do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, vvv we now turn to the Gentiles. 47 For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

‘I have made you a light for [the] Gentiles,

to bring salvation to [the] ends of the earth.’[fn]”

[When] the Gentiles heard [this], they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord spread throughout [that] region.

The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district. 51 [So] they shook the dust {off} their feet [in protest] against them [and] went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and [with the] Holy Spirit. 14 

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium

At Iconium, [Paul and Barnabas] went as usual into the vvv Jewish synagogue, [where] they spoke so [ well ] that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned [their] minds against the brothers. 3 So [Paul and Barnabas] spent considerable time {there}, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling vvv vvv vvv them to perform signs and wonders.

The people of the city were divided. [Some] sided with the Jews, and [others] with the apostles. 5 But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, vvv set out to mistreat and stone them, 6 they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, 7 where they continued to preach the gospel.

The Visit to Lystra and Derbe

In Lystra there sat a man crippled in [his] feet, who was lame from birth [and] {had} never walked. 9 This [man] was listening to the words of Paul, who looked intently at him and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10 In a loud voice [Paul] called out,“Stand up on your feet!” And [the man] jumped up and began to walk.

[When] the crowds saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices in the Lycaonian language“The gods have come down to us in human form 12 Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul [they called] Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of Zeus, [whose temple] was just outside their city,[fn] brought bulls and wreaths to the [city] gates, hoping to offer a sacrifice along with the crowds.

But [when] the apostles Barnabas and Paul found out about this, they tore their clothes [and] rushed into the crowd, shouting, 15 “Men, why are you doing this? We too are [only] men, human like you. We are bringing you good news that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and vvv everything in them. 16 In past generations, [He] let all nations go their [own] way. 17 Yet vvv He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you[fn] rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our[fn] hearts with food and gladness.”

Even with these words, vvv [Paul and Barnabas] could hardly stop the crowds from vvv sacrificing to them.

Then [some] Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul [and] dragged [him] outside the city, presuming he was dead. 20 But [after] the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.

Strengthening the Disciples

They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples [Then] they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples [and] encouraging [them] to continue in the faith.“We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” [they said].

[Paul and Barnabas] appointed elders for them in each church, praying [and] fasting as they entrusted them to the Lord, in whom they had believed.

[After] passing through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And [when] they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

From [Attalia] they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work they had just completed. 27 [When] they arrived, they gathered the church {together} [and] reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened [the] door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they spent vvv a long time there[fn] with the disciples. 15 

The Dispute over Circumcision

Then some men came down from Judea [and] were teaching the brothers“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, vvv you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore after[fn] engaging vvv [these men] vvv in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other [ believers ] to go up to Jerusalem to [see] the apostles and elders about this question.

Sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia[fn] and Samaria, recounting the conversion of the Gentiles and bringing great joy to all the brothers. 4 [On] their arrival in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and apostles and elders, [to whom] they reported all that God had done through them.[fn]

The Council at Jerusalem

(Amos 9:11–15, Galatians 2:1–10)

But some believers from the party of the Pharisees stood up [and] declared“[The Gentiles] must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.” 6 [So] the apostles and elders met to look into this matter.

After much debate,[fn] Peter got up [and] said to them, vvv“Brothers, you know that in [the] early days God made a choice among us[fn] [that] the Gentiles would hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, showed His approval by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as [He did] to us. 9 vvv He made no distinction between us and them, [for] He cleansed their hearts by faith.

Now then, why do you test God by placing on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? 11 On the contrary, we believe [it is] through the grace of [the] Lord Jesus[fn] [that] we are saved, vvv vvv just as they [are].”

The whole assembly fell silent [as they] listened to Barnabas and Paul describing [the] signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. 13 When they had finished speaking, James declared“vvv Brothers, listen to me! 14 Simon[fn] has told us how God first visited [the Gentiles] to take from [them] a people [to be] His [own]. 15 The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:

‘After [this] I will return and rebuild

the fallen tent of David.

Its ruins I will rebuild,

and I will restore it

so that the remnant of men vvv may seek the Lord,

and all the Gentiles who are called by My name

says [the] Lord who does all these things.’[fn]

Known for ages to God are all His works.[fn]

[It is] my judgment, therefore, vvv that we should not cause trouble for the Gentiles [who] are turning to God. 20 Instead, we should write [ and tell] them to abstain from [ food ] polluted by idols, [from] sexual immorality, [from] the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. 21 For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times [and] is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

The Letter to the Gentile Believers

Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to select men from among them to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. [They chose] Judas called Barsabbas[fn] and Silas, [two] leaders among the brothers, 23 [and sent them with] vvv vvv vvv this letter:

The apostles, elders, and brothers,[fn]

To the brothers among [the] Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia:

Greetings.

It has come to our attention that some went out from us vvv vvv without our authorization [and] unsettled you, troubling your minds vvv by saying [that you must] be circumcised and keep the law.[fn] 25 [So] we all agreed to send chosen men[fn] to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to tell you vvv [in person] the same things [we are writing].

It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not vvv to burden you [with anything] beyond these essential requirements: 29 [You must] abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.

The Believers at Antioch Rejoice

So [the men] were sent off [and] went[fn] to Antioch, [where] they assembled the congregation [and] delivered the letter. 31 [When] [the people] read [it], they rejoiced at [its] encouraging message.

Judas and Silas, [who] themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. 33 After spending some time [there], they were sent off by the brothers in peace to [return to] the apostles.[fn] 34  35 But Paul and Barnabas remained at Antioch, along with many others, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord.

Paul’s Second Missionary Journey Begins

(Acts 13:1–3, Acts 18:23–28)

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, Let us go back [and] visit our brothers[fn] in every town vvv where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, [ to see ] how they are doing.” 37 Barnabas wanted to take John called[fn] Mark. 38 But Paul thought it best not to take him, [because] he had deserted them in Pamphylia and vvv had not accompanied them in the work.

vvv Their disagreement was so sharp that they parted vvv company. Barnabas took Mark [and] sailed for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas [and] left, commended by the brothers to the grace vvv of God.[fn] 41 And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 16 

Timothy Joins Paul and Silas

[Paul] came to Derbe and then to Lystra, [where] [he found] a disciple named Timothy, [the] son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father. 2 The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke well of [him]. 3 Paul wanted [Timothy] to accompany him, [so] he took [him] [and] circumcised him on account of the Jews in that area, for vvv they all knew that his father was a Greek.

As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for [the people] to obey. 5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew vvv daily in numbers.

Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian

[After] the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in [the province of] Asia,[fn] they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. 7 [And] when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, [but] the Spirit[fn] vvv would not permit them. 8 [So] they passed by Mysia [and] went down to Troas.

During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing [and] pleading with him“Come over to Macedonia [and] help us.” 10 As soon as [Paul] had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that the Lord[fn] had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Lydia’s Conversion in Philippi

(Revelation 2:18–29)

Therefore[fn] we sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis. 12 From there [we went] to [the Roman] colony of Philippi [the] leading city of [that] district of Macedonia.[fn] And vvv we stayed vvv vvv vvv [there] [several] days.

On the Sabbath we went outside the city[fn] along [the] river, where [it] was customary to find [a place of] prayer. [After] sitting down, we spoke to the women who had gathered [there].

Among those listening [was] a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple [cloth] from [the] city of Thyatira, [who was] a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. 15 And when [she] and her household had been baptized, she urged [us]“If you consider me vvv a believer in the Lord, come [and] stay at my house.” And she persuaded us.

Paul and Silas Imprisoned

One day as we were going to [the place of] prayer, we were met by a slave girl with a spirit of divination,[fn] who earned a large income for her masters by fortune-telling. 17 [This girl] followed Paul and [the rest of] us,[fn] shouting“These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to us[fn] [the] way of salvation!”

She continued this for many days. [Eventually] Paul grew so aggravated [that] he turned [and] said to the spirit,“In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!” And [the spirit] left her at that very moment.

[When] [the girl’s] owners saw that their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas [and] dragged [them] before the authorities in the marketplace. 20 They brought them to the magistrates [and] said,“These men are Jews [and] are throwing our city {into turmoil} 21 [by] promoting customs that vvv are unlawful for us Romans to adopt [or] practice.”

The crowd joined in the attack against [Paul and Silas], and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped [and] beaten with rods. 23 And after striking them with many blows, they threw [them] into prison [and] ordered the jailer to guard them securely. 24 On receiving [this] order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

The Conversion of the Jailer

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying [and] singing hymns to God, and the [other] prisoners were listening to them. 26 vvv Suddenly a strong earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors flew open and everyone’s chains came loose.

[When] the jailer vvv woke up and saw the prison doors open, he drew [his] sword [and] was about to kill himself, presuming that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul called out in a loud voice“Do not harm yourself! We are all here!”

Calling for lights, [the jailer] rushed in and vvv fell trembling {before} Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out [and] asked,“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied,“Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ[fn] and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 Then [Paul and Silas] spoke the word of the Lord[fn] to him [and] to everyone in his house. 33 At that hour of the night, [the jailer] took them [and] washed [their] wounds. And without delay, he and all his household were baptized. 34 Then he brought them into his home and set [a meal before them]. [So] {he} and all [his] household rejoiced that they had come to believe in God.

An Official Apology

[When] daylight came, the magistrates sent [their] officers with the order:“Release those men.”

The jailer informed Paul“The magistrates have sent orders to release you. Now vvv you may go on your way in peace.”

But Paul said to [the officers],“They beat us publicly without a trial [and] threw [us] into prison, [even though] we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not Let them come themselves and escort us out!”

[So] the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, [who] were alarmed to hear that [Paul and Silas] were Roman citizens. 39 They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city. 40 After [Paul and Silas] came out of the prison, they went to vvv Lydia’s house to see the brothers and encourage them. Then they left [ the city ]. 17 

The Uproar in Thessalonica

[When] they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was vvv a Jewish synagogue. 2 As was [his] custom, Paul went into [the synagogue], and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from [the] dead.“This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” [ he declared ]. 4 Some of [the Jews] were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and [quite] a few leading women.

The Jews, however, brought in some troublemakers they took from the marketplace,[fn] formed a mob, [and] sent the city into an uproar They raided Jason’s house in search of [Paul and Silas], [hoping] to bring them out to the people. 6 But when vvv they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting“These [men] who have turned vvv the world {upside down} have now come here, 7 [and] Jason has welcomed them into his home They {are} all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, [ named ] Jesus!”

On hearing this, the crowd and city officials were greatly disturbed. 9 And they collected bond from Jason and the others [and then] released them.

The Character of the Bereans

As soon as night [had fallen], the brothers sent Paul and Silas {away} to Berea. On arriving [there], they went into the Jewish synagogue. 11 Now [the Bereans] were more noble-minded than the vvv Thessalonians, [for] they received the message with great eagerness [and] examined the Scriptures vvv every day [to see] if these [teachings] were true.[fn] 12 As a result, many of them believed, along with [quite] a few prominent Greek women and men.

But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul vvv was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite[fn] the crowds. 14 vvv The brothers immediately sent Paul away as if[fn] to the [coast], but Silas and Timothy remained [in Berea]. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then [returned] with instructions for Silas and Timothy to [join] him as soon as possible.

Paul in Athens

[While] Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was deeply disturbed in his spirit to see that the city was full of idols. 17 So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing [Gentiles], and in the marketplace with those he met vvv each day.

Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also began to debate with him. Some [of them] asked,“What {is} this babbler trying to say?” Others [said],“He seems to be advocating foreign gods.” [They said this] because [Paul] was proclaiming the good news of Jesus and the resurrection.

So they took [Paul] [and] brought [him] to the Areopagus [where] they asked [him],“May we know what this new teaching [is] [that] you vvv are presenting? 20 For you are bringing some strange notions to our ears, [and] we want to know what [they] mean

Now all [the] Athenians and foreigners who lived there spent their time [doing] nothing [more] than hearing and articulating new [ideas].

Paul’s Address in the Areopagus

Then Paul stood up in [the] meeting[fn] of the Areopagus [and] said,“Men [of] Athens, I see that in every way you [are] very religious. 23 For as I walked around and examined your objects of worship, I even found an altar vvv with this inscription:

TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.

Therefore [Him] whom[fn] you worship as something unknown, I [now] proclaim to you.

The God who made the world and everything in it is [the] Lord of heaven and earth [and] {does} not live in temples made by [human] hands. 25 Nor is He served by [the] hands of men,[fn] as if He needed anything, [because] He Himself gives everyone life and breath and everything [else]. 26 From one blood[fn] He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined [their] appointed times and the boundaries of their lands.

The Lord [ intended that ] they would seek [Him][fn] vvv [and] perhaps reach out for Him and find [Him], though He is not far from each one of us. 28 ‘For in Him we live and move and have our being.’[fn] As some vvv of your [own] poets have said, We are [His] offspring.’[fn] 29 Therefore, being offspring of God, we should not think that the Divine Being is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by man’s skill and imagination.

Although God overlooked the ignorance of [earlier] times, vvv He now commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For He has set a day vvv when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof [of this] to everyone by raising Him from [the] dead.”

[When] they heard about [the] resurrection of [the] dead, some began to mock [him], but [others] said,“We want to hear you again on this [topic].” 33 At that Paul left vvv vvv [the Areopagus]. 34 But some joined him [and] believed, including Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others [who were] with them. 18 

Paul Ministers in Corinth

(1 Corinthians 1:1–3, 2 Corinthians 1:1–2)

After this, Paul left Athens [and] went to Corinth. 2 [There] he found a Jew named Aquila a native of Pontus, who {had} recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. [Paul] went to [ visit ] them, 3 and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers vvv by trade, [just as] he was.

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade Jews and Greeks alike. 5 And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was compelled by the Spirit,[fn] testifying to the Jews [that] Jesus [is] the Christ. 6 But [when] they opposed and insulted [him], he shook out [his] garments [and] told them,“Your blood [be] on your [own] heads! I [am] innocent [of it]. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

[So] [Paul] left the synagogue [and] went next door to [the] house of Justus,[fn] a worshiper of God. 8 Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his whole household believed in the Lord. And many of the Corinthians who heard [ the message ] believed and were baptized.

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision:“{Do} not be afraid; keep on speaking; {do} not be silent. 10 For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.” 11 [So] [Paul] stayed for a year and [a half] teaching the word of God among [the Corinthians].

Paul before Gallio

[While] Gallio [was] proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. 13 “This [man] is persuading the [people] to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said

But [just as] Paul was about to speak Gallio told the Jews,“If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, vvv it would be reasonable vvv for me to hear your [ complaint ]. 15 But since it is a dispute about words and names and vvv vvv your own law, settle [it] yourselves. For[fn] I refuse to be a judge of such things.” 16 And he drove them {away} from the judgment seat.

At this, all the Greeks[fn] seized Sosthenes the synagogue leader [and] beat [him] in front of the judgment seat. [But] none of this was of concern to Gallio.

Paul Returns to Antioch

Paul remained [in Corinth] for quite some time [before] saying goodbye to the brothers. {He had} [his] head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had [ made ], [and then] he sailed for Syria, vvv accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila.

[When] he reached[fn] Ephesus, [Paul] left [Priscilla and Aquila]. He himself went into the synagogue [there] [and] reasoned with the Jews. 20 [When] they asked [him] to stay with them[fn] for a while longer vvv he declined. 21 But as he left, he said,“I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but[fn] vvv I will come back to you [if] God is willing.” [And] he set sail from Ephesus.

[When Paul] had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church [ at Jerusalem ].[fn] [Then] he went down to Antioch.

Paul’s Third Missionary Journey Begins

(Acts 13:1–3, Acts 15:36–41)

[After] [Paul] had spent some time [in Antioch], he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, well versed in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord and was fervent in spirit. He spoke and taught accurately about the Lord,[fn] [though] he knew only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. [When] Aquila and Priscilla[fn] heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.

[When] [Apollos] resolved to cross over to Achaia, the brothers encouraged [him] [and] wrote to the disciples [there] to welcome him. On his arrival he {was a} great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he powerfully refuted the Jews in public [debate], proving from the Scriptures [that] Jesus is the Christ. 19 

The Holy Spirit Received at Ephesus

(Acts 10:44–48)

While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the interior [and] came to Ephesus. [There] he found some disciples 2 [and] asked them,“vvv Did you receive [the] Holy Spirit when you became believers?”

“No,” [they answered]“vvv we have not even heard that there is [a] Holy Spirit.”

“Into what, then, were you baptized?” [Paul] asked.

The baptism of John,” they replied.

Paul explained:“John’s baptism was indeed[fn] a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the [One] coming after him, that is, in Christ Jesus.[fn]”

On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And [when] Paul laid [his] hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7 There were about twelve men in all.

Paul Ministers in Ephesus

(Ephesians 1:1–2, Revelation 2:1–7)

Then [Paul] went into the synagogue [and] spoke boldly [there] for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9 But when some of them stubbornly refused to believe vvv vvv [and] publicly maligned the Way, [Paul] took [his] disciples [and] left [the synagogue] to conduct daily discussions in the lecture hall of a man [named] Tyrannus.[fn] 10 This continued for two years, so that everyone who lived in [the province of] Asia,[fn] Jews and Greeks alike, heard the word of the Lord Jesus.[fn]

God did vvv vvv extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs[fn] and aprons vvv vvv vvv that had touched him were brought[fn] to the sick, and the diseases and evil spirits left them.

Seven Sons of Sceva

Now [there were] some itinerant Jewish exorcists who tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits. They would say,“I command you [by] Jesus, whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this.

But [one day] the evil spirit responded“Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the man with the evil spirit jumped on them [and] overpowered [them].[fn] The attack was so violent that they ran out of the house naked and wounded.

This became known to all the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, and fear came over all of them. [So] the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many who had believed now came forward, confessing and disclosing their deeds. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought [their] books [and] burned [them] in front of everyone. [When] the value of [the books] was calculated, [the total came to] fifty thousand drachmas.[fn] 20 So the word of the Lord vvv powerfully continued to spread and prevail.

The Riot in Ephesus

After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit[fn] to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia.“After I have been there,” he said, I must see Rome as well.” 22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, [while] he stayed for a time in [the province of] Asia.

About that time there arose vvv a great disturbance[fn] about the Way. 24 [ It began with] a silversmith named Demetrius who made silver shrines of Artemis, bringing vvv much business[fn] to the craftsmen.

vvv [Demetrius] assembled [the craftsmen], along with the workmen in related trades.“Men,” he said,“you know that this business is our [source of] prosperity. 26 And you can see and hear that not only in Ephesus, but in nearly the whole [province of] Asia, this Paul has persuaded a great number of people to turn away. He says that man-made [gods] are no gods [at all]. 27 [There is] danger not only [that] our business will fall into disrepute, but also [that] the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited and her majesty deposed — [she] who is worshiped by all [ the province of ] Asia and the [whole] world.”

[When] [the men] heard [this], they were vvv enraged [and] began shouting“Great [is] Artemis of [the] Ephesians!” 29 [Soon] the whole city[fn] vvv was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with [them] Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia.

Paul wanted to go before the assembly, [but] the disciples vvv would not allow him. 31 Even some of [Paul’s] friends who were officials of [the province of] Asia[fn] sent word to him, begging him not to venture into the theatre.

Meanwhile the assembly was in turmoil. Some were shouting one thing [and some another], and most [of them] vvv did not [even] know why they were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander {forward},[fn] and [he] motioned for silence so he could make [his] defense to the people. 34 But when they realized that he was a Jew, they all shouted in unison for about two hours“Great [is] Artemis of [the] Ephesians!”

Finally the city clerk quieted the crowd [and] declared,“Men [of] Ephesus, doesn’t [everyone] know that the city of Ephesus is guardian of the temple of the great goddess[fn] Artemis and of [her image], which fell from heaven? 36 Since these things are undeniable, you vvv ought to be calm and vvv not do anything rash. 37 For you have brought these men {here}, [though they have] neither robbed [our] temple nor blasphemed your[fn] goddess.

So if Demetrius and vvv vvv his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against anyone, [the] courts are open and proconsuls are available. Let them bring charges against one another [ there ]. 39 But if you are seeking anything concerning other matters,[fn] it must be settled in a legal assembly. 40 For vvv we are in jeopardy of being charged with rioting for today’s [events], vvv vvv vvv [and] we have no justification to account for this commotion.”

[After] he had said [this], he dismissed the assembly. 20 

Paul in Macedonia and Greece

When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And[fn] he said goodbye [to them] [and] left for Macedonia. 2 [After] traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement he arrived in Greece, 3 [where] he stayed three months. [And when] the Jews formed a plot against him [as] he was about to sail for Syria, he decided[fn] to go back through Macedonia.

[Paul] was accompanied into [the province of] Asia[fn] by Sopater[fn] from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from [the province of] Asia. 5 These [men] went on ahead [and] waited for us in Troas. 6 And after the [Feast] of Unleavened Bread,[fn] we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.

Eutychus Revived at Troas

(2 Kings 4:18–37)

On the first [day] of the week, the disciples came together[fn] to break bread. [Since] Paul was ready to leave the next day, he talked to them and kept on speaking until midnight.

Now there were many lamps in the upper room where we were[fn] gathered. 9 And a certain young man named Eutychus, seated in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. 10 But Paul went down, threw [himself] on [the young man], and embraced [him].“{Do} not be alarmed!” he said. He is still alive

Then [Paul] went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. And after speaking vvv vvv until daybreak, he departed. 12 And vvv [the people] {were} greatly relieved to take the boy [home] alive.

From Troas to Miletus

We went to[fn] the ship [and] sailed to Assos, [where] we were to take Paul {aboard}. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot. 14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard [and] went on to Mitylene. 15 Sailing on from there, we arrived the next [day] opposite Chios. The [day] after that we arrived at Samos. And after remaining at Trogyllium,[fn] on the following [day] we came to Miletus.

Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to vvv avoid spending time in [the province of] Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible by the day of Pentecost.[fn]

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesians

From Miletus, [Paul] sent to Ephesus [for] the elders of the church.

When they came to him, he said“You know how I lived the whole time [I was] with you, from the first day I arrived in [the province of] Asia. 19 I served the Lord with great humility and with many tears,[fn] especially in the trials that came upon me through the plots of the Jews. 20 vvv I did not shrink back from declaring [anything] that was helpful to you [as] I taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying to Jews and Greeks alike {about} repentance to God and faith in our Lord Jesus.[fn]

And now, vvv compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me vvv [there]. 23 [I] only [know] that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns[fn] vvv that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course with joy[fn] and [ complete ] the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus — [ the ministry ] of testifying to the good news of vvv God’s grace.

Now I know that [none of] you among whom vvv I have preached the kingdom of God[fn] will see my face [again]. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I [am] innocent of the blood of all [men].[fn] 27 For vvv I did not shrink back vvv from declaring to you the whole will of God.

Therefore[fn] keep watch over yourselves and the entire flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of the Lord and of God,[fn] which He purchased with [His] own blood.[fn] 29 For I know this,[fn] that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you vvv and will not spare the flock. 30 Even from your own number, men will rise up [and] distort [the truth] to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore be alert [and] remember that for three years vvv I never stopped warning each [of you] night and day with tears.

And now I commit you, brothers,[fn] to God and to the word of His grace, which can build [you] up and give you an inheritance among all who are sanctified.

I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. 34 You yourselves know that these hands [of mine] have ministered to my [own] needs and [those of] my companions 35 In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

[When] [Paul] had said this, he knelt down with all of them [and] prayed. 37 They all vvv wept openly [as] they embraced Paul [and] kissed him. 38 They were especially grieved by vvv vvv his statement that they would [never] see his face [again]. Then they accompanied him to the ship. 21 

Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem

vvv vvv After we had torn ourselves away from them, we sailed directly to Cos, and the next [day] on to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded [it] [and] set sail. 3 [After] sighting Cyprus and passing south of it we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, [where] the ship was to unload [its] cargo.

We sought out disciples[fn] [in Tyre] [and] stayed [with them] seven days. Through the Spirit [they] kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 5 But when our time [there] had ended, we set out on our journey. All [the disciples], with [their] wives and children, accompanied us vvv out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray [with us]. 6 [And] after we had said our farewells we went aboard the ship, and they returned vvv vvv home.

[When] we had finished [our] voyage from Tyre, we landed at Ptolemais, [where] we greeted the brothers [and] stayed with them for a day.

Paul Visits Philip the Evangelist

Leaving the next day, Paul [and his] companions went on[fn] to Caesarea and vvv stayed at the home of Philip the evangelist, who was [one] of the Seven.[fn] 9 [He] had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his [own] feet and hands,[fn] [and] said, The Holy Spirit says:‘In this way the Jews of Jerusalem will bind the owner of this belt and hand [him] over to [the] Gentiles.’ ” 12 When we heard this, we and the [people] there pleaded with [Paul] not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered,“Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 [When] he vvv would not be dissuaded, we quieted down [and] said,“The vvv Lord’s will be done.”

After these days, we packed up [and] went on to Jerusalem. 16 [Some] of the disciples from Caesarea accompanied us, [and] they took us vvv vvv to stay at the home of Mnason [the] Cypriot, an early disciple.

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers welcomed us joyfully. 18 The next [day] Paul went in with us to [see] James, and all the elders were present. 19 [Paul] greeted them [and] recounted one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

When they heard [this], they glorified the Lord.[fn] [Then] they said to [Paul],“You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law. 21 But they are under the impression that you teach all [the] Jews who [live] among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise [their] children [or] observe [our] customs. 22 What then should [we do]? Certainly a multitude will gather, for[fn] they will hear that you have come.

Therefore do vvv what we advise you. There are four men with us vvv vvv who have taken a vow. 24 Take these [men], purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so {they can have} [their] heads shaved. Then everyone will know that there is no truth [to these] rumors about you, but [that] you also live in obedience to the law.

As for the Gentile believers, we have written [to them] our decision [that] they should observe no such thing, except that they[fn] must abstain from [food] sacrificed to idols, [from] blood, [from] the meat of strangled animals, and [from] sexual immorality.”

[So] the next day Paul took the men [and] purified himself along with them. [Then] he entered the temple to give notice of the date [when their] purification would be complete [and] the offering would be made for each of them.

Paul Seized at the Temple

When the seven days were almost over, [some] Jews from [the province of] Asia[fn] saw [Paul] at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him, 28 crying out,“Men [of] Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against [our] people and [against our] law and [against] this place. Furthermore he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.” 29 For they had seen[fn] Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, [and] they assumed that Paul had brought [him] into the temple.

The whole city was stirred up, and the people vvv rushed together. They seized Paul [and] dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut. 31 [While] they were trying to kill him, the commander of the [Roman] regiment[fn] received a report that all Jerusalem was in turmoil. 32 Immediately he took [some] soldiers and centurions [and] ran down to [the crowd]. [When the people] saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

The commander came up [and] arrested [Paul], ordering that he be bound with two chains. Then he asked who he was and what vvv he had done.

[Some] in the crowd were crying out[fn] one thing, [and] [some] another. And [since] vvv [the commander] could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that [Paul] be brought into the barracks. 35 When [Paul] reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob. 36 For the crowd that followed [him] kept shouting,“Away with him!”

Paul Addresses the Crowd

[As] they were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander,“vvv May I speak[fn] to you?”

“Do you speak Greek?” [he] replied. 38 Aren’t you the Egyptian who incited a rebellion some time ago and led four thousand members of the Assassins into the wilderness?”

But Paul answered,“I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen [of] no ordinary city. Now I beg you to allow me to speak to the people.”

vvv Having received permission, Paul stood on the steps [and] motioned to the crowd A great hush came over [the crowd], [and] he addressed [them] in Hebrew 22 

Paul’s Defense to the Crowd

(Acts 9:1–19, Acts 26:1–23)

“vvv Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense before you.” 2 [When] they heard him speak to them vvv in Hebrew they became even more quiet.

Then [Paul] declared, 3 “I am indeed[fn] a Jew born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was {just as} zealous for God as any of you are today.

[I] persecuted this Way even to the death, detaining both men and women and throwing them into prison, 5 as the high priest and the whole Council can testify about me. vvv I even obtained letters from them to [their] brothers in Damascus, [and] I was on my way to apprehend [these people] and bring [them] to Jerusalem to be punished.

About noon [as] I vvv vvv was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me. 7 I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me,‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?’

‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked.

‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied 9 My companions saw the light and were terrified,[fn] but vvv they could not understand the voice of the [One] speaking to me.

Then I asked,‘What should I do, Lord?’

‘Get up [and] go into Damascus,’ [He] told me.‘There you will be told all that you have been appointed to do.’

Because the brilliance of the light vvv had blinded me my companions vvv led me by the hand into Damascus. 12 [There][fn] a man [named] Ananias, a devout observer of the law [who was] highly regarded by all the Jews living there, 13 came and stood beside me.‘Brother Saul,’ he said‘receive your sight.’ And at that [moment] I could see him.

Then he said,‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One and to hear [His] voice 15 You will be His witness to everyone of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins {away}, calling on the name of the Lord.[fn]’

Later [when] I had returned to Jerusalem and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance 18 and saw [the Lord][fn] saying to me,‘Hurry! Leave Jerusalem vvv quickly, because vvv [the people here] will not accept your testimony about Me.’

‘Lord,’ I answered,‘vvv they know very well that in one synagogue after another I vvv imprisoned and beat those who believed in You. 20 And when the blood of Your witness[fn] Stephen was shed, I vvv stood there vvv giving my approval to his death[fn] [and] watching over the garments of those who killed him.’

Then He said to me,‘Go! I will send you far away to [the] Gentiles.’ ”

Paul the Roman Citizen

[The crowd] listened to [Paul] until he made this statement Then they lifted up their voices [and] shouted,“Rid the earth of [him]! vvv He is not fit to live!”

[As] they were crying out[fn] and throwing off [their] cloaks and tossing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that [Paul] be brought into the barracks. He directed that [Paul] be flogged and interrogated to determine vvv the reason for this outcry against him.

But as he stretched him out[fn] vvv to strap him down, Paul said to the centurion standing there,“vvv Is it lawful for you to flog a Roman citizen without a trial?”

[On] hearing [this], the centurion went [and] reported [it] to the commander.“Consider what you are about to do,”[fn] he said. This man is a Roman citizen.”

The commander went to [Paul] and asked,“Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes,” he answered.

“I paid a high price [for my] citizenship,” said the commander.

“But I vvv was born a citizen,” Paul replied.

At once those who were about to interrogate [Paul] stepped back and the commander [himself] was alarmed when he realized that vvv he had put a Roman citizen {in chains}.

The next day [the commander], wanting to learn the real reason [Paul] was accused by the Jews, released him from the bonds[fn] and ordered the chief priests and their whole Sanhedrin[fn] to assemble. Then he brought Paul {down} and had him stand before them. 23 

Paul before the Sanhedrin

Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin[fn] [and] said, vvv“Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.”

At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near [Paul] to strike him on the mouth.

Then Paul said to him,“God will strike [you], you whitewashed wall! You sit [here] to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.”

But those standing nearby said,“How dare you insult the high priest of God!”

“Brothers,” Paul replied,“vvv I was not aware that he was [the] high priest, for it is written:‘vvv Do not speak evil [about the] ruler of your people.’[fn]”

Then Paul, knowing that vvv some of them were Sadducees and others Pharisees,[fn] called out in the Sanhedrin, vvv“Brothers, I am a Pharisee, [the] son of a Pharisee. [It is] because of [my] hope in the resurrection of [the] dead [that] I am on trial.”

As soon as he had said [this], a dispute broke out between the Pharisees [and Sadducees],[fn] and the assembly was divided. 8 For [the] Sadducees say [that] there is neither a resurrection nor angels nor spirits, but [the] Pharisees acknowledge them all.

A great clamor arose, and some scribes from the party of the Pharisees got up [and] contended sharply“We find nothing wrong with this man. If a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, vvv let us not fight against God.[fn]” 10 [The] dispute grew so violent [that] the commander was afraid vvv they would tear Paul to pieces He ordered the soldiers to go down [and] remove him by force and bring [him] into the barracks.

The following night the Lord stood near [Paul] [and] said,“Take courage, Paul![fn] As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

The Plot to Kill Paul

(John 16:1–4)

When daylight came some of[fn] the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat [or] drink until they had killed Paul. 13 More than forty [of them] were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and elders [and] said,“We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath [not] to eat [anything] until we have killed Paul. 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin petition the commander to bring him down to you tomorrow[fn] on the pretext of examining his case more carefully. We are ready to kill him on the way

But [when] the son of Paul’s sister heard about the plot,[fn] he went into the barracks [and] told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions [and] said,“Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”

So [the centurion] took him to the commander and said,“Paul the prisoner sent [and] asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.”

The commander took [the young man] by the hand, drew [him] vvv aside, and asked,“What vvv vvv do you need to tell me?”

He answered,“The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul to the Sanhedrin tomorrow on the pretext of acquiring more information about him. 21 {Do} not {let} them persuade you, because more than forty men are waiting to ambush him. [They] have bound themselves with an oath not to eat [or] drink until they have killed him; they are ready now, awaiting vvv your consent.”

So the commander dismissed the young man and instructed [him],“Do not tell [anyone] that you have reported this to me.”

Paul Sent to Felix

Then he called two of [his] centurions [and] said,“Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night.[fn] 24 Provide mounts [for] Paul to take [him] safely to Governor Felix.” 25 [And] he wrote the following letter:

Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency, Governor Felix:

Greetings.

This man was seized by the Jews, and they were about to kill [him] when I came with [my] troops to rescue him. For I had learned that he is a Roman citizen, 28 and since I wanted to know[fn] [their] charges [against] him, I brought [him] down to their Sanhedrin. 29 I found that the accusation involved questions [about] their [own] law, [but] there was no charge worthy of death or imprisonment.

[When] I was informed that there was a plot by the Jews[fn] against the man, I sent [him] to you at once. vvv I also instructed [his] accusers to present [their case] against him before you. Farewell.[fn]

So the soldiers vvv vvv followed their orders [and] brought Paul by night to Antipatris. 32 The next day they returned to the barracks [and] let the horsemen go on with him. 33 [When the horsemen] arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him.

The governor read [the letter] and asked what province [Paul] was from. Learning that [he was] from Cilicia, 35 he said,“I will hear your case when your accusers arrive Then he ordered that [Paul] be kept under guard in Herod’s Praetorium. 24 

Tertullus Prosecutes Paul

Five days later the high priest Ananias came down with the elders[fn] and a lawyer[fn] [named] Tertullus, who presented to the governor {their case} against Paul.

[When] [Paul] had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution“Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought worthy reforms[fn] to this nation. 3 In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge [this] with all gratitude. 4 But in order not to delay you any further, I beg your indulgence to hear us briefly.

We have found this man [to be] a pestilence, stirring up dissension among the Jews all over the world. [He is] a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, 6 [and he] even tried to desecrate the temple; [so] we seized [him].[fn] 7  8 By examining him yourself, you will be able to learn [the truth] about all our charges [against] him.”

The Jews vvv concurred, asserting that these [charges] were true.

Paul’s Defense to Felix

[When] the governor motioned for [Paul] to speak, [he] began his response:“Knowing that you have been a judge[fn] over this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense 11 You can verify {for yourself} that no more than twelve days ago I went up to worship in Jerusalem.[fn] 12 Yet [my accusers] did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues [or] in the city. 13 Nor can they prove[fn] [any of] vvv vvv their charges against me.

I do confess to you, however, that I worship the God of our fathers according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is written throughout the Law and the Prophets,[fn] 15 [and] I have [the same] hope in God that they themselves cherish, [that] there will be a resurrection of the dead—[fn] of both [the] righteous and [the] wicked. 16 In this [hope], vvv I strive always to maintain a clear conscience before God and man.

After several years, then, I returned [ to Jerusalem ] to bring alms to my people and to present offerings. 18 At the time they found me in the temple, I was ceremonially clean vvv [and] was not {inciting} [a] crowd [or] vvv an uproar. [But there are] some Jews from [the province of] Asia[fn] 19 who ought to appear before you and bring charges, if they have anything against me. 20 Otherwise let [these men] state for themselves any crime they found in me[fn] when I stood before the Sanhedrin,[fn] 21 unless [it was] this one thing I called out as I stood in their [presence]‘[It is] concerning [the] resurrection of [the] dead [that] I am being tried by[fn] you today.’ ”

The Verdict Postponed

On hearing these things[fn] Felix, vvv who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the hearing [and] said,“When Lysias the commander comes, I will decide vvv vvv your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard [but] to allow him some freedom and vvv permit his [friends] to come and[fn] minister to his [needs].

After vvv several days, Felix returned with [his] wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess. He sent for Paul and listened to him [speak] about faith in Christ.[fn] 25 [As] [Paul] expounded on righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment, Felix became frightened [and] said,“You may go for now. [When] I find the time, I will call for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe to release him.[fn] So he sent for [Paul] frequently [and] talked with him.

[After] two years had passed, Felix vvv was succeeded by Porcius Festus. And wishing to do the Jews a favor Felix left Paul in prison. 25 

Paul’s Trial before Festus

Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem, 2 [where] the high priest[fn] and vvv Jewish leaders presented their case against Paul. They urged [Festus] 3 to grant them a concession against [Paul] by summoning him to Jerusalem, [ because ] they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.

But Festus replied, Paul is being held in Caesarea, and [I myself] am going there vvv soon. 5 So if [this] man has done anything wrong, {let} some of your leaders come down with me and accuse him [there].”

[After] spending more than ten days[fn] with them, [Festus] went down to Caesarea. The next day he sat on the judgment seat [and] ordered that Paul be brought in. 7 [When] [Paul] arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around [him], laying against Paul many[fn] serious charges that vvv they could not prove.

[Then Paul] made his defense“I have committed no offense against the law of the Jews [or] against the temple [or] against Caesar.”

But Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor said to Paul,“Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem to stand trial before[fn] me on these [charges]?”

Paul Appeals to Caesar

Paul replied,“I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to [the] Jews, as you [yourself] know very well. 11 If, however I am guilty [of] anything worthy of death, vvv I do not refuse to die. But if there is no [truth] to their accusations against me, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

Then Festus conferred with [his] council [and] replied,“You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Festus Consults Agrippa

[After] several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since he was staying[fn] several days, Festus laid out vvv vvv vvv Paul’s case before the king“There is a certain man [whom] Felix left in prison. 15 While I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews presented their case [and] requested a judgment against him. 16 I told [them] that it is not [the] Roman custom to hand a man {over} to die[fn] before [he] has had [an] opportunity to face [his] accusers and defend himself against [their] charges.

So [when] they came here {with me}, I did not delay. The next [day] I sat on the judgment seat [and] ordered that the man be brought in. 18 vvv [But when his] accusers rose to speak, vvv vvv they did not charge [him] with anything[fn] I had expected. 19 vvv They only had some contentions with him regarding [their] own religion and a certain Jesus [who] had died, [but] whom Paul affirmed to be alive.

[Since] I was at a loss as to how to investigate this matter,[fn] I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem and be tried {there} on these [charges]. 21 But [when] Paul appealed to be held over for the decision of the Emperor, I ordered that he be held until I could send him to Caesar.”

Then Agrippa [said] to Festus,“I would like to hear [this] man myself.”

“Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus declared.

Paul before Agrippa and Bernice

The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great pomp and entered the auditorium, along with [the] commanders and vvv leading men of the city. And Festus ordered that Paul be brought in.

Then Festus said,“King Agrippa and all [who] are present with us, you see this [man]. The whole vvv Jewish community has petitioned me about [him], both here and in Jerusalem, crying out [that] he ought not to live [any] longer. 25 But I found he had done nothing worthy of death, and since he vvv has now appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send [him].

I have nothing definite to write to [our] sovereign about him Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after this inquiry I may have something to write 27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send on a prisoner without specifying the charges against him.” 26 

Paul’s Testimony to Agrippa

(Acts 9:1–19, Acts 22:1–21)

Agrippa said to Paul,“You have permission to speak for yourself.”

Then Paul stretched out [his] hand [and] began his defense: 2 “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today to defend myself against all vvv the accusations of [the] Jews, 3 especially [since] you[fn] are acquainted with all the vvv Jewish customs and controversies. I beg you, therefore, to listen to me patiently.

Surely all the Jews know vvv vvv how I have lived from [my] earliest childhood among my own people[fn] in Jerusalem. 5 They have known me for a long time [and] can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, adhering to the strictest sect of our religion.

And now I stand on trial because of [my] hope in the promise [that] God made to [our] fathers, 7 [ the promise ] our twelve tribes are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve [ God ] day and night. [It is] because of [this] hope, O King Agrippa,[fn] [that] I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why {would} any of you consider it incredible that God raises [the] dead?

So then I [too] was convinced that I ought to do all [I could] to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 And [that] is what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison, and [when] they were condemned to death, I cast my vote against [them] 11 vvv vvv I frequently had them punished in the synagogues, [and] I tried to make [them] blaspheme. In my raging fury against them, {I} even [went] to foreign cities to persecute [them].

In this [pursuit] I was on my way to Damascus with [the] authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon O king, [as I was] on the road, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun, shining around me and my companions 14 We all fell to the ground, [and] I heard a voice say to me in Hebrew‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me? [It is] hard for you to kick against [the] goads.’

‘Who are You, Lord?’ I asked.

‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ He replied.[fn] 16 ‘But get up and stand on your feet. For I have appeared to you to vvv appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen[fn] and what I will show you. 17 I will rescue you from [your own] people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to [them] 18 to open their eyes, so that they may turn[fn] from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, [that] they may receive forgiveness of sins and [an] inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’

So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20 First to those in Damascus and Jerusalem, then to everyone throughout the region[fn] of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, I declared that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds worthy [of their] repentance. 21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple [courts][fn] [and] tried to kill [me].

[But] I have had vvv vvv God’s help to this day, [and] I stand [here] to testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen: 23 that the Christ would suffer, [and as the] first to rise from [the] dead, would proclaim light to[fn] our people and to the Gentiles.”

Festus Interrupts Paul’s Defense

At this stage of [Paul’s] defense, Festus exclaimed in a loud voice,“You are insane, Paul! [Your] great learning is driving you to madness!”

But he answered vvv,[fn]“I am not insane, most excellent Festus; I am speaking words of truth and sobriety. 26 For the king knows about these [matters], and I can speak freely to [him]. vvv vvv I am confident that none of this has escaped his [notice], because [it] {was} not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you [do].”

Then Agrippa [said] to Paul,“Can you persuade me in such a short [time] to become a Christian?”

vvv vvv“Short [time] [or] vvv long,” Paul [replied],“I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”

When he had spoken these things,[fn] the king and the governor rose, along with Bernice and those seated with them. 31 On their way out, they said to one another“This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”

And Agrippa said to Festus,“This man could have been released if vvv he had not appealed to Caesar.” 27 

Paul Sails for Rome

When it was decided [that] we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, [who belonged to the] Imperial[fn] Regiment. 2 We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along [the coast of] Asia,[fn] [and] we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

The next [day] we landed at Sidon, and Julius treated Paul with consideration, allowing [him] to visit his[fn] friends [and] receive [their] care. 4 [After] putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. 5 And [when] we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. 6 There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy [and] put us on [board].

[After] sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. [When] the wind vvv impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. 8 [After] we had moved along the coast with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near [the] town of Lasea.

By now much time had passed, and the voyage vvv had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast.[fn] [So] Paul advised [them], 10 “Men, I can see that [our] voyage will be [filled] with disaster and great loss, not only to ship and cargo, but to our [own] lives as well.”

But contrary to Paul’s advice, the centurion was persuaded by the pilot and by the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority vvv decided to sail on, hoping that somehow they could reach Phoenix to winter [there]. [Phoenix was] a harbor in Crete facing [both] southwest and northwest.

The Storm at Sea

(Jonah 1:4–10)

[When] a {gentle} south wind began to blow, they thought they had [their] opportunity. [So] they weighed [anchor] [and] sailed along, hugging {the coast} of Crete. 14 But [it was] not long [before] a cyclone called the Northeaster[fn] swept down across [the island]. 15 vvv Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. [So] we gave way [and] let ourselves be driven along.

Passing to the lee of a small island called Clauda,[fn] we barely managed to secure the lifeboat. 17 After hoisting it up, [the crew] used ropes to undergird the ship. And fearing that they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[fn] [and] were driven along.

We were tossed so violently [that] the next [day] [the men] began to jettison the cargo. 19 On the third [day], we threw the vvv ship’s tackle {overboard} with [our] own hands.[fn] 20 [When] neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and vvv [the great] storm continued to batter us, we abandoned all hope of being saved.

[After] [the men] had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up among them [and] said,“Men, you should have followed my advice not to sail from Crete. Then [you would have averted] this disaster and loss. 22 [But] now I urge you to keep up your courage, because you will not experience [any] loss of life, but only of the ship. 23 For [just last] night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me 24 [and] said,‘{Do} not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you [the lives of] all who sail with you.’

So take courage, men, for I believe God that it will happen just vvv as He told me. 26 However, we must run aground on some island.”

The Shipwreck

[On] the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic Sea.[fn] About midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching vvv land. 28 They took soundings [and] found that [the water] [was] twenty fathoms [deep].[fn] Going a little farther, they took another set of soundings that read fifteen fathoms.[fn] 29 Fearing that we would run aground[fn] on [the] rocks they dropped four anchors from [the] stern [and] prayed for daybreak

Meanwhile, the sailors attempted to escape from the ship. Pretending to lower anchors from [the] bow, they let the lifeboat {down} into the sea. 31 [But] Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers,“Unless these [men] remain with the ship, you vvv cannot be saved.” 32 [So] the soldiers cut the ropes to the lifeboat and set it adrift.

Right up to daybreak Paul kept urging them all to eat“Today [is your] fourteenth day in constant suspense, vvv without taking any food 34 So for your[fn] [own] preservation, I urge you to eat something because not a single hair of your head will be lost.”

[After] he had said this, [Paul] took bread [and] gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke [it] [and] began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged and took [some] food themselves. 37 In all, there were 276 {} of us on [board]. 38 [After] [the men] had eaten their fill they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

When daylight came, vvv they did not recognize the land, but they sighted a bay with a sandy beach, vvv where they decided to run the ship {aground} if possible.[fn] 40 Cutting away the anchors, they left [them] in the sea as they loosened the ropes [that held] the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the [wind] [and] made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar [and] ran aground. The bow stuck fast vvv [and] would not move, and the stern was being broken up by the pounding of the waves.

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners so none of them could swim to freedom. 43 But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s [ life ], thwarted their vvv plan. He commanded those who could swim to jump overboard first [and] get to land. 44 The rest [were to follow] on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land. 28 

Ashore on Malta

[Once] we were safely ashore, we learned that the island was called Malta.[fn] 2 The islanders showed us vvv vvv extraordinary kindness. They kindled a fire [and] welcomed all of us because [it was] raining and cold.

Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid [them] on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened [itself] to his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the creature hanging from his hand, they said to one another,“Surely this man is a murderer. [Although he] was saved from the sea, Justice[fn] {has} not allowed [him] to live.” 5 But [Paul] shook the creature {off} into the fire [and] suffered no ill effects. 6 [The islanders] were expecting him to swell up or suddenly drop dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds [and] said he was a god.

Nearby stood an estate belonging to vvv Publius, [the] chief official of the island. [He] welcomed us [and] entertained [us] hospitably [for] three days. 8 The father of Publius was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to [see] [him], and after praying [and] placing [his] hands on him, he healed [the man]. 9 [After] this had happened, the rest of the vvv sick on the island came and were cured as well.

[The islanders] honored us in many ways and supplied [our] needs [when we were ready] to sail.

Paul Arrives in Italy

After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered in the island. It had the Twin Brothers[fn] as a figurehead. 12 Putting in at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13 From [there] we sailed around[fn] and came to Rhegium. After one day, a south wind came up, [and] on the second day we arrived at Puteoli. 14 [There] we found [some] brothers who invited us to spend [the week] with them. And so we came to Rome.

The brothers there had heard about us [and] traveled as far as [the] Forum of Appius[fn] and [the] Three Taverns[fn] to meet us. [When] Paul saw [them], vvv he was encouraged and gave thanks to God.

Paul Preaches at Rome

(Isaiah 6:1–13)

When we arrived in Rome, the centurion delivered up the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but[fn] Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him.

After three days, Paul[fn] called together the leaders of the Jews. [When] they had gathered, he said to them, vvv“Brothers, [although] I have done nothing against [our] people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem [and] handed over to the Romans. 18 [They] examined me [and] wanted to release [me], because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. 19 But [when] the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, [even though] I have no [charge] to bring against my nation. 20 So for this reason I have called to see you and speak with [you]. [It is] because of the hope of Israel [that] I am bound with this chain.”

[The leaders] replied“We have not received [any] letters about you from Judea, nor {have} any of the brothers [from there] reported or even mentioned anything bad about you. 22 But we consider vvv vvv vvv your views {worth} hearing, because we know that [people] everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

So they set a day to [meet with Paul], [and] many [people] came to [the place] he was staying. He expounded to [them] from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets.

Some [of them] were convinced by what he said, but [others] refused to believe. 25 vvv They disagreed among [themselves] [and] began to leave [after] Paul had made [this final] statement“The Holy Spirit was right when He spoke to our[fn] fathers through Isaiah the prophet:

‘Go to this people and say,

“You will be ever hearing [but] never understanding;

you will be ever seeing [but] never perceiving.”

For this people’s heart has grown callous;

they hardly hear with [their] ears,

and they have closed their eyes.

Otherwise they might see with [their] eyes,

hear with [their] ears,

understand with [their] hearts,

and turn, and I would heal them.’[fn]

Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

And when he had said these things, the Jews went away, vvv disputing sharply among themselves.[fn]

[Paul] stayed there two full years in his own rented house, welcoming all who came to [visit] him. 31 vvv vvv Boldly [and] freely he proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.