ACTS

Acts1Dear Theophilus: In my first book I

told you about everything Jesus beganto do and teach2until the day he ascended to heavenafter giving his chosen apostles furtherinstructions from the Holy Spirit.3During the forty days after hiscrucifixion, he appeared to the apostlesfrom time to time and proved to them inmany ways that he was actually alive.On these occasions he talked to themabout the Kingdom of God.4In one of these meetings as he waseating a meal with them, he told them,"Do not leave Jerusalem until the Fathersends you what he promised.Remember, I have told you about thisbefore.5John baptized with water, but in just afew days you will be baptized with theHoly Spirit."6When the apostles were with Jesus,they kept asking him, "Lord, are yougoing to free Israel now and restore ourkingdom?"7"The Father sets those dates," hereplied, "and they are not for you toknow.8But when the Holy Spirit has comeupon you, you will receive power andwill tell people about me everywhere--inJerusalem, throughout Judea, inSamaria, and to the ends of the earth."9It was not long after he said this that hewas taken up into the sky while theywere watching, and he disappeared intoa cloud.10As they were straining their eyes tosee him, two white-robed men suddenlystood there among them.11They said, "Men of Galilee, why areyou standing here staring at the sky?Jesus has been taken away from youinto heaven. And someday, just as yousaw him go, he will return!"12The apostles were at the Mount ofOlives when this happened, so theywalked the half mile back to Jerusalem.13Then they went to the upstairs room ofthe house where they were staying.Here is the list of those who werepresent: Peter, John, James, Andrew,Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew,James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (theZealot), and Judas (son of James).

14They all met together continually forprayer, along with Mary the mother ofJesus, several other women, and thebrothers of Jesus.15During this time, on a day when about120 believers were present, Peter stoodup and addressed them as follows:16"Brothers, it was necessary for theScriptures to be fulfilled concerningJudas, who guided the Temple police toarrest Jesus. This was predicted longago by the Holy Spirit, speaking throughKing David.17Judas was one of us, chosen to sharein the ministry with us."18(Judas bought a field with the moneyhe received for his treachery, and fallingthere, he burst open, spilling out hisintestines.19The news of his death spread rapidlyamong all the people of Jerusalem, andthey gave the place the Aramaic nameAkeldama, which means "Field ofBlood.")20Peter continued, "This was predictedin the book of Psalms, where it says,'Let his home become desolate, with noone living in it.' And again, 'Let hisposition be given to someone else.'21"So now we must choose another manto take Judas's place. It must besomeone who has been with us all thetime that we were with the Lord Jesus--22from the time he was baptized by Johnuntil the day he was taken from us intoheaven. Whoever is chosen will join usas a witness of Jesus' resurrection."23So they nominated two men: Josephcalled Barsabbas (also known asJustus) and Matthias.24Then they all prayed for the right manto be chosen. "O Lord," they said, "youknow every heart. Show us which ofthese men you have chosen25as an apostle to replace Judas thetraitor in this ministry, for he hasdeserted us and gone where hebelongs."26Then they cast lots, and in this wayMatthias was chosen and became anapostle with the other eleven.

2On the day of Pentecost, seven

weeks after Jesus' resurrection, thebelievers were meeting together in oneplace.2Suddenly, there was a sound fromheaven like the roaring of a mightywindstorm in the skies above them, and

ACTS

it filled the house where they weremeeting.3Then, what looked like flames ortongues of fire appeared and settled oneach of them.4And everyone present was filled withthe Holy Spirit and began speaking inother languages, as the Holy Spirit gavethem this ability.5Godly Jews from many nations wereliving in Jerusalem at that time.6When they heard this sound, they camerunning to see what it was all about, andthey were bewildered to hear their ownlanguages being spoken by thebelievers.7They were beside themselves withwonder. "How can this be?" theyexclaimed. "These people are all fromGalilee,8and yet we hear them speaking thelanguages of the lands where we wereborn!9Here we are--Parthians, Medes,Elamites, people from Mesopotamia,Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, theprovince of Asia,10Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and theareas of Libya toward Cyrene, visitorsfrom Rome (both Jews and converts toJudaism),11Cretans, and Arabians. And we allhear these people speaking in our ownlanguages about the wonderful thingsGod has done!"12They stood there amazed andperplexed. "What can this mean?" theyasked each other.13But others in the crowd were mocking."They're drunk, that's all!" they said.14Then Peter stepped forward with theeleven other apostles and shouted tothe crowd, "Listen carefully, all of you,fellow Jews and residents of Jerusalem!Make no mistake about this.15Some of you are saying these peopleare drunk. It isn't true! It's much tooearly for that. People don't get drunk bynine o'clock in the morning.16No, what you see this morning waspredicted centuries ago by the prophetJoel:17'In the last days, God said, I will pourout my Spirit upon all people. Your sonsand daughters will prophesy, your youngmen will see visions, and your old menwill dream dreams.18In those days I will pour out my Spiritupon all my servants, men and women

alike, and they will prophesy.19And I will cause wonders in theheavens above and signs on the earthbelow-- blood and fire and clouds ofsmoke.20The sun will be turned into darkness,and the moon will turn bloodred, beforethat great and glorious day of the Lordarrives.21And anyone who calls on the name ofthe Lord will be saved.'22"People of Israel, listen! God publiclyendorsed Jesus of Nazareth by doingwonderful miracles, wonders, and signsthrough him, as you well know.23But you followed God's prearrangedplan. With the help of lawless Gentiles,you nailed him to the cross andmurdered him.24However, God released him from thehorrors of death and raised him back tolife again, for death could not keep himin its grip.25King David said this about him: 'I knowthe Lord is always with me. I will not beshaken, for he is right beside me.26No wonder my heart is filled with joy,and my mouth shouts his praises! Mybody rests in hope.27For you will not leave my soul amongthe dead or allow your Holy One to rot inthe grave.28You have shown me the way of life,and you will give me wonderful joy inyour presence.'29"Dear brothers, think about this! Davidwasn't referring to himself when hespoke these words I have quoted, for hedied and was buried, and his tomb is stillhere among us.30But he was a prophet, and he knewGod had promised with an oath that oneof David's own descendants would sit onDavid's throne as the Messiah.31David was looking into the future andpredicting the Messiah's resurrection.He was saying that the Messiah wouldnot be left among the dead and that hisbody would not rot in the grave.32"This prophecy was speaking of Jesus,whom God raised from the dead, andwe all are witnesses of this.33Now he sits on the throne of highesthonor in heaven, at God's right hand.And the Father, as he had promised,gave him the Holy Spirit to pour outupon us, just as you see and hear today.34For David himself never ascended intoheaven, yet he said, 'The LORD said to

ACTS

my Lord, Sit in honor at my right hand35until I humble your enemies, makingthem a footstool under your feet.'36So let it be clearly known by everyonein Israel that God has made this Jesuswhom you crucified to be both Lord andMessiah!"37Peter's words convicted them deeply,and they said to him and to the otherapostles, "Brothers, what should wedo?"38Peter replied, "Each of you must turnfrom your sins and turn to God, and bebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ forthe forgiveness of your sins. Then youwill receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.39This promise is to you and to yourchildren, and even to the Gentiles --allwho have been called by the Lord ourGod."40Then Peter continued preaching for along time, strongly urging all hislisteners, "Save yourselves from thisgeneration that has gone astray!"41Those who believed what Peter saidwere baptized and added to the church--about three thousand in all.42They joined with the other believersand devoted themselves to the apostles'teaching and fellowship, sharing in theLord's Supper and in prayer.43A deep sense of awe came over themall, and the apostles performed manymiraculous signs and wonders.44And all the believers met togetherconstantly and shared everything theyhad.45They sold their possessions andshared the proceeds with those in need.46They worshiped together at theTemple each day, met in homes for theLord's Supper, and shared their mealswith great joy and generosity--47all the while praising God and enjoyingthe goodwill of all the people. And eachday the Lord added to their group thosewho were being saved.

3Peter and John went to the Temple

one afternoon to take part in the threeo'clock prayer service.2As they approached the Temple, a manlame from birth was being carried in.Each day he was put beside the Templegate, the one called the Beautiful Gate,so he could beg from the people goinginto the Temple.3When he saw Peter and John about toenter, he asked them for some money.

4Peter and John looked at him intently,and Peter said, "Look at us!"5The lame man looked at them eagerly,expecting a gift.6But Peter said, "I don't have any moneyfor you. But I'll give you what I have. Inthe name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,get up and walk!"7Then Peter took the lame man by theright hand and helped him up. And ashe did, the man's feet and ankleboneswere healed and strengthened.8He jumped up, stood on his feet, andbegan to walk! Then, walking, leaping,and praising God, he went into theTemple with them.9All the people saw him walking andheard him praising God.10When they realized he was the lamebeggar they had seen so often at theBeautiful Gate, they were absolutelyastounded!11They all rushed out to Solomon'sColonnade, where he was holding tightlyto Peter and John. Everyone stood therein awe of the wonderful thing that hadhappened.12Peter saw his opportunity andaddressed the crowd. "People of Israel,"he said, "what is so astounding aboutthis? And why look at us as though wehad made this man walk by our ownpower and godliness?13For it is the God of Abraham, the Godof Isaac, the God of Jacob, the God ofall our ancestors who has brought gloryto his servant Jesus by doing this. Thisis the same Jesus whom you handedover and rejected before Pilate, despitePilate's decision to release him.14You rejected this holy, righteous oneand instead demanded the release of amurderer.15You killed the author of life, but Godraised him to life. And we are witnessesof this fact!16"The name of Jesus has healed thisman--and you know how lame he wasbefore. Faith in Jesus' name has causedthis healing before your very eyes.17"Friends, I realize that what you did toJesus was done in ignorance; and thesame can be said of your leaders.18But God was fulfilling what all theprophets had declared about theMessiah beforehand--that he mustsuffer all these things.19Now turn from your sins and turn toGod, so you can be cleansed of your

ACTS

sins.20Then wonderful times of refreshmentwill come from the presence of the Lord,and he will send Jesus your Messiah toyou again.21For he must remain in heaven until thetime for the final restoration of all things,as God promised long ago through hisprophets.22Moses said, 'The Lord your God willraise up a Prophet like me from amongyour own people. Listen carefully toeverything he tells you.'23Then Moses said, 'Anyone who will notlisten to that Prophet will be cut off fromGod's people and utterly destroyed.'24"Starting with Samuel, every prophetspoke about what is happening today.25You are the children of those prophets,and you are included in the covenantGod promised to your ancestors. ForGod said to Abraham, 'Through yourdescendants all the families on earth willbe blessed.'26When God raised up his servant, hesent him first to you people of Israel, tobless you by turning each of you backfrom your sinful ways."

4While Peter and John were speaking

to the people, the leading priests, thecaptain of the Temple guard, and someof the Sadducees came over to them.2They were very disturbed that Peterand John were claiming, on the authorityof Jesus, that there is a resurrection ofthe dead.3They arrested them and, since it wasalready evening, jailed them untilmorning.4But many of the people who heard theirmessage believed it, so that the numberof believers totaled about five thousandmen, not counting women and children.5The next day the council of all therulers and elders and teachers ofreligious law met in Jerusalem.6Annas the high priest was there, alongwith Caiaphas, John, Alexander, andother relatives of the high priest.7They brought in the two disciples anddemanded, "By what power, or in whosename, have you done this?"8Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit,said to them, "Leaders and elders of ournation,9are we being questioned becausewe've done a good deed for a crippledman? Do you want to know how he was

healed?10Let me clearly state to you and to allthe people of Israel that he was healedin the name and power of Jesus Christfrom Nazareth, the man you crucified,but whom God raised from the dead.11For Jesus is the one referred to in theScriptures, where it says, 'The stonethat you builders rejected has nowbecome the cornerstone.'12There is salvation in no one else!There is no other name in all of heavenfor people to call on to save them."13The members of the council wereamazed when they saw the boldness ofPeter and John, for they could see thatthey were ordinary men who had had nospecial training. They also recognizedthem as men who had been with Jesus.14But since the man who had beenhealed was standing right there amongthem, the council had nothing to say.15So they sent Peter and John out of thecouncil chamber and conferred amongthemselves.16"What should we do with these men?"they asked each other. "We can't denythey have done a miraculous sign, andeverybody in Jerusalem knows about it.17But perhaps we can stop them fromspreading their propaganda. We'll warnthem not to speak to anyone in Jesus'name again."18So they called the apostles back inand told them never again to speak orteach about Jesus.19But Peter and John replied, "Do youthink God wants us to obey you ratherthan him?20We cannot stop telling about thewonderful things we have seen andheard."21The council then threatened themfurther, but they finally let them gobecause they didn't know how to punishthem without starting a riot. Foreveryone was praising God22for this miraculous sign--the healing ofa man who had been lame for morethan forty years.23As soon as they were freed, Peter andJohn found the other believers and toldthem what the leading priests and eldershad said.24Then all the believers were united asthey lifted their voices in prayer: "OSovereign Lord, Creator of heaven andearth, the sea, and everything in them--25you spoke long ago by the Holy Spirit

ACTS

through our ancestor King David, yourservant, saying, 'Why did the nationsrage? Why did the people waste theirtime with futile plans?26The kings of the earth prepared forbattle; the rulers gathered togetheragainst the Lord and against hisMessiah.'27"That is what has happened here inthis city! For Herod Antipas, PontiusPilate the governor, the Gentiles, andthe people of Israel were all unitedagainst Jesus, your holy servant, whomyou anointed.28In fact, everything they did occurredaccording to your eternal will and plan.29And now, O Lord, hear their threats,and give your servants great boldness intheir preaching.30Send your healing power; maymiraculous signs and wonders be donethrough the name of your holy servantJesus."31After this prayer, the building wherethey were meeting shook, and they wereall filled with the Holy Spirit. And theypreached God's message with boldness.32All the believers were of one heart andmind, and they felt that what they ownedwas not their own; they sharedeverything they had.33And the apostles gave powerfulwitness to the resurrection of the LordJesus, and God's great favor was uponthem all.34There was no poverty among them,because people who owned land orhouses sold them35and brought the money to the apostlesto give to others in need.36For instance, there was Joseph, theone the apostles nicknamed Barnabas(which means "Son of Encouragement").He was from the tribe of Levi and camefrom the island of Cyprus.37He sold a field he owned and broughtthe money to the apostles for those inneed.

5There was also a man named

Ananias who, with his wife, Sapphira,sold some property.2He brought part of the money to theapostles, but he claimed it was the fullamount. His wife had agreed to thisdeception.3Then Peter said, "Ananias, why hasSatan filled your heart? You lied to theHoly Spirit, and you kept some of the

money for yourself.4The property was yours to sell or notsell, as you wished. And after selling it,the money was yours to give away. Howcould you do a thing like this? Youweren't lying to us but to God."5As soon as Ananias heard these words,he fell to the floor and died. Everyonewho heard about it was terrified.6Then some young men wrapped him ina sheet and took him out and buried him.7About three hours later his wife came in,not knowing what had happened.8Peter asked her, "Was this the priceyou and your husband received for yourland?" "Yes," she replied, "that was theprice."9And Peter said, "How could the two ofyou even think of doing a thing like this--conspiring together to test the Spirit ofthe Lord? Just outside that door are theyoung men who buried your husband,and they will carry you out, too."10Instantly, she fell to the floor and died.When the young men came in and sawthat she was dead, they carried her outand buried her beside her husband.11Great fear gripped the entire churchand all others who heard what hadhappened.12Meanwhile, the apostles wereperforming many miraculous signs andwonders among the people. And thebelievers were meeting regularly at theTemple in the area known as Solomon'sColonnade.13No one else dared to join them, thougheveryone had high regard for them.14And more and more people believedand were brought to the Lord--crowds ofboth men and women.15As a result of the apostles' work, sickpeople were brought out into the streetson beds and mats so that Peter'sshadow might fall across some of themas he went by.16Crowds came in from the villagesaround Jerusalem, bringing their sickand those possessed by evil spirits, andthey were all healed.17The high priest and his friends, whowere Sadducees, reacted with violentjealousy.18They arrested the apostles and putthem in the jail.19But an angel of the Lord came at night,opened the gates of the jail, and broughtthem out. Then he told them,20"Go to the Temple and give the people

ACTS

this message of life!"21So the apostles entered the Templeabout daybreak and immediately beganteaching. When the high priest and hisofficials arrived, they convened the highcouncil, along with all the elders of Israel.Then they sent for the apostles to bebrought for trial.22But when the Temple guards went tothe jail, the men were gone. So theyreturned to the council and reported,23"The jail was locked, with the guardsstanding outside, but when we openedthe gates, no one was there!"24When the captain of the Temple guardand the leading priests heard this, theywere perplexed, wondering where itwould all end.25Then someone arrived with the newsthat the men they had jailed were out inthe Temple, teaching the people.26The captain went with his Templeguards and arrested them, but withoutviolence, for they were afraid the peoplewould kill them if they treated theapostles roughly.27Then they brought the apostles inbefore the council.28"Didn't we tell you never again to teachin this man's name?" the high priestdemanded. "Instead, you have filled allJerusalem with your teaching aboutJesus, and you intend to blame us forhis death!"29But Peter and the apostles replied,"We must obey God rather than humanauthority.30The God of our ancestors raised Jesusfrom the dead after you killed him bycrucifying him.31Then God put him in the place ofhonor at his right hand as Prince andSavior. He did this to give the people ofIsrael an opportunity to turn from theirsins and turn to God so their sins wouldbe forgiven.32We are witnesses of these things andso is the Holy Spirit, who is given byGod to those who obey him."33At this, the high council was furiousand decided to kill them.34But one member had a differentperspective. He was a Pharisee namedGamaliel, who was an expert onreligious law and was very popular withthe people. He stood up and orderedthat the apostles be sent outside thecouncil chamber for a while.35Then he addressed his colleagues as

follows: "Men of Israel, take care whatyou are planning to do to these men!36Some time ago there was that fellowTheudas, who pretended to be someonegreat. About four hundred others joinedhim, but he was killed, and his followerswent their various ways. The wholemovement came to nothing.37After him, at the time of the census,there was Judas of Galilee. He gotsome people to follow him, but he waskilled, too, and all his followers werescattered.38"So my advice is, leave these menalone. If they are teaching and doingthese things merely on their own, it willsoon be overthrown.39But if it is of God, you will not be ableto stop them. You may even findyourselves fighting against God."40The council accepted his advice. Theycalled in the apostles and had themflogged. Then they ordered them neveragain to speak in the name of Jesus,and they let them go.41The apostles left the high councilrejoicing that God had counted themworthy to suffer dishonor for the name ofJesus.42And every day, in the Temple and intheir homes, they continued to teachand preach this message: "The Messiahyou are looking for is Jesus."

6But as the believers rapidly multiplied,

there were rumblings of discontent.Those who spoke Greek complainedagainst those who spoke Hebrew,saying that their widows were beingdiscriminated against in the dailydistribution of food.2So the Twelve called a meeting of allthe believers. "We apostles shouldspend our time preaching and teachingthe word of God, not administering afood program," they said.3"Now look around among yourselves,brothers, and select seven men who arewell respected and are full of the HolySpirit and wisdom. We will put them incharge of this business.4Then we can spend our time in prayerand preaching and teaching the word."5This idea pleased the whole group, andthey chose the following: Stephen (aman full of faith and the Holy Spirit),Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon,Parmenas, and Nicolas of Antioch (aGentile convert to the Jewish faith, who

ACTS

had now become a Christian).6These seven were presented to theapostles, who prayed for them as theylaid their hands on them.7God's message was preached in everwideningcircles. The number ofbelievers greatly increased in Jerusalem,and many of the Jewish priests wereconverted, too.8Stephen, a man full of God's grace andpower, performed amazing miracles andsigns among the people.9But one day some men from theSynagogue of Freed Slaves, as it wascalled, started to debate with him. Theywere Jews from Cyrene, Alexandria,Cilicia, and the province of Asia.10None of them was able to standagainst the wisdom and Spirit by whichStephen spoke.11So they persuaded some men to lieabout Stephen, saying, "We heard himblaspheme Moses, and even God."12Naturally, this roused the crowds, theelders, and the teachers of religious law.So they arrested Stephen and broughthim before the high council.13The lying witnesses said, "This man isalways speaking against the Templeand against the law of Moses.14We have heard him say that this Jesusof Nazareth will destroy the Temple andchange the customs Moses handeddown to us."15At this point everyone in the councilstared at Stephen because his facebecame as bright as an angel's.

7Then the high priest asked Stephen,

"Are these accusations true?"2This was Stephen's reply: "Brothersand honorable fathers, listen to me. Ourglorious God appeared to our ancestorAbraham in Mesopotamia before hemoved to Haran.3God told him, 'Leave your native landand your relatives, and come to the landthat I will show you.'4So Abraham left the land of theChaldeans and lived in Haran until hisfather died. Then God brought him hereto the land where you now live.5But God gave him no inheritance here,not even one square foot of land. Goddid promise, however, that eventuallythe whole country would belong toAbraham and his descendants--thoughhe had no children yet.6But God also told him that his

descendants would live in a foreigncountry where they would be mistreatedas slaves for four hundred years.7'But I will punish the nation thatenslaves them,' God told him, 'and inthe end they will come out and worshipme in this place.'8God also gave Abraham the covenantof circumcision at that time. And soIsaac, Abraham's son, was circumcisedwhen he was eight days old. Isaacbecame the father of Jacob, and Jacobwas the father of the twelve patriarchs ofthe Jewish nation.9"These sons of Jacob were veryjealous of their brother Joseph, and theysold him to be a slave in Egypt. But Godwas with him10and delivered him from his anguish.And God gave him favor before Pharaoh,king of Egypt. God also gave Josephunusual wisdom, so that Pharaohappointed him governor over all of Egyptand put him in charge of all the affairs ofthe palace.11"But a famine came upon Egypt andCanaan. There was great misery for ourancestors, as they ran out of food.12Jacob heard that there was still grainin Egypt, so he sent his sons to buysome.13The second time they went, Josephrevealed his identity to his brothers, andthey were introduced to Pharaoh.14Then Joseph sent for his father, Jacob,and all his relatives to come to Egypt,seventy-five persons in all.15So Jacob went to Egypt. He died there,as did all his sons.16All of them were taken to Shechemand buried in the tomb Abraham hadbought from the sons of Hamor inShechem.17"As the time drew near when Godwould fulfill his promise to Abraham, thenumber of our people in Egypt greatlyincreased.18But then a new king came to thethrone of Egypt who knew nothing aboutJoseph.19This king plotted against our peopleand forced parents to abandon theirnewborn babies so they would die.20"At that time Moses was born--abeautiful child in God's eyes. Hisparents cared for him at home for threemonths.21When at last they had to abandon him,Pharaoh's daughter found him and

ACTS

raised him as her own son.22Moses was taught all the wisdom ofthe Egyptians, and he became mighty inboth speech and action.23"One day when he was forty years old,he decided to visit his relatives, thepeople of Israel.24During this visit, he saw an Egyptianmistreating a man of Israel. So Mosescame to his defense and avenged him,killing the Egyptian.25Moses assumed his brothers wouldrealize that God had sent him to rescuethem, but they didn't.26"The next day he visited them againand saw two men of Israel fighting. Hetried to be a peacemaker. 'Men,' he said,'you are brothers. Why are you hurtingeach other?'27"But the man in the wrong pushedMoses aside and told him to mind hisown business. 'Who made you a rulerand judge over us?' he asked.28'Are you going to kill me as you killedthat Egyptian yesterday?'29When Moses heard that, he fled thecountry and lived as a foreigner in theland of Midian, where his two sons wereborn.30"Forty years later, in the desert nearMount Sinai, an angel appeared toMoses in the flame of a burning bush.31Moses saw it and wondered what itwas. As he went to see, the voice of theLord called out to him,32'I am the God of your ancestors--theGod of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.'Moses shook with terror and dared notlook.33"And the Lord said to him, 'Take offyour sandals, for you are standing onholy ground.34You can be sure that I have seen themisery of my people in Egypt. I haveheard their cries. So I have come torescue them. Now go, for I will send youto Egypt.'35And so God sent back the same manhis people had previously rejected bydemanding, 'Who made you a ruler andjudge over us?' Through the angel whoappeared to him in the burning bush,Moses was sent to be their ruler andsavior.36And by means of many miraculoussigns and wonders, he led them out ofEgypt, through the Red Sea, and backand forth through the wilderness for fortyyears.

37"Moses himself told the people ofIsrael, 'God will raise up a Prophet likeme from among your own people.'38Moses was with the assembly of God'speople in the wilderness. He was themediator between the people of Israeland the angel who gave him life-givingwords on Mount Sinai to pass on to us.39"But our ancestors rejected Moses andwanted to return to Egypt.40They told Aaron, 'Make us some godswho can lead us, for we don't know whathas become of this Moses, who broughtus out of Egypt.'41So they made an idol shaped like acalf, and they sacrificed to it andrejoiced in this thing they had made.42Then God turned away from them andgave them up to serve the sun, moon,and stars as their gods! In the book ofthe prophets it is written, 'Was it to meyou were bringing sacrifices duringthose forty years in the wilderness,Israel?43No, your real interest was in yourpagan gods-- the shrine of Molech, thestar god Rephan, and the images youmade to worship them. So I will sendyou into captivity far away in Babylon.'44"Our ancestors carried the Tabernaclewith them through the wilderness. It wasconstructed in exact accordance withthe plan shown to Moses by God.45Years later, when Joshua led thebattles against the Gentile nations thatGod drove out of this land, theTabernacle was taken with them intotheir new territory. And it was used thereuntil the time of King David.46"David found favor with God andasked for the privilege of building apermanent Temple for the God of Jacob.47But it was Solomon who actually built it.48However, the Most High doesn't live intemples made by human hands. As theprophet says,49'Heaven is my throne, and the earth ismy footstool. Could you ever build me atemple as good as that?' asks the Lord.'Could you build a dwelling place forme?50Didn't I make everything in heaven andearth?'51"You stubborn people! You areheathen at heart and deaf to the truth.Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit?But your ancestors did, and so do you!52Name one prophet your ancestorsdidn't persecute! They even killed the

ACTS

ones who predicted the coming of theRighteous One--the Messiah whom youbetrayed and murdered.53You deliberately disobeyed God's law,though you received it from the hands ofangels. "54The Jewish leaders were infuriated byStephen's accusation, and they shooktheir fists in rage.55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit,gazed steadily upward into heaven andsaw the glory of God, and he saw Jesusstanding in the place of honor at God'sright hand.56And he told them, "Look, I see theheavens opened and the Son of Manstanding in the place of honor at God'sright hand!"57Then they put their hands over theirears, and drowning out his voice withtheir shouts, they rushed at him.58They dragged him out of the city andbegan to stone him. The officialwitnesses took off their coats and laidthem at the feet of a young man namedSaul.59And as they stoned him, Stephenprayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."60And he fell to his knees, shouting,"Lord, don't charge them with this sin!"And with that, he died.

8Saul was one of the official witnesses

at the killing of Stephen. A great wave ofpersecution began that day, sweepingover the church in Jerusalem, and allthe believers except the apostles fledinto Judea and Samaria.2(Some godly men came and buriedStephen with loud weeping.)3Saul was going everywhere todevastate the church. He went fromhouse to house, dragging out both menand women to throw them into jail.4But the believers who had fledJerusalem went everywhere preachingthe Good News about Jesus.5Philip, for example, went to the city ofSamaria and told the people there aboutthe Messiah.6Crowds listened intently to what he hadto say because of the miracles he did.7Many evil spirits were cast out,screaming as they left their victims. Andmany who had been paralyzed or lamewere healed.8So there was great joy in that city.9A man named Simon had been asorcerer there for many years, claiming

to be someone great.10The Samaritan people, from the leastto the greatest, often spoke of him as"the Great One--the Power of God."11He was very influential because of themagic he performed.12But now the people believed Philip'smessage of Good News concerning theKingdom of God and the name of JesusChrist. As a result, many men andwomen were baptized.13Then Simon himself believed and wasbaptized. He began following Philipwherever he went, and he was amazedby the great miracles and signs Philipperformed.14When the apostles back in Jerusalemheard that the people of Samaria hadaccepted God's message, they sentPeter and John there.15As soon as they arrived, they prayedfor these new Christians to receive theHoly Spirit.16The Holy Spirit had not yet come uponany of them, for they had only beenbaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.17Then Peter and John laid their handsupon these believers, and they receivedthe Holy Spirit.18When Simon saw that the Holy Spiritwas given when the apostles placedtheir hands upon people's heads, heoffered money to buy this power.19"Let me have this power, too," heexclaimed, "so that when I lay my handson people, they will receive the HolySpirit!"20But Peter replied, "May your moneyperish with you for thinking God's giftcan be bought!21You can have no part in this, for yourheart is not right before God.22Turn from your wickedness and prayto the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive yourevil thoughts,23for I can see that you are full ofbitterness and held captive by sin."24"Pray to the Lord for me," Simonexclaimed, "that these terrible thingswon't happen to me!"25After testifying and preaching the wordof the Lord in Samaria, Peter and Johnreturned to Jerusalem. And theystopped in many Samaritan villagesalong the way to preach the Good Newsto them, too.26As for Philip, an angel of the Lord saidto him, "Go south down the desert roadthat runs from Jerusalem to Gaza."

ACTS

27So he did, and he met the treasurer ofEthiopia, a eunuch of great authorityunder the queen of Ethiopia. Theeunuch had gone to Jerusalem toworship,28and he was now returning. Seated inhis carriage, he was reading aloud fromthe book of the prophet Isaiah.29The Holy Spirit said to Philip, "Go overand walk along beside the carriage."30Philip ran over and heard the manreading from the prophet Isaiah; so heasked, "Do you understand what youare reading?"31The man replied, "How can I, whenthere is no one to instruct me?" And hebegged Philip to come up into thecarriage and sit with him.32The passage of Scripture he had beenreading was this: "He was led as asheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb issilent before the shearers, he did notopen his mouth.33He was humiliated and received nojustice. Who can speak of hisdescendants? For his life was takenfrom the earth."34The eunuch asked Philip, "Was Isaiahtalking about himself or someone else?"35So Philip began with this sameScripture and then used many others totell him the Good News about Jesus.36As they rode along, they came tosome water, and the eunuch said,"Look! There's some water! Why can't Ibe baptized?"38He ordered the carriage to stop, andthey went down into the water, andPhilip baptized him.39When they came up out of the water,the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away.The eunuch never saw him again butwent on his way rejoicing.40Meanwhile, Philip found himself farthernorth at the city of Azotus! He preachedthe Good News there and in every cityalong the way until he came toCaesarea.

9Meanwhile, Saul was uttering threats

with every breath. He was eager todestroy the Lord's followers, so he wentto the high priest.2He requested letters addressed to thesynagogues in Damascus, asking theircooperation in the arrest of anyfollowers of the Way he found there. Hewanted to bring them--both men andwomen--back to Jerusalem in chains.

3As he was nearing Damascus on thismission, a brilliant light from heavensuddenly beamed down upon him!4He fell to the ground and heard a voicesaying to him, "Saul! Saul! Why are youpersecuting me?"5"Who are you, sir?" Saul asked. Andthe voice replied, "I am Jesus, the oneyou are persecuting!6Now get up and go into the city, andyou will be told what you are to do."7The men with Saul stood speechlesswith surprise, for they heard the soundof someone's voice, but they saw noone!8As Saul picked himself up off theground, he found that he was blind.9So his companions led him by the handto Damascus. He remained there blindfor three days. And all that time he wentwithout food and water.10Now there was a believer inDamascus named Ananias. The Lordspoke to him in a vision, calling,"Ananias!" "Yes, Lord!" he replied.11The Lord said, "Go over to StraightStreet, to the house of Judas. When youarrive, ask for Saul of Tarsus. He ispraying to me right now.12I have shown him a vision of a mannamed Ananias coming in and laying hishands on him so that he can see again."13"But Lord," exclaimed Ananias, "I'veheard about the terrible things this manhas done to the believers in Jerusalem!14And we hear that he is authorized bythe leading priests to arrest everybeliever in Damascus."15But the Lord said, "Go and do what Isay. For Saul is my chosen instrumentto take my message to the Gentiles andto kings, as well as to the people ofIsrael.16And I will show him how much he mustsuffer for me."17So Ananias went and found Saul. Helaid his hands on him and said, "BrotherSaul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared toyou on the road, has sent me so thatyou may get your sight back and befilled with the Holy Spirit."18Instantly something like scales fellfrom Saul's eyes, and he regained hissight. Then he got up and was baptized.19Afterward he ate some food and wasstrengthened. Saul stayed with thebelievers in Damascus for a few days.20And immediately he began preachingabout Jesus in the synagogues, saying,

ACTS

"He is indeed the Son of God!"21All who heard him were amazed. "Isn'tthis the same man who persecutedJesus' followers with such devastation inJerusalem?" they asked. "And weunderstand that he came here to arrestthem and take them in chains to theleading priests."22Saul's preaching became more andmore powerful, and the Jews inDamascus couldn't refute his proofs thatJesus was indeed the Messiah.23After a while the Jewish leadersdecided to kill him.24But Saul was told about their plot, andthat they were watching for him day andnight at the city gate so they couldmurder him.25So during the night, some of the otherbelievers let him down in a large basketthrough an opening in the city wall.26When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, hetried to meet with the believers, but theywere all afraid of him. They thought hewas only pretending to be a believer!27Then Barnabas brought him to theapostles and told them how Saul hadseen the Lord on the way to Damascus.Barnabas also told them what the Lordhad said to Saul and how he boldlypreached in the name of Jesus inDamascus.28Then the apostles accepted Saul, andafter that he was constantly with them inJerusalem, preaching boldly in the nameof the Lord.29He debated with some GreekspeakingJews, but they plotted tomurder him.30When the believers heard about it,however, they took him to Caesarea andsent him on to his hometown of Tarsus.31The church then had peace throughoutJudea, Galilee, and Samaria, and itgrew in strength and numbers. Thebelievers were walking in the fear of theLord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.32Peter traveled from place to place tovisit the believers, and in his travels hecame to the Lord's people in the town ofLydda.33There he met a man named Aeneas,who had been paralyzed and bedriddenfor eight years.34Peter said to him, "Aeneas, JesusChrist heals you! Get up and make yourbed!" And he was healed instantly.35Then the whole population of Lyddaand Sharon turned to the Lord when

they saw Aeneas walking around.36There was a believer in Joppa namedTabitha (which in Greek is Dorcas ). Shewas always doing kind things for othersand helping the poor.37About this time she became ill anddied. Her friends prepared her for burialand laid her in an upstairs room.38But they had heard that Peter wasnearby at Lydda, so they sent two mento beg him, "Please come as soon aspossible!"39So Peter returned with them; and assoon as he arrived, they took him to theupstairs room. The room was filled withwidows who were weeping and showinghim the coats and other garmentsDorcas had made for them.40But Peter asked them all to leave theroom; then he knelt and prayed. Turningto the body he said, "Get up, Tabitha."And she opened her eyes! When shesaw Peter, she sat up!41He gave her his hand and helped herup. Then he called in the widows and allthe believers, and he showed them thatshe was alive.42The news raced through the wholetown, and many believed in the Lord.43And Peter stayed a long time in Joppa,living with Simon, a leatherworker.

10In Caesarea there lived a Roman

army officer named Cornelius, who wasa captain of the Italian Regiment.2He was a devout man who feared theGod of Israel, as did his entirehousehold. He gave generously tocharity and was a man who regularlyprayed to God.3One afternoon about three o'clock, hehad a vision in which he saw an angel ofGod coming toward him. "Cornelius!" theangel said.4Cornelius stared at him in terror. "Whatis it, sir?" he asked the angel. And theangel replied, "Your prayers and gifts tothe poor have not gone unnoticed byGod!5Now send some men down to Joppa tofind a man named Simon Peter.6He is staying with Simon, aleatherworker who lives near the shore.Ask him to come and visit you."7As soon as the angel was gone,Cornelius called two of his householdservants and a devout soldier, one of hispersonal attendants.8He told them what had happened and

ACTS

sent them off to Joppa.9The next day as Cornelius'smessengers were nearing the city, Peterwent up to the flat roof to pray. It wasabout noon,10and he was hungry. But while lunchwas being prepared, he fell into a trance.11He saw the sky open, and somethinglike a large sheet was let down by itsfour corners.12In the sheet were all sorts of animals,reptiles, and birds.13Then a voice said to him, "Get up,Peter; kill and eat them."14"Never, Lord," Peter declared. "I havenever in all my life eaten anythingforbidden by our Jewish laws. "15The voice spoke again, "If God sayssomething is acceptable, don't say itisn't."16The same vision was repeated threetimes. Then the sheet was pulled upagain to heaven.17Peter was very perplexed. What couldthe vision mean? Just then the men sentby Cornelius found the house and stoodoutside at the gate.18They asked if this was the place whereSimon Peter was staying.19Meanwhile, as Peter was puzzlingover the vision, the Holy Spirit said tohim, "Three men have come looking foryou.20Go down and go with them withouthesitation. All is well, for I have sentthem."21So Peter went down and said, "I'm theman you are looking for. Why have youcome?"22They said, "We were sent by Cornelius,a Roman officer. He is a devout manwho fears the God of Israel and is wellrespected by all the Jews. A holy angelinstructed him to send for you so youcan go to his house and give him amessage."23So Peter invited the men to be hisguests for the night. The next day hewent with them, accompanied by someother believers from Joppa.24They arrived in Caesarea the followingday. Cornelius was waiting for him andhad called together his relatives andclose friends to meet Peter.25As Peter entered his home, Corneliusfell to the floor before him in worship.26But Peter pulled him up and said,"Stand up! I'm a human being like you!"27So Cornelius got up, and they talked

together and went inside where theothers were assembled.28Peter told them, "You know it isagainst the Jewish laws for me to comeinto a Gentile home like this. But Godhas shown me that I should never thinkof anyone as impure.29So I came as soon as I was sent for.Now tell me why you sent for me."30Cornelius replied, "Four days ago Iwas praying in my house at three o'clockin the afternoon. Suddenly, a man indazzling clothes was standing in front ofme.31He told me, 'Cornelius, your prayershave been heard, and your gifts to thepoor have been noticed by God!32Now send some men to Joppa andsummon Simon Peter. He is staying inthe home of Simon, a leatherworker wholives near the shore.'33So I sent for you at once, and it wasgood of you to come. Now here we are,waiting before God to hear the messagethe Lord has given you."34Then Peter replied, "I see very clearlythat God doesn't show partiality.35In every nation he accepts those whofear him and do what is right.36I'm sure you have heard about theGood News for the people of Israel--thatthere is peace with God through JesusChrist, who is Lord of all.37You know what happened all throughJudea, beginning in Galilee after Johnthe Baptist began preaching.38And no doubt you know that Godanointed Jesus of Nazareth with theHoly Spirit and with power. Then Jesuswent around doing good and healing allwho were oppressed by the Devil, forGod was with him.39"And we apostles are witnesses of allhe did throughout Israel and inJerusalem. They put him to death bycrucifying him,40but God raised him to life three dayslater. Then God allowed him to appear,41not to the general public, but to uswhom God had chosen beforehand tobe his witnesses. We were those whoate and drank with him after he rosefrom the dead.42And he ordered us to preacheverywhere and to testify that Jesus isordained of God to be the judge of all--the living and the dead.43He is the one all the prophets testifiedabout, saying that everyone who

ACTS

believes in him will have their sinsforgiven through his name."44Even as Peter was saying these things,the Holy Spirit fell upon all who hadheard the message.45The Jewish believers who came withPeter were amazed that the gift of theHoly Spirit had been poured out uponthe Gentiles, too.46And there could be no doubt about it,for they heard them speaking in tonguesand praising God. Then Peter asked,47"Can anyone object to their beingbaptized, now that they have receivedthe Holy Spirit just as we did?"48So he gave orders for them to bebaptized in the name of Jesus Christ.Afterward Cornelius asked him to staywith them for several days.

11Soon the news reached the

apostles and other believers in Judeathat the Gentiles had received the wordof God.2But when Peter arrived back inJerusalem, some of the Jewishbelievers criticized him.3"You entered the home of Gentiles andeven ate with them!" they said.4Then Peter told them exactly what hadhappened.5"One day in Joppa," he said, "while Iwas praying, I went into a trance andsaw a vision. Something like a largesheet was let down by its four cornersfrom the sky. And it came right down tome.6When I looked inside the sheet, I sawall sorts of small animals, wild animals,reptiles, and birds that we are notallowed to eat.7And I heard a voice say, 'Get up, Peter;kill and eat them.'8" 'Never, Lord,' I replied. 'I have nevereaten anything forbidden by our Jewishlaws. '9"But the voice from heaven came again,'If God says something is acceptable,don't say it isn't.'10"This happened three times before thesheet and all it contained was pulledback up to heaven.11Just then three men who had beensent from Caesarea arrived at the housewhere I was staying.12The Holy Spirit told me to go with themand not to worry about their beingGentiles. These six brothers hereaccompanied me, and we soon arrived

at the home of the man who had sent forus.13He told us how an angel had appearedto him in his home and had told him,'Send messengers to Joppa to findSimon Peter.14He will tell you how you and all yourhousehold will be saved!'15"Well, I began telling them the GoodNews, but just as I was getting started,the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as hefell on us at the beginning.16Then I thought of the Lord's wordswhen he said, 'John baptized with water,but you will be baptized with the HolySpirit.'17And since God gave these Gentilesthe same gift he gave us when webelieved in the Lord Jesus Christ, whowas I to argue?"18When the others heard this, all theirobjections were answered and theybegan praising God. They said, "Godhas also given the Gentiles the privilegeof turning from sin and receiving eternallife."19Meanwhile, the believers who had fledfrom Jerusalem during the persecutionafter Stephen's death traveled as far asPhoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria.They preached the Good News, but onlyto Jews.20However, some of the believers whowent to Antioch from Cyprus andCyrene began preaching to Gentilesabout the Lord Jesus.21The power of the Lord was upon them,and large numbers of these Gentilesbelieved and turned to the Lord.22When the church at Jerusalem heardwhat had happened, they sent Barnabasto Antioch.23When he arrived and saw this proof ofGod's favor, he was filled with joy, andhe encouraged the believers to stay trueto the Lord.24Barnabas was a good man, full of theHoly Spirit and strong in faith. And largenumbers of people were brought to theLord.25Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus tofind Saul.26When he found him, he brought himback to Antioch. Both of them stayedthere with the church for a full year,teaching great numbers of people. (Itwas there at Antioch that the believerswere first called Christians.)27During this time, some prophets

ACTS

traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch.28One of them named Agabus stood upin one of the meetings to predict by theSpirit that a great famine was comingupon the entire Roman world. (This wasfulfilled during the reign of Claudius.)29So the believers in Antioch decided tosend relief to the brothers and sisters inJudea, everyone giving as much as theycould.30This they did, entrusting their gifts toBarnabas and Saul to take to the eldersof the church in Jerusalem.

12About that time King Herod

Agrippa began to persecute somebelievers in the church.2He had the apostle James (John'sbrother) killed with a sword.3When Herod saw how much thispleased the Jewish leaders, he arrestedPeter during the Passover celebration4and imprisoned him, placing him underthe guard of four squads of four soldierseach. Herod's intention was to bringPeter out for public trial after thePassover.5But while Peter was in prison, thechurch prayed very earnestly for him.6The night before Peter was to beplaced on trial, he was asleep, chainedbetween two soldiers, with othersstanding guard at the prison gate.7Suddenly, there was a bright light in thecell, and an angel of the Lord stoodbefore Peter. The angel tapped him onthe side to awaken him and said,"Quick! Get up!" And the chains fell offhis wrists.8Then the angel told him, "Get dressedand put on your sandals." And he did."Now put on your coat and follow me,"the angel ordered.9So Peter left the cell, following theangel. But all the time he thought it wasa vision. He didn't realize it was reallyhappening.10They passed the first and secondguard posts and came to the iron gate tothe street, and this opened to them allby itself. So they passed through andstarted walking down the street, andthen the angel suddenly left him.11Peter finally realized what hadhappened. "It's really true!" he said tohimself. "The Lord has sent his angeland saved me from Herod and fromwhat the Jews were hoping to do to me!"12After a little thought, he went to the

home of Mary, the mother of John Mark,where many were gathered for prayer.13He knocked at the door in the gate,and a servant girl named Rhoda cameto open it.14When she recognized Peter's voice,she was so overjoyed that, instead ofopening the door, she ran back insideand told everyone, "Peter is standing atthe door!"15"You're out of your mind," they said.When she insisted, they decided, "Itmust be his angel."16Meanwhile, Peter continued knocking.When they finally went out and openedthe door, they were amazed.17He motioned for them to quiet downand told them what had happened andhow the Lord had led him out of jail."Tell James and the other brothers whathappened," he said. And then he wentto another place.18At dawn, there was a great commotionamong the soldiers about what hadhappened to Peter.19Herod Agrippa ordered a thoroughsearch for him. When he couldn't befound, Herod interrogated the guardsand sentenced them to death. AfterwardHerod left Judea to stay in Caesarea fora while.20Now Herod was very angry with thepeople of Tyre and Sidon. So they senta delegation to make peace with himbecause their cities were dependentupon Herod's country for their food.They made friends with Blastus, Herod'spersonal assistant,21and an appointment with Herod wasgranted. When the day arrived, Herodput on his royal robes, sat on his throne,and made a speech to them.22The people gave him a great ovation,shouting, "It is the voice of a god, not ofa man!"23Instantly, an angel of the Lord struckHerod with a sickness, because heaccepted the people's worship insteadof giving the glory to God. So he wasconsumed with worms and died.24But God's Good News was spreadingrapidly, and there were many newbelievers.25When Barnabas and Saul had finishedtheir mission in Jerusalem, theyreturned to Antioch, taking John Markwith them.

13Among the prophets and teachers

ACTS

of the church at Antioch of Syria wereBarnabas, Simeon (called "the blackman" ), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen(the childhood companion of King HerodAntipas ), and Saul.2One day as these men were worshipingthe Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,"Dedicate Barnabas and Saul for thespecial work I have for them."3So after more fasting and prayer, themen laid their hands on them and sentthem on their way.4Sent out by the Holy Spirit, Saul andBarnabas went down to the seaport ofSeleucia and then sailed for the islandof Cyprus.5There, in the town of Salamis, theywent to the Jewish synagogues andpreached the word of God. (John Markwent with them as their assistant.)6Afterward they preached from town totown across the entire island until finallythey reached Paphos, where they met aJewish sorcerer, a false prophet namedBar-Jesus.7He had attached himself to thegovernor, Sergius Paulus, a man ofconsiderable insight and understanding.The governor invited Barnabas and Saulto visit him, for he wanted to hear theword of God.8But Elymas, the sorcerer (as his namemeans in Greek), interfered and urgedthe governor to pay no attention to whatSaul and Barnabas said. He was tryingto turn the governor away from theChristian faith.9Then Saul, also known as Paul, filledwith the Holy Spirit, looked the sorcererin the eye and said,10"You son of the Devil, full of every sortof trickery and villainy, enemy of all thatis good, will you never stop pervertingthe true ways of the Lord?11And now the Lord has laid his hand ofpunishment upon you, and you will bestricken awhile with blindness." Instantlymist and darkness fell upon him, and hebegan wandering around begging forsomeone to take his hand and lead him.12When the governor saw what hadhappened, he believed and wasastonished at what he learned about theLord.13Now Paul and those with him leftPaphos by ship for Pamphylia, landingat the port town of Perga. There JohnMark left them and returned toJerusalem.

14But Barnabas and Paul traveled inlandto Antioch of Pisidia. On the Sabbaththey went to the synagogue for theservices.15After the usual readings from thebooks of Moses and from the Prophets,those in charge of the service sent themthis message: "Brothers, if you have anyword of encouragement for us, comeand give it!"16So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quietthem, and started speaking. "People ofIsrael," he said, "and you devoutGentiles who fear the God of Israel,listen to me.17"The God of this nation of Israel choseour ancestors and made them prosperin Egypt. Then he powerfully led themout of their slavery.18He put up with them through fortyyears of wandering around in thewilderness.19Then he destroyed seven nations inCanaan and gave their land to Israel asan inheritance.20All this took about 450 years. After that,judges ruled until the time of Samuel theprophet.21Then the people begged for a king,and God gave them Saul son of Kish, aman of the tribe of Benjamin, whoreigned for forty years.22But God removed him from thekingship and replaced him with David, aman about whom God said, 'David sonof Jesse is a man after my own heart,for he will do everything I want him to.'23"And it is one of King David'sdescendants, Jesus, who is God'spromised Savior of Israel!24But before he came, John the Baptistpreached the need for everyone in Israelto turn from sin and turn to God and bebaptized.25As John was finishing his ministry heasked, 'Do you think I am the Messiah?No! But he is coming soon--and I am noteven worthy to be his slave. '26"Brothers--you sons of Abraham, andalso all of you devout Gentiles who fearthe God of Israel--this salvation is for us!27The people in Jerusalem and theirleaders fulfilled prophecy bycondemning Jesus to death. They didn'trecognize him or realize that he is theone the prophets had written about,though they hear the prophets' wordsread every Sabbath.28They found no just cause to execute

ACTS

him, but they asked Pilate to have himkilled anyway.29"When they had fulfilled all theprophecies concerning his death, theytook him down from the cross andplaced him in a tomb.30But God raised him from the dead!31And he appeared over a period ofmany days to those who had gone withhim from Galilee to Jerusalem--theseare his witnesses to the people of Israel.32"And now Barnabas and I are here tobring you this Good News. God'spromise to our ancestors has come truein our own time,33in that God raised Jesus. This is whatthe second psalm is talking about whenit says concerning Jesus, 'You are mySon. Today I have become your Father.'34For God had promised to raise himfrom the dead, never again to die. Thisis stated in the Scripture that says, 'I willgive you the sacred blessings Ipromised to David.'35Another psalm explains more fully,saying, 'You will not allow your Holy Oneto rot in the grave.'36Now this is not a reference to David,for after David had served hisgeneration according to the will of God,he died and was buried, and his bodydecayed.37No, it was a reference to someoneelse--someone whom God raised andwhose body did not decay.38"Brothers, listen! In this man Jesusthere is forgiveness for your sins.39Everyone who believes in him is freedfrom all guilt and declared right withGod--something the Jewish law couldnever do.40Be careful! Don't let the prophets'words apply to you. For they said,41'Look, you mockers, be amazed anddie! For I am doing something in yourown day, something you wouldn'tbelieve even if someone told you aboutit.' "42As Paul and Barnabas left thesynagogue that day, the people askedthem to return again and speak aboutthese things the next week.43Many Jews and godly converts toJudaism who worshiped at thesynagogue followed Paul and Barnabas,and the two men urged them, "By God'sgrace, remain faithful."44The following week almost the entire

city turned out to hear them preach theword of the Lord.45But when the Jewish leaders saw thecrowds, they were jealous; so theyslandered Paul and argued againstwhatever he said.46Then Paul and Barnabas spoke outboldly and declared, "It was necessarythat this Good News from God be givenfirst to you Jews. But since you haverejected it and judged yourselvesunworthy of eternal life--well, we willoffer it to Gentiles.47For this is as the Lord commanded uswhen he said, 'I have made you a lightto the Gentiles, to bring salvation to thefarthest corners of the earth.' "48When the Gentiles heard this, theywere very glad and thanked the Lord forhis message; and all who wereappointed to eternal life becamebelievers.49So the Lord's message spreadthroughout that region.50Then the Jewish leaders stirred upboth the influential religious women andthe leaders of the city, and they incited amob against Paul and Barnabas and ranthem out of town.51But they shook off the dust of their feetagainst them and went to the city ofIconium.52And the believers were filled with joyand with the Holy Spirit.

14In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas

went together to the synagogue andpreached with such power that a greatnumber of both Jews and Gentilesbelieved.2But the Jews who spurned God'smessage stirred up distrust among theGentiles against Paul and Barnabas,saying all sorts of evil things about them.3The apostles stayed there a long time,preaching boldly about the grace of theLord. The Lord proved their messagewas true by giving them power to domiraculous signs and wonders.4But the people of the city were dividedin their opinion about them. Some sidedwith the Jews, and some with theapostles.5A mob of Gentiles and Jews, along withtheir leaders, decided to attack andstone them.6When the apostles learned of it, theyfled for their lives. They went to theregion of Lycaonia, to the cities of Lystra

ACTS

and Derbe and the surrounding area,7and they preached the Good Newsthere.8While they were at Lystra, Paul andBarnabas came upon a man withcrippled feet. He had been that wayfrom birth, so he had never walked.9He was listening as Paul preached, andPaul noticed him and realized he hadfaith to be healed.10So Paul called to him in a loud voice,"Stand up!" And the man jumped to hisfeet and started walking.11When the listening crowd saw whatPaul had done, they shouted in theirlocal dialect, "These men are gods inhuman bodies!"12They decided that Barnabas was theGreek god Zeus and that Paul, becausehe was the chief speaker, was Hermes.13The temple of Zeus was located on theoutskirts of the city. The priest of thetemple and the crowd brought oxen andwreaths of flowers, and they prepared tosacrifice to the apostles at the city gates.14But when Barnabas and Paul heardwhat was happening, they tore theirclothing in dismay and ran out amongthe people, shouting,15"Friends, why are you doing this? Weare merely human beings likeyourselves! We have come to bring youthe Good News that you should turnfrom these worthless things to the livingGod, who made heaven and earth, thesea, and everything in them.16In earlier days he permitted all thenations to go their own ways,17but he never left himself without awitness. There were always hisreminders, such as sending you rainand good crops and giving you food andjoyful hearts."18But even so, Paul and Barnabas couldscarcely restrain the people fromsacrificing to them.19Now some Jews arrived from Antiochand Iconium and turned the crowds intoa murderous mob. They stoned Pauland dragged him out of the city,apparently dead.20But as the believers stood around him,he got up and went back into the city.The next day he left with Barnabas forDerbe.21After preaching the Good News inDerbe and making many disciples, Pauland Barnabas returned again to Lystra,Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia,

22where they strengthened the believers.They encouraged them to continue inthe faith, reminding them that they mustenter into the Kingdom of God throughmany tribulations.23Paul and Barnabas also appointedelders in every church and prayed forthem with fasting, turning them over tothe care of the Lord, in whom they hadcome to trust.24Then they traveled back throughPisidia to Pamphylia.25They preached again in Perga, thenwent on to Attalia.26Finally, they returned by ship toAntioch of Syria, where their journeyhad begun and where they had beencommitted to the grace of God for thework they had now completed.27Upon arriving in Antioch, they calledthe church together and reported abouttheir trip, telling all that God had doneand how he had opened the door of faithto the Gentiles, too.28And they stayed there with thebelievers in Antioch for a long time.

15While Paul and Barnabas were at

Antioch of Syria, some men from Judeaarrived and began to teach theChristians : "Unless you keep theancient Jewish custom of circumcisiontaught by Moses, you cannot be saved."2Paul and Barnabas, disagreeing withthem, argued forcefully and at length.Finally, Paul and Barnabas were sent toJerusalem, accompanied by some localbelievers, to talk to the apostles andelders about this question.3The church sent the delegates toJerusalem, and they stopped along theway in Phoenicia and Samaria to visitthe believers. They told them--much toeveryone's joy--that the Gentiles, too,were being converted.4When they arrived in Jerusalem, Pauland Barnabas were welcomed by thewhole church, including the apostlesand elders. They reported on what Godhad been doing through their ministry.5But then some of the men who hadbeen Pharisees before their conversionstood up and declared that all Gentileconverts must be circumcised and berequired to follow the law of Moses.6So the apostles and church elders gottogether to decide this question.7At the meeting, after a long discussion,Peter stood and addressed them as

ACTS

follows: "Brothers, you all know that Godchose me from among you some timeago to preach to the Gentiles so thatthey could hear the Good News andbelieve.8God, who knows people's hearts,confirmed that he accepts Gentiles bygiving them the Holy Spirit, just as hegave him to us.9He made no distinction between us andthem, for he also cleansed their heartsthrough faith.10Why are you now questioning God'sway by burdening the Gentile believerswith a yoke that neither we nor ourancestors were able to bear?11We believe that we are all saved thesame way, by the special favor of theLord Jesus."12There was no further discussion, andeveryone listened as Barnabas and Paultold about the miraculous signs andwonders God had done through themamong the Gentiles.13When they had finished, James stoodand said, "Brothers, listen to me.14Peter has told you about the time Godfirst visited the Gentiles to take fromthem a people for himself.15And this conversion of Gentiles agreeswith what the prophets predicted. Forinstance, it is written:16'Afterward I will return, and I willrestore the fallen kingdom of David.From the ruins I will rebuild it, and I willrestore it,17so that the rest of humanity might findthe Lord, including the Gentiles-- allthose I have called to be mine. This iswhat the Lord says,18he who made these things known longago.'19And so my judgment is that we shouldstop troubling the Gentiles who turn toGod,20except that we should write to themand tell them to abstain from eatingmeat sacrificed to idols, from sexualimmorality, and from consuming bloodor eating the meat of strangled animals.21For these laws of Moses have beenpreached in Jewish synagogues inevery city on every Sabbath for manygenerations."22Then the apostles and elders and thewhole church in Jerusalem chosedelegates, and they sent them toAntioch of Syria with Paul and Barnabasto report on this decision. The men

chosen were two of the church leaders --Judas (also called Barsabbas) andSilas.23This is the letter they took along withthem: "This letter is from the apostlesand elders, your brothers in Jerusalem.It is written to the Gentile believers inAntioch, Syria, and Cilicia. Greetings!24"We understand that some men fromhere have troubled you and upset youwith their teaching, but they had no suchinstructions from us.25So it seemed good to us, havingunanimously agreed on our decision, tosend you these official representatives,along with our beloved Barnabas andPaul,26who have risked their lives for the sakeof our Lord Jesus Christ.27So we are sending Judas and Silas totell you what we have decidedconcerning your question.28"For it seemed good to the Holy Spiritand to us to lay no greater burden onyou than these requirements:29You must abstain from eating foodoffered to idols, from consuming bloodor eating the meat of strangled animals,and from sexual immorality. If you dothis, you will do well. Farewell."30The four messengers went at once toAntioch, where they called a generalmeeting of the Christians and deliveredthe letter.31And there was great joy throughout thechurch that day as they read thisencouraging message.32Then Judas and Silas, both beingprophets, spoke extensively to theChristians, encouraging andstrengthening their faith.33They stayed for a while, and thenJudas and Silas were sent back toJerusalem, with the blessings of theChristians, to those who had sent them.35Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antiochto assist many others who wereteaching and preaching the word of theLord there.36After some time Paul said to Barnabas,"Let's return to each city where wepreviously preached the word of theLord, to see how the new believers aregetting along."37Barnabas agreed and wanted to takealong John Mark.38But Paul disagreed strongly, sinceJohn Mark had deserted them inPamphylia and had not shared in their

ACTS

work.39Their disagreement over this was sosharp that they separated. Barnabastook John Mark with him and sailed forCyprus.40Paul chose Silas, and the believerssent them off, entrusting them to theLord's grace.41So they traveled throughout Syria andCilicia to strengthen the churches there.

16Paul and Silas went first to Derbe

and then on to Lystra. There they metTimothy, a young disciple whose motherwas a Jewish believer, but whose fatherwas a Greek.2Timothy was well thought of by thebelievers in Lystra and Iconium,3so Paul wanted him to join them ontheir journey. In deference to the Jewsof the area, he arranged for Timothy tobe circumcised before they left, foreveryone knew that his father was aGreek.4Then they went from town to town,explaining the decision regarding thecommandments that were to be obeyed,as decided by the apostles and elders inJerusalem.5So the churches were strengthened intheir faith and grew daily in numbers.6Next Paul and Silas traveled throughthe area of Phrygia and Galatia,because the Holy Spirit had told themnot to go into the province of Asia at thattime.7Then coming to the borders of Mysia,they headed for the province of Bithynia,but again the Spirit of Jesus did not letthem go.8So instead, they went on through Mysiato the city of Troas.9That night Paul had a vision. He saw aman from Macedonia in northernGreece, pleading with him, "Come overhere and help us."10So we decided to leave for Macedoniaat once, for we could only conclude thatGod was calling us to preach the GoodNews there.11We boarded a boat at Troas andsailed straight across to the island ofSamothrace, and the next day welanded at Neapolis.12From there we reached Philippi, amajor city of the district of Macedoniaand a Roman colony; we stayed thereseveral days.13On the Sabbath we went a little way

outside the city to a riverbank, where wesupposed that some people met forprayer, and we sat down to speak withsome women who had come together.14One of them was Lydia from Thyatira,a merchant of expensive purple cloth.She was a worshiper of God. As shelistened to us, the Lord opened herheart, and she accepted what Paul wassaying.15She was baptized along with othermembers of her household, and sheasked us to be her guests. "If you agreethat I am faithful to the Lord," she said,"come and stay at my home." And sheurged us until we did.16One day as we were going down tothe place of prayer, we met a demonpossessedslave girl. She was a fortunetellerwho earned a lot of money for hermasters.17She followed along behind us shouting,"These men are servants of the MostHigh God, and they have come to tellyou how to be saved."18This went on day after day until Paulgot so exasperated that he turned andspoke to the demon within her. "Icommand you in the name of JesusChrist to come out of her," he said. Andinstantly it left her.19Her masters' hopes of wealth werenow shattered, so they grabbed Pauland Silas and dragged them before theauthorities at the marketplace.20"The whole city is in an uproarbecause of these Jews!" they shouted.21"They are teaching the people to dothings that are against Roman customs."22A mob quickly formed against Pauland Silas, and the city officials orderedthem stripped and beaten with woodenrods.23They were severely beaten, and thenthey were thrown into prison. The jailerwas ordered to make sure they didn'tescape.24So he took no chances but put theminto the inner dungeon and clampedtheir feet in the stocks.25Around midnight, Paul and Silas werepraying and singing hymns to God, andthe other prisoners were listening.26Suddenly, there was a greatearthquake, and the prison was shakento its foundations. All the doors flewopen, and the chains of every prisonerfell off!27The jailer woke up to see the prison

ACTS

doors wide open. He assumed theprisoners had escaped, so he drew hissword to kill himself.28But Paul shouted to him, "Don't do it!We are all here!"29Trembling with fear, the jailer called forlights and ran to the dungeon and felldown before Paul and Silas.30He brought them out and asked, "Sirs,what must I do to be saved?"31They replied, "Believe on the LordJesus and you will be saved, along withyour entire household."32Then they shared the word of the Lordwith him and all who lived in hishousehold.33That same hour the jailer washed theirwounds, and he and everyone in hishousehold were immediately baptized.34Then he brought them into his houseand set a meal before them. He and hisentire household rejoiced because theyall believed in God.35The next morning the city officials sentthe police to tell the jailer, "Let thosemen go!"36So the jailer told Paul, "You and Silasare free to leave. Go in peace."37But Paul replied, "They have publiclybeaten us without trial and jailed us--andwe are Roman citizens. So now theywant us to leave secretly? Certainly not!Let them come themselves to releaseus!"38When the police made their report, thecity officials were alarmed to learn thatPaul and Silas were Roman citizens.39They came to the jail and apologizedto them. Then they brought them outand begged them to leave the city.40Paul and Silas then returned to thehome of Lydia, where they met with thebelievers and encouraged them oncemore before leaving town.

17Now Paul and Silas traveled

through the towns of Amphipolis andApollonia and came to Thessalonica,where there was a Jewish synagogue.2As was Paul's custom, he went to thesynagogue service, and for threeSabbaths in a row he interpreted theScriptures to the people.3He was explaining and proving theprophecies about the sufferings of theMessiah and his rising from the dead.He said, "This Jesus I'm telling youabout is the Messiah."4Some who listened were persuaded

and became converts, including a largenumber of godly Greek men and alsomany important women of the city.5But the Jewish leaders were jealous, sothey gathered some worthless fellowsfrom the streets to form a mob and starta riot. They attacked the home of Jason,searching for Paul and Silas so theycould drag them out to the crowd.6Not finding them there, they draggedout Jason and some of the otherbelievers instead and took them beforethe city council. "Paul and Silas haveturned the rest of the world upside down,and now they are here disturbing ourcity," they shouted.7"And Jason has let them into his home.They are all guilty of treason againstCaesar, for they profess allegiance toanother king, Jesus."8The people of the city, as well as thecity officials, were thrown into turmoil bythese reports.9But the officials released Jason and theother believers after they had postedbail.10That very night the believers sent Pauland Silas to Berea. When they arrivedthere, they went to the synagogue.11And the people of Berea were moreopen-minded than those inThessalonica, and they listened eagerlyto Paul's message. They searched theScriptures day after day to check up onPaul and Silas, to see if they were reallyteaching the truth.12As a result, many Jews believed, asdid some of the prominent Greekwomen and many men.13But when some Jews in Thessalonicalearned that Paul was preaching theword of God in Berea, they went thereand stirred up trouble.14The believers acted at once, sendingPaul on to the coast, while Silas andTimothy remained behind.15Those escorting Paul went with him toAthens; then they returned to Berea witha message for Silas and Timothy tohurry and join him.16While Paul was waiting for them inAthens, he was deeply troubled by allthe idols he saw everywhere in the city.17He went to the synagogue to debatewith the Jews and the God-fearingGentiles, and he spoke daily in thepublic square to all who happened to bethere.18He also had a debate with some of the

ACTS

Epicurean and Stoic philosophers.When he told them about Jesus and hisresurrection, they said, "This babblerhas picked up some strange ideas."Others said, "He's pushing some foreignreligion."19Then they took him to the Council ofPhilosophers. "Come and tell us moreabout this new religion," they said.20"You are saying some rather startlingthings, and we want to know what it's allabout."21(It should be explained that all theAthenians as well as the foreigners inAthens seemed to spend all their timediscussing the latest ideas.)22So Paul, standing before the Council,addressed them as follows: "Men ofAthens, I notice that you are veryreligious,23for as I was walking along I saw yourmany altars. And one of them had thisinscription on it--'To an Unknown God.'You have been worshiping him withoutknowing who he is, and now I wish totell you about him.24"He is the God who made the worldand everything in it. Since he is Lord ofheaven and earth, he doesn't live inman-made temples,25and human hands can't serve hisneeds--for he has no needs. He himselfgives life and breath to everything, andhe satisfies every need there is.26From one man he created all thenations throughout the whole earth. Hedecided beforehand which should riseand fall, and he determined theirboundaries.27"His purpose in all of this was that thenations should seek after God andperhaps feel their way toward him andfind him--though he is not far from anyone of us.28For in him we live and move and exist.As one of your own poets says, 'We arehis offspring.'29And since this is true, we shouldn'tthink of God as an idol designed bycraftsmen from gold or silver or stone.30God overlooked people's formerignorance about these things, but nowhe commands everyone everywhere toturn away from idols and turn to him.31For he has set a day for judging theworld with justice by the man he hasappointed, and he proved to everyonewho this is by raising him from thedead."

32When they heard Paul speak of theresurrection of a person who had beendead, some laughed, but others said,"We want to hear more about this later."33That ended Paul's discussion withthem,34but some joined him and becamebelievers. Among them were Dionysius,a member of the Council, a womannamed Damaris, and others.

18Then Paul left Athens and went to

Corinth.2There he became acquainted with aJew named Aquila, born in Pontus, whohad recently arrived from Italy with hiswife, Priscilla. They had been expelledfrom Italy as a result of ClaudiusCaesar's order to deport all Jews fromRome.3Paul lived and worked with them, forthey were tentmakers just as he was.4Each Sabbath found Paul at thesynagogue, trying to convince the Jewsand Greeks alike.5And after Silas and Timothy camedown from Macedonia, Paul spent hisfull time preaching and testifying to theJews, telling them, "The Messiah youare looking for is Jesus."6But when the Jews opposed him andinsulted him, Paul shook the dust fromhis robe and said, "Your blood be uponyour own heads--I am innocent. Fromnow on I will go to the Gentiles."7After that he stayed with Titius Justus,a Gentile who worshiped God and livednext door to the synagogue.8Crispus, the leader of the synagogue,and all his household believed in theLord. Many others in Corinth alsobecame believers and were baptized.9One night the Lord spoke to Paul in avision and told him, "Don't be afraid!Speak out! Don't be silent!10For I am with you, and no one willharm you because many people here inthis city belong to me."11So Paul stayed there for the next yearand a half, teaching the word of God.12But when Gallio became governor ofAchaia, some Jews rose in concertedaction against Paul and brought himbefore the governor for judgment.13They accused Paul of "persuadingpeople to worship God in ways that arecontrary to the law."14But just as Paul started to make hisdefense, Gallio turned to Paul's

ACTS

accusers and said, "Listen, you Jews, ifthis were a case involving somewrongdoing or a serious crime, I wouldbe obliged to listen to you.15But since it is merely a question ofwords and names and your Jewish laws,you take care of it. I refuse to judgesuch matters."16And he drove them out of thecourtroom.17The mob had grabbed Sosthenes, theleader of the synagogue, and hadbeaten him right there in the courtroom.But Gallio paid no attention.18Paul stayed in Corinth for some timeafter that and then said good-bye to thebrothers and sisters and sailed for thecoast of Syria, taking Priscilla andAquila with him. (Earlier, at Cenchrea,Paul had shaved his head according toJewish custom, for he had taken a vow.)19When they arrived at the port ofEphesus, Paul left the others behind.But while he was there, he went to thesynagogue to debate with the Jews.20They asked him to stay longer, but hedeclined.21So he left, saying, "I will come backlater, God willing." Then he set sail fromEphesus.22The next stop was at the port ofCaesarea. From there he went up andvisited the church at Jerusalem and thenwent back to Antioch.23After spending some time in Antioch,Paul went back to Galatia and Phrygia,visiting all the believers, encouragingthem and helping them to grow in theLord.24Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, aneloquent speaker who knew theScriptures well, had just arrived inEphesus from Alexandria in Egypt.25He had been taught the way of theLord and talked to others with greatenthusiasm and accuracy about Jesus.However, he knew only about John'sbaptism.26When Priscilla and Aquila heard himpreaching boldly in the synagogue, theytook him aside and explained the way ofGod more accurately.27Apollos had been thinking about goingto Achaia, and the brothers and sistersin Ephesus encouraged him in this.They wrote to the believers in Achaia,asking them to welcome him. When hearrived there, he proved to be of greatbenefit to those who, by God's grace,

had believed.28He refuted all the Jews with powerfularguments in public debate. Using theScriptures, he explained to them, "TheMessiah you are looking for is Jesus."

19While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul

traveled through the interior provinces.Finally, he came to Ephesus, where hefound several believers.2"Did you receive the Holy Spirit whenyou believed?" he asked them. "No,"they replied, "we don't know what youmean. We haven't even heard that thereis a Holy Spirit."3"Then what baptism did youexperience?" he asked. And they replied,"The baptism of John."4Paul said, "John's baptism was todemonstrate a desire to turn from sinand turn to God. John himself told thepeople to believe in Jesus, the one Johnsaid would come later."5As soon as they heard this, they werebaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.6Then when Paul laid his hands on them,the Holy Spirit came on them, and theyspoke in other tongues and prophesied.7There were about twelve men in all.8Then Paul went to the synagogue andpreached boldly for the next threemonths, arguing persuasively about theKingdom of God.9But some rejected his message andpublicly spoke against the Way, so Paulleft the synagogue and took thebelievers with him. Then he beganpreaching daily at the lecture hall ofTyrannus.10This went on for the next two years, sothat people throughout the province ofAsia--both Jews and Greeks--heard theLord's message.11God gave Paul the power to dounusual miracles,12so that even when handkerchiefs orcloths that had touched his skin wereplaced on sick people, they were healedof their diseases, and any evil spiritswithin them came out.13A team of Jews who were travelingfrom town to town casting out evil spiritstried to use the name of the Lord Jesus.The incantation they used was this: "Icommand you by Jesus, whom Paulpreaches, to come out!"14Seven sons of Sceva, a leading priest,were doing this.15But when they tried it on a man

ACTS

possessed by an evil spirit, the spiritreplied, "I know Jesus, and I know Paul.But who are you?"16And he leaped on them and attackedthem with such violence that they fledfrom the house, naked and badly injured.17The story of what happened spreadquickly all through Ephesus, to Jewsand Greeks alike. A solemn feardescended on the city, and the name ofthe Lord Jesus was greatly honored.18Many who became believersconfessed their sinful practices.19A number of them who had beenpracticing magic brought theirincantation books and burned them at apublic bonfire. The value of the bookswas several million dollars.20So the message about the Lordspread widely and had a powerful effect.21Afterward Paul felt impelled by theHoly Spirit to go over to Macedonia andAchaia before returning to Jerusalem."And after that," he said, "I must go onto Rome!"22He sent his two assistants, Timothyand Erastus, on ahead to Macedoniawhile he stayed awhile longer in theprovince of Asia.23But about that time, serious troubledeveloped in Ephesus concerning theWay.24It began with Demetrius, a silversmithwho had a large business manufacturingsilver shrines of the Greek goddessArtemis. He kept many craftsmen busy.25He called the craftsmen together,along with others employed in relatedtrades, and addressed them as follows:"Gentlemen, you know that our wealthcomes from this business.26As you have seen and heard, this manPaul has persuaded many people thathandmade gods aren't gods at all. Andthis is happening not only here inEphesus but throughout the entireprovince!27Of course, I'm not just talking aboutthe loss of public respect for ourbusiness. I'm also concerned that thetemple of the great goddess Artemis willlose its influence and that Artemis--thismagnificent goddess worshipedthroughout the province of Asia and allaround the world--will be robbed of herprestige!"28At this their anger boiled, and theybegan shouting, "Great is Artemis of theEphesians!"

29A crowd began to gather, and soon thecity was filled with confusion. Everyonerushed to the amphitheater, draggingalong Gaius and Aristarchus, who werePaul's traveling companions fromMacedonia.30Paul wanted to go in, but the believerswouldn't let him.31Some of the officials of the province,friends of Paul, also sent a message tohim, begging him not to risk his life byentering the amphitheater.32Inside, the people were all shouting,some one thing and some another.Everything was in confusion. In fact,most of them didn't even know why theywere there.33Alexander was thrust forward by someof the Jews, who encouraged him toexplain the situation. He motioned forsilence and tried to speak in defense.34But when the crowd realized he was aJew, they started shouting again andkept it up for two hours: "Great isArtemis of the Ephesians! Great isArtemis of the Ephesians!"35At last the mayor was able to quietthem down enough to speak. "Citizensof Ephesus," he said. "Everyone knowsthat Ephesus is the official guardian ofthe temple of the great Artemis, whoseimage fell down to us from heaven.36Since this is an indisputable fact, youshouldn't be disturbed, no matter what issaid. Don't do anything rash.37You have brought these men here, butthey have stolen nothing from thetemple and have not spoken against ourgoddess.38If Demetrius and the craftsmen have acase against them, the courts are insession and the judges can take thecase at once. Let them go through legalchannels.39And if there are complaints about othermatters, they can be settled in a legalassembly.40I am afraid we are in danger of beingcharged with rioting by the Romangovernment, since there is no cause forall this commotion. And if Romedemands an explanation, we won't knowwhat to say."41Then he dismissed them, and theydispersed.

20When it was all over, Paul sent for

the believers and encouraged them.Then he said good-bye and left for

ACTS

Macedonia.2Along the way, he encouraged thebelievers in all the towns he passedthrough. Then he traveled down toGreece,3where he stayed for three months. Hewas preparing to sail back to Syria whenhe discovered a plot by some Jewsagainst his life, so he decided to returnthrough Macedonia.4Several men were traveling with him.They were Sopater of Berea, the son ofPyrrhus; Aristarchus and Secundus,from Thessalonica; Gaius, from Derbe;Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus,who were from the province of Asia.5They went ahead and waited for us atTroas.6As soon as the Passover season ended,we boarded a ship at Philippi inMacedonia and five days later arrived inTroas, where we stayed a week.7On the first day of the week, wegathered to observe the Lord's Supper.Paul was preaching; and since he wasleaving the next day, he talked untilmidnight.8The upstairs room where we met waslighted with many flickering lamps.9As Paul spoke on and on, a young mannamed Eutychus, sitting on thewindowsill, became very drowsy. Finally,he sank into a deep sleep and fell threestories to his death below.10Paul went down, bent over him, andtook him into his arms. "Don't worry," hesaid, "he's alive!"11Then they all went back upstairs andate the Lord's Supper together. AndPaul continued talking to them untildawn; then he left.12Meanwhile, the young man was takenhome unhurt, and everyone was greatlyrelieved.13Paul went by land to Assos, where hehad arranged for us to join him, and wewent on ahead by ship.14He joined us there and we sailedtogether to Mitylene.15The next day we passed the island ofKios. The following day, we crossed tothe island of Samos. And a day later wearrived at Miletus.16Paul had decided against stopping atEphesus this time because he didn'twant to spend further time in theprovince of Asia. He was hurrying to getto Jerusalem, if possible, for the Festivalof Pentecost.

17But when we landed at Miletus, hesent a message to the elders of thechurch at Ephesus, asking them tocome down to meet him.18When they arrived he declared, "Youknow that from the day I set foot in theprovince of Asia until now19I have done the Lord's work humbly--yes, and with tears. I have endured thetrials that came to me from the plots ofthe Jews.20Yet I never shrank from telling you thetruth, either publicly or in your homes.21I have had one message for Jews andGentiles alike--the necessity of turningfrom sin and turning to God, and of faithin our Lord Jesus.22"And now I am going to Jerusalem,drawn there irresistibly by the Holy Spirit,not knowing what awaits me,23except that the Holy Spirit has told mein city after city that jail and suffering lieahead.24But my life is worth nothing unless Iuse it for doing the work assigned me bythe Lord Jesus--the work of tellingothers the Good News about God'swonderful kindness and love.25"And now I know that none of you towhom I have preached the Kingdom willever see me again.26Let me say plainly that I have beenfaithful. No one's damnation can beblamed on me,27for I didn't shrink from declaring all thatGod wants for you.28"And now beware! Be sure that youfeed and shepherd God's flock--hischurch, purchased with his blood--overwhom the Holy Spirit has appointed youas elders.29I know full well that false teachers, likevicious wolves, will come in among youafter I leave, not sparing the flock.30Even some of you will distort the truthin order to draw a following.31Watch out! Remember the three yearsI was with you--my constant watch andcare over you night and day, and mymany tears for you.32"And now I entrust you to God and theword of his grace--his message that isable to build you up and give you aninheritance with all those he has setapart for himself.33"I have never coveted anyone's moneyor fine clothing.34You know that these hands of minehave worked to pay my own way, and I

ACTS

have even supplied the needs of thosewho were with me.35And I have been a constant exampleof how you can help the poor by workinghard. You should remember the wordsof the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed togive than to receive.' "36When he had finished speaking, heknelt and prayed with them.37They wept aloud as they embracedhim in farewell,38sad most of all because he had saidthat they would never see him again.Then they accompanied him down tothe ship.

21After saying farewell to the

Ephesian elders, we sailed straight tothe island of Cos. The next day wereached Rhodes and then went toPatara.2There we boarded a ship sailing for theSyrian province of Phoenicia.3We sighted the island of Cyprus,passed it on our left, and landed at theharbor of Tyre, in Syria, where the shipwas to unload.4We went ashore, found the localbelievers, and stayed with them a week.These disciples prophesied through theHoly Spirit that Paul should not go on toJerusalem.5When we returned to the ship at theend of the week, the entire congregation,including wives and children, camedown to the shore with us. There weknelt, prayed,6and said our farewells. Then we wentaboard, and they returned home.7The next stop after leaving Tyre wasPtolemais, where we greeted thebrothers and sisters but stayed only oneday.8Then we went on to Caesarea andstayed at the home of Philip theEvangelist, one of the seven men whohad been chosen to distribute food.9He had four unmarried daughters whohad the gift of prophecy.10During our stay of several days, a mannamed Agabus, who also had the gift ofprophecy, arrived from Judea.11When he visited us, he took Paul's beltand bound his own feet and hands withit. Then he said, "The Holy Spiritdeclares, 'So shall the owner of this beltbe bound by the Jewish leaders inJerusalem and turned over to theRomans.' "

12When we heard this, we who weretraveling with him, as well as the localbelievers, begged Paul not to go on toJerusalem.13But he said, "Why all this weeping?You are breaking my heart! For I amready not only to be jailed at Jerusalembut also to die for the sake of the LordJesus."14When it was clear that we couldn'tpersuade him, we gave up and said,"The will of the Lord be done."15Shortly afterward we packed ourthings and left for Jerusalem.16Some believers from Caesareaaccompanied us, and they took us to thehome of Mnason, a man originally fromCyprus and one of the early disciples.17All the brothers and sisters inJerusalem welcomed us cordially.18The next day Paul went in with us tomeet with James, and all the elders ofthe Jerusalem church were present.19After greetings were exchanged, Paulgave a detailed account of the thingsGod had accomplished among theGentiles through his ministry.20After hearing this, they praised God.But then they said, "You know, dearbrother, how many thousands of Jewshave also believed, and they all take thelaw of Moses very seriously.21Our Jewish Christians here atJerusalem have been told that you areteaching all the Jews living in theGentile world to turn their backs on thelaws of Moses. They say that you teachpeople not to circumcise their children orfollow other Jewish customs.22Now what can be done? For they willcertainly hear that you have come.23"Here's our suggestion. We have fourmen here who have taken a vow andare preparing to shave their heads.24Go with them to the Temple and jointhem in the purification ceremony, andpay for them to have their heads shaved.Then everyone will know that the rumorsare all false and that you yourselfobserve the Jewish laws.25"As for the Gentile Christians, all weask of them is what we already toldthem in a letter: They should not eatfood offered to idols, nor consume blood,nor eat meat from strangled animals,and they should stay away from allsexual immorality."26So Paul agreed to their request, andthe next day he went through the

ACTS

purification ritual with the men and wentto the Temple. Then he publiclyannounced the date when their vowswould end and sacrifices would beoffered for each of them.27The seven days were almost endedwhen some Jews from the province ofAsia saw Paul in the Temple and rouseda mob against him. They grabbed him,28yelling, "Men of Israel! Help! This is theman who teaches against our peopleand tells everybody to disobey theJewish laws. He speaks against theTemple--and he even defiles it bybringing Gentiles in!"29(For earlier that day they had seen himin the city with Trophimus, a Gentilefrom Ephesus, and they assumed Paulhad taken him into the Temple.)30The whole population of the city wasrocked by these accusations, and agreat riot followed. Paul was draggedout of the Temple, and immediately thegates were closed behind him.31As they were trying to kill him, wordreached the commander of the Romanregiment that all Jerusalem was in anuproar.32He immediately called out his soldiersand officers and ran down among thecrowd. When the mob saw thecommander and the troops coming, theystopped beating Paul.33The commander arrested him andordered him bound with two chains.Then he asked the crowd who he wasand what he had done.34Some shouted one thing and someanother. He couldn't find out the truth inall the uproar and confusion, so heordered Paul to be taken to the fortress.35As they reached the stairs, the mobgrew so violent the soldiers had to liftPaul to their shoulders to protect him.36And the crowd followed behindshouting, "Kill him, kill him!"37As Paul was about to be taken inside,he said to the commander, "May I havea word with you?" "Do you knowGreek?" the commander asked,surprised.38"Aren't you the Egyptian who led arebellion some time ago and took fourthousand members of the Assassins outinto the desert?"39"No," Paul replied, "I am a Jew fromTarsus in Cilicia, which is an importantcity. Please, let me talk to these people."40The commander agreed, so Paul

stood on the stairs and motioned to thepeople to be quiet. Soon a deep silenceenveloped the crowd, and he addressedthem in their own language, Aramaic.

22"Brothers and esteemed fathers,"

Paul said, "listen to me as I offer mydefense."2When they heard him speaking in theirown language, the silence was evengreater.3"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city inCilicia, and I was brought up andeducated here in Jerusalem underGamaliel. At his feet I learned to followour Jewish laws and customs verycarefully. I became very zealous tohonor God in everything I did, just as allof you are today.4And I persecuted the followers of theWay, hounding some to death, bindingand delivering both men and women toprison.5The high priest and the whole council ofleaders can testify that this is so. For Ireceived letters from them to our Jewishbrothers in Damascus, authorizing me tobring the Christians from there toJerusalem, in chains, to be punished.6"As I was on the road, nearingDamascus, about noon a very brightlight from heaven suddenly shonearound me.7I fell to the ground and heard a voicesaying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why are youpersecuting me?'8" 'Who are you, sir?' I asked. And hereplied, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, the oneyou are persecuting.'9The people with me saw the light butdidn't hear the voice.10"I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' And theLord told me, 'Get up and go intoDamascus, and there you will be told allthat you are to do.'11"I was blinded by the intense light andhad to be led into Damascus by mycompanions.12A man named Ananias lived there. Hewas a godly man in his devotion to thelaw, and he was well thought of by allthe Jews of Damascus.13He came to me and stood beside meand said, 'Brother Saul, receive yoursight.' And that very hour I could seehim!14"Then he told me, 'The God of ourancestors has chosen you to know hiswill and to see the Righteous One and

ACTS

hear him speak.15You are to take his messageeverywhere, telling the whole world whatyou have seen and heard.16And now, why delay? Get up and bebaptized, and have your sins washedaway, calling on the name of the Lord.'17"One day after I returned to Jerusalem,I was praying in the Temple, and I fellinto a trance.18I saw a vision of Jesus saying to me,'Hurry! Leave Jerusalem, for the peoplehere won't believe you when you givethem your testimony about me.'19" 'But Lord,' I argued, 'they certainlyknow that I imprisoned and beat those inevery synagogue who believed on you.20And when your witness Stephen waskilled, I was standing there agreeing. Ikept the coats they laid aside as theystoned him.'21"But the Lord said to me, 'LeaveJerusalem, for I will send you far awayto the Gentiles!' "22The crowd listened until Paul came tothat word; then with one voice theyshouted, "Away with such a fellow! Killhim! He isn't fit to live!"23They yelled, threw off their coats, andtossed handfuls of dust into the air.24The commander brought Paul insideand ordered him lashed with whips tomake him confess his crime. He wantedto find out why the crowd had becomeso furious.25As they tied Paul down to lash him,Paul said to the officer standing there,"Is it legal for you to whip a Romancitizen who hasn't even been tried?"26The officer went to the commanderand asked, "What are you doing? Thisman is a Roman citizen!"27So the commander went over andasked Paul, "Tell me, are you a Romancitizen?" "Yes, I certainly am," Paulreplied.28"I am, too," the commander muttered,"and it cost me plenty!" "But I am acitizen by birth!"29The soldiers who were about tointerrogate Paul quickly withdrew whenthey heard he was a Roman citizen, andthe commander was frightened becausehe had ordered him bound and whipped.30The next day the commander freedPaul from his chains and ordered theleading priests into session with theJewish high council. He had Paulbrought in before them to try to find out

what the trouble was all about.

23Gazing intently at the high council,

Paul began: "Brothers, I have alwayslived before God in all goodconscience!"2Instantly Ananias the high priestcommanded those close to Paul to slaphim on the mouth.3But Paul said to him, "God will slap you,you whitewashed wall! What kind ofjudge are you to break the law yourselfby ordering me struck like that?"4Those standing near Paul said to him,"Is that the way to talk to God's highpriest?"5"I'm sorry, brothers. I didn't realize hewas the high priest," Paul replied, "forthe Scriptures say, 'Do not speak evil ofanyone who rules over you.' "6Paul realized that some members ofthe high council were Sadducees andsome were Pharisees, so he shouted,"Brothers, I am a Pharisee, as were allmy ancestors! And I am on trial becausemy hope is in the resurrection of thedead!"7This divided the council--the Phariseesagainst the Sadducees--8for the Sadducees say there is noresurrection or angels or spirits, but thePharisees believe in all of these.9So a great clamor arose. Some of theteachers of religious law who werePharisees jumped up to argue that Paulwas all right. "We see nothing wrongwith him," they shouted. "Perhaps aspirit or an angel spoke to him."10The shouting grew louder and louder,and the men were tugging at Paul fromboth sides, pulling him this way and that.Finally, the commander, fearing theywould tear him apart, ordered hissoldiers to take him away from them andbring him back to the fortress.11That night the Lord appeared to Pauland said, "Be encouraged, Paul. Just asyou have told the people about me herein Jerusalem, you must preach theGood News in Rome."12The next morning a group of Jews gottogether and bound themselves with anoath to neither eat nor drink until theyhad killed Paul.13There were more than forty of them.14They went to the leading priests andother leaders and told them what theyhad done. "We have bound ourselvesunder oath to neither eat nor drink until

ACTS

we have killed Paul.15You and the high council should tellthe commander to bring Paul back tothe council again," they requested."Pretend you want to examine his casemore fully. We will kill him on the way."16But Paul's nephew heard of their planand went to the fortress and told Paul.17Paul called one of the officers and said,"Take this young man to the commander.He has something important to tell him."18So the officer did, explaining, "Paul,the prisoner, called me over and askedme to bring this young man to youbecause he has something to tell you."19The commander took him by the arm,led him aside, and asked, "What is it youwant to tell me?"20Paul's nephew told him, "Some Jewsare going to ask you to bring Paulbefore the Jewish high council tomorrow,pretending they want to get some moreinformation.21But don't do it! There are more thanforty men hiding along the way ready tojump him and kill him. They have vowednot to eat or drink until they kill him.They are ready, expecting you to agreeto their request."22"Don't let a soul know you told methis," the commander warned the youngman as he sent him away.23Then the commander called two of hisofficers and ordered, "Get two hundredsoldiers ready to leave for Caesarea atnine o'clock tonight. Also take twohundred spearmen and seventyhorsemen.24Provide horses for Paul to ride, andget him safely to Governor Felix."25Then he wrote this letter to thegovernor:26"From Claudius Lysias, to hisExcellency, Governor Felix. Greetings!27This man was seized by some Jews,and they were about to kill him when Iarrived with the troops. When I learnedthat he was a Roman citizen, I removedhim to safety.28Then I took him to their high council totry to find out what he had done.29I soon discovered it was somethingregarding their religious law--certainlynothing worthy of imprisonment or death.30But when I was informed of a plot tokill him, I immediately sent him on to you.I have told his accusers to bring theircharges before you."31So that night, as ordered, the soldiers

took Paul as far as Antipatris.32They returned to the fortress the nextmorning, while the horsemen took himon to Caesarea.33When they arrived in Caesarea, theypresented Paul and the letter toGovernor Felix.34He read it and then asked Paul whatprovince he was from. "Cilicia," Paulanswered.35"I will hear your case myself when youraccusers arrive," the governor told him.Then the governor ordered him kept inthe prison at Herod's headquarters.

24Five days later Ananias, the high

priest, arrived with some of the Jewishleaders and the lawyer Tertullus, topress charges against Paul.2When Paul was called in, Tertullus laidcharges against Paul in the followingaddress to the governor: "YourExcellency, you have given peace to usJews and have enacted reforms for us.3And for all of this we are very grateful toyou.4But lest I bore you, kindly give me yourattention for only a moment as I brieflyoutline our case against this man.5For we have found him to be atroublemaker, a man who is constantlyinciting the Jews throughout the world toriots and rebellions against the Romangovernment. He is a ringleader of thesect known as the Nazarenes.6Moreover he was trying to defile theTemple when we arrested him.8You can find out the truth of ouraccusations by examining him yourself."9Then the other Jews chimed in,declaring that everything Tertullus saidwas true.10Now it was Paul's turn. The governormotioned for him to rise and speak. Paulsaid, "I know, sir, that you have been ajudge of Jewish affairs for many years,and this gives me confidence as I makemy defense.11You can quickly discover that it was nomore than twelve days ago that I arrivedin Jerusalem to worship at the Temple.12I didn't argue with anyone in theTemple, nor did I incite a riot in anysynagogue or on the streets of the city.13These men certainly cannot prove thethings they accuse me of doing.14"But I admit that I follow the Way,which they call a sect. I worship the Godof our ancestors, and I firmly believe the

ACTS

Jewish law and everything written in thebooks of prophecy.15I have hope in God, just as these mendo, that he will raise both the righteousand the ungodly.16Because of this, I always try tomaintain a clear conscience before Godand everyone else.17"After several years away, I returned toJerusalem with money to aid my peopleand to offer sacrifices to God.18My accusers saw me in the Temple asI was completing a purification ritual.There was no crowd around me and norioting.19But some Jews from the province ofAsia were there--and they ought to behere to bring charges if they haveanything against me!20Ask these men here what wrongdoingthe Jewish high council found in me,21except for one thing I said when Ishouted out, 'I am on trial before youtoday because I believe in theresurrection of the dead!' "22Felix, who was quite familiar with theWay, adjourned the hearing and said,"Wait until Lysias, the garrisoncommander, arrives. Then I will decidethe case."23He ordered an officer to keep Paul incustody but to give him some freedomand allow his friends to visit him andtake care of his needs.24A few days later Felix came with hiswife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sendingfor Paul, they listened as he told themabout faith in Christ Jesus.25As he reasoned with them aboutrighteousness and self-control and thejudgment to come, Felix was terrified."Go away for now," he replied. "When itis more convenient, I'll call for youagain."26He also hoped that Paul would bribehim, so he sent for him quite often andtalked with him.27Two years went by in this way; thenFelix was succeeded by Porcius Festus.And because Felix wanted to gain favorwith the Jewish leaders, he left Paul inprison.

25Three days after Festus arrived in

Caesarea to take over his newresponsibilities, he left for Jerusalem,2where the leading priests and otherJewish leaders met with him and madetheir accusations against Paul.

3They asked Festus as a favor totransfer Paul to Jerusalem. (Their planwas to waylay and kill him.)4But Festus replied that Paul was atCaesarea and he himself would bereturning there soon.5So he said, "Those of you in authoritycan return with me. If Paul has doneanything wrong, you can make youraccusations."6Eight or ten days later he returned toCaesarea, and on the following dayPaul's trial began.7On Paul's arrival in court, the Jewishleaders from Jerusalem gatheredaround and made many seriousaccusations they couldn't prove.8Paul denied the charges. "I am notguilty," he said. "I have committed nocrime against the Jewish laws or theTemple or the Roman government."9Then Festus, wanting to please theJews, asked him, "Are you willing to goto Jerusalem and stand trial before methere?"10But Paul replied, "No! This is theofficial Roman court, so I ought to betried right here. You know very well I amnot guilty.11If I have done something worthy ofdeath, I don't refuse to die. But if I aminnocent, neither you nor anyone elsehas a right to turn me over to these mento kill me. I appeal to Caesar!"12Festus conferred with his advisers andthen replied, "Very well! You haveappealed to Caesar, and to Caesar youshall go!"13A few days later King Agrippa arrivedwith his sister, Bernice, to pay theirrespects to Festus.14During their stay of several days,Festus discussed Paul's case with theking. "There is a prisoner here," he toldhim, "whose case was left for me byFelix.15When I was in Jerusalem, the leadingpriests and other Jewish leaderspressed charges against him and askedme to sentence him.16Of course, I quickly pointed out tothem that Roman law does not convictpeople without a trial. They are given anopportunity to defend themselves faceto face with their accusers.17"When they came here for the trial, Icalled the case the very next day andordered Paul brought in.18But the accusations made against him

ACTS

weren't at all what I expected.19It was something about their religionand about someone called Jesus whodied, but whom Paul insists is alive.20I was perplexed as to how to conductan investigation of this kind, and I askedhim whether he would be willing to standtrial on these charges in Jerusalem.21But Paul appealed to the emperor. SoI ordered him back to jail until I couldarrange to send him to Caesar."22"I'd like to hear the man myself,"Agrippa said. And Festus replied, "Youshall--tomorrow!"23So the next day Agrippa and Bernicearrived at the auditorium with greatpomp, accompanied by military officersand prominent men of the city. Festusordered that Paul be brought in.24Then Festus said, "King Agrippa andall present, this is the man whose deathis demanded both by the local Jews andby those in Jerusalem.25But in my opinion he has done nothingworthy of death. However, he appealedhis case to the emperor, and I decidedto send him.26But what shall I write the emperor? Forthere is no real charge against him. So Ihave brought him before all of you, andespecially you, King Agrippa, so thatafter we examine him, I might havesomething to write.27For it doesn't seem reasonable to senda prisoner to the emperor withoutspecifying the charges against him!"

26Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You

may speak in your defense." So Paul,with a gesture of his hand, started hisdefense:2"I am fortunate, King Agrippa, that youare the one hearing my defense againstall these accusations made by theJewish leaders,3for I know you are an expert on Jewishcustoms and controversies. Now pleaselisten to me patiently!4"As the Jewish leaders are well aware,I was given a thorough Jewish trainingfrom my earliest childhood among myown people and in Jerusalem.5If they would admit it, they know that Ihave been a member of the Pharisees,the strictest sect of our religion.6Now I am on trial because I am lookingforward to the fulfillment of God'spromise made to our ancestors.7In fact, that is why the twelve tribes of

Israel worship God night and day, andthey share the same hope I have. Yet, Oking, they say it is wrong for me to havethis hope!8Why does it seem incredible to any ofyou that God can raise the dead?9"I used to believe that I ought to doeverything I could to oppose thefollowers of Jesus of Nazareth.10Authorized by the leading priests, Icaused many of the believers inJerusalem to be sent to prison. And Icast my vote against them when theywere condemned to death.11Many times I had them whipped in thesynagogues to try to get them to curseChrist. I was so violently opposed tothem that I even hounded them indistant cities of foreign lands.12"One day I was on such a mission toDamascus, armed with the authority andcommission of the leading priests.13About noon, Your Majesty, a light fromheaven brighter than the sun shonedown on me and my companions.14We all fell down, and I heard a voicesaying to me in Aramaic, 'Saul, Saul,why are you persecuting me? It is hardfor you to fight against my will. '15" 'Who are you, sir?' I asked. "And theLord replied, 'I am Jesus, the one youare persecuting.16Now stand up! For I have appeared toyou to appoint you as my servant andmy witness. You are to tell the worldabout this experience and about othertimes I will appear to you.17And I will protect you from both yourown people and the Gentiles. Yes, I amgoing to send you to the Gentiles,18to open their eyes so they may turnfrom darkness to light, and from thepower of Satan to God. Then they willreceive forgiveness for their sins and begiven a place among God's people, whoare set apart by faith in me.'19"And so, O King Agrippa, I was notdisobedient to that vision from heaven.20I preached first to those in Damascus,then in Jerusalem and throughout allJudea, and also to the Gentiles, that allmust turn from their sins and turn toGod--and prove they have changed bythe good things they do.21Some Jews arrested me in the Templefor preaching this, and they tried to killme.22But God protected me so that I am stillalive today to tell these facts to

ACTS

everyone, from the least to the greatest.I teach nothing except what theprophets and Moses said wouldhappen--23that the Messiah would suffer and bethe first to rise from the dead as a lightto Jews and Gentiles alike."24Suddenly, Festus shouted, "Paul, youare insane. Too much study has madeyou crazy!"25But Paul replied, "I am not insane,Most Excellent Festus. I am speakingthe sober truth.26And King Agrippa knows about thesethings. I speak frankly, for I am surethese events are all familiar to him, forthey were not done in a corner!27King Agrippa, do you believe theprophets? I know you do--"28Agrippa interrupted him. "Do you thinkyou can make me a Christian soquickly?"29Paul replied, "Whether quickly or not, Ipray to God that both you and everyonehere in this audience might become thesame as I am, except for these chains."30Then the king, the governor, Bernice,and all the others stood and left.31As they talked it over they agreed,"This man hasn't done anything worthyof death or imprisonment."32And Agrippa said to Festus, "He couldbe set free if he hadn't appealed toCaesar!"

27When the time came, we set sail

for Italy. Paul and several otherprisoners were placed in the custody ofan army officer named Julius, a captainof the Imperial Regiment.2And Aristarchus, a Macedonian fromThessalonica, was also with us. We lefton a boat whose home port wasAdramyttium; it was scheduled to makeseveral stops at ports along the coast ofthe province of Asia.3The next day when we docked at Sidon,Julius was very kind to Paul and let himgo ashore to visit with friends so theycould provide for his needs.4Putting out to sea from there, weencountered headwinds that made itdifficult to keep the ship on course, sowe sailed north of Cyprus between theisland and the mainland.5We passed along the coast of theprovinces of Cilicia and Pamphylia,landing at Myra, in the province of Lycia.6There the officer found an Egyptian

ship from Alexandria that was bound forItaly, and he put us on board.7We had several days of rough sailing,and after great difficulty we finallyneared Cnidus. But the wind wasagainst us, so we sailed down to theleeward side of Crete, past the cape ofSalmone.8We struggled along the coast with greatdifficulty and finally arrived at FairHavens, near the city of Lasea.9We had lost a lot of time. The weatherwas becoming dangerous for longvoyages by then because it was so latein the fall, and Paul spoke to the ship'sofficers about it.10"Sirs," he said, "I believe there istrouble ahead if we go on--shipwreck,loss of cargo, injuries, and danger to ourlives."11But the officer in charge of theprisoners listened more to the ship'scaptain and the owner than to Paul.12And since Fair Havens was anexposed harbor--a poor place to spendthe winter--most of the crew wanted togo to Phoenix, farther up the coast ofCrete, and spend the winter there.Phoenix was a good harbor with only asouthwest and northwest exposure.13When a light wind began blowing fromthe south, the sailors thought they couldmake it. So they pulled up anchor andsailed along close to shore.14But the weather changed abruptly, anda wind of typhoon strength (a"northeaster," they called it) caught theship and blew it out to sea.15They couldn't turn the ship into thewind, so they gave up and let it runbefore the gale.16We sailed behind a small islandnamed Cauda, where with greatdifficulty we hoisted aboard the lifeboatthat was being towed behind us.17Then we banded the ship with ropes tostrengthen the hull. The sailors wereafraid of being driven across to thesandbars of Syrtis off the African coast,so they lowered the sea anchor andwere thus driven before the wind.18The next day, as gale-force windscontinued to batter the ship, the crewbegan throwing the cargo overboard.19The following day they even threw outthe ship's equipment and anything elsethey could lay their hands on.20The terrible storm raged unabated formany days, blotting out the sun and the

ACTS

stars, until at last all hope was gone.21No one had eaten for a long time.Finally, Paul called the crew togetherand said, "Men, you should havelistened to me in the first place and notleft Fair Havens. You would haveavoided all this injury and loss.22But take courage! None of you willlose your lives, even though the ship willgo down.23For last night an angel of the God towhom I belong and whom I serve stoodbeside me,24and he said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, foryou will surely stand trial before Caesar!What's more, God in his goodness hasgranted safety to everyone sailing withyou.'25So take courage! For I believe God. Itwill be just as he said.26But we will be shipwrecked on anisland."27About midnight on the fourteenth nightof the storm, as we were being drivenacross the Sea of Adria, the sailorssensed land was near.28They took soundings and found thewater was only 120 feet deep. A littlelater they sounded again and found only90 feet.29At this rate they were afraid we wouldsoon be driven against the rocks alongthe shore, so they threw out fouranchors from the stern and prayed fordaylight.30Then the sailors tried to abandon theship; they lowered the lifeboat as thoughthey were going to put out anchors fromthe prow.31But Paul said to the commandingofficer and the soldiers, "You will all dieunless the sailors stay aboard."32So the soldiers cut the ropes and letthe boat fall off.33As the darkness gave way to the earlymorning light, Paul begged everyone toeat. "You haven't touched food for twoweeks," he said.34"Please eat something now for yourown good. For not a hair of your headswill perish."35Then he took some bread, gavethanks to God before them all, andbroke off a piece and ate it.36Then everyone was encouraged,37and all 276 of us began eating--for thatis the number we had aboard.38After eating, the crew lightened theship further by throwing the cargo of

wheat overboard.39When morning dawned, they didn'trecognize the coastline, but they saw abay with a beach and wondered if theycould get between the rocks and get theship safely to shore.40So they cut off the anchors and leftthem in the sea. Then they lowered therudders, raised the foresail, and headedtoward shore.41But the ship hit a shoal and ranaground. The bow of the ship stuck fast,while the stern was repeatedly smashedby the force of the waves and began tobreak apart.42The soldiers wanted to kill theprisoners to make sure they didn't swimashore and escape.43But the commanding officer wanted tospare Paul, so he didn't let them carryout their plan. Then he ordered all whocould swim to jump overboard first andmake for land,44and he told the others to try for it onplanks and debris from the broken ship.So everyone escaped safely ashore!

28Once we were safe on shore, we

learned that we were on the island ofMalta.2The people of the island were very kindto us. It was cold and rainy, so they builta fire on the shore to welcome us andwarm us.3As Paul gathered an armful of sticksand was laying them on the fire, apoisonous snake, driven out by the heat,fastened itself onto his hand.4The people of the island saw it hangingthere and said to each other, "Amurderer, no doubt! Though he escapedthe sea, justice will not permit him tolive."5But Paul shook off the snake into thefire and was unharmed.6The people waited for him to swell upor suddenly drop dead. But when theyhad waited a long time and saw no harmcome to him, they changed their mindsand decided he was a god.7Near the shore where we landed wasan estate belonging to Publius, the chiefofficial of the island. He welcomed uscourteously and fed us for three days.8As it happened, Publius's father was illwith fever and dysentery. Paul went inand prayed for him, and laying hishands on him, he healed him.9Then all the other sick people on the

ACTS

island came and were cured.10As a result we were showered withhonors, and when the time came to sail,people put on board all sorts of thingswe would need for the trip.11It was three months after theshipwreck that we set sail on anothership that had wintered at the island--anAlexandrian ship with the twin gods asits figurehead.12Our first stop was Syracuse, where westayed three days.13From there we sailed across toRhegium. A day later a south windbegan blowing, so the following day wesailed up the coast to Puteoli.14There we found some believers, whoinvited us to stay with them seven days.And so we came to Rome.15The brothers and sisters in Rome hadheard we were coming, and they cameto meet us at the Forum on the AppianWay. Others joined us at The ThreeTaverns. When Paul saw them, hethanked God and took courage.16When we arrived in Rome, Paul waspermitted to have his own privatelodging, though he was guarded by asoldier.17Three days after Paul's arrival, hecalled together the local Jewish leaders.He said to them, "Brothers, I wasarrested in Jerusalem and handed overto the Roman government, even thoughI had done nothing against our people orthe customs of our ancestors.18The Romans tried me and wanted torelease me, for they found no cause forthe death sentence.19But when the Jewish leaders protestedthe decision, I felt it necessary to appealto Caesar, even though I had no desireto press charges against my own people.20I asked you to come here today so wecould get acquainted and so I could tellyou that I am bound with this chainbecause I believe that the hope ofIsrael--the Messiah--has already come."21They replied, "We have heard nothingagainst you. We have had no lettersfrom Judea or reports from anyone whohas arrived here.22But we want to hear what you believe,for the only thing we know about theseChristians is that they are denouncedeverywhere."23So a time was set, and on that day alarge number of people came to Paul'shouse. He told them about the Kingdom

of God and taught them about Jesusfrom the Scriptures--from the five booksof Moses and the books of the prophets.He began lecturing in the morning andwent on into the evening.24Some believed and some didn't.25But after they had argued back andforth among themselves, they left withthis final word from Paul: "The HolySpirit was right when he said to ourancestors through Isaiah the prophet,26'Go and say to my people, You willhear my words, but you will notunderstand; you will see what I do, butyou will not perceive its meaning.27For the hearts of these people arehardened, and their ears cannot hear,and they have closed their eyes-- sotheir eyes cannot see, and their earscannot hear, and their hearts cannotunderstand, and they cannot turn to meand let me heal them.'28So I want you to realize that thissalvation from God is also available tothe Gentiles, and they will accept it."30For the next two years, Paul lived inhis own rented house. He welcomed allwho visited him,31proclaiming the Kingdom of God withall boldness and teaching about theLord Jesus Christ. And no one tried tostop him.