Purpose: To encourage class members to follow Paul’s example and be faithful witnesses of Jesus Christ even in the midst of trials and tribulation.
Acts 21
(From where did he start this journey? Miletas?) Paul at Ephesus 2 years, writes 1 Corinthians from there. Paul writes 2nd Corinthians from Macedonia, Romans from Corinth) -- Blair VanDyke -- Adult Institute class -- Sept./Oct. 2011) This is the end of his third missionary journey. possibly late in February, A.D. 58. -- Institute manual
He was bringing alms from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor at Jerusalem. That, in itself, would have put him in danger, had others known what he was carrying. There was a drought/famine in the land and the Saints at Jerusalem very much needed the donations of the Saints in other lands. -- Bro. VanDyke
Institute Manual: "Like Paul, we are often confronted by persons who seek to turn us from our spiritual commitments—people with attitudes of indifference, criticism, and even condemnation; people who desire to win us over to the goals and philosophies of men. However, using the example of Paul in his days of imprisonment, we can courageously remain true to our principles and confidently share them with others."
Paul travels by ship to Tyre, then travels on to Jerusalem.
1 And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, (Would Paul have viewed the ruins of the Colossus of Rhodes?) and from thence unto Patara:
3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Paul is warned at least three times not to go to Jerusalem.
4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the aSpirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. Why "through the Spirit"? What does this mean?
5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.
7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
8 And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto aCæsarea: and we entered into the house of bPhilip (one of the seventy? Acts 6:5) the cevangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the aHoly Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to adie at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Cæsarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an aold disciple, with whom we should lodge.
18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto aJames; (James, the Lord's brother? Isn't the other James dead?) and all the elders were present.
19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the aGentiles by his ministry.
20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all azealous of the law:
21 And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to acircumcise their children, neither to walk after the bcustoms.
22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
The leaders at Jerusalem urge Paul to show the people by going up to the temple to be purified that he is not teaching the forsaking of Moses.
24 Them take, and purify thyself with them, and abe at charges with them (pay expenses for them.), that they may bshave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.
25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to aidols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from bfornication.
Paul goes to the temple to be purified.
26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the aaccomplishment of the days of bpurification, until that an coffering should be offered for every one of them.
The mob comes to take Paul.
27 And when the aseven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him, (Were these the same people who were giving him grief when he was in the "mission field"?)
28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the atemple, and hath bpolluted this holy place.
29 (For they had seen before with him in the city aTrophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.
31 And as they went about to akill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an buproar.
Roman Soldiers save Paul from the mob.
32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief acaptain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.
33 Then the chief acaptain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.
34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the acastle.
35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. (Does this mean that they had to carry him, or just that they had to remove him from the situation, protecting him on the way?)
37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek? (Why would he speak in Greek?)
38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?
39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of aTarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
Paul speaks to the multitude.
40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and abeckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great bsilence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
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From the Institute Manual: Lesson 42
There is a unifying thread that runs through the story of Paul’s capture in Jerusalem which led to his imprisonment in Rome. These last seven and a half chapters of Acts are a testimony of Paul’s courage and of his devotion to Christ, and his words and deeds serve as a witness to our Lord’s divinity.
Paul came to Jerusalem from the Greek city of Corinth, possibly late in February, A.D. 58. He wanted to be there by Pentecost ( Acts 20:16 ). The plan was to sail to Syria ( Acts 20:3 ); and some of his party did go by boat. But Paul had to travel by land to Philippi to thwart a plot against his life. The party reunited at Troas near the western tip of what is now Turkey. Then they proceeded together, mostly by boat through the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean, finally arriving in Jerusalem.
Many friends tried in vain to persuade Paul to turn aside from this his fifth visit to Jerusalem since his conversion. But it meant a lot to him to meet again with the “brethren” and to bring alms from Macedonia and Achaia for the poor at Jerusalem. Then, too, he may have known that he had to face the trials that awaited him, for they gave him the opportunity to testify before kings and rulers, for which purpose the Lord had called him ( Acts 9:15 ).
What have you learned thus far from the example of Paul that has helped you to become totally committed to the Savior?
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Chapter 22
Paul recounts the story of his conversion and also tells of seeing Jesus in a vision—He is accorded some privileges as a Roman citizen.
2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,)
3 I am verily a man which am a aJew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the bfeet of cGamaliel (this was a sort of name-dropping, and perfectly true and appropriate), and taught according to the perfect manner of the dlaw of the fathers, and was ezealous toward God, as ye all are this day. (He is likening his persecution of the Christians to this people's persecution of him. Question: was it just Christians that he punished, or would he have done the same to others who seemed to him to be blasphemers?)
4 And I apersecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.
5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received aletters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great alight round about me.
7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, aSaul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am aJesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the avoice of him that spake to me.
10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
Paul is led to Damascus and to a devout Jew named Ananias who had already been converted to the Lord Jesus Christ.
11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
12 And one aAnanias, a devout man according to the law, having a good breport of all the Jews which dwelt there,
13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy asight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his awill, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.
16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be abaptized, and bwash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Saul/Paul returns to Jerusalem (after being healed by Ananias), but is told to leave.
17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a atrance;
18 And asaw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
19 And I said, Lord, they know that I aimprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee:
20 And when the blood of thy amartyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and bconsenting unto his death, and kept the craiment of them that slew him.
Paul finishes this partial account of his conversion.
The Jews listen, but then (prepare to stone him.?)
22 And they gave him aaudience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.
Paul is removed by Roman soldiers who prepare to examine him by scourging.
24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the acastle, and bade that he should be examined by bscourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
Paul saves himself from scourging by playing the Roman citizen card.
25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a aRoman, and uncondemned?
26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.
28 And the achief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
29 aThen straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
The chief Roman captain prepares to bring Paul (loosed from bonds) and the chief Jewish priests together to find out what's going on.
30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was aaccused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.
Chapter 23
Paul is smitten at Ananias’s order—The Lord again appears to Paul—Forty Jews plot his death—He is delivered over to Felix.
1 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council (the chief priests and all their council), said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good aconscience before God until this day.
2 And the high priest aAnanias (different Ananias) commanded them that stood by him to bsmite him on the mouth.
3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou awhited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?
5 Then said Paul, I awist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the bruler of thy people.
Paul brings up a topic that will set the factions of Sadducees and the Pharisees arguing against each other -- the question of the resurrection.
6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a aPharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the bhope and cresurrection of the dead I am called in question.
7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
8 For the aSadducees say that there is no bresurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
The Pharisees sort of side with Paul because he is "one of them."
9 And there arose a great cry: and the ascribes that were of the Pharisees’ part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an bangel hath spoken to him, let us not cfight against God.
10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.
11 And the night following (does this mean that same night?) the aLord bstood by him, and said, Be of good ccheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at dRome.
A conspiracy and plot are formed to kill Paul.
12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a acurse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had bkilled Paul.
14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul.
15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would enquire something more perfectly concerning him: and we, aor ever he come near, are ready to kill him.
Paul's sister's son brings the warning.
16 And when Paul’s sister’s son heard of their lying in wait, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said, Bring this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing to tell him.
18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and said, Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell me?
20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for him of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with an aoath, that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him: and now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and charged him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to me.
The Romans prepare a protective escort to remove Paul from Jerusalem
23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready two hundred soldiers to go to Cæsarea, and horsemen threescore and ten, and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night;
27 This man was taken of the Jews, and ashould have been killed of them: then came I with an barmy, and rescued him, having understood that he was a cRoman. (Is the centurian coloring the truth? He didn't know then that Paul was a Roman.)
28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they aaccused him, I brought him forth into their council:
29 Whom I perceived to be accused of aquestions of their law, but to have nothing laid to his charge worthy of bdeath or of bonds.
30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for the man, I sent astraightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
33 Who, when they came to Cæsarea, and delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before him.
34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was. And when he understood that he was of aCilicia;
35 I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come. And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s ajudgment hall. (They are waiting for the accusers to come.)
Chapter 24
Paul is accused of sedition—He answers in defense of his life and doctrine—He teaches Felix of righteousness, temperance, and the judgment to come.
1 And after five days aAnanias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.
The orator praises and thanks Felix, then purports to explain the situation.
2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that very worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence,
4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I pray thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:
6 Who also hath gone about to profane the atemple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our law. -- See verse 3.
7 But the chief acaptain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,
8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
Paul's answers to the charges
10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him to speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for myself:
11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship. (I've only been back in Jerusalem for less than twelve days. )
12 And they neither found me in the temple adisputing with any man, neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city:
14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the aprophets: (The heresy they accuse him of is actually believing the law and the prophets.)
15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a aresurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a aconscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.
18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me apurified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if they had ought against me. (The Jews from Asia who originally brought the accusations aren't here to testify.)
20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,
21 Except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the aresurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
Felix is going to have the centurion come down to testify. He understand how the Jews are and the division among the Pharisees and Sadducees.
22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, When aLysias the chief captain shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come unto him.
24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.
25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, atemperance, and judgment to come, Felix btrembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
Felix is hoping for a bribe to let Paul go. Paul is kept there two years. Then he leaves Paul bound to please the Jews. -- about 60 A.D.
26 He hoped also that amoney should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.
27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix’ room: and Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
Chapter 25
Paul, before Festus, appeals unto Cæsar—Agrippa desires to hear Paul.
Another conspiracy to kill Paul
Another conspiracy to kill Paul
1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Cæsarea to Jerusalem.
3 And desired favour against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way to akill him.
4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Cæsarea, and that he himself would depart shortly thither.
5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any awickedness in him.
6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cæsarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
The Jews come down again to accuse Paul, but can't prove any of their accusations. Paul testifies in his own defense. (I'm impressed with Paul's patience, and willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. I would be thinking, "Oh, but, I could serve so much better if I were free, and could travel wherever I wanted, and weren't under this shadow of accusations." He patiently does what he can when he can where he is.)
The Jews come down again to accuse Paul, but can't prove any of their accusations. Paul testifies in his own defense. (I'm impressed with Paul's patience, and willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. I would be thinking, "Oh, but, I could serve so much better if I were free, and could travel wherever I wanted, and weren't under this shadow of accusations." He patiently does what he can when he can where he is.)
7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.
8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of the Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Cæsar, have I offended any thing at all.
9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, and said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me?
10 Then said Paul, I stand at Cæsar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest.
11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal unto aCæsar.
12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, Hast thou appealed unto Cæsar? unto Cæsar shalt thou go.
Agrippa comes to Caesarea.
Agrippa comes to Caesarea.
14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix:
15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.
16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.
17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay on the morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought forth.
18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed:
19 But had certain questions against him of their own asuperstition, and of one Jesus, which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
20 And because I adoubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters.
21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Cæsar.
22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus’ commandment Paul was brought forth.
24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer.
25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of adeath, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.
26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Festus says he doesn't know what to say to Caesar when he sends Paul to him. He's not sure even what the charges are. Wherefore I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee, O king Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to write.
27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
Chapter 26
Paul recounts his former persecution of the Saints as a Pharisee—He testifies of the appearance of Jesus on the Damascus road—Paul bears his testimony to king Agrippa.
Paul testifies before King Agrippa.
Paul testifies before King Agrippa.
1 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
2 I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech thee to hear me patiently.
4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;
5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a aPharisee.
7 Unto which promise our atwelve tribes, binstantly (earnestly, intently) serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope’s sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
9 I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things acontrary to the bname of Jesus of Nazareth.
10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the asaints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to bdeath, I gave my cvoice against them.
11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto astrange cities.
13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a alight from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, aSaul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick bagainst the pricks.
16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have aappeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a bwitness both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee;
18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from adarkness to blight, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judæa, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the aprophets and Moses did say should come:
23 That Christ should asuffer, and that he should be the first that should brise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
Festus accuses Paul of being mad. And guess what he thinks caused it: much learning!
Festus accuses Paul of being mad. And guess what he thinks caused it: much learning!
24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee amad.
Paul answers that accusation.
Paul answers that accusation.
26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I speak freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou abelievest.
Agrippa is almost convinced. He would have let Paul go if Paul had not already appealed to Caesar.
Agrippa is almost convinced. He would have let Paul go if Paul had not already appealed to Caesar.
29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor, and Bernice, and they that sat with them:
31 And when they were gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth nothing worthy of adeath or of bonds.
32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been set at liberty, if he had not appealed unto aCæsar.
Chapter 27
Paul, in a perilous voyage, travels toward Rome—An angel comforts him—He uses the gift of seership—He is shipwrecked.
Paul is sent to Rome with other prisoners in the care of a centurion.
Paul is sent to Rome with other prisoners in the care of a centurion.
1 And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band.
2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one aAristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to refresh himself.
7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were come over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under Crete, over against Salmone;
8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.
Paul warns those in charge that they should not sail on because of the dangerous conditions, but they don't listen to him.
Paul warns those in charge that they should not sail on because of the dangerous conditions, but they don't listen to him.
9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the afast was now already past, Paul admonished them,
10 And said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of our lives.
11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the aowner of the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was then taken away.
21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst of them, and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have loosed from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall be no loss of any man’s alife among you, but of the ship.
24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought before Cæsar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail with thee. (He had probably been praying for his shipmates.)
27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven up and down in aAdria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew near to some country;
28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms: and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.
29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship,
31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved.
33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried and continued afasting, having taken nothing.
34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your ahealth: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.
35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat.
39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered a certain acreek with a shore, into the which they were minded, if it were possible, to thrust in the ship.
40 And when they had ataken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable, but the hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out, and escape.
43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast themselves first into the sea, and get to land:
44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all asafe to land.Chapter 28
Paul is unharmed by a viper’s bite—He heals the sick in Melita—He preaches in Rome, first to the Jews and then to the Gentiles.
2 And the abarbarous people shewed us no little bkindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a aviper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a agod.
7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days acourteously.
8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay asick of a fever and of a bbloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his chands on him, and healed him.
10 Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things as were necessary.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
13 And from thence we afetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:
14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum (a town on the Appian Way -- 43 -- or 56 -- miles from Rome where roads met -- two ways from there to journey to Rome) , and The three taverns (about 8 or 10 miles closer to Rome -- with at least three shops) : whom when Paul saw, he athanked God, and took bcourage.
See Edward Arlington Robinson's Poem "The Three Taverns" http://www.classicreader.com/book/666/
See Edward Arlington Robinson's Poem "The Three Taverns" http://www.classicreader.com/book/666/
16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soldier that kept him.
Pauls calls the Jewish leaders in Rome together and teaches them. Some believe and some do not.
Pauls calls the Jewish leaders in Rome together and teaches them. Some believe and some do not.
17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said unto them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against the people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to appeal unto Cæsar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you, and to speak with you: because that for the ahope of Israel I am bound with this chain.
21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out of Judæa concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came shewed or spake any harm of thee.
22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he aexpounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the bprophets, from morning till evening.
25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well aspake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers,
26 Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not aperceive:
27 For the aheart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their beyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the aGentiles, and that they will hear it.
31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
