HOW TO GET ON WITH GOD'S WORK IN HIS WORLD.
"How to Get on With God's Work in His World" is
based on the N.I.V. translation and Nestle Greek
text of the Book of the Acts of the Apostles
written about A.D.63 or 26 lifetimes ago by
Luke.
In my first book, Theophilus,
-I wrote about everything Jesus began to do
and teach
-until the day He was taken up,
-having given instructions
-through the Holy Spirit,
-to the apostles He'd chosen.
-To whom also He presented Himself
living (alive)
-after He suffered,
-by many infallible proofs,
-being seen by them during 40
days
-and speaking about God's
(His) kingdom.
-Meeting with them (on the Mount of Olives
across the Kidron Valley from Jerusalem) He
charged them
-not to leave Jerusalem,
-but to wait for the promise of the Father
-"Which you heard from me,
-because John baptised in water,
-but you'll be baptised in the Holy
Spirit
-after not many days."
-So they gathered and questioned Him,
-"Lord will you at this time
-restore the kingdom to Israel?"
-He said "It's not for you to know the
times or seasons
-the Father's placed in His own
authority.
-But you'll receive power
(dunamin, like dynamite)
-when the Holy Spirit comes upon
you
-and you'll be witnesses of me
-in Jerusalem,
-all Judea and Samaria
-and to the ends of the
earth."
They were looking at Him as He finished speaking
-when He was taken up
-and a cloud received (hid) Him from their
eyes.
-They were still gazing up to heaven as He
went
-when two men stood by them in white
garments.
-They said "Men of Galilee
-why stand looking to heaven?
-This Jesus, having been taken up
from you to heaven
-will come (return)
-in the same way you saw Him
going into heaven."
-Then they returned
-from the Mount of Olives to Jerusalem which
-is about a kilometre away.
-When they entered Jerusalem
-they went up into the Upper Room
-where they waited.
-(Present were) Peter, John,
James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas,
Bartholomew, Matthew, James son
of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot,
and Judas brother of James.
-All these with one mind
-continued steadfastly in prayer
-with the women
-and Mary, Jesus' mother
-and His brothers.
-In these days, with about 120 present,
Peter stood up in the midst of the
brothers
-and said, "Men (and) brothers, the
scripture had to be fulfilled
-which the Holy Spirit spoke through
David's mouth
-concerning Judas, the one who was
guide
-to those arresting Jesus,
-because he was numbered among us
-and obtained a portion of this
ministry.
-He bought a field out of the reward
-of his unrighteousness (treachery)
-and having swollen up
-he burst asunder in the middle
-and his bowels poured out.
-And it became known to
everyone in Jerusalem
-so that field is called in
their language
-Akeldama, meaning Field of
Blood.
-For it's been written in the psalms
(69:25)
-'Let his estate become deserted
-let there be no one to dwell in it'
-and (109:8)
-'Let another take his office
(position).'
-So it's necessary that one of the men
-who accompanied us all the time
-the Lord Jesus went in and out among
us
-beginning from John's baptism
-until the day He was taken up
from us,
-should become a witness with us
-of His resurrection."
-They set forth two,
-Joseph called Barsabbas, surnamed
Justus
-and Matthias.
-And praying, they said,
-"You Lord, heart knower of all
men,
-show which of these two
-you've chosen to take the
place of
-this ministry and apostleship
-from which Judas fell to go
to his own place."
-They cast lots for them
-and the lot fell to Matthias
-and he was reckoned along with the 11
apostles.
(Chapter 1)
When the Day of Pentecost came (50th day after
Jesus' resurrection)
-They were all together in one place.
-And suddenly a sound came from heaven
-as of a violent wind
-and it filled all the house where they
were sitting.
-And there appeared to them
-tongues of fire
-distributed and sitting on each
of them.
-And they were all
-filled with the Holy Spirit
-and began to speak in other
tongues (languages)
-as the Spirit gave them
(ability) to speak out.
-There were, dwelling in Jerusalem, Jews (who
were)
-devout men from every nation under heaven.
-When the sound happened
-the multitude came together
-and were confounded
-because each one heard them
speaking in his own language.
-They were amazed and marvelled,
saying,
-"Aren't all these who are
speaking Galileans,
-so how do we each hear in our
own native language?"
(All surrounding nations are
listed).
-Parthians
N.E. of Jerusalem,
-Medes
E.N.E. of Jerusalem,
-Elamites
E. of Jerusalem,
-those inhabiting,
-Mesopotamia
N.N.E. of Jerusalem,
-Judea
S. of Jerusalem,
-Cappadocia
N. of Jerusalem,
-Pontus
N. of Jerusalem,
-Asia
N.W. of Jerusalem,
-Phrygia
N.W. of Jerusalem,
-Pamphylia
N.W. of Jerusalem,
-Egypt
S.W. of Jerusalem,
-Libya near Cyrene
W. of Jerusalem,
-Visitors from Rome
N.W. of Jerusalem,
-Both Jews and converts to
Judaism,
-Cretans
W.N.W. of Jerusalem,
-Arabians
S.E. of Jerusalem.
-"We hear them speaking in our
own language
-the great deeds of God."
-Everyone was amazed and troubled
-asking each other "What's this mean?"
-But others mocking said "They're filled
with sweet wine." (drunk)
-But Peter,
-standing with the eleven,
-lifted up his voice and spoke out to
them.
-"Jewish men and all the inhabitants of
Jerusalem,
-let this be known to you
-and listen carefully to my words.
-These men aren't drunk as you
imagine
-for it's only 9 in the morning.
-But this is what was spoken through the
prophet Joel (2:28-32)
-'It shall be in the last days, says God
(that)
-I'll pour out from my Spirit on all
flesh and
-your sons and daughters will
prophesy, your
-young men will see visions and
your old men will dream dreams.
-I'll pour out my Spirit on my
-male and female servants in
those days
-and they'll prophesy.
-I'll give wonders in heaven above
-and signs on the earth below,
-blood,
-fire,
-vapour of smoke.
-The sun will be turned to
darkness
-and the moon to blood
-before the great and notable
glorious
-Day of the Lord comes.
-And whoever calls on the name of the
Lord
-will be saved.'
-Men of Israel, hear these words.
-Jesus the Nazarene (was)
-a man approved of from God among you
-by (the) powerful deeds, wonders and
signs
-which God did through Him
-in your midst as you know.
-This man, given up
-by the fixed counsel and
foreknowledge of God
-you killed (by)
-fastening (to the cross)
through the hand of
lawless men.
-(But) God raised Him up (from the dead),
-loosening the pangs of death,
-because it was not possible (for) Him
to be held by it.
-For David says about Him,(Ps 16:8-11)
-'I saw the Lord always before me.
-Because He's always on my right
hand
-I won't be moved.
-Therefore my heart was glad
-and my tongue exulted.
-And now also my flesh will
dwell in hope
-because you won't abandon my
soul in hell
-nor give (allow) your Holy
One
-to see corruption (decay).
-You've made known ways
(paths) of life to me.
-You'll fill me with gladness
(joy)
-with (in) your presence.'
-Men and brothers, it's permitted (for me) to
speak plainly
-to you about patriarch David
-that he died, was buried, and his tomb's
with us until this day.
-Being a prophet and knowing that God
swore an oath to him,
-that he'd place a descendant on his
throne,
-seeing the future,
-he spoke of the resurrection of
the Christ (Messiah).
-That He was neither abandoned
in hell
-nor did his flesh see
corruption (decay).
-This Jesus God raised up (from the dead)
-of this we are all witnesses.
-Having been exalted to God's right hand
-He's received from the Father
-the promise of the Holy Spirit
-and poured out what you now see and
hear.
-For David didn't ascend to heaven
yet he said (Ps 110:11)
-'The Lord said to my Lord
-sit at my right (hand)
-until I put your enemies
-(as a) footstool of your
feet.'
-Let all the house of Israel know assuredly
-that God's made this Jesus
-whom you crucified
-both Lord and Christ."
-Hearing this, they were stung in the heart
-and said to Peter and the remaining
apostles
-"Men and brethren what should we do?"
-Peter said "Repent and
-be baptised each of you
-on (in) the name of Jesus Christ
-with a view to (for the) forgiveness of
your sins
-and you'll receive the gift of the
Holy Spirit.
-For to you and your children
-is the promise
-and to all those far away
-as many as the Lord our God
-may call to Himself."
-And with many other words he solemnly
witnessed
-and exhorted (pleaded with) them saying,
-"Be saved from this perverse generation."
-Those welcoming his word were baptised
-and in that day about three thousand souls
were added.
-And they were continuing steadfastly in:
-the apostles' teaching,
-fellowship, (sharing together),
-breaking of the loaf (meals and Lord's
Supper) and
-prayers.
(The same as Jesus' Last Supper with
His disciples).
-And fear (reverent awe) came to (upon) every
soul and many wonders and signs happened
-through the apostles.
-All the believers together
-had all things (in) common
-and they sold properties and
possessions
-and distributed to all, as anyone
had need.
-And from day to day,
-continuing steadfastly, with one mind, in
the Temple
-and breaking bread from house to house,
-they shared food in gladness
-and simplicity of heart
praising God
-and having favour with all the
people.
-AND THE LORD ADDED
-FROM DAY TO DAY
-THOSE BEING SAVED.
(Chapter 2)
Peter and John were going up to the Temple at
the time of prayer
-at three in the afternoon.
-A man lame from birth
-was being carried
-to the Temple door called Beautiful
-where they put him every day
-to ask alms (beg) from those
entering the Temple.
-Seeing Peter and John about to
enter the Temple,
-he asked for alms (money).
-Peter and John gazed at him and said
-"Look at us."
-He heeded them, expecting to receive
something.
-Peter said "I've no silver or gold
-but what I have I give you,
-in the name of Jesus Christ the
Nazarene,
-walk."
-And seizing him by the right
hand
-he raised him.
-At once his feet and ankle
bones were made firm.
-And leaping up he stood and walked
-and entered the Temple with them
-walking and leaping and praising
God.
-All the people saw him walking
and praising God
-and recognised that he was the
one
-which sat for alms at the
Beautiful gate of the
Temple.
-They were filled with
amazement and bewilderment
-at what happened to him.
-As he held Peter and John,
-all the people ran to them
-at the Porch of Solomon
-greatly amazed.
-Peter seeing this, said to the
people,
-"Men of Israel why marvel at this
man,
-why gaze at us,
-as if by our own power or piety
(godliness)
-we made him walk?
-The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob
-the God of our fathers,
-glorified His servant Jesus,
-whom you delivered,
-and denied (disowned) in Pilate's
presence
-though he'd decided to release Him.
-But you denied the holy just One
-and asked that a murderer be
released to you.
-And you killed the author of life
-whom God raised from the dead
-of which we're witnesses.
-And on the (by) faith in His name,
-His name made firm (healed)
-this man you see and know.
-And the faith through Him (Jesus)
-gave him this soundness
(healing)
-before you all.
-And now brothers
-I know you acted in ignorance
-as did your rulers.
-But (what) God foretold,
-through the mouth of all the prophets
-that His Christ was to suffer
-He thus fulfilled.
-Repent therefore,
-and turn (to God),
-for your sins to be wiped away.
-So that times of refreshing
-may come from the presence of the
Lord
-and that He may send the Christ
-who's been fore appointed for
you, -
-Jesus.
-Whom it's necessary for heaven to receive
-until the times of restoration of all
things
-(Of) which God spoke through the mouth
-of His holy prophets from of old.
-Moses said (Deut 18:15-19) 'The Lord
God will raise up for you
-a prophet from your brethren.
-As He raised me up
-you shall hear Him
-according to everything He
speaks to you.
-And every soul that doesn't hear that
prophet
-shall be utterly destroyed
-out of the people.'
-And all the prophets
-from Samuel and those following
(him)
-also spoke,announcing these days.
-You're the sons of the prophets
-and of the covenant
(agreement among unequals)
-which God made with our
fathers
-saying to Abraham (Gen.
22:18, 26:4),
-'And in your seed
(descendants) shall all
the families of (the)
earth be blessed.'
-To you God having first
raised up His servant
-(He) sent him to bless you
-in turning each of you from
your evil ways.
(Chapter 3)
While they were speaking to the people,
-the priests, temple commandants and Sadducees
-came upon them,
-being greatly troubled,
-because they taught the people
-and announced in (through) Jesus,
-the resurrection from the dead.
-They laid their hands on (seized)
them
-and as it was evening
-put them in (under) guard
-'til the next day.
-But many, hearing the word
believed,
-and the number of men grew to
about 5000.
-Next day the rulers, elders and scribes
-assembled in Jerusalem including
-Annas the high priest,
-Caiaphas, John and Alexander,
-as many there were of the high
priestly family.
-Having stood them in their midst
they asked
-"By what power or in what name
-did you do this?"
-Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said
-"Rulers of the people and elders
-if we're being examined to-day
-about a good deed done to an infirm man
(cripple),
-how he was healed,
-let it be known to all of you
-and to all Israel
-that in the name of Jesus
Christ the Nazarene,
-whom you crucified
-whom God raised from the dead
-in His name
-this man stands before you
whole.
-This is the stone you builders despised
-which has become the head of the corner.
-And there's salvation in no one else
-for there's no other name under
heaven
-given among men,by which we must be
saved."
-And, seeing the boldness of Peter
and John
-and perceiving they were
uneducated common men,
-they marvelled.
-AND RECOGNISED THEY'D BEEN
WITH JESUS.
-And seeing the man who'd been healed
-standing with them,
-they had nothing to say against them.
-So they commanded them to go outside
the council,
-discussed it with each other and
-said "What may we do to these men?
-A notable sign
-has happened through them,
-as is manifest to everyone in
Jerusalem
-and we can't deny it.
-But to stop it spreading
-to more people,
-let's threaten them
-to speak no longer on this name
-to any man."
-And calling them, they
charged them
-not to preach or teach on
-(in) the name of Jesus.
-But Peter and John said,
-"Judge for yourselves
-whether it's right in God's sight
-to obey you rather than God.
-FOR WE CAN'T STOP SPEAKING ABOUT
-THE THINGS WE'VE SEEN AND HEARD."
-After further threats, they
released them,
-finding no way to punish them
-because of the people,
-for all men glorified God
-for what had happened.
-The man on whom this sign of
healing happened,
-was over 40 years old.
-Being released, they went to their own people
-and reported what the chief priests and
elders had said.
-Having heard this, they with one mind
-lifted their voice to God and said,
-"Master you're the one who made
-heaven,
-earth and
-sea and everything in them.
-Who said, through the Holy Spirit
-by David your servant (and) our
fathers' mouth,
-'Why do the nations rage
-and the peoples devise vain
things?
-The kings of the earth came
-and the rulers gathered
together
-against the Lord
-and His Christ.'
-For truly in this city
-assembled against your holy
servant Jesus
-whom you anointed (were)
-Herod,
-Pontius Pilate,
-with nations (Gentiles) and
-Israel's people
-to do whatever your hand
and counsel
-foreordained to happen.
-And now Lord, look on their threats
and give (to us) your servants
-all boldness to speak your word,
-by stretching forth your hand
-to heal,
-and do signs and wonders
-through the name of your holy
servant Jesus."
-While requesting this, the place
where they were was shaken
-and they were all filled with the
Holy Spirit
-and spoke God's word with
boldness.
-Now the multitude of believers
-were of one heart and soul.
-No one said his possessions were his own,
-but they shared everything they had.
-And with great power, (Dunamei) the
apostles
-GAVE THE TESTIMONY
-OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD
JESUS
-and great grace was upon them
all.
-For neither was anyone needy amongst
them.
-For as many as owned lands or houses
-sold them, and
-brought the proceeds to the
apostles,
-who distributed as anyone had
need.
-Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus,
-whom the apostles called
Barnabas meaning Son of
Encouragement,
-sold his field
-and brought the proceeds to
the apostles.
(Chapter 4)
A man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira
-sold a property.
-With his wife's knowledge
-he kept part of the proceeds for himself
-and brought the rest to the apostles.
-But Peter said "Why's Satan filled
your heart,
-that you've lied to (deceived) the
Holy Spirit
-and kept some of the proceeds for
yourself?
-The land was yours before you
sold it
-and after selling, the
proceeds were at your
disposal.
-Why was this action put into
your heart?
-You've not lied to men
-but to God."
-Hearing this, Ananias fell
down dead
-and great fear came on all
those hearing.
-The young men arose,
-wrapped him, carried him out
and buried him.
-About three hours later,
-his wife entered,
-not knowing what had happened.
-Peter asked "Is this the price you and
Ananias got for the land?"
-She said "Yes."
-Peter said "Why did you agree
together
-to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?
-Look, the feet of those who
buried your husband
-are at the door
-and they'll carry you out
(too)."
-And she fell dead at his
feet.
-The young men entered, found
her dead,
-carried her out and buried
her by her husband.
-And great fear came upon all the
assembly (ekklesia or church)
-and on everyone hearing these
things.
-Through the hands of the apostles,
-many signs and wonders happened among the
people.
-And (they) all were together with one
mind in Solomon's Porch.
-None of the rest dared join them,
-but the people magnified them
-and more believers were added to
the Lord,
-multitudes of men and women.
-So that they brought the sick
out into the streets
-on beds and pallets
-that Peter's shadow might
overshadow some of them
-(as he passed by).
-And the multitude, gathered from the cities
-round about Jerusalem,
-carrying the sick and those
-tormented by unclean spirits
-and they were all healed.
-The high priest and all his associates,
-who were members of the Sadducees sect,
-were filled with jealousy
-and laid their hands on (arrested) the
apostles
-and put them in the public prison.
-But during the night,
-an angel of the Lord
-opened the prison doors
-and leading them out said,
-"Go,
-stand
-and speak
-in the Temple, to the people
-all the words of this life."
-Hearing this, they entered the
Temple about dawn
-and taught.
-The high priest and those with him,
-called together the council
-and all the senate of Israel
-and sent to have them brought from
the prison.
-But the attendants found they
weren't there,
-returned and reported, saying
-"We found the gaol securely
shut (locked)
-and the guards standing at
the doors,
-but there was no one inside."
-Both the commandant of the Temple
-and the chief priests heard these words
and
-wondered what this would come to.
-(Then) someone came and reported to
them,
-"The men you imprisoned
-are in the Temple
-standing and teaching the
people."
-Then the commandant with his officers
-brought them without force,
-for they feared the people would stone
them.
-They stood them before the council
-and the high priest said,
-"We strictly charged you not to
teach
-on (in) this name
-and you've filled Jerusalem
with your teaching
-and intend to bring this
man's blood on us."
-Peter and the apostles replied,
-"We must obey God, not men.
-Our fathers' God raised Jesus,
-whom you killed (by) hanging on a tree
(cross).
-God exalted this man
-to His right hand
-as ruler
-and saviour
-to give repentance to Israel
-and forgiveness of sins.
-We're witnesses of these words (facts)
-as is the Holy Spirit
-God's given to those obeying Him."
-Those hearing were cut (enraged)
-and intended to kill them.
-But a Pharisee named Gamaliel,
-a teacher of the law
-honoured by all the people,
-stood up in the council,
-commanded the men be put outside
for a while,
-and said, "Men of Israel
-take care what you intend to
do to these men.
-Some time ago Theudas stood up
-claiming to be somebody,
-and about 400 men rallied to him.
-He was killed,
-all his followers were
dispersed
-and it all came to nothing.
-After this Judas the Galilean stood up
-in the days of the enrolment (census)
-and drew away people after him.
-He perished and all obeying him
were slaughtered.
-And now I say to you,
-keep away from these men
-and leave them (alone),
-for if this counsel (plan)
-or work is of men
-it will be destroyed.
-But if it's of God,
-you'll not be able to destroy them
(and)
-you'll find yourselves fighting
against God."
-They obeyed him
-and called the apostles,
-beating
-and charging them
-not to speak in Jesus' name
-and released them.
-They therefore went from the council
-rejoicing,
-because they were deemed worthy of
being dishonoured,
-for the name (of Jesus).
-and every day in the Temple
-and from house to house,
-they never stopped
-teaching and preaching the
Christ Jesus.
(Chapter 5)
In these days, as the disciples were multiplied,
-the Hellenists (Grecian Jews)
-murmured against the (native) Hebrews,
-because their widows were overlooked
-in the daily distribution (of relief).
-So the twelve
-called the multitude of disciples together
and said,
-"It's not pleasing for us
-to leave the word of God
-and serve (at) tables.
-But brothers, look among yourselves
(for) seven men being witnessed
-as full of the Spirit and wisdom,
-whom we'll appoint to this
office.
-But we'll keep to prayer
-and the service (ministry) of the word
(preaching and teaching)."
-The word (proposal) pleased all the
multitude
-and they chose (all Greeks), Stephen,
-a man full of faith
-and the Holy Spirit,
-and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor,
-Timon, Parmenas and
-Nicolas, a convert to Judaism
from Antioch,
-whom they set before the apostles
-and after praying,
-placed their hands on them.
-And the word of God grew and
-the number of disciples was multiplied
greatly
-in Jerusalem, and many priests obeyed the
faith.
-And Stephen, full of grace and power
-did great wonders and signs among the
people.
-But some of the Synagogue
-of the Freedman, as it was
called,
-Jews of Cyrene, Alexandria, the
-provinces of Cilicia and Asia,
-rose up, discussing
(disputing) with Stephen.
-But they couldn't withstand
-the wisdom and spirit with which he spoke.
-So they secretly persuaded men to say,
-"We've heard him speaking blasphemous
words
-against Moses and God."
-They stirred up the people,
-elders and scribes,
-seized him and led him to the
council.
-False witnesses stood saying
-"This man doesn't cease
speaking
-against this holy place
-and the Law.
-We heard him saying that
-Jesus the Nazarene
-will destroy this place
-and change the customs Moses
gave us."
-All those sitting in the council (and)
-gazing at him saw his face as a face of an
angel. (Chapter 6)
The high priest asked "Are these things true?"
-He replied "Men, brothers and fathers,
listen.
-The God of glory appeared to our father
Abraham
-in Mesopotamia before he dwelt in Haran
-and told him 'Go forth out of your land
-(and from) your kindred
-and come into the land I'll show
you.' (Gen 12:1).
-So he left the land of the
Chaldeans
-and dwelt in Haran.
-After his father died
-God removed him into this
land
-where you now dwell.
-God gave him no inheritance here,
-not even a foot of ground
-but promised to give the land to him and
his descendants
-even though at the time Abraham was
childless.
-God told him 'Your descendants will
be strangers in a foreign land.
-They'll be enslaved and mistreated
for 400 years',
-and God said 'I'll judge the
nation they'll serve
-and then they'll come forth
-and worship me in this
place.' (Gen 15:13,14).
-God gave him a covenant of circumcision and
-Abraham became the father of Isaac
-and circumcised him eight days after
birth.
-Later, Isaac became the father of Jacob
-and Jacob the father of the twelve
patriarchs.
-They, becoming jealous of Joseph,
-sold him (as a slave) into Egypt.
-But God was with him,
-rescued him out of all his
afflictions,
-gave him favour and wisdom
before Pharaoh, Egypt's king
-who appointed him governor
over Egypt and all his
household.
-But a famine came over all Egypt and Canaan
-bringing great affliction and our fathers
couldnt't find sustenance.
-Jacob, hearing there was grain in Egypt
-sent our fathers on their first visit.
-On their second visit Joseph told his
brothers who he was
-and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's
family.
-Then Joseph sent for his father
Jacob
-and his whole family,75 in all.
-Jacob went down to Egypt
-where he and our fathers
died.
-Their bodies were brought back to Shechem
-and put in the tomb Abraham had bought
there from Hamor's sons.
-Nearing the time for God to fulfill His
promise to Abraham
-our people in Egypt greatly increased
in number.
-Then another king, who didn't know
Joseph,
-became ruler of Egypt.
-He dealt craftily with our race
-and ill treated our fathers
-by forcing them to expose
their newborn babies
-so they'd die.
-At this time Moses was born.
-He was fair to God
-and reared for three months in his
father's house.
-When he was exposed (in the river)
-Pharaoh's daughter took him up and
reared him as her own son.
-Moses was trained in all the
Egyptians' wisdom,
-and was powerful in words and
works.
-When 40 years old it came upon
his heart
-to visit his fellow
Israelites.
-Seeing one being injured by
an Egyptian
-he defended him and avenged
him
-striking the Egyptian.
-He supposed his brothers would understand
-that God would give salvation to them
-through Moses' own hand.
-But they didn't.
-Next day, he appeared to two
Israelites who were fighting
-and attempted to reconcile them
in peace saying,
-'Men, you're brothers,
-why injure each other?'
-But the one injuring his
neighbour
-thrust him away saying,
-'Who appointed you a ruler
and judge over us?
-Do you want to kill me like
you killed the Egyptian
yesterday?'
-Hearing this, Moses fled to Midian
-where he settled as a foreigner
and had two sons.
-After 40 years,
-an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of
a burning thorn bush
-in the desert near Mt Sinai.
-Moses marvelled at the vision.
-Going to look closer,
-he heard the Lord's voice,
-'I'm the God of your fathers,
-the God of Abraham, Isaac and
Jacob.'
-Moses trembled and dared not
look.
-The Lord said to him 'Loosen (take off) your
sandals
-for where you stand is holy ground.
-I've seen the ill treatment of my people
in Egypt
-and heard their groaning
-and I came down to rescue them
-and now I'll send you to Egypt.'
-This Moses whom they denied saying,
-'Who appointed you a ruler and judge',
-God has sent (as) both ruler and
redeemer.
-With the hand of the angel appearing to
him in the bush,
-this man led them forth,
-doing wonders and signs in Egypt,
-in the Red Sea
-and in the desert for 40 years.
-THIS IS THE MOSES SAYING TO
ISRAEL
-'GOD WILL RAISE UP A PROPHET
FOR YOU FROM YOUR OWN PEOPLE
AS HE RAISED ME.' (Dt 18:15)
-He was with the assembly (church) in the
desert
-with the angel speaking to him in Mt Sinai
-and with our fathers.
-Who received living oracles to give
you.
-But our fathers refused to obey him.
-Instead they thrust him away
-and in their hearts turned back
to Egypt
-saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods
to go before us.
-As for Moses who led us out
of Egypt,
-we don't know what happened
to him.' (Ex 32:31).
-So they made an idol in the
form of a calf,
-brought a sacrifice to it,
-and made merry celebrating
what their hands had made.
-But God turned away,
-and delivered them to worship the host of
heaven,
-as written in the book of the prophets,
(Isa 63:10)
-'Did you bring me sacrifices and
victims
-forty years in the desert, O house of
Israel?
-You've lifted up the tent (shrine) of
Molech
-and the star of the god Rephan,
-the models (idols) you made to worship.
-Therefore I'll deport you (into exile)
beyond Babylon.'
-Our fathers had a Tent of Witness in the
desert
-as He who spoke to Moses commanded him to
make
-according to the model he'd seen.
-Our fathers brought it in with Joshua
-when they dispossessed the nations
-which God thrust out before them
-until David's time.
-Who found favour before God
-and asked that he might
provide a tent
-for the house of Jacob.
-But Solomon built a house for
Him.
-But the Most High doesn't dwell
in places made by hands.
-As the prophet says,
-'Heaven's my throne,
-the earth's the footstool
of my feet,
-what house will you build
for me says the Lord?
-Or what place of rest?
-Hasn't my hand made all these
things?'
-You hard (stiff) necked (people),
-uncircumcised in hearts and ears,
-you always oppose the Holy Spirit.
-As your fathers did, so do you.
-Which of the prophets didn't your
fathers persecute?
-And they killed those who announced
beforehand
-the coming of the righteous one
-of whom you've now become
betrayers and murderers.
-You who received the Law
delivered by angels
-but didn't keep it."
-Hearing this they were cut to their hearts
(enraged)
-and gnashed their teeth at him.
-But, being full of the Holy Spirit,
-gazing into heaven
-he saw the glory of God
-and Jesus standing at God's right
hand
-and said "I see the heavens
opened
-and the Son of Man (Jesus)
-standing at the right hand of
God."
-And crying out with a great voice,
-they closed their ears
-and rushed with one mind on him
-and casting (him) outside the city
-they stoned him.
-And the witnesses laid their
garments
-at the feet of a young man called
Saul (who became Paul, the
writer of much of the New
Testament).
-And they stoned Stephen (who)
-prayed to God "Lord Jesus
receive my spirit."
-And kneeling down he cried
with a loud voice
-"Lord don't hold this sin
against them."
-After saying this he fell
asleep.
(Chapter 7)
And Saul was consenting to his killing.
-There was on that day,
-a great persecution against the church in
Jerusalem
-and all were scattered throughout
-Judea and Samaria,
-except the apostles.
-Devout men recovered (buried)
Stephen
-and made great lamentation over
him.
-But Saul ravaged the church,
-entering house by house,
-(and) dragging men and women
into prison.
-Those being scattered
-passed through (the land) preaching the
word.
-Philip, going down to the city of
Samaria,
-proclaimed Christ to them.
-And the crowds gave heed with one
mind
-to what Philip said,
-as they heard and saw
-the signs he did.
-For many having unclean
spirits
-(were delivered as they) came
out, crying with a great
voice.
-and many paralysed and lame
were healed.
-And there was much joy in that city.
-A man named Simon was previously in the
city
-practising sorcery and astonishing
the nation of Samaria
-saying he was someone great.
-All gave heed to him,
-from the least to the greatest
-saying "This man is the power
of God being called great."
-They gave heed to him because
for a considerable time,
-he'd astonished them by his
sorceries.
-But when they believed Philip's preaching
-about the kingdom of God
-and the name of Jesus Christ
-they, both men and women were baptised.
-And Simon himself believed
-and having been baptised,
-was attaching himself to Philip
-and seeing signs and great
powerful deeds happening,
-he was amazed.
-The apostles in Jerusalem,
-hearing Samaria had received the word of
God,
-sent Peter and John to them,
-who, going down, prayed for them
-that they might receive the Holy
Spirit,
-for He'd not yet fallen on any of
them
-but they were only baptised in
the name of the Lord Jesus.
-Then they laid their hands on
them
-and they received the Holy
Spirit.
-Simon, seeing that through
the laying on of the
apostles' hands
-the Spirit was given,
-offered them money,
-saying, "Give me also this
authority,
-that whoever I lay my hands
on,
-may receive the Holy
Spirit."
-But Peter said to him,
-"Your silver go with you into perdition
(perish with you)
-because you thought you could buy God's
gift.
-You've no part nor lot (share) in this
word (ministry),
-for your heart's not right before
God.
-Repent therefore from your
wickedness
-and ask the Lord if perhaps
-the thought of your heart will
be forgiven
-for I see you're in the gall
of bitterness
-and the bond of
unrighteousness."
-Simon answered "Ask the Lord for me,
-so that not one of the things you've spoken
-may come on me."
-When they'd solemnly witnessed
-and spoken the word of the Lord,
-they evangelised many Samaritan villages,
-and returned to Jerusalem.
-But an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip,
saying,
-"Rise up and go south to the desert road
-going from Jerusalem to Gaza."
-And rising up, he went,
-(and met) an Ethiopian eunuch,
-a courtier of Candace, Queen of the
Ethiopians,
-who had charge of all her
treasure,
-who'd come to Jerusalem to
worship,
-and was returning sitting in
his chariot,
-reading the prophet Isaiah.
-And the Spirit said to Philip,
-"Approach and accompany this chariot."
-And running up, Philip heard him reading
the prophet Isaiah
-and said "Do you understand what you're
reading?"
-He said "How can I, unless someone
guides me?"
-And he besought Philip to come up
and sit with him.
-Now the passage of the scripture
-which he was reading was this,
(Isa 53:7,8),
-"As a sheep to the slaughter
he was led
-and as a lamb before the
shearer is dumb,
-so he opens not his mouth.
-In his humiliation justice
was denied him.
-Who shall describe his
generation?
-For his life's taken up from
the earth."
-The eunuch said to Philip,
-"Who was the prophet talking about,
-himself or someone else?"
-Then Philip began with that passage of
scripture
-and told him the good news about
Jesus.
-Going along the road,
-they came to some water.
-The eunuch said "See, here's
water,
-what prevents me being
baptised?"
-He commanded the chariot to
stop
-and they both went down into
the water,
-Philip and the eunuch and he
baptised him.
-When they came out of the water,
-the Spirit of the Lord seized Philip
-and the eunuch saw him no more
-and he went on his way rejoicing.
-But Philip was found at Azotus (about
20 kms north)
-and passing through, he evangelised
-all the cities until he came to
Caesarea (about 50 kms north).
(Chapter 8)
But Saul, still breathing (out) threats and
murder
-against the Lord's disciples,
-asked the high priest
-for letters to the synagogues at
Damascus,
-so that if he found any men or women
belonging to The Way,
-he might bring them bound to
Jerusalem.
-Nearing Damascus,
-suddenly a light out of heaven
shone round him.
-Falling on the ground, he heard
a voice saying
-"Saul, Saul why do you
persecute me?"
-He replied "Who are you Lord?"
-He answered "I'm Jesus whom you're
persecuting,
-but rise up, enter the city
-and you'll be told what to do."
-The men journeying with him stood
speechless,
-hearing the sound,
-but seeing no one.
-Saul was raised from the ground
-(and) his eyes being opened,
he saw nothing.
-So they led him by the hand
into Damascus.
-He was three days without seeing, eating or
drinking.
-There was a disciple in Damascus called
Ananias
-and the Lord said to him in a vision
"Ananias,"
-He replied, "Here I am Lord."
-The Lord said to him,
-"Rise up, go to the street called
Straight
-and seek in the house of Judas,
-a man from Tarsus named Saul,
-who is praying.
-In a vision he's seen you coming
-(to) put your hands on him,
-so he can see again."
-Ananias answered "Lord I
heard many things about this
man,
-how many evil things he did
to your saints in
Jerusalem.
-And here (in Damascus) he
has authority
-from the chief priests,
-to bind everyone calling on
your name."
-But the Lord said to him,
-"Go, beacause this man's a vessel of my
choice,
-to bear my name before the Gentiles,
-kings and sons of Israel,
-for I'll show him how many things
-he must suffer for my name."
-Ananias went away, entered the house
-and, putting his hands on him said
-"Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus,
-who appeared to you on the road
-has sent me that you may be able
to see again
-and be filled with the Holy
Spirit."
-Immediately scales fell from
his eyes,
-he saw again
-and rising up, was baptised
-and taking food, was
strengthened.
-He was with the disciples in Damascus some
days
-and immediately proclaimed Jesus in the
synagogues
-(saying) "He is the Son of God."
-All hearing were amazed and said
-"Isn't this the man who destroyed in
Jerusalem
-those calling on this name
-and he's come here to bring them
bound before the chief priests?"
-But Saul was filled with more
power
-and confounded the Jews
dwelling in Damascus,
-proving that this one (Jesus)
is the Christ.
-After many days,
-the Jews plotted to kill him,
-but the plot became known to Saul.
-They were watching the gates day and
night to destroy him.
-But his disciples took him by night
-and let him down through the wall,
-lowering him in a basket.
-Arriving at Jerusalem, he tried to join the
disciples,
-but all feared him,
-not believing he was a disciple.
-But Barnabas took hold of him,
-led him to the apostles
-and told them how on the road he
saw the Lord
-who spoke to him
-and how at Damascus he'd
preached
-boldly in Jesus' name.
-And he was with them going in and out of
Jerusalem
-speaking boldly in the Lord's name.
-He spoke and discussed (disputed) with
the Hellenists
-and they attempted to kill him.
-The brothers, knowing this,
-brought him down to Caesarea
-and sent him forth to Tarsus.
-So the church throughout all
-Judea, Galilee and Samaria,
-had peace, being built (up)
-and going (continuing) in the fear of
the Lord
-and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit
was multiplied.
-As Peter went here and there among
them,
-he came down to the saints at
Joppa.
-He found there a man named
Aeneas,
-who'd been paralysed and
bedridden for 8 years.
-Peter said to him "Aeneas, Jesus
Christ cures you,
-rise and make your bed."
-And he rose immediately
-and all the residents of
Lydda and Sharon
-saw him and turned to the
Lord.
-A disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas,
was at Joppa,
-a woman full of good works, who helped the
poor.
-She became ill and died,
-so they washed her and put her in an
upper room.
-The disciples heard Peter was at
Lydda
-(about 10 kms from Joppa) and sent
two men to him,
-beseeching him "Please come
without delay."
-So Peter rose up, went with
them,
-and arriving, was led into
the upper room.
-All the widows stood by him
weeping
-and showing tunics and
garments Dorcas
-had made while with them.
-Peter put everyone outside,
-knelt down, prayed, turned to the
body and said,
-"Tabitha, rise up."
-She opened her eyes
-and seeing Peter, sat up.
-Giving her a hand he raised
her up
-and calling the saints and
widows
-he presented her alive.
-And it became known
throughout all Joppa
-and many believed on
the Lord.
-And he stayed in
Joppa many days,
-with Simon, a
tanner.
(Chapter 9)
At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius,
-a centurion of the Italian cohort,
-a devout man, who feared (had reverent
respect for) God with all his household,
-gave generously to the needy,
-and prayed to God regularly.
-About three in the afternoon,
-he saw an angel of God in a vision
clearly,
-entering (coming) to him and
saying,
-"Cornelius."
-Gazing at him in terror he
said,
-"What is it Lord?"
-He answered "Your prayers
and alms have ascended as
a memorial before God.
-Now send men to Joppa and
summon Simon Peter,
-he's lodging with Simon a
tanner
-who has a house by the
sea."
-When the angel departed,
-he called two servants and one of
his devout soldiers,
-told them everything and sent
them to Joppa.
-Next day, as they drew near to the city,
-Peter went up on the roof to pray about
noon.
-He became hungry, wanted to taste food
-and while it was being prepared, fell
into an ecstasy.
-and saw heaven opened and a vessel
like a great sheet
-being let down by its four corners.
-In it were all kinds of animals,
reptiles, and birds
-and a voice came to him,
-"Rise up Peter, slay and
eat."
-But Peter said "No Lord,
-because I've never eaten anything
-common or unclean."
-And a voice said a second time,
-"What God's cleansed, you mustn't
treat as unclean."
-This happened three times.
-And immediately the vessel was
taken up into heaven.
-Now, as in himself Peter was
doubting
-what the vision meant,
-the men Cornelius sent,
-having enquired for Simon's
house,
-stood at the porch
-and enquired if Simon Peter
was there.
-While Peter pondered about the vision,
-the Spirit said "Two men are seeking you,
-arise, go down and go with them without
doubting,
-for I've sent them."
-Going down, Peter said to the men,
-"I'm the one you seek, why did you
come?"
-They said "Cornelius,a centurion,
an upright
-God fearing man, who's well
spoken of by the whole Jewish
nation,
-was warned by a holy angel
-to summon you to his house,
-to hear words from you."
-So he called them in as guests.
-Next day he went with them,
-accompanied by some of the brothers from
Joppa.
-Entering Caesarea next day,
-Cornelius was waiting for them,
-having called together his
relatives and close friends.
-When Peter entered, Cornelius
fell at his feet and worshipped.
-But Peter raised him saying,
-"Stand up, I'm a man like
you."
-Talking with him, he entered,
-finding many gathered and said,
-"You understand how unlawful it is for a
Jew
-to associate with or approach a
foreigner.
-But God's shown me not to call any
man common or unclean.
-So, being summoned, I came
unquestioningly.
-I ask then why you called me?"
-Cornelius said "Four days ago, at 3 p.m.
-I was praying in my house
-and a man in bright clothing stood before
me
-and said 'Cornelius, your prayer was
heard
-and your gifts to the poor were
remembered before God.
-Send to Joppa for Simon Peter,
-who's lodging with Simon a tanner
by the sea.'
-Immediately I sent for you and
it was good of you to come.
-Now we're all here before
God, to hear
-everything commanded you by
the Lord."
-Peter said "In truth God's no respecter of
persons
-but in every nation, those fearing (showing
reverent respect for) Him and
-working righteousness (doing what's
right) are acceptable to Him.
-You know the word He sent Israel's sons
-preaching peace through Jesus Christ
-who is Lord of all.
-You know what took place
throughout Judea
-beginning from Galilee after
the baptism John proclaimed.
-How John anointed Jesus from
Nazareth
-with the Holy Spirit and
power,
-who went about doing good and
-curing all those oppressed by
the devil,
-because God was with Him.
-And we're witnesses of everything He did
-in the country of the Jews
-and Jerusalem,
-whom they killed by hanging on a
tree.
-This one God raised on the third
day,
-and made Him visible,
-not to everyone,
-but to witnesses
-previously appointed by
God,
-to us, who ate and drank
with Him
-after He rose again from
the dead.
-To this man, all the prophets
witness,
-that everyone who believes in
Him
-receives forgiveness through
His Name."
-While Peter was still speaking,
-the Holy Spirit fell on everyone hearing
the discourse.
-The circumcised believers (Jews) who'd
come with Peter
-were astonished that the gift of the
Holy Spirit
-had been poured out, even on the
Gentiles.
-For they heard them speaking in
tongues and praising God.
-Then Peter said "Can anyone
forbid water
-for baptising these people
-who received the Holy Spirit,
just as we?"
-And he commanded them to be
baptised
-in the Name of Jesus
Christ.
-Then they asked him to remain
for some days.
(Chapter 10)
The apostles and brothers throughout Judea
-heard that the Gentiles also received God's
word.
-When Peter went up to Jerusalem,
-the circumcised believers disputed with
him saying,
-"You went to uncircumcised men
-and ate with them."
-Peter explained to them in order,
saying,
-"I was in Joppa praying
-and I saw in an ecstasy a vision
-coming down, a vessel as a
great sheet
-let down out of heaven by
(its) four corners
-and it came up to me.
-Gazing into it, I saw
-animals and beasts, reptiles and
birds.
-And I heard a voice saying
-'Rise up Peter, slay and eat.'
-And I said 'No Lord, for
common
-or unclean things have
never entered my mouth.'
-A second time a voice (came) out of
heaven
-'What God's cleansed don't call
common.'
-This happened three times
-and all was pulled up again to
heaven.
-Right then, three men who'd been sent
to me from Caesarea,
-stopped at the house where I was.
-The Spirit told me to go with
them
-without hesitating (because
they were Gentiles).
-These six brothers came with
me
-and we entered into this
man's house.
-He reported to us how he saw the
angel
-in his house standing and saying,
-'Send to Joppa and summon Simon
Peter,
-who'll speak words to you by
which
-you and all your household
may be saved.'
-And as I began to speak
-the Holy Spirit fell on them,
-as also us at the beginning.
-And I remembered the word of the Lord
how He said
-'John baptised with water
-but you'll be baptised in the
Holy Spirit.'
-If therefore God gave them the
same gift
-He gave us, who believed in
the Lord Jesus Christ,
-who was I to hinder God?"
-Hearing this they kept silent
-and glorififed God saying,
-"God's granted even the Gentiles
repentance to life."
-Those being scattered from the affliction
-that occurred over Stephen,
-passed through to Phoenicia, Cyprus and
Antioch,
-speaking the word to Jews only.
-Some of them however, men from Cyprus
and Cyrene
-went to Antioch and began to speak
to Greeks also,
-telling them the good news about
the Lord Jesus.
-The Lord's hand was with them
-and a great number believed
and turned to the Lord.
-Word of this reached the ears of the church
in Jerusalaem
-and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.
-Arriving and seeing the grace of God,
-he rejoiced and exhorted all
-with purpose of heart,
-to remain with (true to) the Lord.
-He was a good man,
-full of the Holy Spirit and
faith
-and a considerable crowd was
added to the Lord.
-He went to Tarsus to seek Saul,
-found him and brought him to Antioch.
-They met with the church for a year
-and taught a considerable crowd.
-In Antioch the disciples were first
called Christians.
-In those days prophets came down from
Jerusalem to Antioch.
-One of them named Agabus, signified through
the Spirit
-that there'd be a great famine over all
the inhabited earth.
-It happened in the reign of Claudius.
-The disciples, as each was able,
-decided to give help to the
brothers in Judea.
-They sent their gift to the
elders
-by the hands of Barnabas and
Saul. (Chapter 11)
At that time, King Herod laid his hands on
(arrested)
-some from the church, (intending) to
persecute them.
-He killed James, John's brother, with a
sword.
-Seeing this pleased the Jews,
-he proceeded to arrest Peter also,
-during the Days of Unleavend Bread.
-After seizing him, he put him in
prison
-guarded by 16 soldiers,
-intending after the Passover,
-to bring him up to the
people.
-So Peter was kept in prison.
-But prayer was earnestly being made by the
church
-to God for him.
-The night before Herod was to bring him
to trial,
-Peter, bound with two chains,
-was sleeping between two soldiers,
-with sentries guarding the
entrance door.
-And an angel of the Lord came
upon (him),
-and a light shone in the
building.
-Striking Peter's side he
raised him,
-saying, "Rise up in haste."
-And the chains fell off his
hands.
-The angel said to him "Gird
yourself and put on your
sandals."
-He did so.
-The angel said "Put your
garment round you and follow
me."
-And going forth he followed,
-not knowing whether what was done by
the angel was real,
-but thought he'd seen a vision.
-Going through the first and
second prison,
-they came to the iron gate
leading to the city,
-which of itself opened to
them.
-Going out, they went forward
one street
-and the angel immediately
departed from him.
-Peter came to himself and said, "Now I truly
know
-the Lord sent forth His angel and delivered
me
-out of Herod's hand,
-and everything the Jewish people were
expecting."
-Realising this, he came to the house
of Mary,
-the mother of John, surnamed Mark,
-where many had assembled praying.
-As he knocked at the door of
the porch,
-a maidservant named Rhoda
came to listen.
-Recognising Peter's voice, she was so
overjoyed
-she didn't open the gate, but ran in and
said Peter was standing at the porch.
-They said "You're raving."
-But she emphatically asserted it was
so.
-So they said "It's his angel."
-But Peter continued knocking
-and when they opened the door and
saw him they were amazed.
-Beckoning with his hand to them
to be quiet
-he told how the Lord led him
out of the prison and said
-"Report these things to James and the
brothers"
-and went out to another place.
-When it became day, there was no small
stir among the soldiers
-as to what had become of Peter.
-Herod searched for, but couldn't find
him.
-He examined the guards, commanded
execution
-and went down from Judea and
stayed at Caesarea.
-He was furiously angry with the
people of Tyre and Sidon.
-With one mind they came to
him,
-having persuaded Blastus,
the king's chamberlain,
-they asked for peace,
-because they depended
on the king's country
for food.
-On an appointed day, Herod, arrayed
in regal clothing,
-and sitting on his throne, publicly
addressed them.
-The mob cried out "It is the
voice of a god not a man."
-Immediately an angel of the
Lord smote him
-because he didn't give the
glory to God.
-He was eaten by worms and
died.
-But the word of the Lord grew and increased.
-Barnabas and Saul, having finished their
mission,
-returned from Jerusalem,
-taking with them John, surnamed Mark.
(Chapter 12)
In the church at Antioch
-there were prophets and teachers,
-Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of
Cyrene, Manaen,
-foster brother to Herod the Tetrarch, and
Saul.
-As they ministered to the Lord
-and fasted, the Holy Spirit said
-"Separate to me Barnabas and Saul
for the work to which I've called
them."
-Then, having fasted, prayed and
laid their hands on them,
-they dismissed them.
-So they, sent out by the Holy
Spirit,
-went down to Seleucia,
sailed from there to
Cyprus,
-and in Salamis announced
God's word in the Jews'
synagogues,
-with John as an attendant.
-Passing through all the island to
Paphos
-they found a Jewish sorcerer and
false prophet named Bar-jesus
(Elymas),
-who was with the proconsul
Sergius Paulus, an intelligent
man.
-He called Barnabas and Saul
seeking to hear God's word.
-But Elymas opposed them,
seeking to divert the
proconsul from the faith.
-But Saul, also called Paul, filled
with the Holy Spirit,
-gazing at him said,
-"You're full of deceit and fraud,
son of the devil,
-enemy of all righteousness,
won't you stop
-perverting the right ways of
the Lord?
-And now, the Lord's hand's on
you, you'll
-be blind, and for a time unable
-to see the sun."
-At once a mist and darkness
fell on
-him and he went about seeking
someone to lead him by the
hand.
-The proconsul, seeing what
happened,
-believed, being astounded at
the Lord's teaching.
-Sailing from Paphos, Paul and his companions
came
-to Perga of Pamphylia (southern coast of
Turkey)
-where John left and returned to
Jerusalem.
-From Perga they went (110 miles north)
to Pisidian Antioch
-and going into the synagogue on the
Sabbath, sat down.
-After the reading of the Law and
the Prophets
-the synagogue rulers said to them
-"Men and brethren, if there's
among you
-any word of exhortation to
the people, please speak."
-Rising up, Paul motioned with his hand and
said,
-"Men of Israel and Gentiles who worship
God, listen.
-The God of this people Israel, chose our
fathers
-and exalted (prospered) the people
during their stay in Egypt.
-And with a high arm (mighty power)
led them out of that country.
-He endured them (their conduct) for
about 40 years in the desert,
-overthrew 7 nations in Canaan
-and gave their land to them as
their inheritance.
-All this took about 450
years.
-Then, God gave them judges until the time of
Samuel the prophet.
-Then they asked for a king
-and He gave them Saul, son of Kish of
Benjamin's tribe,
-who ruled 40 years.
-Removing him, God raised David as
king,
-of whom He witnessed 'I found
David, Jesse's son,
-a man according to my heart,
-he'll do everything I want him
to.'
-From his descendants, God
brought to Israel,
-as promised, a Saviour Jesus.
-Before His coming, John had
preached
-a baptism of repentance to all
Israel's people.
-Completing his work, John said,
-'Who do you think I am?
-I'm not the one,
-He's coming after me,
-whose sandals I'm not worthy
to untie.'
-Men and brothers, Abraham's
children,and God fearing Gentiles,
-it's to us this word of
salvation's been sent.
-Jerusalem's people and rulers
-didn't know (recognise) this
man,
-yet in judging (condemning)
Him,
-fulfilled the prophets' words
they read every Sabbath.
-Without any ground for a death
sentence,
-they asked Pilate to destroy Him,
-when they'd fulfilled
everything written about Him.
-They took Him down from the
tree and laid Him in a tomb.
-But God raised Him out of
the dead
-and He appeared over many
days
-to those who came up with
Him
-from Galilee to Jerusalem
-who are now His witnesses
to the people.
-And we preach (the good news) to
you,
-that the promise made to the
fathers
-God has fulfilled to us, their
children,
-by raising up Jesus.
-As (it's) written in Psalm 2
-'You're my Son, to-day I've
become your Father.'
-And that God raised Him out of the
dead never to return to
corruption.
-He thus said, (Isa 55:3)
-'I'll give you the faithful
holy things of David.'
-As he says in another Psalm (Ps
16:10)
-'You'll not let your holy one see
corruption.'
-For David,having served his own
generation by God's will,
-fell asleep (died), was laid
with his fathers and saw
corruption.
-But He (Jesus) whom God
raised from the dead,
-didn't see corruption.
-Let it be known to you therefore men
and brethren,
-that through this man,
-forgiveness of sins is proclaimed
to you.
-And by this man, everyone that
believes,
-is justified (freed) from
everything from which
-you couldn't be justified
(freed) by Moses' Law.
-Beware therefore lest what's said in
the prophets come upon you,
-'See despisers, marvel and perish,
-because I do a work in your days,
-a work you'll never believe if
anyone declares it to you.'"(Hab
1:5).
-As they went out, the people begged that
these words
-be told them the next Sabbath.
-And when the Synagogue meeting broke up,
-many Jews and devout converts to
Judaism
-followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke
to them
-and persuaded them to continue in
God's grace.
-Next Sabbath almost the whole
city
-gathered to hear God's word.
-But when the Jews saw the
crowds,
-they were filled with
jealousy
-and contradicted what Paul
said, blaspheming.
-And speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas
said,
-"It's necessary God's word be spoken to
you first.
-Since you put it away,
-and judge yourselves unworthy of
etrnal life,
-we go to the Gentiles.
-For thus the Lord commanded us,
-'I've set you for a light to the
Gentiles
-that you may bring salvation to
the ends of the earth.'" (Isa
49:6).
-Hearing this, the Gentiles rejoiced and
glorified the word of the Lord
-and those having been disposed to eternal
life, believed.
-The word of the Lord was carried
through all the country,
-but the Jews incited honourable
worshipping women
-and the chief men of the city.
-They raised up persecution
against Paul and Barnabas
-and expelled them from their
region.
-But shaking off the dust from
their feet against them,
-they came to Iconium.
-And the disciples were filled
with joy and the Holy Spirit.
(Chapter 13)
At Iconium they entered together the Jewish
Synagogue and
-so spoke that a great company of Jews and
Greeks believed.
-But the disobeying (unbelieving) Jews,
-excited the Gentiles
-and embittered their minds against the
brothers.
-So they continued for a considerable
time
-speaking boldly on (for) the Lord,
-who witnessed to the word of His
grace
-and granted signs and wonders
to happen through their hands.
-But the multitude of the city was divided,
-some were with the Jews,
-but others with the apostles.
-When there was a rush of Gentiles and
Jews with their rulers
-to insult and stone them, they found
out
-and escaped to Lystra and Derbe,
cities of Lycaonia
-and the surrounding country,
evangelising (preaching the
gospel).
-At Lystra a man sat, crippled
from birth, who'd never
walked.
-He listened to Paul speaking
-and Paul, looking intently
at him
-and seeing he had faith to
be healed,
-said with a loud voice "Stand
on your feet erect."
-And he leaped up and walked.
-The crowds seeing this, lifted up their
voices saying in Lycaonian,
-"The gods made like men came down to us."
-And they called Barnabas Zeus and Paul
Hermes,
-since he was the chief speaker.
-The priest of Zeus, being before the
city,
-brought oxen and garlands to the
gates
-and wanted to offer sacrifice
with the crowds.
-But (when) the apostles
Barnabas and Paul heard,
-tearing their garments,
(they)
-rushed out into the crowd
-crying out and saying, "Men
why do these things?
-We're also men like you (who
are)
-preaching to you (to) turn
from these vanities
-to the living God.
-(He) who made heaven, earth,
sea and everything in them,
-who in past generations
allowed all nations to go
their own ways,
-and yet, didn't leave Himself
without witness,
-doing good,
-giving rain from heaven,
-times of fruit bearing, and
-filling our hearts with
food and gladness."
-With these words, they scarcely
restrained the crowds from
sacrificing to them.
-But Jews came from Antioch and
Iconium,
-persuading the crowds to stone
Paul
-and drag him out of the city
supposing him dead.
-But, as the disciples
surrounded him,
-he rose up, entered the city,
-and next day, went forth with
Barnabas to Derbe.
-After evangelising (preaching the
gospel to) that city, and making many
disciples,
-they returned to Lystra, Iconium and
Antioch,
-confirming the disciples' minds,
-exhorting them to continue in the
faith,
-(and saying) that through many
afflictions,
-we must enter God's kingdom.
-And having appointed elders
for them in every church,
-with prayer and fasting,
-they committed them to the
Lord
-in whom they believed.
-And passing through Pisidia, they
came to Pamphylia
-and speaking the word in Perga,
-they came down to Attalia,
-and then sailed to Antioch,
-where they'd been commended
to God's grace
-for the work they'd
accomplished.
-Arriving, and assembling the
church,
-they reported all God had done
with them
-and that He'd opened a door
of faith to the Gentiles.
-And they remained with the
disciples no little time.
(Chapter 14)
But some men, going down from Judea, taught the
brothers,
-"Unless you're circumcised according to
Moses' custom, you can't be saved."
-When Paul and Barnabas had no little
discord and questioning with them
-they and some others were appointed to go
up to Jerusalem
-to the apostles and elders about this
question.
-They therefore being sent forward by
the church,
-passed through Phoenicia and
Samaria
-telling in detail (about) the
conversion of the Gentiles and
-causing great joy to all the
brothers.
-Arriving in Jerusalem, they were welcomed
from (by)
-the church, apostles and elders
-and reported what God had done through
them.
-But some believers from the sect of the
Pharisees stood forth
-and said "It's necessary to
circumcise them
-and charge them to keep Moses'
Law."
-The apostles and elders were
gathered
-together to consider this matter.
-After much questioning, Peter
stood and said
-"Men and brothers, you
understand that,
-from the early days, God
chose among you (decided)
-that through my mouth the
Gentiles
-should hear the word of the
gospel and believe.
-And God, who knows hearts,
witnessed to them,
-giving them the Holy Spirit,
as He did to us,
-making no distinction between
us and them,
-cleansing their hearts by
faith.
-So why test God, by putting a
yoke on the disciples' necks
-which neither our fathers nor
we were able to bear?
-But we believe we are saved
-through the grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ,
-just as they are."
-The multitude (assembly) silently heard Paul
and Barnabas
-telling what signs and wonders God did
among the Gentiles through them.
-When finished, James replied "Men and
brothers, hear me.
-Simeon's (Simon Peter) told how God
firstly visited the Gentiles
-to take out of them a people for His
name (Himself).
-This agrees with the prophet's
words as has been written (Amos
9:11,12),
-'After this I'll return,
-rebuild David's fallen tent and
its ruins
-and set it up,
-so that the rest of men may seek
the Lord
-and all the Gentiles who are
called by my name,'
-says the Lord, doing these things
-known from of old.
-Therefore, my judgment's not to
trouble
-the Gentiles turning to God,
-but to write to them to abstain
from
-the pollution of idols,
-fornication (sexual immorality)
-things strangled,
-and blood.
-For Moses, from ancient
generations (has had)
-in every city, those
proclaiming him,
-being read in the Synagogues
every Sabbath."
-Then it seemed good to the apostles and
elders,
-with the whole church, to send Judas
Barsabbas and Silas, leading men among the
brothers,
-to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, with
this letter,
-"The apostles and elder brothers,
-to the Gentile brothers in Antioch,
Syria and Cilesia, greetings.
-Since we heard that some of us,
without authorisation,
-troubled you with words,
unsettling your minds,
-it seemed good to us, being of
one mind
-to send chosen men to you
with our beloved Barnabas
and Paul.
-Men who've given up their lives for
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
-We've sent therefore Judas and
Silas who'll tell you the same
things.
-For it seemed good to the Holy
Spirit and to us,
-to put on you no burden but
these necessary things,
-to abstain from
-idol sacrifices,
-blood,
-strangled things
-and fornication.
-Keep yourselves from these and
you'll do well. Farewell."
-Being dismissed, they went down to Antioch,
-and, assembling the multitude, delivered
the letter.
-After reading it, they rejoiced at the
exhortation
-and Judas and Silas, themselves
prophets, exhorted the brethren
-with many words and confirmed
(strengthened) them.
-After some time, they were
dismissed with peace
-from the brothers to those who'd
sent them.
-But Paul and Barnabas stayed in
Antioch,
-teaching and preaching the
word of the Lord,
-with many others also.
-After some days, Paul said to Barnabas,
-"Let's return and visit the brethren in
every city
-where we proclaimed God's word
-and see how they are."
-Barnabas wished to take with them
John called Mark.
-But Paul thought it best not to
take him
-who'd withdrawn from them in
Pamphylia,
-not going with them to the
work.
-After a sharp disagreement
-they separated, Barnabas taking
Mark to sail to Cyprus.
-But Paul, having chosen Silas,
went forth
-being commended to the Grace of
the Lord
-by the brothers
-and went through Syria and
Cilesia
-confirming (strengthening)
the churches.
(Chapter 15)
And he came down also to Derbe and Lystra
-where there was a disciple named Timothy,
-son of a faithful Jewish woman, but whose
father was a Greek.
-The brothers in Lystra and Iconium spoke
well of him.
-Paul wanted him to go forth with him
-and took and circumcised him,
-on account of the Jews in those
places
-for all knew his father was a
Greek.
-As they went through the cities,
-they delivered to them the decrees decided
on by the apostles and elders in
Jerusalem.
-So the churches were strengthened in the
faith
-and increased in number daily.
-They went through the Phrygian and
Galatian country,
-being prevented by the Holy Spirit
-from speaking the word in Asia.
-Coming to Mysia they attempted to go into
Bithynia
-but the Spirit of Jesus didn't allow
them.
-So passing by Mysia, they came to Troas
(Troy).
-During the night a vision appeared to
Paul
-(Of a) Macedonian man standing and
beseeching him to come over
-saying, "Cross over to Macedonia
and help us."
-When he saw the vision we
(apparently Luke the author
joined them here),
-immediately sought to go to
Macedonia
-concluding God had called us
to evangelise (preach the
gospel) to them.
-Setting sail from Troas, we ran a straight
course to (the island of) Samothrace
-and on the next day to Neapolis (modern
Kavala in Greece)
-and thence to Philippi, the chief city of
that part of Macedonia
-and a (Roman) colony, where we stayed
some days.
-On the Sabbath, we went outside the
(city) gate
-to a river where we expected to
find a place of prayer
-and sitting, spoke to the women
who'd come together.
-A woman named Lydia, a dealer in
purple dyed garments
-from the city of Thyatira, who
worshipped God,
-heard (us) and the Lord opened
her heart
-to heed the things spoken by
Paul.
-When she was baptised, with
her household,
-she besought us "If you've
decided I'm faithful to the
Lord
-stay at my house," and she
urged us.
As we were going to the place of prayer, we were
met by
-A maid having a spirit of divination,
-who brought her masters much gain by
fortune telling.
-She followed Paul and us, crying out,
-"These men are slaves of God most high
-who announce to you a way of
salvation."
-She did this for many days.
-Becoming greatly troubled, Paul
turned to the spirit and said
-"I charge you in the name of
Jesus Christ to come out of
her."
-And it came out the same
hour.
-Her masters, seeing their hope of gain was
gone,
-seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to
the market place before the rulers.
-Bringing them to the magistrates, they
said,
-"These men are greatly troubling us in
the city.
-Being Jews, they announce customs not
lawful
-for us to receive or observe, being
Romans."
-The crowd rose up against them
-and the magistrates, tearing
off their garments,
-commanded flogging.
-After laying many stripes
on them,
-they threw them into
prison
-charging the gaoler
to keep them
securely.
-Having received such a charge, he threw them
into the inner prison
-and secured their feet in stocks.
-About midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and
sang praises to God,
-the prisoners listened to them
-and suddendly there was a great
earthquake
-which shook the foundations of the
gaol.
-At once all the doors were opened
-and all the bonds loosened.
-The gaoler woke and seeing
the
-prison doors opened,
-drew his sword to kill
himself,
-supposing the prisoners
had escaped.
-But Paul called with a loud voice,
-"Don't harm yourself, we're all still
here."
-Calling for lights, he rushed in and
trembling fell before Paul and Silas.
-Leading them forward outside he said,
-"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
-And they said, "Believe on the Lord
Jesus
-and you'll be saved with your
household."
-And they spoke God's word to
him and all in his house.
-And taking them in that hour
of the night,
-he washed their stripes
and was baptised with his
household.
-Bringing them up into his house, he set food
before them
-and rejoiced with all his household
-having believed in God.
-At daylight, the magistrates sent their
officers, saying
-"Release those men."
-The gaoler reported this to Paul,
that they could go in peace.
-But Paul said "They'
-beaten us publicly, (white
we're)
-uncondemned Roman citizens
and
-thrown us into prison.
-Now they want to expel us
secretely?
-No Way!
-They can come themselves and
bring us out."
-The officers reported this to the
magistrates.
-Hearing they were Romans, they were
afraid,
-so they came, besought them,
-brought them out
-and asked them to leave the city.
-So they went out from the
prison,
-entered Lydia's house,
-saw and exhorted the
brothers,
-then departed.
(Chapter 16)
Travelling through Amphilpolis and Apollonia
they cam to Thessalonica.
-Where there was a synagogue of the Jews.
-As was his custom, Paul went in to them
-and on three Sabbaths,
-lectured them from the scriptures,
-opening up and setting before them
-that the Christ had to suffer
-and rise again from the dead
-saying, "This is the Christ,
the Jesus whom I announce to
you."
-Some were persuaded and
joined Paul and Silas,
-a great multitude of
worshipping Greeks
-and not a few of the chief
women.
-But the Jews, becoming jealous, took some
wicked loiterers from the marketplace
-and gathering a crowd, disturbed the city.
-Coming to Jason's house,
-they sought to bring them out to the
mob,
-but not finding them,
-they dragged Jason and some
brothers to the city rulers
-saying "These men, having turned
the inhabited earth upside down,
-have arrived here also,
-whom Jason's received.
-They all act contrary to
Caesar's laws
-saying there's another king,
(one) Jesus."
-Hearing these things, the crowd and city
rulers were troubled
-and taking surety (a bond) from Jason and
the rest,
-released them.
-The brothers immediately, during the
night,
-sent Paul and Silas to Berea.
-Arriving, they went into the
synagogue of the Jews.
-They were more noble than the
Jews in Thessalonica,
-receiving the word eagerly and
-daily examining the
scriptures (to see)
-if these things are so (were
true).
-Many of them therefore
believed
-with not a few honourable
Greek women and men.
-But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew
-that Paul had proclaimed God's word at
Berea,
-they came there also
-stirring up and inciting the crowds.
-So immediately the brothers sent Paul
away to the sea,
-but Silas and Timothy remained.
-Those escorting Paul, brought him
to Athens,
-then left,with instructions for
Silas and Timothy
-to join him as soon as
possible.
-While Paul awaited them in Athens,
-his spirit was provoked,
-as he saw the city was full of images
(idols).
-He therefore addressed in the synagogue
-the Jews and those worshipping
-and in the marketplace every day
those chancing to be there.
-Some of the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers met him
-and some said "What's this
ignorant plagiarist want to
say?"
-Others said "He seems to be
an announcer of foreign
demons"
-because he preached Jesus and
the resurrection.
-Taking hold of him, they led him to
the Areopagus saying,
-"May we know what this new
teaching is, that you speak of?
-For you bring startling things
to our ears,
-and we wish to know what they
mean."
-All the Athenians and foreigners
living there,
-spent their time in nothing
except telling or hearing
something new.
-And Paul, standing in the midst of Areopagus,
said,
-"Men of Athens, I see that in every way
you're very religious,
-for passing along and looking up at your
objects of worship,
-I found an altar inscribed 'To an
unknown god.'
-What you reverence in ignorance I
announce to you.
-The God who made the world and
everything in it,
-being Lord of heaven and earth,
-doesn't dwell in hand made
shrines,
-nor is served by human hands
-as though He needed anything,
-since He gives life and
breath to everything.
-He's made from one, (man)
-every nation of men to dwell
on all the earth,
-fixing appointed seasons and
the boundaries of their
habitation
-that they might seek God,
-in the hope they may feel
after and find Him,
-though being not far from
each of us.
-For in Him we
-live,
-and move,
-and are.
-As indeed some of your poets
have said
-'For of him also we're
offspring.'
-Being God's offspring, we
ought not to suppose
-the divine nature (God)
-to be like gold, silver or
stone
-graven by art and man's
device.
-So then, God overlooked the
times of ignorance
-but now He declares to all
men everywhere
-to repent.
-Because He's set a day in
which He's about
-to judge the world in
righteousness,
-by a man He's designated,
-offering a guarantee to all
-by raising Him up out of
dead."
-Hearing of a resurrection of dead
persons, some scoffed.
-Others said "We'll hear you
about this again."
-So Paul went forth from their
midst.
-But some men joined him and
believed
-including Dionysius, the
Areopagite, a
-woman named Damaris and
others with them.
(Chapter 17)
Then he departed from Athens and came to
Corinth.
-He found a Jew named Aquila, a native of
Pontus,
-lately come from Italy with his wife
Priscilla,
-because (Emperor) Laudius had ordered all
Jews to leave Rome.
-And he went to see them.
-Because they were of the same trade,
he stayed with them
-and they worked, being tent makers.
-He lectured in the synagogue on
every Sabbath
-and persuaded Jews and Greeks.
-When Silas and Timothy
arrived from Macedonia,
-Paul was pressed by the word,
-solemnly witnessing to the
Jews,
-that Jesus was the Christ.
-When they resisted and blasphemed,
-shaking off his garments,he said to
them,
-"Your blood's on your own head,
-I'm clean (innocent), from now
on I'll go to the Gentiles."
-So he left there and went
into the house of Titus
Justus,
-a worshipper of God, whose
house was next to the
synagogue.
-Crispus, the synagogue ruler,
-with all his household, believed
the Lord
-and many Corinthians hearing,
believed and were baptised.
-The Lord said in the night through a vision
to Paul,
-"Don't fear, but speak and don't keep
silent,
-because I'm with you,
-and no one shall attack or harm you
-because I've a great people in this
city."
-And he sat a year and six months
teaching the word of God among
them.
-But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia,
-the Jews, with one mind, set upon Paul and
brought him to the tribunal
-saying, "This man urges men to worship
God
-differently (contrary) to the Law."
-When Paul was about to open his mouth
-Gallio said to the Jews "If it were
a crime
-or some evil villainy,I'd rightly
listen to you,
-but if it's a question about a
word, names and your Law
-see to it yourselves,
-I don't intend to be a judge
of these things."
-And he drove them from the
tribunal.
-They all seized Sosthenes the
synagogue ruler
-and beat him in front of
the tribunal,
-but it meant nothing to
Gallio.
-But Paul remained many days.
-Then farewelling the brothers,
-he sailed to Syria, (modern Turkey) with
Priscilla and Aquila,
-having shorn his head for he'd made a
vow.
-They came to Ephesus and he left them
there
-but he entered the synagogue and
lectured the Jews.
-They asked him to stay longer but
he refused
-and bidding farewell,said "I'll
return again to you God
willing,"
-he set sail from Ephesus.
-And coming down to Caesarea he went up and
greeted the church
-then went to Antioch.
-And after spending some time, he went
forth,
-passing through Galatia and Phrygia in
order
-confirming (strengthening) all the
disciples.
-A Jew named Apollos, Alexandrian by race, an
eloquent man, powerful in the scriptures,
-came to Ephesus.
-Orally instructed in the Lord's way,
-and burning in spirit,
-he spoke and taught accurately
concerning Jesus.
-Understanding only John's baptism
-he began to speak boldly in the
synagogue.
-Hearing him Priscilla and
Aquila took him and more
Accurately explained the way
Of God.
-When he intended to go into Achaia, (the
Roman province whose capital was
Corinth),
-being encouraged, the brethren wrote to
the disciples to welcome him.
-Arriving, he contributed much to the
believers through grace.
-He vehemently confuted the Jews
publicly,
-proving through the scriptures,
-Jesus to be the Christ.
(Chapter 18)
While Apollos was at Corinth,
-Paul cam to Ephesus, found some disciples
-and said "Did you receive the Holy Spirit?
when you believed?"
-They said "We haven't heard of the Holy
Spirit."
-He said "What were you baptised into?"
-They said "John's baptism."
-Paul said "John baptised with a
baptism of repentance
-saying to the people they should
believe
-in the One coming after him,
that is, Jesus."
-Hearing this, they were
baptised in the name of the
Lord Jesus.
-As Paul laid his hands on
them,
-the Holy Spirit came on
them
-and they spoke in tongues
and prophesied.
-There were about twelve men
in all.
-Entering the synagogue, he spoke boldly for
three months,
-lecturing and persuading concerning the
kingdom of God.
-But some were hardened and disobeyed,
-speaking evil of the Way
-before the multitude.
-So Paul separated from them,
-withdrew his disciples
-and lectured daily in the
school of Tyrannus.
-This continued for two years,
-so that all inhabiting Asia
heard the Lord's word.
-Both Jews and Gentiles.
-And God did powerful deeds through Paul's
hands,
-so that handkerchiefs or aprons were
-taken from his body to the sick
-and diseases left them
-and evil spirits came out of them.
-But some travelling Jewish
exorcists
-tried to pronounce the name of
the Lord Jesus
-over those with evil spirits
-saying "I exorcise you by
the Jesus Paul
proclaims."
-Seven sons of a Jewish high
priest named Sceva
-were doing this.
-But the evil spirit said to
them,
-"I know Jesus
-and I understand Paul
-but who are you?"
-And the man having the evil
spirit
-leapt on, and overpowered
them,
-so they fled the house
naked and wounded.
-This became known to all the
Jews and Greeks living in
Ephesus.
-Fear fell on everyone,
-and the Lord's name was
magnified.
-Many of those who
believed
-came confessing and
telling of their
practices.
-A considerable number of
those who
-practised magic acts
brought their books
-and burnt them publicly.
-They were worth about
50,000 days' wages.
-So by might, the word of the Lord
-increased and was strong.
-After this, Paul purposed in his spirit
-to go to Jerusalem passing through
Macedonia and Achaia,
-saying, "After I've been there,I must
also see Rome."
-After sending into Macedonia two of
those ministering to him,
-Timothy and Erastus, he delayed a
time in Asia.
-At that time there was no little trouble
concerning the Way.
-Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver
shrines of Artemis
-provided the artisans with no little
trade.
-He called them together, with workmen
in related trades
-and said "Men, you know that from
this trade we have our wealth
-and you see and hear, that not only
in Ephesus,
-but almost throughout all Asia
-this Paul's persuaded and
turned away
-a considerable crowd,
-saying that gods made with
hands aren't gods.
-There's a danger that not only
our trade
-may come into disrepute,
-but also the temple of the
great goddess Artemis
-may count for nothing
-and her greatness
diminished,
-she whom all Asia and the
world worships."
-Hearing this and becoming full of anger, they
cried out
-"Great is Artemis of the Ephesians."
-The city was filled with confusion
-and they rushed with one mind into the
theatre
-keeping a firm grip on Gaius and
Aristarchus
-Macedonian travelling companions of
Paul.
-Paul intended to enter into the
mob,
-but the disciples wouldn't
allow him.
-Some of his friends, the
Asiarchs, sent and besought
him
-not to venture into the
theatre.
-Some cried out one thing, some another,
-the assembly was in confusion
-and most didn't know why they'd come
together.
-Some of the crowd instructed Alexander
-whom the Jews put forward.
-Waving his hand,
-Alexander wished to defend
himself to the mob.
-But recognising he was a Jew,
-for about two hours they all
with one voice
-cried out "Great is Artemis
of the Ephesians."
-After the town clerk quieted the crowd, he
said
-"Men of Ephesus, everyone knows our city
-is temple keeper of the great Artemis
-and of the sacred stone that fell
from the sky.
-Since these things are undeniable,
-you ought to be quiet and do
nothing rash,
-for you've brought these men
here
-who aren't temple robbers or
blasphemers of your goddess.
-If Demetrius and the
craftsmen with him
-have a complaint against
anyone
-the courts are open and
there are proconsuls
(judges)
-where they can bring their
charges.
-But if you seek anything further,
-it shall be settled in the
lawful assembly.
-For we're in danger of being
charged with insurrection
about to-day
-and there's no cause to
justify this commotion."
-Having said this he dismissed
the assembly.
(Chapter 19)
When the uproar ceased, Paul sent for the
disciples
-and having exhorted them, left for Macedonia.
-Having passed through and given them much
exhortation,
-he came to Greece, where he stayed three
months.
-A plot was made against him by the Jews
-as he was about to sail for Syria,
-so he decided to return through
Macedonia.
-Travelling with him were,
-from Berea - Sopater,
-from Thessalonica - Aristarcus
and Secundus,
-from Derbe - Gaius and Timothy,
-from Asia - Tychicus and
Trophimus.
-These went on and were
waiting for us at Troas
(Troy).
-We sailed from Philippi after the Passover
-and in five days, came to Troas where we
stayed seven days.
-We gathered to break bread on the first
day of the week.
-Paul talked with them, intending to
depart next day,
-but he prolonged his speech 'til
midnight.
-There were many lights in the upper
room where we'd gathered.
-A young man named Eutychus,
sitting in the window,
-sank into a deep sleep as Paul
lectured longer,
-and fell from the third
storey and was taken up
dead.
-But Paul went down, fell on
him and
-embracing him closely said
"Don't be terrified,
there's life in him."
-When Paul had gone up, broken
bread and eaten,
-he talked with them 'til
daybreak and left.
-They took the lad away alive
and were not a little
comforted.
-Going ahead to the ship, we set sail for
Assos,
-intending to take Paul on board there, as
he'd arranged (to travel there) on foot.
-He met us there, came aboard and we came to
Mitylene.
-Sailing from there, next day we were
opposite Kios.
-Next day we touched at Samos and
-the next day we came to Miletus,
-Paul having decided to sail past
Ephesus
-to save spending time in Asia,
-for he was hastening to be in
Jerusalem
-if possible on the Day of
Pentecost.
-He called the elders of the church
from Ephesus
-and said to them,
-"You understand how I was with
you the whole time from the
first day I set foot in Asia
-serving the Lord with all
humility and tears
-and with trials through Jewish
plots.
-How I kept back nothing that was
beneficial to you
-but declared to and taught you in
public and from house to house.
-Solemnly witnessing to both Jews
and Greeks
-of repentance to God
-and faith in the Lord Jesus
Christ.
-And how, I'm going to Jerusalem,
bound in the Spirit
-not knowing what will befall me
there,
-except that the Holy Spirit
solemnly witnesses to me in
every city,
-that bonds and afflictions await
me.
-But I don't account my life of
any value,
-nor of precious to myself,
-if only I may finish my course
-and the ministry I received from
the Lord Jesus
-to solemnly witness to the gospel
of the grace of God.
-And I know that all you who've
heard me proclaiming the kingdom
-will see my face no more.
-So I witness to you to-day,
-that I'm clean (innocent) of the
blood of all men.
-For I didn't shrink from
declaring to you the whole
counsel of God.
-Take heed to yourselves and to
all the flock
-in which the Holy Spirit has
placed you overseers,
-to shepherd the church of God,
-which He acquired through the
blood of His own Son.
-I know that after my departure,
-grievous wolves will come in to
you
-not sparing the flock.
-And of yourselves will rise up
men
-speaking perverted things,
-to drag away the disciples
after themselves.
-So watch, remembering that for
three years
-night and day, I didn't cease
admonishing each one with
tears.
-And now I commend you to the Lord
-and to the word of His grace,
-which is able to build you up
-and give you the inheritance
among all who are
sanctified.
-I coveted no one's silver, gold
or raiment.
-You know that these hands
ministered
-to my needs and to those with
me.
-In all things I've shown you that
by so labouring
-it's necessary to succour the
ailing ones,
-remembering the words of the
Lord Jesus
-'It's more blessed to give
than receive.'"
-Having said this he knelt with them
all and prayed.
-Everyone wept profusely
-and falling on Paul's neck they
kissed him fervently,
-suffering most over his word
-that they'd see his face no
more
-and they escorted him to the
ship.
(Chapter 20)
We set sail, taking a straight course to Cos,
-the next day to Rhodes,
-and from there to Patara.
-Finding a ship crossing to Phoenecia we
embarked and sailed.
-Sighting Cyprus and leaving it on the
left,
-we sailed to Syria and came down to
Tyre,
-where the ship unloaded its cargo.
-Finding the disciples, we stayed
seven days.
-Through the Spirit, they told
Paul not to go up to
Jerusalem.
-Departing on our journey they
all, with wives and children
-brought us on our way 'til we
were outside the city.
-And kneeling on the beach, we
prayed and
-bade each other farewell.
-Then we boarded the ship and
they returned home.
-Arriving at Ptolmais, we greeted the
brothers
-and stayed with them one day.
-Next day, we came to Caesarea
-and entering Philip, the
evangelist's house,
-being one of the seven, we
stayed with him.
-He had four unmarried
daughters who prophesied.
-After several days a prophet
named Agabus
-came down from Judea.
-Taking Paul's girdle, having
bound his own hands and feet
-he said "The Holy Spirit says
'thus the
-Jews in Jerusalem will bind
the man who
-owns this girdle and
deliver him
-into Gentile hands.'"
-Hearing this, we and the
residents
-besought him not to go up to
Jerusalem.
-Paul replied "What are you doing
weeping
-and weakening my heart?
-For I'm ready not only to be
bound
-but to die in Jerusalem
-on behalf of the name of the
Lord Jesus."
-When he wouldn't be persuaded,
we kept silence, having said
-"The Lord's will be done."
-So we went up to Jerusalem
-with some of the disciples from Caesarea,
-including Mnason from Cyprus, an early
disciple
-with whom we should lodge.
-In Jerusalem the brothers joyfully
received us.
-Next day Paul went in with us
-to James and all the elders.
-After greeting them, he related
singly,
-each thing God did among the
Gentiles
-through his ministry.
-Hearing this, they glorified
God
-and said "You see brother,
how many
-thousands there are among the
Jews
-who've believed, they're
all zealous for the Law.
-They've been told you teach
the Jews
-among the Gentiles,
apostasy from Moses,
-telling them not to
circumcise their children
-nor walk in (observe) the
customs.
-What's to be done?
-They'll hear you've come.
-Do this,
-we have four men who are
under a vow.
-Take them, purify yourself
along with them
-and pay their expenses, so
they may shave their
heads.
-Then everyone will know
there's nothing in what's
been said about you
-but that you keep the Law.
-As for the Gentile believers,
-we've sent a letter with
our judgment
-that they should abstain
from
-idol sacrifice,
-blood,
-what's been strangled and
-fornication."
-So Paul took the men
-next day purified himself with
them,
-and went into the Temple
-to give notice when the days
of purification would be
fulfilled
-and the offering presented
for each of them.
-When the seven days were
almost completed,
-Jews from Asia, seeing him in
the Temple,
-stirred up all the crowd
-and laid their hands on him
crying out
-"Men of Israel, help, this is
the man
-teaching all men everywhere
against the
-people
-law
-and this place (Temple)
-and who brought Greeks into
the Temple
-profaning this holy place."
-For they'd seen Trophimus the
Ephesian with him
-and assumed Paul had brought
him into the Temple.
-The whole city was moved, people
ran together
-and laying hold of Paul
-they dragged him outside the
Temple
-and shut its doors.
-While seeking to kill him,
-word came to the commander
-of the Roman troops that all
Jerusalem was in confusion.
-He immediately took soldiers
and centurions
-and ran down on them.
-When they saw the commander
and soldiers
-they ceased beating Paul.
-The commander arrested him,
-ordered him to be bound with
two chains
-and enquired who he was and
what he'd done.
-Some in the crowd shouted one
thing and some another.
-Not being able to learn the
facts because of the uproar,
-he commanded him brought to
the Fort.
-When he was on the steps,
-he was carried by the
soldiers
-because of the violence of
the crowd,
-for the multitude followed
crying out "Away with
him."
-As he was about to be brought
into the Fort,
-Paul said to the commander
"May I speak to you?"
-He replied "Do you know
(speak) Greek?
-Aren't you the Egyptian who
started a revolt
-and led 4000 terrorists
into the desert some time
ago?"
-Paul said "I'm a Jew from
Tarsus in Cilicia,
-a citizen of no mean city
-and I beg you, let me speak
to the people."
-He agreed, so Paul standing on
the steps,
-beckoned to the people and
-when they were silent
-spoke to them in Hebrew.
(Chapter 21)
"Men, brothers and fathers hear my defence."
-Hearing him speak in Hebrew they were the
more quiet.
-"I'm a Jew born in Tarsus of Cilicia
-and brought up in this city at the feet
of Gamaliel,
-trained according to the exactness of
the ancestral law.
-A Zealot of God,
-just as all of you are to-day.
-I persecuted this Way as far as
death
-binding and delivering to prisons
both men and women.
-As even the high priest bears
witness
-and all the council
-from whom I received letters
to the brothers in Damascus
-and went thence to bring
these people
-as prisoners to Jerusalem to
be punished.
-Journeying and nearing Damascus,
-about midday, suddenly out of
heaven,
-a great light shone round me.
-I fell to the ground
-and heard a voice saying to
me,
-'Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me?'
-I answered 'Who are you
Lord?'
-He replied 'I'm Jesus the
Nazarene
-whom you persecute.'
-Those with me saw the light,
-but heard not the voice
speaking to me.
-I said 'What may I do Lord?'
-The Lord said to me 'Rise, go
into Damascus,
-there you'll be told all
that's appointed for you
to do.'
-Unable to see because of the
glory of that light,
-I was led by the hand by those
with me, to Damascus.
-There, Ananias, a devout man
according to the Law
-and highly respected by all the
Jews living there
-came, stood by me and said
-'Brother Saul look up'
-and in that hour I looked
up at him (received my
sight).
-He said 'The God of our fathers
-previously appointed you to
know His will,
-see the Just One
-and hear a voice out of His
mouth.
-Because you'll be a witness
to Him,
-to all men,
-of what you've seen and
heard.
-And now why wait?
-Rise up,
-be baptised,
-and wash your sins away
-calling on His name.'
-After returning to Jerusalem,
-as I was praying in the Temple,
-I fell into a trance
-and I saw Him saying to me
-'Hasten forth quickly out of
Jerusalem,
-because they won't receive
your witness about me.'
-And I said 'Lord they
understand that
-in every synagogue
-I imprisoned and beat those
believing on you
-and when the blood of Stephen
your witness was shed,
-I stood by consenting and
holding the garments of
those killing him.'
-And He said to me 'Go, for I'll
-send you far away to the
Gentiles.'"
-Up to this word they listened, but
-then they lifted their voices saying,
-"Take such a man from the earth, he's not
fit to live."
-As they shouted,
-tore their garments,
-and threw dust in the air,
-the commander ordered Paul
brought into the Fort,
-bidding him to be examined with
flogging,
-to find out exactly what
crime they were accusing him
of.
-But as they stretched him forward with
the thongs,
-Paul said to the centurion standing
there,
-"Is it legal for you to flog an
uncondemned Roman citizen?"
-The centurion reported this to the
commander
-asking, "What are you about to
do? This man's a Roman."
-The commander said to Paul "Are
you a Roman?"
-He said "Yes."
-The commander said "I had to
pay a large sum to get this
(Roman) citizenship."
-Paul said "But I was born a
(Roman) citizen."
-Immediately those about to examine
him withdrew.
-The commander also feared,
realising he'd put a Roman
citizen in chains.
-Next day, wanting to know for certain,
-why the Jews accused him,
-he released him,
-and commanded the chief priests and
council assemble.
-Having brought Paul down he set him
in their midst.
(Chapter 22)
Paul, gazing at the council said,
-"Men and brothers, I've lived in all good
conscience
-to God until this day."
-And the high priest Annas,
-ordered those standing by him to strike
his mouth.
-Paul said to him "God's about to
strike you,
-you whitewashed wall.
-You sit judging me according to
the Law
-and break the Law by having me
struck."
-Those standing by said "Do you revile
God's high priest?"
-Paul said "I didn't know he's a high
priest, brothers
-for it's been written 'You'll not
speak evil of a ruler of your
people.'"
-Paul, knowing one part (of the
council) were Sadducees
-and the other Pharisees,
-cried out in the council "Men
brothers,
-I'm a Pharisee, a son of a
Pharisee,
-concerning hope and the
resurrection of the dead
-I'm being judged."
-When he said this, a dispute
arose
-between the Pharisees and
Sadducees
-and the multitude was
divided.
-Because Sadducees say
there's no resurrection,
angel or Spirit
-and Pharisees say all are
true.
-There was a great cry
-and rising up, some of the
scribes of the
-Pharisees contended, "We find
nothing evil in this man,
-what if a Spirit or angel
spoke to him?"
-When much discord arose,
-the commander, fearing Paul
would be
-torn asunder by them,
-commanded the soldiers to
seize him out out of their
midst
-and bring him to the Fort.
-Next night, the Lord coming to him said,
-"Be of good courage, for as you solemnly
witnessed about me in Jerusalem,
-so you must witness also in Rome."
-Next morning, more than 40 Jews bound
themselves to a conspiracy
-saying "We'll not eat or drink 'til
we kill Paul."
-They told the chief priests and
elders, saying,
-"You with the council, ask the
commander
-to bring him before you
pretending you want more
accurate information about his
case
-and we're ready to kill him
before he comes near."
-Paul's sister's son heard, went to
the Fort and told Paul.
-Paul asked a centurion to take him
to the commander because he had a
message for him.
-He did, saying "The prisoner Paul
asked me to bring this young man
who has something to tell you."
-The commander took him by the
hand, retired privately and
asked what he had to say.
-He reported the details of
the plot
-and asked him not to grant
the Jews' request.
-The commander dismissed the
young man,
-cautioning him to tell no one
else.
-Then he called two centurions
telling them
-to "Prepare 200 soldiers, 70
horsemen and 200 spearmen
-to go to Caesarea (about 70
kms north west on the coast)
-leaving at 9 to-night.
-Provide mounts for Paul to
ride
-to bring him safely to
Felix the (Roman) governor
-along with this letter.
-'Claudius Lysias.
-To the most excellent
governor Felix,
-Greetings.
-This man having been
arrested by the Jews,
-was about to be killed by
them
-when I came upon them with
soldiers
-and rescued him, having
learned he's a Roman
citizen.
-Wanting to know fully their
accusation against him,
-I brought him to their
council
-and found him accused about
their law
-but not about anything
deserving death or of
bonds.
-And when it was revealed to
me
-there was a plot against
this man,
-I sent him to you at once,
-commanding the accusers to
make their charges against
him before you.'"
-So the soldiers, as
instructed,
-took Paul and brought him
by night to Antipatris.
-Next day they returned to
the Fort,
-leaving the 70 horsemen
to go with Paul.
-Entering Caesarea, they
gave the governor the
letter
-and presented Paul to
him.
-After reading it, asking
what province he was from,
-and learning it was
Cilicia, he said
-"I'll hear you when your
accusers arrive"
-commanding he be kept in
Herod's palace.
(Chapter 23)
After 5 days, the high priest Ananias, came down
with some elders
-And a spokesman called Tertullus,
-who informed the governor against Paul.
-When he was called, Tertullus began his
accusation against Paul saying,
-"We enjoy much peace through you,
-and your forethought's brought about
reforms in this nation.
-Everywhere and in every way, most
excellent Felix,
-we welcome this with all
thankfulness.
-But to take no more of your
time,
-I beseech you to hear us
briefly in your forbearance.
-We've found this man a pestilent fellow
-an agitator among all the Jews in the
world
-and a ringleader of the Nazarene's
sect.
-He also attempted to profane the
Temple,
-but we seized him.
-Examine him yourself and
-you'll be able to learn
everything
-about which we accuse him."
-The Jews supported these charges.
-When the governor beckoned him to speak,
-Paul said, "Understanding that for many
years you've been a judge to this nation,
-I defend myself cheerfully.
-As you're able to know fully, it's not
more than 12 days
-since I went up to worship at
Jerusalem
-and they found me neither in the
Temple, synagogues or city,
-nor with anyone, disputing
-or stirring up a crowd.
-Nor can they prove the things
whereof they accuse me.
-But I confess that, according to the Way,
which they call a sect,
-I worship the ancestral God,
-believing everything according to the
Law and written in the Prophets.
-Having the same hope towards God they
have,
-that there'll be a resurrection of
both the just and the unjust.
-So I exercise myself to have a
blameless conscience always
-toward God and man.
-After many years I arrived
bringing alms and offerings
to my nation.
-While doing this they found
me purified in the Temple
-without crowd or uproar.
-But some Jews from Asia, who
ought to be here if they have
accusation,
-or else say what wrongdoing
they found
-when I stood before the
council,
-except this one thing, I
cried out while standing
among them
-'I'm being judged before
you to-day regarding the
resurrection of dead
persons.'"
-But Felix, knowing more exactly concerning
the Way,
-adjourned proceedings, saying "When
Lysias the commander comes down
-I'll decide your case."
-He commanded the centurion to keep
him in custody,
-but with some liberty,
-allowing his friends to attend
his needs.
-After some days, Felix arrived with his
Jewish wife Drusilla.
-He sent for Paul and heard about his
faith in Christ Jesus.
-As he discoursed about righteousness,
self control and coming judgment,
-Felix, becoming afraid, said,
-"Go away for now, I'll send for you
later."
-Hoping Paul would give him money,
-he sent for him often and
talked with him.
-After two years Porcius Festus succeeded
Felix
-and desiring to do the Jews a favour, he
left Paul bound.
(Chapter 24)
After three days Festus went up to Jerusalem
-and the chief priests and chief Jews informed
him against Paul,
-beseeching him as a favour against him
-to summon him to Jerusalem,
-plotting to kill him on the way.
-Festus said Paul was being kept at
Caesarea
-and that he intended to go there
shortly.
-So he said "Let men of authority
go down with me
-and accuse him if anything in
him is wrong."
-After 8 or 10 days he went
down to Caesarea
-and next day sitting on the
Tribunal,
-he commanded Paul be brought.
-Arriving, the Jews from Jerusalem
stood around him and
-brought many and heavy charges
-they could not prove.
-Paul defended himself, "I
haven't sinned against
-the Jews' Laws,
-the Temple,
-or Caesar."
-But Festus, wishing to do the Jews
a favour said,
-"Do you wish to be judged before
me in Jerusalem?"
-Paul said "I'm standing before
Caesar's court
-where I ought to be judged.
-I've not wronged the Jews as
you well know.
-If I've done wrong and am
worthy of death,
-I don't refuse to die,
-but if there's nothing in
their charges,
-no one can hand me over to
them.
-So I appeal to Caesar."
-Then Festus, after talking to the
council said,
-"You've appealed to Caesar, to
him you'll go."
-After some days King Agrippa and
Bernice arrived and greeted
Festus.
-Later, Festus laid Paul's case
before the king
-saying, "Felix left behind a
prisoner.
-At Jerusalem the chief
priests and Jewish elders
-gave information about him
asking for a sentence.
-I told them it's not Roman
custom
-to give up anyone before
the accused met the
accusers face to face
-and had opportunity to give
a defence.
-So when they came together here
-I didn't delay, but next day
sat on the Tribunal
-and ordered Paul brought in.
-The accusers brought no
charge of evil as I expected
-but questions about their own
religion
-and about Jesus who, having
died, Paul asserted was
alive.
-Being perplexed at the debate
about these things,
-I asked if he wished to go to
Jerusalem to be judged.
-But when Paul appealed to be
kept in custody
-for a decision by Augustus,
-I commanded him kept until
I could send him to
Caesar."
-Agrippa said to Festus "I'd like to
hear him myself."
-He replied "You'll hear him
to-morrow."
-Next day Agrippa and Bernice came
with much display,
-entered the audience hall with the
military
-and chief men of the city
-and Festus commanded Paul be
brought in.
-Festus said "King Agrippa and
all with us,
-you see this man about whom
-all the Jewish people
petitioned me
-at Jerusalem and here, crying
(out) that he should die.
-But I found he'd done nothing
deserving death
-so as he appealed to Augustus
I decided to send him.
-But having nothing definite
to write about him,
-I've brought him forth before
you especially King Agrippa,
-so that, after you've
examined him, I'll have
something to write.
-For it seems unreasonable to
me
-to send a prisoner without
charges against him."
(Chapter 25)
Agrippa said to Paul "You can speak for
yourself."
-Then Paul, stretching out his hand, defended
himself.
-"Concerning things I'm accused of by the
Jews King Agrippa,
-I'm happy to defend myself before you
to-day,
-because I know you're an expert in
Jewish customs and questions.
-So I beg you to patiently hear me.
-The Jews all know how I lived since
I was a child,
-beginning with my life in my own
country and also at Jerusalem.
-They've known me for a long
time
-and could testify, if they
were willing
-that I lived as a Pharisee,
the most exact sect of our
religion.
-And it's because of my hope
in what God promised our
fathers
-that I'm being judged to-day.
-It's the promise our 12
tribes hope to see fulfilled
-as they serve God day and
night.
-It's because of this hope
that the Jews are accusing
me.
-Why do you judge it
incredible if God raises
dead persons?
-I too was convinced I should do
everything possible to oppose the
name of Jesus the Nazarene.
-I did that in Jerusalem.
-With the authority of the chief
priests I imprisoned many
saints
-and when put to death, I cast
my vote against them. I
-punished them throughout all
the synagogues, compelling
-them to blaspheme
-and excessively raging
against them.
-I persecuted them even to
foreign cities.
-On the way to Damascus on one
such journey
-with authority and commission
from the chief priests,
-at about noon I saw, O king,
a light from heaven
-brighter than the sun shining
round me and those with me.
-When we'd all fallen to the
earth,
-I heard a voice in the Hebrew
language,
-'Saul, Saul, why persecute
me?
-It's hard for you to kick
against the goads.'
-And I said 'Who are you
Lord?'
-And the Lord said 'I'm
Jesus whom you're
persecuting.
-But rise, stand on your
feet,
-I appeared to you for this
purpose
-to appoint you an attendant
(minister, servant)
-and witness of what you saw
of me
-and what I'll show you.
-Delivering you from the
people (Jews)
-and the Gentiles to whom
I'm sending you,
-to open their eyes,
-turn them from darkness to
light,
-and from Satan's authority
to God's.
-So they may receive
forgiveness of sins
-and a place among those
-sanctified (separated,
cleansed, purified) by
faith in me.'
-So then King Agrippa, I obeyed the heavenly
vision.
-To those in
-Damascus first,
-Jerusalem,
-all the country of Judea and
-to the Gentiles,
-I announced (they should)
-repent (have a change of mind,
principle and practice, reform)
-and turn to God (change direction)
-(Showing it's real) by doing works
worthy of repentance.
-Because of these things,
-the Jews seized me in the Temple and tried
to kill me.
-But I've had God's help until to-day,
-witnessing to both small and great,
-saying nothing but what both Moses
and the prophets
-said was about to happen,
-that the Christ should suffer,
-be the first to rise from the
dead
-and announce light to both
Jews and Gentiles."
-As he thus defended himself, Festus said with
a great voice,
-"You're raving Paul, much learning's made
you mad."
-But Paul said "I'm not raving, most
excellent Festus
-but speak forth words of truth and good
sense.
-For you, to whom I speak boldly,
understand these things.
-None of them is hidden from you
-for they weren't done in secret.
-King Agrippa, do you believe
the prophets?
-I know you do."
-Agrippa said to Paul, "In a little while
you persuade me to become a Christian?"
-Paul said "Whether short or long, I pray
to God
-that not only you, but also all hearing
me to-day.
-become like me,
-except for these bonds (chains)."
-The king, governor, Bernice and
those with them rose.
-After leaving, they spoke together saying,
-"This man's not worthy of death or
bonds."
-Agrippa said to Festus "He could have
been released
-had he not appealed to Caesar."
(Chapter 26)
Being decided we should sail to Italy,
-they delivered Paul and some other prisoners
-to a centurion named Julius of the Imperial
Regiment.
-Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium,
-about to sail along the coast of Asia,
-we sailed, one Aristarchus of
Thessalonica being with us.
-Next day we landed at Sidon,
-Julius kindly allowing Paul to go
to his friends to be cared for.
-Putting to sea, we sailed close
to Cyprus due to contrary
winds.
-When we'd sailed along the
coast of Cilicia and
Pamphylia,
-we landed at Myra in Lycia.
-There the centurion found an Alexandrian
ship sailing for Italy
-and put us aboard.
-Sailing slowly for some days,
-we arrived with difficulty at Cnidus.
-The wind didn't allow us to go on,
-so we sailed under the lee of
Crete off Salmone.
-Sailing with difficulty we came
to fair havens,
-near the city of Lasea.
-Much time being lost and the voyage
dangerous because by now it was past
October/November
-Paul warned them, "Men, I see the
voyage will be
-with injury and much loss of cargo,
ship and our lives."
-But the centurion was persuaded by
-the helmsman and ship owner, rather
than Paul.
-The port being unsuitable for
wintering,
-the majority advised to put to sea
hoping to
-reach Phoenix, a harbour in Crete
looking
-northeast and southeast.
-When the south wind blew gently, being the
wind they wanted,
-they sailed close to shore along the coast
of Crete.
-But soon a hurricane north easter swept
from the island.
-Unable to beat into the wind, we turned
downwind
-running under the lee of island
Cauda.
-We could hardly get control of the
(life) boat
-(Hoisting it up) they undergirded
the ship and
-fearing it would be driven on
to shoals (rocks),
-lowered the sails and were
driven (by the wind).
-Violently storm tossed next
day,
-they began jettisoning the
cargo.
-The third day they jettisoned
the (sails, sailing) tackle.
-No sun or stars appeared for
several days
-and no small tempest lay
upon us,
-so all hope of being saved
was taken away.
-Being long without food, Paul said,
-"Men, you should have listened to me
-and not set sail for Crete,incurring this
injury and loss.
-Now take heart, only the ship will be
lost, not your lives
-for to-night, the angel of the God to
whom I belong and worship
-stood by me and said 'Don't fear
Paul, you'll stand before Caesar
-and God's granted you the lives
of all who sail with you.'
-So be of good cheer men, I've
faith in God
-it will be exactly as I've
told you,
-but we'll have to run on to
some island."
-On the 14th night, drifting across the
sea south of Italy,
-at midnight the sailors sensed land
was near.
-Sounding, they found 37 metres,
then a little later, 27 metres.
-Fearing shipwreck, they let 4
anchors out from the stern
-and prayed for daylight.
-The sailors, seeking escape,
lowered the lifeboat into
the sea
-pretending to lay out anchors
from the bow.
-Paul said to the centurion
and soldiers
-"Unless these men stay in
the ship you can't be
saved."
-So the soldiers cut away
the ropes
-of the boat and let it go.
-Nearing dawn, Paul urged all to eat
-saying, "It's the 14th day you've
continued in suspense
-and without food. So I urge you
to eat
-to survive, for no one will
perish."
-Saying this, he took bread,
thanked God
-in everyone's presence,
broke it and began to eat.
-All being in good spirits,
they also ate.
-There were 276 of us.
-When satisfied, they
lightened the ship by
throwing the wheat
overboard.
-At daylight they didn't recognise
the land
-but noticing a bay with a beach,
-they planned to beach the ship
there.
-So they cast the anchors off,
loosened the rudder ropes,
-hoisted the foresail to the
wind and headed for the
beach.
-They drove the ship through a
place where two seas met,
-the bow ran firmly aground
and the stern was broken
by the waves.
-The soldiers planned to kill
the prisoners,
-lest they swim off and
escape.
-But the centurion, wanting to
save Paul,
-forebade them, commanding
those able to swim
-to jump overboard first and
make for land.
-The rest, on planks or
pieces of the ship,
-all reached shore safely.
(Chapter 27)
Having been saved, we found out we were on the
Island of Malta.
-The islanders showed unusual kindness,
-lighting a fire and welcoming us, for rain
had started and it was cold.
-Paul gathered sticks for the fire and its
heat drove a snake out which fastened on
his hand.
-Seeing it hanging there, the islanders
said
-"He's surely a murderer, though he
escaped the sea, justice hasn't
allowed him to live."
-But Paul shook the snake off into
the fire being unharmed.
-They expected him to swell up or
suddenly fall down dead.
-When they'd waited a long time
and saw nothing happen to him,
-they changed their minds and said
he was a god.
-The chief man of the island named Publius
who had lands there,
-welcomed us and lodged us hospitably for
three days.
-His father lay sick with dysentry and
fever.
-Paul visited him, prayed, put his
hands on him and cured him.
-Then the rest of the islanders who
had ailments
-came and were cured.
-They honoured us with many
honours
-and when we put to sea, gave
us what we needed.
-After 3 months, we sailed on an Alexandrian
ship, which had wintered at the island,
-whose figurehead was the twin gods Castor
and Pollux.
-We put in to Syracuse for 3 days.
-We tacked to Rhegium and after a day,
-a south wind blew and on the 2nd
day we reached Puteoli.
-We found brothers there who
invited us to stay 7 days.
-And so we came to Rome.
-There the brothers, hearing
of us, came to a meeting
with us
-as far as the Appius Forum
and Three Taverns.
-Seeing them, Paul took
courage, thanking God.
-Entering Rome, Paul was allowed to live
by himself with a soldier as guard.
-After three days, he called the
Jewish leaders together
-and said "Brothers, though I'd done
nothing against
-the people or our fathers'
customs,
-yet I was delivered prisoner
from Jerusalem
-into the hands of the Romans.
-Having examined me, they
wanted to free me,
-because there was no reason
for a death penalty.
-But because the Jews
objected, I was compelled to
appeal to Caesar,
-though I had no charge to
bring against my nation.
-That's why I asked to see and speak
with you,
-since it's because of Israel's hope
I'm bound in this chain."
-They said "We've no letters from
Judea about you
-and none of the brothers coming
here have reported or spoken
evil of you.
-But we desire to hear your
news, for
-as to this sect, everywhere
it's spoken against."
-When they'd appointed a day, they came
to his lodging in great numbers.
-He set forth to them solemnly,
-witnessing about God's kingdom
-and persuading them about Jesus
-from both Moses' Law
-and the prophets,
-from morning until evening.
-Some were persuaded,
others disbelieved.
-So as they disagreed among themselves
they left
-after Paul made one (final)
statement
-"The Holy Spirit was right in
saying
-to your fathers through prophet
Isaiah,
-'Go to this people and say,
-you'll hear but not
understand,
-look but not see.
-For their heart's thickened
(hardened) and
-their ears hard of hearing.
-They've closed their eyes, lest
they
-perceive with them,
-hear with their ears and
-understand with their heart,
-and turn to me to cure them.'
-So God's salvation's been sent to
the Gentiles
-who will hear."
-He lived there two whole years
-in his own hired apartment,
-welcomed all who came to him,
-preaching God's kingdom
-and teaching about the Lord Jesus
-with all boldness and unhindered.
(Chapter 28)
HERE ARE SOME MAIN POINTS FROM THE ACTS OF THE
APOSTLES.
1. Jesus Christ is Lord of the universe so
logically, what He says, always happens.
There is no if, but or maybe.
The gospels are only THE START of Jesus'
ministry. The Father provided the dynamite
(Holy Spirit) for an ordinary person like
you to continue His work. As you read on in
Acts, you see that while men 100% acted on
His words, the life Jesus lived in the
gospels, continued.
So be cleansed of ALL sin, be 100% committed
to Christ and be the Jesus, Peter, Paul, the
world desperately needs to-day (as always).
2. You're going to physically die. How do you
feel about that? Without faith in Him -
petrified. With faith in Him (the ONLY one
to come alive after death and it's "dead
set" proven He did), not fear, but joyful
expectation to do the same as He did.
Because He said believers would. (See John
chapter 3, verse 16).
Do you see the logic in this? How COULD the
grave hold the person who created the
universe!?
3. What's the most important thing you can do
in life? Pray! See the logic? The Master
of the universe is listening. Are you
likely to have a better idea than He about
what to do to-day? Stop babbling to Him
(though He doesn't mind, at least you're
on the line believing He's real). Be smart,
LISTEN! You won't improve on His plan for
your day. He planned it when He flung the
first star into space. So get with His day!
(Chapter 1)
4. Don't tell me you can't continue Jesus'
work. Who are YOU to limit Him? Look at
Peter. A fisherman, who denied the Lord 3
times and EVEN AFTER the resurrection went
back to his nets when he should have been
on the road for the Lord. But you won't
improve on his sermon in Chapter 2. Sermons
like that are in you waiting to get out! So
go to it!
5. But how did he get such dynamite? By
rushing around organising evangelistic
campaigns? No. By WAITING as Jesus
commanded. By OBEYING Jesus.
6. And what should the believers do when they
meet? Form a committee to buy a new church
organ or put in a new stained glass window?
No!
-Obey God's teaching - ACT on it
-share WHAT GOD'S DOING IN THEIR LIVES
-focus on Christ's shed blood and broken
body
-pray
PLUS NOTHING! (Chapter 2)
7. How can God's church grow in this secular
world? Only as THE LORD ADDS DAILY. How and
when does He do that? When the believers
function according to 6 above, PLUS NOTHING!
8. See how a once fearful fisherman "laid it on
the line." It's called holy boldness.
There's plenty more where it came from. Get
out there and USE IT!
9. There's no reason apart from your
unbelief/sin why you can't say the word and
a lame man walks. God wants to continue the
book of Acts through you!
(Chapter 3)
10. Right! You have the message! Off you go to
be a Jesus, Peter and Paul. Will the
"Christian" churches welcome you with open
arms? You'll be a big threat to the
establishment power structures - and as
popular as Peter in Acts Chapter 4. A great
sign for you. Be just as bold and straight
as Peter was.
11. You'll know the church (group of believers)
Jesus said He'd build is in operation, when
its members are as selfless as in Acts
Chapter 4.
12. The most important thing that can be said of
you is that people can recognise YOU'VE BEEN
WITH JESUS. Whether you're a toilet cleaner
in Wilcannia or the President of the United
States, NOTHING ELSE MATTERS.
You'll say "I can't stop speaking about what
I've seen and heard" - Jesus is alive!
(Chapter 4)
13. So you end up in gaol for obeying Christ -
so what. The doors can open. The power of
God the Holy Spirit hasn't changed. He
brought the sun up this morning. God
witnesses to the facts of Jesus Christ His
Son, through His Holy Spirit in you WHEN YOU
OBEY HIM.
14. If the gathering of believers isn't
functioning as in Acts Chapter 5, it's not
worth being a part of. There's no room for
compromise in the church Christ is building.
"Every day they never stopped preaching the
Christ Jesus."
(Chapters 5 & 6)
15. The Lord of the universe had to die utterly
alone on a bloody Roman cross so you could
live. His death produced Stephen's life and
Stephen's death produced Paul's life. Be
prepared to do the same. If not, you'll
compromise the Holy boldness, the
fearlessness necessary to be Christ's man.
(Chapter 7)
16. You have only two options about how to live.
1. With Christ at the centre and in
complete control. Christcentric.
In this case you'll be a normal
follower of Christ - like Stephen,
Peter and Paul. Very exciting.
2. Christ outside your life (a non
believer) or not at the centre (a
disobedient believer). Eccentric.
(Chapters 8 & 9)
17. For centuries fake denominational
Christianity has been masquerading as the
real thing. You may be from such a
background. If so, you'll probably be
carrying heavy weights of "Christian" junk.
When Christ tells you to send it to the
garbage dump - do it. Like Peter did.
(Chapter 10)
18. Then you'll be a radical miracle working
follower of Christ and the "Christians" will
start checking up on you.
(Chapter 11)
19. Jesus said "In the world you'll have
tribulation, but be of good cheer, I've
overcome the world." It's vital you
understand this. Opposition is normal. Satan
is a real (though defeated at Calvary) foe.
He wants you dead. These are facts of life.
But prison doors can open. Peter was just
living a NORMAL,not abnormal Christian life.
(Chapter 12)
20. Be able to give a reasoned case why your
hearers should believe in Jesus Christ. And
don't be surprised at fierce opposition from
"religious" people.
(Chapter 13)
21. A lot of love and nurture is needed for a
new born baby to reach adulthood. It's the
same for those new born Christians through
repentance from sin and faith in Jesus
Christ. See to their nurture and
encouragement.
22. God may use you to heal people just as He
used Paul. This is normal (not abnormal)
Christianity. (Chapter 14)
23. Human pride is the basis of most non
Christian religions and the chief threat to
Christian faith. This pride insists on
pleasing God by its own efforts. Gaining
God's favour and earning a place in heaven
by your own sweat. This is the exact
opposite of what Jesus Christ said and did.
He, the Creator and Lord of the universe,
died on a Roman government execution cross
because your sins are so bad you'd NEVER
work your way out of them. Such gracious
undeserved love for you. That fact and your
accepting of it PLUS NOTHING gets you to
heaven. As St Paul said you are saved by
grace through faith (in Jesus Christ) -
(Eph. 2:8-10).
Having been saved, the enormity of Christ's
love for you will motivate you to spend your
life serving Him (by loving others) AS AN
EXPRESSION of gratitude. Not, repeat NOT to
gain His approval because you ALREADY HAVE
IT though you'll never deserve it.
But you'll find in "Christian" circles
unceasing subtle (and not so subtle)
pressure and guilt promotion based on
gaining Jesus' favour by your sweat, e.g.
"You should contribute to the cathedral
restoration fund.
Don't let the minister down by not
attending his latest training course.
Didn't see you at the prayer meeting.
You're the only one not going to the
church houseparty.
Didn't see you at church last week."
Jesus said "If I set you free you'll be free
indeed." - John 8:36. Please, inspire others
with the freedom Jesus has given you.
(Chapter 15)
24. God has a perfect plan for you to-day. Get
rid of all sin. Be in tune with God the Holy
Spirit. Listen to Him say "Go this way,
don't go that way."
25. When you're proclaiming the good news that
life comes from repenting of sin and faith
in Jesus Christ, inevitably you'll be
attacked and wind up in some kind of prison.
But, being on side with the Lord of the
universe you can afford to praise Him (who
has everything under control) in any
dungeon. It's as impossible for you to
remain there as it was impossible for the
grave (mere dirt and stone) to hold Jesus
Christ who made the universe. So physical
circumstances and constraints are of no real
consequence to Christ's man. The Spirit of
Christ within you sets you free. And that
freedom expresses itself in praise.
(Chapter 16)
26. Irrespective of colour, race or creed, every
human being has the same fundamental need.
To be loved, accepted and understood. On
that basis, starting where they are at, the
Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
will give you the words to show them He is
the only one who can meet their need. Those
rejecting Him are their own judges. They
sentence themselves to a life and an
eternity in the cold lonely silence of
separation from their Creator.
(Chapter 17)
27. Wherever you are and whatever you're doing,
making Jesus Christ known and encouraging
and building up believers in Him is to be
your priority.
(Chapter 18)
28. As noted elsewhere, you're in conflict with
Satan and his assistants. He'll use
counterfeit "Christians" to try to deceive
people as well as spurious claims by non
Christians to attack you. And the Lord Jesus
will provide help from unexpected sources.
(Chapter 19)
29. Like Paul, your life's goal must be to
complete the ministry Christ's given you of
proclaiming His gospel. Work for your own
living. Don't risk compromising your
ministry by being financially indebted to
those you serve.
(Chapter 20)
30. Never bow to "Christian" peer pressure
that's not in line with God's word and
fearlessly make opportunities to proclaim
the Gospel.
(Chapters 21 & 24)
31. Your witness and testimony must be of a
FIRST HAND relationship with Jesus. You must
tell others of what YOU'VE seen and heard
from Him. Unlike other forms of learning,for
Christ's man it's not enough to know the
Book (the Bible) - you must also know the
Author.
The world is full of people who know the
Book but are making no impact for Christ
because they don't know Him at all or don't
REALLY know Him.
If you really know Him you'll be a Peter or
Paul and God will be writing the Book of
Acts through you every day.
(Chapters 22 & 26)
32. As Jesus promised, when you are put on trial
for your faith in Him, He'll give you the
words to say. And you have His protection as
you move along the path He's planned for
your life.
(Chapter 23)
33. For God's man, imprisonment and court trials
are opportunities to declare the Gospel. All
part of getting the good news to those who
otherwise wouldn't hear.
(Chapters 25 & 28)
34. Your commission from Christ is the same as
Paul's. "I'm sending you to
open their eyes,
turn from darkness to light
and from Satan's authority to
God's
so they may receive forgiveness of
sins
and a place among those
sanctified (separated, cleansed,
purified) by faith in Me."
Like Paul, you must say, "I obeyed the
heavenly vision."
(Chapter 26)
35. You can afford to be confident and calm in
any circumstances when Jesus Christ is with
you. Not at the mercy of, but in control of,
every situation.
(Chapter 27)
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