Paul Sails from Miletus

21 Now when (A)we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran (B)a straight course to Cos, and on the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara; and having found a ship crossing over to (C)Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. When we came in sight of (D)Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to (E)Syria and landed at (F)Tyre; for the ship was to unload its cargo there. After looking up (G)the disciples, we stayed there for seven days; and they kept telling Paul, [a](H)through the Spirit, not to set foot in Jerusalem. When [b]our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, (I)escorted us until we were out of the city. After (J)kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. Then we boarded the ship, and they returned (K)home.

When we had finished the voyage from (L)Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais, and after greeting (M)the brothers and sisters, we stayed with them for a day. On the next day we left and came to (N)Caesarea, and we entered the house of (O)Philip the (P)evangelist, who was (Q)one of the seven, and stayed with him. Now this man had four virgin daughters who were (R)prophetesses. 10 As we were staying there for some days, a prophet named (S)Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And he came to us and (T)took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands, and said, “This (U)is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will (V)bind the man who owns this belt and (W)hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12 When we had heard this, we as well as the local residents began begging him (X)not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul replied, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For (Y)I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die in Jerusalem for (Z)the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we became quiet, remarking, “(AA)The will of the Lord be done!”

Paul in Jerusalem

15 After these days we got ready and (AB)started on our way up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of (AC)the disciples from (AD)Caesarea also came with us, taking us to Mnason of (AE)Cyprus, a (AF)disciple of long standing with whom we were to stay.

17 After we arrived in Jerusalem, (AG)the brothers and sisters received us gladly. 18 And the following day Paul went in with us to [c](AH)James, and all (AI)the elders were present. 19 After he had greeted them, he (AJ)began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his (AK)ministry. 20 And when they heard about them, they began (AL)glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many [d]thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all (AM)zealous for the Law; 21 and they have been told about you, that you are (AN)teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses, telling them (AO)not to circumcise their children nor to [e]walk according to (AP)the customs. 22 So what is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 Therefore, do [f]as we tell you: we have four men who (AQ)have a [g]vow upon themselves; 24 take them along and (AR)purify yourself together with them, and [h]pay their expenses so that they may (AS)shave their [i]heads; and then everyone will know that there is nothing to what they have been told about you, but that you yourself also conform, keeping the Law. 25 But regarding the Gentiles who have believed, we sent a letter, (AT)having decided that they should abstain from [j]meat sacrificed to idols and from blood and what is [k]strangled, and from sexual immorality.” 26 Then Paul [l]took along the men, and the next day, after (AU)purifying himself together with them, he (AV)went into the temple giving notice of the completion of the days of purification, until the sacrifice was offered for each one of them.

Paul Seized in the Temple

27 When (AW)the seven days were almost over, (AX)the Jews from [m](AY)Asia, upon seeing him in the temple, began to stir up all the crowd and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! (AZ)This is the man who instructs everyone everywhere against our people and the Law and this place; and besides, he has even brought Greeks into the temple and has (BA)defiled this holy place!” 29 For they had previously seen (BB)Trophimus the (BC)Ephesian in the city with him, and they thought that Paul had brought him into the temple. 30 Then the whole city was provoked and [n]the people rushed together, and taking hold of Paul they (BD)dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31 While they were intent on killing him, a report came up to the commander of the (BE)Roman [o]cohort that all Jerusalem was in confusion. 32 He immediately (BF)took along some soldiers and centurions and ran down to [p]the crowd; and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. 33 Then the commander came up and took hold of him, and ordered that he be (BG)bound with (BH)two chains; and he began asking who he was and what he had done. 34 But among the crowd, (BI)some were shouting one thing and some another, and when he could not find out the [q]facts because of the uproar, he ordered that [r]Paul be brought into (BJ)the barracks. 35 When Paul got to (BK)the stairs, it came about that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the [s]mob; 36 for the multitude of people kept following them, shouting, “(BL)Away with him!”

37 As Paul was about to be brought into (BM)the barracks, he *said to the commander, “May I say something to you?” And he said, “Do you know Greek? 38 Then you are not (BN)the Egyptian who some [t]time ago stirred up a revolt and led the four thousand men of the Assassins out (BO)into the wilderness?” 39 But Paul said, “(BP)I am a Jew of Tarsus in (BQ)Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city; and I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40 When he had given him permission, Paul, standing on (BR)the stairs, (BS)motioned to the people with his hand; and when there [u]was a great silence, he spoke to them in the [v](BT)Hebrew dialect, saying,

Paul’s Defense before the Jews

22 (BU)[w]Brothers and fathers, hear my defense which I now offer to you.”

And when they heard that he was addressing them in the [x](BV)Hebrew dialect, they became even more quiet; and he *said,

(BW)I am (BX)a Jew, born in (BY)Tarsus of (BZ)Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated [y]under (CA)Gamaliel, [z](CB)strictly according to the Law of our fathers, being zealous for God just as (CC)you all are today. (CD)I persecuted this (CE)Way to the death, binding and putting both men and women into prisons, as also (CF)the high priest and all (CG)the Council of the elders [aa]can testify. From them I also (CH)received letters to (CI)the brothers, and started off for (CJ)Damascus in order to bring even those who were there to Jerusalem [ab]as prisoners to be punished.

(CK)But it happened that as I was on my way, approaching Damascus at about noon, a very bright light suddenly flashed from heaven all around me, and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am (CL)Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.’ And those who were with me (CM)saw the light, but (CN)did not [ac]understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me. 10 And I said, ‘(CO)What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go on into Damascus, and there you will be told about everything that has been appointed for you to do.’ 11 But since I (CP)could not see because of the [ad]brightness of that light, I came into Damascus being led by the hand by those who were with me.

12 “Now a certain (CQ)Ananias, a man who was devout by the standard of the Law and (CR)well spoken of by all the Jews who lived there, 13 came to me, and standing nearby he said to me, ‘(CS)Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And [ae](CT)at that very moment I looked up at him. 14 And he said, ‘(CU)The God of our fathers has (CV)appointed you to know His will and to (CW)see the (CX)Righteous One and to hear a [af]message from His mouth. 15 For you will be (CY)a witness for Him to all people of (CZ)what you have seen and heard. 16 Now why do you delay? (DA)Get up and be baptized, and (DB)wash away your sins by (DC)calling on His name.’

17 “It happened when I (DD)returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, that I (DE)fell into a trance, 18 and I saw Him saying to me, (DF)Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not accept your testimony about Me.’ 19 And I said, ‘Lord, they themselves understand that in one synagogue after another (DG)I used to imprison and (DH)beat those who believed in You. 20 And (DI)when the blood of Your witness Stephen was being shed, I also was standing nearby and approving, and watching over the cloaks of those who were killing him.’ 21 And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away (DJ)to the Gentiles.’

22 They listened to him up to this statement, and then they raised their voices and said, “(DK)Away with such a man from the earth, for (DL)he should not be allowed to live!” 23 And as they were shouting and (DM)throwing off their cloaks and (DN)tossing dust into the air, 24 the commander ordered that he be brought into (DO)the barracks, saying that he was to be (DP)interrogated by flogging so that he would find out the reason why they were shouting against him that way. 25 But when they stretched him out [ag]with straps, Paul said to the centurion who was standing by, “Is it [ah]lawful for you to flog (DQ)a man who is a Roman and uncondemned?” 26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and told him, saying, “What are you about to do? For this man is a Roman.” 27 The commander came and said to [ai]Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” And he said, “Yes.” 28 The commander answered, “I acquired this citizenship for a large sum of money.” And Paul said, “But I was actually born a citizen.” 29 Therefore, those who were about to (DR)interrogate him immediately backed away from him; and the commander also (DS)was afraid when he found out that he was a Roman, and because he had [aj](DT)put him in chains.

30 Now on the next day, (DU)wanting to know for certain why Paul had been accused by the Jews, he (DV)released him and ordered the chief priests and all (DW)the [ak]Council to assemble, and he brought Paul down and placed him before them.

Paul before the Council

23 Now looking intently at (DX)the [al]Council, Paul said, “[am](DY)Brothers, (DZ)I have [an]lived my life with an entirely good conscience before God up to this day.” But the high priest (EA)Ananias commanded those standing beside him (EB)to strike him on the mouth. Then Paul said to him, “God is going to strike you, (EC)you whitewashed wall! Do you (ED)sit to try me according to the Law, and in violation of the Law, order me to be struck?” But those present said, “Are you insulting God’s high priest?” And Paul said, “I was not aware, brothers, that he is high priest; for it is written: ‘(EE)You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”

But Paul, perceiving that one group were (EF)Sadducees and the other Pharisees, began crying out in (EG)the [ao]Council, “[ap](EH)Brothers, (EI)I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees; I am on trial for (EJ)the hope and resurrection of the dead!” When he said this, a dissension occurred between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. For (EK)the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor an angel, nor a spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. And a great uproar occurred; and some of (EL)the scribes of the Pharisaic party stood up and started arguing heatedly, saying, “(EM)We find nothing wrong with this man; (EN)suppose a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?” 10 And when a great dissension occurred, the commander was afraid that Paul would be torn to pieces by them, and he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into (EO)the barracks.

11 But on (EP)the following night, the Lord stood near him and said, (EQ)Be courageous! For (ER)as you have (ES)testified to the truth about Me in Jerusalem, so you must testify in Rome also.”

A Conspiracy to Kill Paul

12 When it was day, (ET)the Jews formed a [aq]conspiracy and (EU)put themselves under an [ar]oath, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty who formed this plot. 14 They came to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have (EV)put ourselves under an [as]oath to taste nothing until we have killed Paul. 15 Now therefore, you [at]and (EW)the [au]Council notify the commander to bring him down to you, as though you were going to investigate his case more thoroughly; and as for us, we are ready to kill him before he comes near the place.”

16 But the son of Paul’s sister heard about their ambush, [av]and he came and entered (EX)the barracks and told Paul. 17 Paul called one of the centurions to himself and said, “Take this young man to the commander, for he has something to report to him.” 18 So he took him and led him to the commander and *said, “Paul (EY)the prisoner called me over to him and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.” 19 The commander took him by the hand, and stepping aside, began to inquire of him privately, “What is it that you have to report to me?” 20 And he said, “(EZ)The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down tomorrow to (FA)the [aw]Council, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21 So do not [ax]listen to them, for more than forty [ay]of them are (FB)in hiding to ambush him, and these men have (FC)put themselves under an oath not to eat or drink until they kill him; and now they are ready and waiting for assurance from you.” 22 Then the commander let the young man go, instructing him, “Tell no one that you have notified me of these things.”

Paul Moved to Caesarea

23 And he called to him two of the centurions and said, “Get two hundred soldiers ready by [az]the third hour of the night to proceed to (FD)Caesarea, [ba]with seventy horsemen and two hundred [bb]spearmen.” 24 They were also to provide mounts to put Paul on and bring him safely to (FE)Felix the governor. 25 And he wrote a letter [bc]with the following content:

26 “Claudius Lysias, to the (FF)most excellent governor Felix: (FG)Greetings.

27 When this man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them, (FH)I came up to them with the troops and rescued him, (FI)after learning that he was a Roman. 28 And (FJ)wanting to ascertain the basis for the charges they were bringing against him, I (FK)brought him down to their [bd](FL)Council; 29 and I found that he was being accused regarding (FM)questions in their Law, but [be]was (FN)not charged with anything deserving death or [bf]imprisonment.

30 When I was (FO)informed that there would be (FP)a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, also instructing (FQ)his accusers to [bg]bring charges against him before you.”

31 So the soldiers, in accordance with their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 But on the next day they let (FR)the horsemen go on with him, and they returned to (FS)the barracks. 33 When these horsemen had come to (FT)Caesarea and delivered the letter to (FU)the governor, they also presented Paul to him. 34 Now when he had read it, he also asked from what (FV)province Paul was, and when he learned that (FW)he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will give you a hearing when your (FX)accusers arrive as well,” giving orders for [bh]Paul to be (FY)kept in Herod’s [bi]Praetorium.

Paul before Felix

24 Now after (FZ)five days the high priest (GA)Ananias came down with some elders and an attorney named Tertullus, and they [bj]brought charges against Paul to (GB)the governor. After [bk]Paul had been summoned, Tertullus began accusing him, saying to the governor,

“Since we have attained great peace through you, and since reforms are being carried out for this nation by your foresight, we acknowledge this in every way and everywhere, (GC)most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness. But, that I may not [bl]weary you further, I beg you [bm]to grant us a brief hearing, by your kindness. For we have found this man a public menace and one who stirs up dissensions among all the Jews throughout [bn]the world, and a ringleader of the (GD)sect of the Nazarenes. And he even tried to (GE)desecrate the temple, so indeed we arrested him.[bo] By interrogating him yourself concerning all these matters, you will be able to ascertain the things of which we are accusing him.” (GF)The Jews also joined in the attack, asserting that these things were so.

10 And when (GG)the governor had nodded for him to speak, Paul responded:

“Knowing that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I cheerfully make my defense, 11 since you can take note of the fact that no more than (GH)twelve days ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 (GI)And neither in the temple did they find me carrying on a discussion with anyone or (GJ)causing [bp]a riot, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city itself. 13 (GK)Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But I confess this to you, that in accordance with [bq](GL)the Way, which they call a (GM)sect, I do serve (GN)the God of our fathers, (GO)believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and is written in the Prophets; 15 having a hope in God, which (GP)these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16 In view of this (GQ)I also do my best to maintain a blameless conscience both before God and before other people, always. 17 Now (GR)after several years I (GS)came to bring charitable gifts to my nation and to present offerings, 18 in which they found me occupied in the temple, having been (GT)purified, without any (GU)crowd or uproar. But there were some (GV)Jews from [br]Asia— 19 who ought to have been present before you and to have been (GW)bringing charges, if they should have anything against me. 20 Or else have these men themselves declare what violation they discovered when I stood before (GX)the [bs]Council, 21 other than in regard to this one declaration which (GY)I shouted while standing among them, ‘For the resurrection of the dead I am on trial before you today!’”

22 But Felix, [bt]having quite accurate knowledge about [bu](GZ)the Way, adjourned them, saying, “When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.” 23 He gave orders to the centurion for [bv]Paul to be (HA)kept in custody and yet (HB)have some freedom, and not to prevent any of (HC)his friends from providing for his needs.

24 Now some days later Felix arrived with Drusilla his [bw]wife, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about (HD)faith in Christ Jesus. 25 But as he was discussing (HE)righteousness, (HF)self-control, and (HG)the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and responded, “Go away for now, and when I have an opportunity, I will summon you.” 26 At the same time he was also hoping that (HH)money would be given to him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and talk with him. 27 But after two years had passed, Felix [bx]was succeeded by Porcius (HI)Festus; and Felix, (HJ)wanting to do the Jews a favor, left Paul (HK)imprisoned.

Paul before Festus

25 Festus, then, after arriving in (HL)the province, went up to Jerusalem from (HM)Caesarea three days later. And the chief priests and the leading men of the Jews (HN)brought charges against Paul, and they were pleading with [by]Festus, requesting a [bz]concession against [ca]Paul, that he might [cb]have him brought to Jerusalem (at the same time, (HO)setting an ambush to kill him on the way). Festus then (HP)answered that Paul (HQ)was being kept in custody in (HR)Caesarea, and that he himself was about to leave shortly. “Therefore,” he *said, “have the influential men among you [cc]go there with me, and if there is anything wrong [cd]about the man, have them bring charges against him.”

After Festus had spent no more than eight or ten days among them, he went down to (HS)Caesarea, and on the next day he took his seat on (HT)the tribunal and ordered that Paul be brought. After Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing (HU)many, and serious, charges against him (HV)which they could not prove, while Paul said in his own defense, “(HW)I have not done anything wrong either against the Law of the Jews, or against the temple, or against Caesar.” But Festus, (HX)wanting to do the Jews a favor, replied to Paul and said, “(HY)Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and [ce]stand trial before me on these charges?” 10 But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s (HZ)tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you also very well know. 11 If, therefore, I am in the wrong and have committed something deserving death, I am not trying to avoid execution; but if there is nothing to the accusations which these men are bringing against me, no one can hand me over to them. I (IA)appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then when Festus had conferred with [cf]his council, he answered, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you shall go.”

13 Now when several days had passed, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in (IB)Caesarea, paying their respects to Festus. 14 And while they were spending many days there, Festus presented Paul’s case to the king, saying, “There is a man who was (IC)left as a prisoner by Felix; 15 and when I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews (ID)brought charges against him, asking for a sentence of condemnation against him. 16 I (IE)replied to them that it is not the custom of the Romans to hand over any person before (IF)the accused meets his accusers face to face, and has an opportunity to make his defense against the charges. 17 So after they had assembled here, I did not delay, but on the next day took my seat on (IG)the tribunal and ordered that the man be brought. 18 When the accusers stood up, they did not begin bringing any charges [cg]against him of crimes that I suspected, 19 but they simply had some (IH)points of disagreement with him about their own [ch](II)religion and about a dead man, Jesus, whom Paul asserted to be alive. 20 And (IJ)being at a loss how to investigate [ci]such matters, I [cj]asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these matters. 21 But when Paul (IK)appealed to be held in custody for [ck]the Emperor’s decision, I ordered that he be kept in custody until I send him to Caesar.” 22 Then (IL)Agrippa said to Festus, “I also would like to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he *said, “you shall hear him.”

Paul before Agrippa

23 So, on the next day when (IM)Agrippa and (IN)Bernice came amid great pomp and entered the auditorium, [cl]accompanied by the commanders and the prominent men of the city, at the command of Festus, Paul was brought before them. 24 And Festus *said, “King Agrippa, and all you gentlemen present with us, you see this man about whom (IO)all the people of the Jews appealed to me, both in Jerusalem and here, shouting that (IP)he ought not to live any longer. 25 But I found that he had committed (IQ)nothing deserving death; and since he himself (IR)appealed to [cm]the Emperor, I decided to send him. 26 [cn]Yet, I have nothing definite about him to write to my lord. Therefore, I have brought him before you all and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after the investigation has taken place, I may have something to write. 27 For it seems absurd to me in sending a prisoner, not to indicate the charges against him as well.”

Paul’s Defense before Agrippa

26 (IS)Now Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul extended his hand and proceeded to make his defense:

“Regarding all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate that I am about to make my defense before you today, [co]especially because you are an expert in all (IT)customs and [cp]questions among the Jews; therefore I beg you to listen to me patiently.

“So then, all Jews know (IU)my way of life since my youth, which from the beginning was spent among my own nation and in Jerusalem, since they have known about me for a long time, if they are willing to testify, that I lived as a (IV)Pharisee (IW)according to the strictest (IX)sect of our religion. And now I am standing trial (IY)for the hope of (IZ)the promise made by God to our fathers; the promise (JA)to which our twelve tribes hope to attain, as they earnestly serve God night and day. For this (JB)hope, O king, I am being (JC)accused by Jews. Why is it considered incredible among you people (JD)if God raises the dead?

“So (JE)I thought to myself that I had to act in strong opposition to (JF)the name of Jesus [cq]of Nazareth. 10 And this is [cr]just what I (JG)did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the [cs]saints in prisons, after (JH)receiving authority from the chief priests, but I also (JI)cast my vote against them when they were being put to death. 11 And (JJ)as I punished them often in all the synagogues, I tried to force them to blaspheme; and since I was (JK)extremely enraged at them, I kept pursuing them (JL)even to [ct]foreign cities.

12 [cu]While so engaged, (JM)as I was journeying to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven, [cv]brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who were journeying with me. 14 And when we had (JN)all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the [cw](JO)Hebrew dialect, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? [cx]It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. 16 But get up and (JP)stand on your feet; for this purpose I have appeared to you, to (JQ)appoint you as a (JR)servant and (JS)a witness not only to the things in which you have seen Me, but also to the things in which I will appear to you, 17 (JT)rescuing you (JU)from the Jewish people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am sending you, 18 to (JV)open their eyes so that they may turn from (JW)darkness to light, and from the [cy]power of (JX)Satan to God, that they may receive (JY)forgiveness of sins and an (JZ)inheritance among those who have been sanctified by (KA)faith in Me.’

19 “For that reason, King Agrippa, I did not prove disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20 but continually proclaimed (KB)to those in Damascus first, and (KC)in Jerusalem, and then all the region of Judea, and even (KD)to the Gentiles, that they are to (KE)repent and turn to God, performing deeds (KF)consistent with repentance. 21 For these reasons some Jews (KG)seized me in the temple and tried (KH)to murder me. 22 So, having obtained help from God, I stand to this day (KI)testifying both to small and great, stating nothing but what (KJ)the Prophets and Moses said was going to take place, 23 as to (KK)whether the [cz]Christ was [da]to suffer, and whether, as (KL)first from the resurrection of the dead, He would proclaim (KM)light both to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

24 While [db]Paul was stating these things in his defense, Festus *said in a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind! [dc]Your great (KN)learning is [dd]driving you insane.” 25 But Paul *said, “I am not insane, (KO)most excellent Festus; on the contrary, I am speaking out with [de]truthful and rational words. 26 For the king [df](KP)knows about these matters, and I also speak to him with confidence, since I am persuaded that none of these things escape his notice; for this has not been done in a [dg]corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the Prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 Agrippa replied to Paul, “[dh]In a short time you are going to persuade me to [di]make a (KQ)Christian of myself.” 29 And Paul said, “I would [dj]wish to God that even [dk]in a short or long time not only you, but also all who hear me this day would become such as I myself am, except for these (KR)chains.”

30 (KS)The king stood up and the governor and Bernice, and those who were sitting with them, 31 and when they had gone out, they began talking to one another, saying, “(KT)This man is not doing anything deserving death or [dl]imprisonment.” 32 And Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been (KU)set free if he had not (KV)appealed to Caesar.”

Paul Is Sent to Rome

27 Now when it was decided that (KW)we (KX)would sail for (KY)Italy, they proceeded to turn Paul and some other prisoners over to a centurion of the Augustan [dm](KZ)cohort, named Julius. And we boarded an Adramyttian ship that was about to sail to the regions along the coast of [dn](LA)Asia, and put out to sea accompanied by (LB)Aristarchus, a (LC)Macedonian of (LD)Thessalonica. The next day we put in at (LE)Sidon; and Julius (LF)treated Paul with consideration and (LG)allowed him to go to his friends and receive care. From there we put out to sea and sailed under the shelter of (LH)Cyprus, because (LI)the winds were contrary. When we had sailed through the sea along the coast of (LJ)Cilicia and (LK)Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an (LL)Alexandrian ship sailing for (LM)Italy, and he put us aboard it. When we had sailed slowly for a good many days, and with difficulty had arrived off Cnidus, (LN)since the wind did not permit us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of (LO)Crete, off Salmone; and with difficulty (LP)sailing past it, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea.

When considerable time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, since even (LQ)the [do]fast was already over, Paul started admonishing them, 10 saying to them, “Men, I perceive that the voyage will certainly be with (LR)damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” 11 But the centurion was more persuaded by the (LS)pilot and the [dp]captain of the ship than by what was being said by Paul. 12 The harbor was not suitable for wintering, so the majority reached a decision to put out to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of (LT)Crete facing southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.

13 [dq]When a moderate south wind came up, thinking that they had attained their purpose, they weighed anchor and began (LU)sailing along (LV)Crete, closer to shore.

Shipwreck

14 But before very long a violent wind, called [dr]Euraquilo, (LW)rushed down from [ds]the land; 15 and when the ship was caught in it and could not head up into the wind, we gave up and let ourselves be driven by the wind. 16 Running under the shelter of a small island called Cauda, we were able to get the ship’s [dt]boat under control only with difficulty. 17 After they had hoisted it up, they used [du]supporting cables in undergirding the ship; and fearing that they might (LX)run aground on the shallows of Syrtis, they let down the [dv]sea anchor and let themselves be driven along in this way. 18 The next day as we were being violently tossed by the storm, [dw]they began to (LY)jettison the cargo; 19 and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 Since neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small storm was assailing us, from then on all hope of our being saved was slowly abandoned.

21 [dx]When many had lost their appetites, Paul then stood among them and said, “[dy](LZ)Men, you should have followed my advice and not have set sail from (MA)Crete, and thereby spared yourselves this (MB)damage and loss. 22 And yet now I urge you to (MC)keep up your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this very night (MD)an angel of the God to whom I belong, (ME)whom I also serve, (MF)came to me, 24 saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; (MG)you must stand before Caesar; and behold, God has graciously granted you (MH)all those who are sailing with you.’ 25 Therefore, (MI)keep up your courage, men, for I believe God that [dz]it will turn out exactly as I have been told. 26 But we must (MJ)run aground on a certain (MK)island.”

27 But when the fourteenth night came, as we were being driven about in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors began to suspect that [ea]they were approaching some land. 28 And they took soundings and found it to be twenty fathoms; and a little farther on they took another sounding and found it to be fifteen fathoms. 29 Fearing that we might (ML)run aground somewhere on the [eb]rocks, they cast four anchors from the stern and [ec]prayed for daybreak. 30 But as the sailors were trying to escape from the ship and had let down (MM)the ship’s boat into the sea, on the pretense that they were going to lay out anchors from the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men remain on the ship, you yourselves cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut away the (MN)ropes of the ship’s boat and let it fall away.

33 Until the day was about to dawn, Paul kept encouraging them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have been constantly watching and going without eating, having taken in nothing. 34 Therefore, I encourage you to take some food, for this is for your survival, for (MO)not a hair from the head of any of you will perish.” 35 Having said this, he took bread and (MP)gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and he broke it and began to eat. 36 All (MQ)of them [ed]were encouraged and they themselves also took food. 37 We were 276 [ee](MR)people on the ship in all. 38 When they had eaten enough, they began lightening the ship by (MS)throwing the wheat out into the sea.

39 Now when day came, (MT)they [ef]could not recognize the land; but they did notice a bay with a beach, and they resolved to run the ship onto it if they could. 40 And casting off (MU)the anchors, they left them in the sea while at the same time they were loosening the ropes of the rudders; and they hoisted the foresail to the wind and were heading for the beach. 41 But they struck a [eg]reef where two seas met and ran the ship aground; and the prow stuck firmly and remained immovable, while the stern started to break up due to the force of the waves. 42 The soldiers’ plan was to (MV)kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape; 43 but the centurion, (MW)wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from accomplishing their intention, and commanded that those who could swim were to [eh]jump overboard first and get to land, 44 and the rest were to follow, some on planks, and others on various things from the ship. And so it happened that (MX)they all were brought safely to land.

Safe at Malta

28 When (MY)they had been brought safely through, (MZ)then we found out that (NA)the island was called [ei]Malta. (NB)The [ej]natives showed us extraordinary kindness, for they kindled a fire and (NC)took us all in because of the rain that had started and because of the cold. But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out [ek]because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. When (ND)the [el]natives saw the creature hanging from his hand, they began saying to one another, “(NE)Undoubtedly this man is a murderer, and though he has been saved from the sea, [em]justice has not allowed him to live.” However, [en](NF)Paul shook the creature off into the fire and suffered no harm. Now they were expecting that he was going to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after they had waited a long time and had seen nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and (NG)began to say that he was a god.

Now in the neighboring parts of that place were lands belonging to the [eo]leading man of the island, named Publius, who welcomed us and entertained us warmly for three days. And it happened that the father of Publius was lying in bed afflicted with a recurring fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, and after he (NH)prayed, he (NI)laid his hands on him and healed him. After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had diseases were coming to him and being cured. 10 They also showed us many honors, and when we were about to set sail, they [ep]supplied us with [eq]everything we needed.

Paul Arrives in Rome

11 After three months we set sail on (NJ)an Alexandrian ship which had wintered at the island, and which had [er]the Twin Brothers for its figurehead. 12 After we put in at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13 From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind came up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli. 14 [es]There we found some (NK)brothers and sisters, and were invited to stay with them for seven days; and that is how we came to Rome. 15 And from there the (NL)brothers and sisters, when they heard about us, came as far as the [et]Market of Appius and the [eu]Three Inns to meet us; and when Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage.

16 When we entered Rome, Paul was (NM)allowed to stay by himself, with the soldier who was guarding him.

17 After three days [ev]Paul called together those who were (NN)the leading men of the Jews, and when they came together, he began saying to them, “(NO)Brothers, (NP)though I had done nothing against our people or (NQ)the customs of our [ew]fathers, yet I was handed over to the Romans as a prisoner from Jerusalem. 18 And when they had (NR)examined me, they (NS)were willing to release me because there were (NT)no grounds [ex]for putting me to death. 19 But when the Jews [ey]objected, I was forced to (NU)appeal to Caesar, not that I had any accusation against my nation. 20 For this reason, therefore, I [ez]requested to see you and to speak with you, since I am wearing (NV)this chain for (NW)the sake of the hope of Israel.” 21 They said to him, “We have neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor has any of (NX)the brothers come here and reported or spoken anything bad about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what [fa]your views are; for regarding this (NY)sect, it is known to us that (NZ)it is spoken against everywhere.”

23 When they had set a day for [fb]Paul, people came to him at (OA)his lodging in large numbers; and he was explaining to them by solemnly (OB)testifying about the kingdom of God and trying to persuade them concerning Jesus, (OC)from both the Law of Moses and from the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 (OD)Some were being persuaded by the things said by Paul, but others would not believe. 25 And when they disagreed with one another, they began leaving after Paul said one parting statement: “The Holy Spirit rightly spoke through Isaiah the prophet to your fathers, 26 saying,

(OE)Go to this people and say,
[fc](OF)You will keep on hearing, and will not understand;
And [fd]you will keep on seeing, and will not perceive;
27 (OG)For the hearts of this people have become [fe]insensitive,
And with their ears they [ff]hardly hear,
And they have closed their eyes;
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And understand with their heart and return,
And I would heal them.”’

28 Therefore, let it be known to you that (OH)this salvation of God has been sent (OI)to the Gentiles; they will also listen.”[fg]

30 Now Paul stayed two full years [fh]in his own rented lodging and welcomed all who came to him, 31 [fi](OJ)preaching the kingdom of God and teaching things about the Lord Jesus Christ (OK)with all openness, unhindered.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 21:4 I.e., because of impressions made by the Spirit
  2. Acts 21:5 Lit we had completed the days
  3. Acts 21:18 Or Jacob
  4. Acts 21:20 Lit ten thousands
  5. Acts 21:21 I.e., observe or live by
  6. Acts 21:23 Lit this which we
  7. Acts 21:23 I.e., a sacred duty to fulfill
  8. Acts 21:24 Lit spend on them
  9. Acts 21:24 Lit head (a requirement of the vow)
  10. Acts 21:25 Lit the thing
  11. Acts 21:25 I.e., to retain the blood
  12. Acts 21:26 Or took along the men the next day, and after purifying himself
  13. Acts 21:27 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  14. Acts 21:30 Lit a running together of the people occurred
  15. Acts 21:31 Normally 600 men (the number varied)
  16. Acts 21:32 Lit them
  17. Acts 21:34 Lit certainty
  18. Acts 21:34 Lit he
  19. Acts 21:35 Lit crowd
  20. Acts 21:38 Lit days
  21. Acts 21:40 Lit occurred
  22. Acts 21:40 I.e., Jewish Aramaic
  23. Acts 22:1 Lit Men, brothers
  24. Acts 22:2 I.e., Jewish Aramaic
  25. Acts 22:3 Lit at the feet of
  26. Acts 22:3 Lit according to the strictness of the ancestral law
  27. Acts 22:5 Lit testifies for me
  28. Acts 22:5 Lit having been bound
  29. Acts 22:9 Or hear (with comprehension)
  30. Acts 22:11 Lit glory
  31. Acts 22:13 Or instantly; lit at the very hour
  32. Acts 22:14 Lit voice
  33. Acts 22:25 Or for the whip
  34. Acts 22:25 Interrogation by torture was a procedure used with slaves
  35. Acts 22:27 Lit him
  36. Acts 22:29 Lit bound him
  37. Acts 22:30 Or Sanhedrin
  38. Acts 23:1 Or Sanhedrin
  39. Acts 23:1 Lit Men, brothers
  40. Acts 23:1 Or conducted myself as a citizen
  41. Acts 23:6 Or Sanhedrin
  42. Acts 23:6 Lit Men, brothers
  43. Acts 23:12 Or mob
  44. Acts 23:12 I.e., an oath with a self-imposed curse
  45. Acts 23:14 See note 2 v 12
  46. Acts 23:15 Lit with
  47. Acts 23:15 Or Sanhedrin
  48. Acts 23:16 Or having been present with them, and he also entered
  49. Acts 23:20 Or Sanhedrin
  50. Acts 23:21 Lit be persuaded by them
  51. Acts 23:21 Lit men of them
  52. Acts 23:23 I.e., 9 p.m.
  53. Acts 23:23 Lit and
  54. Acts 23:23 Or slingers; or bowmen
  55. Acts 23:25 Or to this effect
  56. Acts 23:28 Or Sanhedrin
  57. Acts 23:29 Lit had no charge of
  58. Acts 23:29 Lit bonds
  59. Acts 23:30 Lit speak against him
  60. Acts 23:35 Lit him
  61. Acts 23:35 I.e., governor’s official residence
  62. Acts 24:1 Or presented their evidence or case
  63. Acts 24:2 Lit he
  64. Acts 24:4 Or impose on
  65. Acts 24:4 Lit to hear...briefly
  66. Acts 24:5 Lit the inhabited earth
  67. Acts 24:6 Late mss add as the remainder of v 6: We wanted to judge him according to our own Law. v 7: But Lysias the commander came along and took him out of our hands with much violence, and the first part of v 8: ordering his accusers to come before you.
  68. Acts 24:12 Lit an attack of a mob
  69. Acts 24:14 See John 14:6
  70. Acts 24:18 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  71. Acts 24:20 Or Sanhedrin
  72. Acts 24:22 Lit knowing more accurately
  73. Acts 24:22 See John 14:6
  74. Acts 24:23 Lit him
  75. Acts 24:24 Lit own wife
  76. Acts 24:27 Lit received as a successor, Porcius Festus
  77. Acts 25:2 Lit him
  78. Acts 25:3 Or favor
  79. Acts 25:3 Lit him
  80. Acts 25:3 Lit summon him to Jerusalem
  81. Acts 25:5 Lit go down
  82. Acts 25:5 Lit in
  83. Acts 25:9 Lit be judged
  84. Acts 25:12 A different group from that mentioned in Acts 4:15 and 24:20
  85. Acts 25:18 Lit in regard to him
  86. Acts 25:19 Or superstition
  87. Acts 25:20 Lit these
  88. Acts 25:20 Lit said
  89. Acts 25:21 Lit the Augustus’ (in this case Nero)
  90. Acts 25:23 Lit and with
  91. Acts 25:25 See note v 21
  92. Acts 25:26 Lit About whom I
  93. Acts 26:3 Or because you are especially expert
  94. Acts 26:3 Or controversial issues
  95. Acts 26:9 Or the Nazarene
  96. Acts 26:10 Lit also
  97. Acts 26:10 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  98. Acts 26:11 Or outlying
  99. Acts 26:12 Lit In which things
  100. Acts 26:13 Lit above the brightness of
  101. Acts 26:14 I.e., Jewish Aramaic
  102. Acts 26:14 An idiom referring to an animal’s futile resistance to being prodded with a spiked stick
  103. Acts 26:18 Or dominion
  104. Acts 26:23 I.e., Messiah
  105. Acts 26:23 Lit subject to suffering
  106. Acts 26:24 Lit he
  107. Acts 26:24 Lit The many letters; i.e., education
  108. Acts 26:24 Lit turning you to madness
  109. Acts 26:25 Lit words of truth and rationality
  110. Acts 26:26 Or understands
  111. Acts 26:26 I.e., a hidden or secret place
  112. Acts 26:28 Or With a little
  113. Acts 26:28 Or act as a Christian
  114. Acts 26:29 Or pray to
  115. Acts 26:29 Or with a little or with much
  116. Acts 26:31 Lit bonds
  117. Acts 27:1 Normally 600 men (the number varied)
  118. Acts 27:2 I.e., west coast province of Asia Minor
  119. Acts 27:9 I.e., Day of Atonement in September or October, which was a dangerous time of year for navigation
  120. Acts 27:11 Or owner
  121. Acts 27:13 Lit a south wind having gently blown
  122. Acts 27:14 I.e., a northeaster
  123. Acts 27:14 Lit it
  124. Acts 27:16 Or skiff: a small boat in tow for emergencies, transportation to and from shore, etc.
  125. Acts 27:17 Lit helps
  126. Acts 27:17 Lit implement, an object designed to stabilize a boat from the stern against the wind.
  127. Acts 27:18 Lit they were doing a throwing out
  128. Acts 27:21 Lit there being much lack of appetite
  129. Acts 27:21 Lit O men
  130. Acts 27:25 Lit it will be
  131. Acts 27:27 Lit some land was approaching them
  132. Acts 27:29 Lit rough places
  133. Acts 27:29 Or wished for
  134. Acts 27:36 Lit became cheerful
  135. Acts 27:37 Lit souls
  136. Acts 27:39 Lit were not recognizing
  137. Acts 27:41 Lit place
  138. Acts 27:43 Lit throw themselves
  139. Acts 28:1 Or Melita
  140. Acts 28:2 Gr barbaroi, referring to people who did not speak Greek
  141. Acts 28:3 Or from the heat
  142. Acts 28:4 See note v 2
  143. Acts 28:4 Or Justice; i.e., the personification of a goddess
  144. Acts 28:5 Lit he
  145. Acts 28:7 Prob. the Roman governor of the island
  146. Acts 28:10 Or put on board
  147. Acts 28:10 Lit the things pertaining to the needs
  148. Acts 28:11 Gr Dioscuri; i.e., Castor and Pollux, twin sons of Zeus
  149. Acts 28:14 Lit Where
  150. Acts 28:15 Lat Appii Forum, a station about 43 miles or 69.2 km from Rome
  151. Acts 28:15 Lat Tres Tabernae, a station about 33 miles or 53.1 km from Rome
  152. Acts 28:17 Lit he
  153. Acts 28:17 Or forefathers
  154. Acts 28:18 Lit of death in me
  155. Acts 28:19 Lit spoke against
  156. Acts 28:20 Or invited you to see me and speak with me
  157. Acts 28:22 Lit you think
  158. Acts 28:23 Lit him
  159. Acts 28:26 Lit with a hearing you will hear
  160. Acts 28:26 Lit seeing you will see
  161. Acts 28:27 Lit dull
  162. Acts 28:27 Or are hard of hearing
  163. Acts 28:28 Late mss add as v 29: When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.
  164. Acts 28:30 Or at his own expense
  165. Acts 28:31 Or proclaiming

On to Jerusalem

21 After we(A) had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Kos. The next day we went to Rhodes and from there to Patara. We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia,(B) went on board and set sail. After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria.(C) We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. We sought out the disciples(D) there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit(E) they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem. When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.(F) After saying goodbye to each other, we went aboard the ship, and they returned home.

We continued our voyage from Tyre(G) and landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and sisters(H) and stayed with them for a day. Leaving the next day, we reached Caesarea(I) and stayed at the house of Philip(J) the evangelist,(K) one of the Seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.(L)

10 After we had been there a number of days, a prophet named Agabus(M) came down from Judea. 11 Coming over to us, he took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it and said, “The Holy Spirit says,(N) ‘In this way the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem will bind(O) the owner of this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’”(P)

12 When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die(Q) in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”(R) 14 When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up(S) and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”(T)

15 After this, we started on our way up to Jerusalem.(U) 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea(V) accompanied us and brought us to the home of Mnason, where we were to stay. He was a man from Cyprus(W) and one of the early disciples.

Paul’s Arrival at Jerusalem

17 When we arrived at Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters(X) received us warmly.(Y) 18 The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James,(Z) and all the elders(AA) were present. 19 Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles(AB) through his ministry.(AC)

20 When they heard this, they praised God. Then they said to Paul: “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous(AD) for the law.(AE) 21 They have been informed that you teach all the Jews who live among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses,(AF) telling them not to circumcise their children(AG) or live according to our customs.(AH) 22 What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come, 23 so do what we tell you. There are four men with us who have made a vow.(AI) 24 Take these men, join in their purification rites(AJ) and pay their expenses, so that they can have their heads shaved.(AK) Then everyone will know there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law. 25 As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality.”(AL)

26 The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.(AM)

Paul Arrested

27 When the seven days were nearly over, some Jews from the province of Asia saw Paul at the temple. They stirred up the whole crowd and seized him,(AN) 28 shouting, “Fellow Israelites, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people and our law and this place. And besides, he has brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”(AO) 29 (They had previously seen Trophimus(AP) the Ephesian(AQ) in the city with Paul and assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.)

30 The whole city was aroused, and the people came running from all directions. Seizing Paul,(AR) they dragged him(AS) from the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. 31 While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that the whole city of Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He at once took some officers and soldiers and ran down to the crowd. When the rioters saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.(AT)

33 The commander came up and arrested him and ordered him to be bound(AU) with two(AV) chains.(AW) Then he asked who he was and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another,(AX) and since the commander could not get at the truth because of the uproar, he ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.(AY) 35 When Paul reached the steps,(AZ) the violence of the mob was so great he had to be carried by the soldiers. 36 The crowd that followed kept shouting, “Get rid of him!”(BA)

Paul Speaks to the Crowd(BB)

37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks,(BC) he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?”

“Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness(BD) some time ago?”(BE)

39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus(BF) in Cilicia,(BG) a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.”

40 After receiving the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned(BH) to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic[a]:(BI) 22 “Brothers and fathers,(BJ) listen now to my defense.”

When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic,(BK) they became very quiet.

Then Paul said: “I am a Jew,(BL) born in Tarsus(BM) of Cilicia,(BN) but brought up in this city. I studied under(BO) Gamaliel(BP) and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.(BQ) I was just as zealous(BR) for God as any of you are today. I persecuted(BS) the followers of this Way(BT) to their death, arresting both men and women and throwing them into prison,(BU) as the high priest and all the Council(BV) can themselves testify. I even obtained letters from them to their associates(BW) in Damascus,(BX) and went there to bring these people as prisoners to Jerusalem to be punished.

“About noon as I came near Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me.(BY) I fell to the ground and heard a voice say to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why do you persecute me?’

“‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked.

‘I am Jesus of Nazareth,(BZ) whom you are persecuting,’ he replied. My companions saw the light,(CA) but they did not understand the voice(CB) of him who was speaking to me.

10 “‘What shall I do, Lord?’ I asked.

‘Get up,’ the Lord said, ‘and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’(CC) 11 My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me.(CD)

12 “A man named Ananias came to see me.(CE) He was a devout observer of the law and highly respected by all the Jews living there.(CF) 13 He stood beside me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And at that very moment I was able to see him.

14 “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors(CG) has chosen you to know his will and to see(CH) the Righteous One(CI) and to hear words from his mouth. 15 You will be his witness(CJ) to all people of what you have seen(CK) and heard. 16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized(CL) and wash your sins away,(CM) calling on his name.’(CN)

17 “When I returned to Jerusalem(CO) and was praying at the temple, I fell into a trance(CP) 18 and saw the Lord speaking to me. ‘Quick!’ he said. ‘Leave Jerusalem immediately, because the people here will not accept your testimony about me.’

19 “‘Lord,’ I replied, ‘these people know that I went from one synagogue to another to imprison(CQ) and beat(CR) those who believe in you. 20 And when the blood of your martyr[b] Stephen was shed, I stood there giving my approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’(CS)

21 “Then the Lord said to me, ‘Go; I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’ (CT)

Paul the Roman Citizen

22 The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him!(CU) He’s not fit to live!”(CV)

23 As they were shouting and throwing off their cloaks(CW) and flinging dust into the air,(CX) 24 the commander ordered that Paul be taken into the barracks.(CY) He directed(CZ) that he be flogged and interrogated in order to find out why the people were shouting at him like this. 25 As they stretched him out to flog him, Paul said to the centurion standing there, “Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t even been found guilty?”(DA)

26 When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and reported it. “What are you going to do?” he asked. “This man is a Roman citizen.”

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

“Yes, I am,” he answered.

28 Then the commander said, “I had to pay a lot of money for my citizenship.”

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

29 Those who were about to interrogate him(DB) withdrew immediately. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized that he had put Paul, a Roman citizen,(DC) in chains.(DD)

Paul Before the Sanhedrin

30 The commander wanted to find out exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews.(DE) So the next day he released him(DF) and ordered the chief priests and all the members of the Sanhedrin(DG) to assemble. Then he brought Paul and had him stand before them.

23 Paul looked straight at the Sanhedrin(DH) and said, “My brothers,(DI) I have fulfilled my duty to God in all good conscience(DJ) to this day.” At this the high priest Ananias(DK) ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth.(DL) Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!(DM) You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck!”(DN)

Those who were standing near Paul said, “How dare you insult God’s high priest!”

Paul replied, “Brothers, I did not realize that he was the high priest; for it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’[c](DO)

Then Paul, knowing that some of them were Sadducees(DP) and the others Pharisees, called out in the Sanhedrin, “My brothers,(DQ) I am a Pharisee,(DR) descended from Pharisees. I stand on trial because of the hope of the resurrection of the dead.”(DS) When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection,(DT) and that there are neither angels nor spirits, but the Pharisees believe all these things.)

There was a great uproar, and some of the teachers of the law who were Pharisees(DU) stood up and argued vigorously. “We find nothing wrong with this man,”(DV) they said. “What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”(DW) 10 The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them. He ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force and bring him into the barracks.(DX)

11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage!(DY) As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”(DZ)

The Plot to Kill Paul

12 The next morning some Jews formed a conspiracy(EA) and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul.(EB) 13 More than forty men were involved in this plot. 14 They went to the chief priests and the elders and said, “We have taken a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul.(EC) 15 Now then, you and the Sanhedrin(ED) petition the commander to bring him before you on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about his case. We are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

16 But when the son of Paul’s sister heard of this plot, he went into the barracks(EE) and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions and said, “Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.” 18 So he took him to the commander.

The centurion said, “Paul, the prisoner,(EF) sent for me and asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

19 The commander took the young man by the hand, drew him aside and asked, “What is it you want to tell me?”

20 He said: “Some Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin(EG) tomorrow on the pretext of wanting more accurate information about him.(EH) 21 Don’t give in to them, because more than forty(EI) of them are waiting in ambush for him. They have taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him.(EJ) They are ready now, waiting for your consent to their request.”

22 The commander dismissed the young man with this warning: “Don’t tell anyone that you have reported this to me.”

Paul Transferred to Caesarea

23 Then he called two of his centurions and ordered them, “Get ready a detachment of two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen[d] to go to Caesarea(EK) at nine tonight.(EL) 24 Provide horses for Paul so that he may be taken safely to Governor Felix.”(EM)

25 He wrote a letter as follows:

26 Claudius Lysias,

To His Excellency,(EN) Governor Felix:

Greetings.(EO)

27 This man was seized by the Jews and they were about to kill him,(EP) but I came with my troops and rescued him,(EQ) for I had learned that he is a Roman citizen.(ER) 28 I wanted to know why they were accusing him, so I brought him to their Sanhedrin.(ES) 29 I found that the accusation had to do with questions about their law,(ET) but there was no charge against him(EU) that deserved death or imprisonment. 30 When I was informed(EV) of a plot(EW) to be carried out against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also ordered his accusers(EX) to present to you their case against him.

31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. 32 The next day they let the cavalry(EY) go on with him, while they returned to the barracks.(EZ) 33 When the cavalry(FA) arrived in Caesarea,(FB) they delivered the letter to the governor(FC) and handed Paul over to him. 34 The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia,(FD) 35 he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers(FE) get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard(FF) in Herod’s palace.

Paul’s Trial Before Felix

24 Five days later the high priest Ananias(FG) went down to Caesarea with some of the elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, and they brought their charges(FH) against Paul before the governor.(FI) When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented his case before Felix: “We have enjoyed a long period of peace under you, and your foresight has brought about reforms in this nation. Everywhere and in every way, most excellent(FJ) Felix, we acknowledge this with profound gratitude. But in order not to weary you further, I would request that you be kind enough to hear us briefly.

“We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots(FK) among the Jews(FL) all over the world. He is a ringleader of the Nazarene(FM) sect(FN) and even tried to desecrate the temple;(FO) so we seized him. [7] [e] By examining him yourself you will be able to learn the truth about all these charges we are bringing against him.”

The other Jews joined in the accusation,(FP) asserting that these things were true.

10 When the governor(FQ) motioned for him to speak, Paul replied: “I know that for a number of years you have been a judge over this nation; so I gladly make my defense. 11 You can easily verify that no more than twelve days(FR) ago I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 My accusers did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple,(FS) or stirring up a crowd(FT) in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. 13 And they cannot prove to you the charges they are now making against me.(FU) 14 However, I admit that I worship the God of our ancestors(FV) as a follower of the Way,(FW) which they call a sect.(FX) I believe everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets,(FY) 15 and I have the same hope in God as these men themselves have, that there will be a resurrection(FZ) of both the righteous and the wicked.(GA) 16 So I strive always to keep my conscience clear(GB) before God and man.

17 “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor(GC) and to present offerings. 18 I was ceremonially clean(GD) when they found me in the temple courts doing this. There was no crowd with me, nor was I involved in any disturbance.(GE) 19 But there are some Jews from the province of Asia,(GF) who ought to be here before you and bring charges if they have anything against me.(GG) 20 Or these who are here should state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin— 21 unless it was this one thing I shouted as I stood in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”(GH)

22 Then Felix, who was well acquainted with the Way,(GI) adjourned the proceedings. “When Lysias the commander comes,” he said, “I will decide your case.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep Paul under guard(GJ) but to give him some freedom(GK) and permit his friends to take care of his needs.(GL)

24 Several days later Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him as he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.(GM) 25 As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control(GN) and the judgment(GO) to come, Felix was afraid(GP) and said, “That’s enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.” 26 At the same time he was hoping that Paul would offer him a bribe, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

27 When two years had passed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus,(GQ) but because Felix wanted to grant a favor to the Jews,(GR) he left Paul in prison.(GS)

Paul’s Trial Before Festus

25 Three days after arriving in the province, Festus(GT) went up from Caesarea(GU) to Jerusalem, where the chief priests and the Jewish leaders appeared before him and presented the charges against Paul.(GV) They requested Festus, as a favor to them, to have Paul transferred to Jerusalem, for they were preparing an ambush to kill him along the way.(GW) Festus answered, “Paul is being held(GX) at Caesarea,(GY) and I myself am going there soon. Let some of your leaders come with me, and if the man has done anything wrong, they can press charges against him there.”

After spending eight or ten days with them, Festus went down to Caesarea. The next day he convened the court(GZ) and ordered that Paul be brought before him.(HA) When Paul came in, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him. They brought many serious charges against him,(HB) but they could not prove them.(HC)

Then Paul made his defense: “I have done nothing wrong against the Jewish law or against the temple(HD) or against Caesar.”

Festus, wishing to do the Jews a favor,(HE) said to Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial before me there on these charges?”(HF)

10 Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews,(HG) as you yourself know very well. 11 If, however, I am guilty of doing anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if the charges brought against me by these Jews are not true, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”(HH)

12 After Festus had conferred with his council, he declared: “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

Festus Consults King Agrippa

13 A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived at Caesarea(HI) to pay their respects to Festus. 14 Since they were spending many days there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king. He said: “There is a man here whom Felix left as a prisoner.(HJ) 15 When I went to Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews brought charges against him(HK) and asked that he be condemned.

16 “I told them that it is not the Roman custom to hand over anyone before they have faced their accusers and have had an opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.(HL) 17 When they came here with me, I did not delay the case, but convened the court the next day and ordered the man to be brought in.(HM) 18 When his accusers got up to speak, they did not charge him with any of the crimes I had expected. 19 Instead, they had some points of dispute(HN) with him about their own religion(HO) and about a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive. 20 I was at a loss how to investigate such matters; so I asked if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and stand trial there on these charges.(HP) 21 But when Paul made his appeal to be held over for the Emperor’s decision, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”(HQ)

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

He replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”(HR)

Paul Before Agrippa(HS)

23 The next day Agrippa and Bernice(HT) came with great pomp and entered the audience room with the high-ranking military officers and the prominent men of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24 Festus said: “King Agrippa, and all who are present with us, you see this man! The whole Jewish community(HU) has petitioned me about him in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.(HV) 25 I found he had done nothing deserving of death,(HW) but because he made his appeal to the Emperor(HX) I decided to send him to Rome. 26 But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. Therefore I have brought him before all of you, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that as a result of this investigation I may have something to write. 27 For I think it is unreasonable to send a prisoner on to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

26 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You have permission to speak for yourself.”(HY)

So Paul motioned with his hand(HZ) and began his defense: “King Agrippa, I consider myself fortunate to stand before you(IA) today as I make my defense against all the accusations of the Jews,(IB) and especially so because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs(IC) and controversies.(ID) Therefore, I beg you to listen to me patiently.

“The Jewish people all know the way I have lived ever since I was a child,(IE) from the beginning of my life in my own country, and also in Jerusalem. They have known me for a long time(IF) and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect(IG) of our religion, living as a Pharisee.(IH) And now it is because of my hope(II) in what God has promised our ancestors(IJ) that I am on trial today. This is the promise our twelve tribes(IK) are hoping to see fulfilled as they earnestly serve God day and night.(IL) King Agrippa, it is because of this hope that these Jews are accusing me.(IM) Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?(IN)

“I too was convinced(IO) that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose(IP) the name of Jesus of Nazareth.(IQ) 10 And that is just what I did in Jerusalem. On the authority of the chief priests I put many of the Lord’s people(IR) in prison,(IS) and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them.(IT) 11 Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished,(IU) and I tried to force them to blaspheme. I was so obsessed with persecuting them that I even hunted them down in foreign cities.

12 “On one of these journeys I was going to Damascus with the authority and commission of the chief priests. 13 About noon, King Agrippa, as I was on the road, I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, blazing around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice(IV) saying to me in Aramaic,[f](IW) ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’

15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied. 16 ‘Now get up and stand on your feet.(IX) I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me.(IY) 17 I will rescue you(IZ) from your own people and from the Gentiles.(JA) I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes(JB) and turn them from darkness to light,(JC) and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins(JD) and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’(JE)

19 “So then, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient(JF) to the vision from heaven. 20 First to those in Damascus,(JG) then to those in Jerusalem(JH) and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles,(JI) I preached that they should repent(JJ) and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds.(JK) 21 That is why some Jews seized me(JL) in the temple courts and tried to kill me.(JM) 22 But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen(JN) 23 that the Messiah would suffer(JO) and, as the first to rise from the dead,(JP) would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.”(JQ)

24 At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind,(JR) Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning(JS) is driving you insane.”

25 “I am not insane, most excellent(JT) Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable. 26 The king is familiar with these things,(JU) and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”(JV)

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”(JW)

30 The king rose, and with him the governor and Bernice(JX) and those sitting with them. 31 After they left the room, they began saying to one another, “This man is not doing anything that deserves death or imprisonment.”(JY)

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free(JZ) if he had not appealed to Caesar.”(KA)

Paul Sails for Rome

27 When it was decided that we(KB) would sail for Italy,(KC) Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.(KD) We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia,(KE) and we put out to sea. Aristarchus,(KF) a Macedonian(KG) from Thessalonica,(KH) was with us.

The next day we landed at Sidon;(KI) and Julius, in kindness to Paul,(KJ) allowed him to go to his friends so they might provide for his needs.(KK) From there we put out to sea again and passed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us.(KL) When we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia(KM) and Pamphylia,(KN) we landed at Myra in Lycia. There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship(KO) sailing for Italy(KP) and put us on board. We made slow headway for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. When the wind did not allow us to hold our course,(KQ) we sailed to the lee of Crete,(KR) opposite Salmone. We moved along the coast with difficulty and came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Day of Atonement.[g](KS) So Paul warned them, 10 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.”(KT) 11 But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship. 12 Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete,(KU) facing both southwest and northwest.

The Storm

13 When a gentle south wind began to blow, they saw their opportunity; so they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete. 14 Before very long, a wind of hurricane force,(KV) called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15 The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along. 16 As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we were hardly able to make the lifeboat(KW) secure, 17 so the men hoisted it aboard. Then they passed ropes under the ship itself to hold it together. Because they were afraid they would run aground(KX) on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor[h] and let the ship be driven along. 18 We took such a violent battering from the storm that the next day they began to throw the cargo overboard.(KY) 19 On the third day, they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20 When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved.

21 After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice(KZ) not to sail from Crete;(LA) then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. 22 But now I urge you to keep up your courage,(LB) because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. 23 Last night an angel(LC) of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve(LD) stood beside me(LE) 24 and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar;(LF) and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’(LG) 25 So keep up your courage,(LH) men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me.(LI) 26 Nevertheless, we must run aground(LJ) on some island.”(LK)

The Shipwreck

27 On the fourteenth night we were still being driven across the Adriatic[i] Sea, when about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. 28 They took soundings and found that the water was a hundred and twenty feet[j] deep. A short time later they took soundings again and found it was ninety feet[k] deep. 29 Fearing that we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight. 30 In an attempt to escape from the ship, the sailors let the lifeboat(LL) down into the sea, pretending they were going to lower some anchors from the bow. 31 Then Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”(LM) 32 So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

33 Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. 34 Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”(LN) 35 After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it(LO) and began to eat. 36 They were all encouraged(LP) and ate some food themselves. 37 Altogether there were 276 of us on board. 38 When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.(LQ)

39 When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they saw a bay with a sandy beach,(LR) where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. 40 Cutting loose the anchors,(LS) they left them in the sea and at the same time untied the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. 41 But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding of the surf.(LT)

42 The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. 43 But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life(LU) and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. 44 The rest were to get there on planks or on other pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely.(LV)

Paul Ashore on Malta

28 Once safely on shore, we(LW) found out that the island(LX) was called Malta. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand,(LY) they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live.”(LZ) But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects.(MA) The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead; but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.(MB)

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer,(MC) placed his hands on him(MD) and healed him.(ME) When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. 10 They honored us(MF) in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.

Paul’s Arrival at Rome

11 After three months we put out to sea in a ship that had wintered in the island—it was an Alexandrian ship(MG) with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux. 12 We put in at Syracuse and stayed there three days. 13 From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli. 14 There we found some brothers and sisters(MH) who invited us to spend a week with them. And so we came to Rome. 15 The brothers and sisters(MI) there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people Paul thanked God and was encouraged.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 21:40 Or possibly Hebrew; also in 22:2
  2. Acts 22:20 Or witness
  3. Acts 23:5 Exodus 22:28
  4. Acts 23:23 The meaning of the Greek for this word is uncertain.
  5. Acts 24:7 Some manuscripts include here him, and we would have judged him in accordance with our law. But the commander Lysias came and took him from us with much violence, ordering his accusers to come before you.
  6. Acts 26:14 Or Hebrew
  7. Acts 27:9 That is, Yom Kippur
  8. Acts 27:17 Or the sails
  9. Acts 27:27 In ancient times the name referred to an area extending well south of Italy.
  10. Acts 27:28 Or about 37 meters
  11. Acts 27:28 Or about 27 meters