. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21:1
And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them,
and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day
following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
21:2
And finding
a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left
hand,
and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship
was to
unlade her burden.
21:4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said
to
Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
21:5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and
went our
way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children,
till
we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and
prayed.
21:6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship;
and
they returned home again.
21:7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to
Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
21:8 And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed,
and
came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the
evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
21:9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
21:10 And as we tarried there many days, there came down from
Judaea a
certain prophet, named Agabus.
21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and
bound
his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So
shall
the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and
shall
deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
21:12 And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that
place,
besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.
21:13 Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine
heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
21:14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The
will
of the Lord be done.
21:15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went
up to
Jerusalem.
21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea,
and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with
whom
we should lodge.
21:17 And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received
us
gladly.
21:18 And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and
all
the elders were present.
21:19 And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what
things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
21:20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said
unto
him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are
which
believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21:21 And they are
informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among
the
Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise
their children, neither to walk after the customs.
21:22 What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together:
for they will hear that thou art come.
21:23 Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men
which
have a vow on them; 21:24 Them take, and purify thyself with them,
and
be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and
all may
know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning
thee,
are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest
the law.
21:25 As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written
and
concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they
keep
themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from
strangled, and from fornication.
21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself
with
them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of
the
days of purification, until that an offering should be offered
for
every one of them.
21:27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which
were
of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people,
and laid hands on him, 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help:
This is
the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people,
and the
law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the
temple,
and hath polluted this holy place.
21:29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus
an
Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)
21:30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together:
and
they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith
the
doors were shut.
21:31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the
chief
captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.
21:32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down
unto
them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they
left
beating of Paul.
21:33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded
him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and
what he
had done.
21:34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude:
and
when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded
him
to be carried into the castle.
21:35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was
borne
of the soldiers for the violence of the people.
21:36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying,
Away
with him.
21:37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto
the
chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak
Greek? 21:38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days
madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand
men that were murderers? 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which
am a
Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.
21:40 And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs,
and
beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made
a
great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
CHAPTER TWENTY TWO
22:1
Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now
unto
you.
22:2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to
them,
they kept the more silence: and he saith,) 22:3 I am verily a
man
which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought
up in
this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the
perfect
manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God,
as ye
all are this day.
22:4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering
into prisons both men and women.
22:5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the
estate
of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren,
and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto
Jerusalem, for to be punished.
22:6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was
come
nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven
a
great light round about me.
22:7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto
me,
Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 22:8 And I answered, Who
art
thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom
thou
persecutest.
22:9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were
afraid;
but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
22:10 And I said, What shall I do, LORD? And the Lord said unto
me,
Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of
all
things which are appointed for thee to do.
22:11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being
led
by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
22:12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having
a
good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 22:13 Came unto
me, and
stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And
the same
hour I looked up upon him.
22:14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that
thou
shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest
hear the
voice of his mouth.
22:15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou
hast
seen and heard.
22:16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash
away
thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
22:17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem,
even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 22:18 And
saw
him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem:
for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.
22:19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in
every
synagogue them that believed on thee: 22:20 And when the blood
of thy
martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting
unto
his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.
22:21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence
unto
the Gentiles.
22:22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted
up
their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth:
for it
is not fit that he should live.
22:23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw
dust into the air, 22:24 The chief captain commanded him to be
brought
into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging;
that he might know wherefore they cried so against him.
22:25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion
that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a
Roman,
and uncondemned? 22:26 When the centurion heard that, he went
and
told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for
this
man is a Roman.
22:27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me,
art
thou a Roman? He said, Yea.
22:28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained
I this
freedom. And Paul said, But I was free born.
22:29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have
examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he
knew
that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.
22:30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty
wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands,
and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear,
and
brought Paul down, and set him before them.
CHAPTER TWENTY THREE
23:1
And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and
brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until
this day.
23:2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by
him to
smite him on the mouth.
23:3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited
wall:
for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me
to be
smitten contrary to the law? 23:4 And they that stood by said,
Revilest thou God's high priest? 23:5 Then said Paul, I wist
not,
brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou
shalt
not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
23:6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees,
and the
other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren,
I am a
Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection
of the
dead I am called in question.
23:7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissension between
the
Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.
23:8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither
angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.
23:9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of
the
Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in
this
man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not
fight
against God.
23:10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain,
fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded
the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them,
and
to bring him into the castle.
23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said,
Be of
good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem,
so
must thou bear witness also at Rome.
23:12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together,
and
bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither
eat nor
drink till they had killed Paul.
23:13 And they were more than forty which had made this conspiracy.
23:14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said,
We have
bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing
until we
have slain Paul.
23:15 Now therefore ye with the council signify to the chief captain
that he bring him down unto you to morrow, as though ye would
enquire
something more perfectly concerning him: and we, or ever he come
near,
are ready to kill him.
23:16 And when Paul's sister's son heard of their lying in wait,
he
went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.
23:17 Then Paul called one of the centurions unto him, and said,
Bring
this young man unto the chief captain: for he hath a certain thing
to
tell him.
23:18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain, and
said,
Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this
young man unto thee, who hath something to say unto thee.
23:19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with
him
aside privately, and asked him, What is that thou hast to tell
me?
23:20 And he said, The Jews have agreed to desire thee that thou
wouldest bring down Paul to morrow into the council, as though
they
would enquire somewhat of him more perfectly.
23:21 But do not thou yield unto them: for there lie in wait for
him
of them more than forty men, which have bound themselves with
an oath,
that they will neither eat nor drink till they have killed him:
and
now are they ready, looking for a promise from thee.
23:22 So the chief captain then let the young man depart, and
charged
him, See thou tell no man that thou hast shewed these things to
me.
23:23 And he called unto him two centurions, saying, Make ready
two
hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and horsemen threescore and
ten,
and spearmen two hundred, at the third hour of the night; 23:24
And
provide them beasts, that they may set Paul on, and bring him
safe
unto Felix the governor.
23:25 And he wrote a letter after this manner: 23:26 Claudius
Lysias
unto the most excellent governor Felix sendeth greeting.
23:27 This man was taken of the Jews, and should have been killed
of
them: then came I with an army, and rescued him, having understood
that he was a Roman.
23:28 And when I would have known the cause wherefore they accused
him, I brought him forth into their council: 23:29 Whom I perceived
to
be accused of questions of their law, but to have nothing laid
to his
charge worthy of death or of bonds.
23:30 And when it was told me how that the Jews laid wait for
the man,
I sent straightway to thee, and gave commandment to his accusers
also
to say before thee what they had against him. Farewell.
23:31 Then the soldiers, as it was commanded them, took Paul,
and
brought him by night to Antipatris.
23:32 On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, and
returned to the castle: 23:33 Who, when they came to Caesarea
and
delivered the epistle to the governor, presented Paul also before
him.
23:34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what
province he was. And when he understood that he was of Cilicia;
23:35
I will hear thee, said he, when thine accusers are also come.
And he
commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.
CHAPTER TWENTY FOUR
24:1
And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed
the governor against Paul.
24:2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him,
saying, Seeing that by thee we enjoy great quietness, and that
very
worthy deeds are done unto this nation by thy providence, 24:3
We
accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all
thankfulness.
24:4 Notwithstanding, that I be not further tedious unto thee,
I pray
thee that thou wouldest hear us of thy clemency a few words.
24:5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover
of
sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader
of
the sect of the Nazarenes: 24:6 Who also hath gone about to profane
the temple: whom we took, and would have judged according to our
law.
24:7 But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great
violence took him away out of our hands, 24:8 Commanding his accusers
to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge
of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
24:9 And the Jews also assented, saying that these things were
so.
24:10 Then Paul, after that the governor had beckoned unto him
to
speak, answered, Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many
years
a judge unto this nation, I do the more cheerfully answer for
myself:
24:11 Because that thou mayest understand, that there are yet
but
twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem for to worship.
24:12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any
man,
neither raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor
in the
city: 24:13 Neither can they prove the things whereof they now
accuse
me.
24:14 But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they
call
heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things
which
are written in the law and in the prophets: 24:15 And have hope
toward
God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a
resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
24:16 And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience
void to offence toward God, and toward men.
24:17 Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation,
and
offerings.
24:18 Whereupon certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the
temple, neither with multitude, nor with tumult.
24:19 Who ought to have been here before thee, and object, if
they had
ought against me.
24:20 Or else let these same here say, if they have found any
evil
doing in me, while I stood before the council, 24:21 Except it
be for
this one voice, that I cried standing among them, Touching the
resurrection of the dead I am called in question by you this day.
24:22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge
of that way, he deferred them, and said, When Lysias the chief
captain
shall come down, I will know the uttermost of your matter.
24:23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him
have
liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to
minister or come unto him.
24:24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla,
which was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning
the
faith in Christ.
24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment
to
come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time;
when I
have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
24:26 He hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul,
that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener,
and
communed with him.
24:27 But after two years Porcius Festus came into Felix' room:
and
Felix, willing to shew the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
25:1
Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days
he
ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.
25:2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him
against Paul, and besought him, 25:3 And desired favour against
him,
that he would send for him to Jerusalem, laying wait in the way
to
kill him.
25:4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea,
and
that he himself would depart shortly thither.
25:5 Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go
down
with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he
went
down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat
commanded Paul to be brought.
25:7 And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem
stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against
Paul,
which they could not prove.
25:8 While he answered for himself, Neither against the law of
the
Jews, neither against the temple, nor yet against Caesar, have
I
offended any thing at all.
25:9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul,
and
said, Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these
things before me? 25:10 Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment
seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong,
as
thou very well knowest.
25:11 For if I be an offender, or have committed any thing worthy
of
death, I refuse not to die: but if there be none of these things
whereof these accuse me, no man may deliver me unto them. I appeal
unto Caesar.
25:12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered,
Hast thou appealed unto Caesar? unto Caesar shalt thou go.
25:13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto
Caesarea to salute Festus.
25:14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared
Paul's
cause unto the king, saying, There is a certain man left in bonds
by
Felix: 25:15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests
and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment
against him.
25:16 To whom I answered, It is not the manner of the Romans to
deliver any man to die, before that he which is accused have the
accusers face to face, and have licence to answer for himself
concerning the crime laid against him.
25:17 Therefore, when they were come hither, without any delay
on the
morrow I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be
brought
forth.
25:18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought none
accusation of such things as I supposed: 25:19 But had certain
questions against him of their own superstition, and of one Jesus,
which was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive.
25:20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked
him
whether he would go to Jerusalem, and there be judged of these
matters.
25:21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing
of
Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to
Caesar.
25:22 Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man
myself.
To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
25:23 And on the morrow, when Agrippa was come, and Bernice, with
great pomp, and was entered into the place of hearing, with the
chief
captains, and principal men of the city, at Festus' commandment
Paul
was brought forth.
25:24 And Festus said, King Agrippa, and all men which are here
present with us, ye see this man, about whom all the multitude
of the
Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, crying
that
he ought not to live any longer.
25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of
death,
and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined
to
send him.
25:26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my lord. Wherefore
I have brought him forth before you, and specially before thee,
O king
Agrippa, that, after examination had, I might have somewhat to
write.
25:27 For it seemeth to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and
not withal to signify the crimes laid against him.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
26:1
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak
for
thyself.
Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:
26:2 I
think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself
this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused
of
the Jews: 26:3 Especially because I know thee to be expert in
all
customs and questions which are among the Jews: wherefore I beseech
thee to hear me patiently.
26:4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among
mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews; 26:5 Which knew
me
from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most
straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
26:6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise
made of
God, unto our fathers: 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes,
instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's
sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.
26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that
God
should raise the dead? 26:9 I verily thought with myself, that
I
ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
26:10 Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints
did
I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief
priests;
and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
26:11 And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled
them
to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted
them even unto strange cities.
26:12 Whereupon as I went to Damascus with authority and commission
from the chief priests, 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the
way a
light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round
about me and them which journeyed with me.
26:14 And when we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice
speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue, Saul, Saul,
why
persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
26:15 And I said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus
whom
thou persecutest.
26:16 But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto
thee
for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witness both of
these
things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which
I will
appear unto thee; 26:17 Delivering thee from the people, and from
the
Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, 26:18 To open their eyes,
and to
turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan
unto
God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance
among
them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
26:19 Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the
heavenly vision: 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus,
and at
Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to
the
Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works
meet
for repentance.
26:21 For these causes the Jews caught me in the temple, and went
about to kill me.
26:22 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this
day,
witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than
those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: 26:23
That
Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should
rise
from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the
Gentiles.
26:24 And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud
voice,
Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
26:25 But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak
forth
the words of truth and soberness.
26:26 For the king knoweth of these things, before whom also I
speak
freely: for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden
from
him; for this thing was not done in a corner.
26:27 King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou
believest.
26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to
be a
Christian.
26:29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also
all
that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as
I am,
except these bonds.
26:30 And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the governor,
and Bernice, and they that sat with them: 26:31 And when they
were
gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, This man doeth
nothing worthy of death or of bonds.
26:32 Then said Agrippa unto Festus, This man might have been
set at
liberty, if he had not appealed unto Caesar.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
27:1
And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy,
they
delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius,
a
centurion of Augustus' band.
27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning
to
sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of
Thessalonica, being with us.
27:3 And the next day we touched at Sidon. And Julius courteously
entreated Paul, and gave him liberty to go unto his friends to
refresh
himself.
27:4 And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus,
because the winds were contrary.
27:5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia,
we
came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
27:6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing
into
Italy; and he put us therein.
27:7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and scarce were
come
over against Cnidus, the wind not suffering us, we sailed under
Crete,
over against Salmone; 27:8 And, hardly passing it, came unto a
place
which is called The fair havens; nigh whereunto was the city of
Lasea.
27:9 Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous,
because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them, 27:10
And
said unto them, Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with
hurt
and much damage, not only of the lading and ship, but also of
our
lives.
27:11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner
of
the ship, more than those things which were spoken by Paul.
27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the
more
part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might
attain
to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and
lieth
toward the south west and north west.
27:13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they
had
obtained their purpose, loosing thence, they sailed close by Crete.
27:14 But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous
wind,
called Euroclydon.
27:15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into
the
wind, we let her drive.
27:16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda,
we
had much work to come by the boat: 27:17 Which when they had taken
up,
they used helps, undergirding the ship; and, fearing lest they
should
fall into the quicksands, strake sail, and so were driven.
27:18 And we being exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next
day
they lightened the ship; 27:19 And the third day we cast out with
our
own hands the tackling of the ship.
27:20 And when neither sun nor stars in many days appeared, and
no
small tempest lay on us, all hope that we should be saved was
then
taken away.
27:21 But after long abstinence Paul stood forth in the midst
of them,
and said, Sirs, ye should have hearkened unto me, and not have
loosed
from Crete, and to have gained this harm and loss.
27:22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer: for there shall
be no
loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.
27:23 For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose
I am,
and whom I serve, 27:24 Saying, Fear not, Paul; thou must be brought
before Caesar: and, lo, God hath given thee all them that sail
with
thee.
27:25 Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that
it
shall be even as it was told me.
27:26 Howbeit we must be cast upon a certain island.
27:27 But when the fourteenth night was come, as we were driven
up and
down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen deemed that they drew
near
to some country; 27:28 And sounded, and found it twenty fathoms:
and
when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found
it
fifteen fathoms.
27:29 Then fearing lest we should have fallen upon rocks, they
cast
four anchors out of the stern, and wished for the day.
27:30 And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when
they
had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they
would
have cast anchors out of the foreship, 27:31 Paul said to the
centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship,
ye
cannot be saved.
27:32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let
her
fall off.
27:33 And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all
to take
meat, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye have tarried
and
continued fasting, having taken nothing.
27:34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for
your
health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any
of you.
27:35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks
to
God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began
to
eat.
27:36 Then were they all of good cheer, and they also took some
meat.
27:37 And we were in all in the ship two hundred threescore and
sixteen souls.
27:38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship,
and
cast out the wheat into the sea.
27:39 And when it was day, they knew not the land: but they discovered
a certain creek with a shore, into the which they were minded,
if it
were possible, to thrust in the ship.
27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed
themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoised
up
the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
27:41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the
ship
aground; and the forepart stuck fast, and remained unmoveable,
but the
hinder part was broken with the violence of the waves.
27:42 And the soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest
any of
them should swim out, and escape.
27:43 But the centurion, willing to save Paul, kept them from
their
purpose; and commanded that they which could swim should cast
themselves first into the sea, and get to land: 27:44 And the
rest,
some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.
And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land.
CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT
28:1
And when they were escaped, then they knew that the island
was
called Melita.
28:2 And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for
they
kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present
rain, and because of the cold.
28:3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them
on
the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on
his
hand.
28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his
hand,
they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom,
though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to
live.
28:5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.
28:6 Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen
down
dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw
no
harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was
a
god.
28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of
the
island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us
three
days courteously.
28:8 And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick
of a
fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed,
and
laid his hands on him, and healed him.
28:9 So when this was done, others also, which had diseases in
the
island, came, and were healed: 28:10 Who also honoured us with
many
honours; and when we departed, they laded us with such things
as were
necessary.
28:11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria,
which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
28:12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days.
28:13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium:
and
after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to
Puteoli: 28:14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry
with
them seven days: and so we went toward Rome.
28:15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came
to
meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when
Paul
saw, he thanked God, and took courage.
28:16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners
to the captain of the guard: but Paul was suffered to dwell by
himself
with a soldier that kept him.
28:17 And it came to pass, that after three days Paul called the
chief
of the Jews together: and when they were come together, he said
unto
them, Men and brethren, though I have committed nothing against
the
people, or customs of our fathers, yet was I delivered prisoner
from
Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.
28:18 Who, when they had examined me, would have let me go, because
there was no cause of death in me.
28:19 But when the Jews spake against it, I was constrained to
appeal
unto Caesar; not that I had ought to accuse my nation of.
28:20 For this cause therefore have I called for you, to see you,
and
to speak with you: because that for the hope of Israel I am bound
with
this chain.
28:21 And they said unto him, We neither received letters out
of
Judaea concerning thee, neither any of the brethren that came
shewed
or spake any harm of thee.
28:22 But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as
concerning this sect, we know that every where it is spoken against.
28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to
him
into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom
of
God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of
Moses,
and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
28:24 And some believed the things which were spoken, and some
believed not.
28:25 And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed,
after
that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias
the
prophet unto our fathers, 28:26 Saying, Go unto this people, and
say,
Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye
shall
see, and not perceive: 28:27 For the heart of this people is waxed
gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have
they
closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their
ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted,
and I
should heal them.
28:28 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God
is
sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.
28:29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and
had
great reasoning among themselves.
28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and
received all that came in unto him,
28:31
Preaching the kingdom
of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ,
with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
